Part Two of my reviews on Basic Course Design 101 (see also Lewisville), Jerry Suiter’s Montgomery Creek design is almost a master class in things that were done RIGHT in maximizing the safe, fun, and appropriately challenging use of a parcel of land. He had a nice slope to take advantage of, so you start with a fun rhbh fade down around the wood line (from two different distances appropriate for recreational and intermediate skill levels), and you finish with two very different lengths and lines to a rollaway ninth basket position guarded by a pair of mature trees.

In between, you throw a double mando second (which actually justifies the longer tee being in line, but requiring that touch more control), a transition hole three with a slim chance of accidentally going left to the river, and (across the drive), a short but challenging left to right lane with the river to your left. Then you have two very short river crossing lanes for hole 5, with a chance of the trees or branches knocking you in the drink. On a calm November day, the river is relatively shallow and calm here (even though you just walked past a pretty little waterfall back near the first bridge), so you may be able to fish it out with your retriever (you do have one, right? …right?). Hole six plays safer than you might think it would, as you walk to the long tee along the berm beside the lake to your right. Seven is up to your right (by now, you’ve spotted the purple ‘next tee’ markers 3D printed and applied under the appropriate bar of each cage), with a ‘upper’ tee throwing a fun shot across the drive and toward the river (where you cross on the larger bridge to finish on the straightforward hole 8, and the challenging hole 9.

They have Great DGA Mach V baskets, very informative signage at each of the 18 hog slat tees that are large (4’x10’), level, and grip and drain better than I would’ve thought (my first time on these, and they’re great, as well as expertly installed: level and mulched around where needed). There is a perfect course map right where you park at the top of the park. In all, this is a great nine-hole course, well ‘suited’ to the casual/rec/int player it was designed for.

There were a couple of places where disc golfers might have to show patience if the park is busy (maybe 4, 7 & 8?). I feel like I’m being picky, but holes 3 & 8 perhaps have ‘longs’ that ‘merely’ add distance, and technically pdga traditions would expect red to be rec and white be int, but this is fine. Obviously, situated in a floodplain, it might get muddy or marshy during rainy seasons (but you’ve only got the land they give you!)

I’m so glad this park chose an experienced designer, and didn’t try to force 18 into a space where 9 with dual tees is perfect.

Nice new signs for dual tees.
Nice variation of throws possible.
Enough trees to make it challenging but not frustrating.
Lots of shade.
First and last holes have decent elevation changes.

Next tee on signs or baskets would be nice (we totally missed hole 7).
Hole 6 plays close to pond that you don't want to wade into.
No concrete tees yet. But mostly flat so unless it's rained not a problem.

This course is similar to and pairs nicely with the Riley course.
It's a very pleasant enjoyable course.

August 2023 Update: Concrete hog slat tees and new tee signs have been installed. I have increased my rating to 3 stars.

Nice 9 hole course in very scenic Sunset Park, Knightstown, IN. Brand new Mach 5 targets on this beginner/intermediate level layout. The park features hills, trees, a creek, and a pond. The holes are fair and the white tees are perfect for beginners. The red tees can challenge intermediate players and more advanced players and pros can have fun here if they don't mind leaving the drivers in their bag.

The bottom land next to the creek is naturally a little wet and soggy after wet weather. The tees right now are mostly natural with a few on the park road. Tee pad improvements have been approved for installation this summer. A couple holes play along or across the park roads. The park can be very crowded during baseball and softball games. Players should use discretion when playing during those times.

The course takes advantage of all the park features. The first hole plays down a decent hill and the last hole plays back up the hill. In between, four of the holes play along Montgomery Creek with hole 5 playing across the creek to a basket nestled between the creek and a pond. The park also features many large trees that make you shape shots on every hole. This is a fun course that is definitely worth playing if in the area. Once tee signs and pads are installed my rating will go up.