Pros:
Picnic Island is disguised as a multi use park , but mainly it is a top of the line disc golf course . A lot of money and time was put into the making of this gem . The vegetation , the water and even the wind reminds right away that you are in Florida . The main parking lot is plenty big and the kiosk with a large sign with the layout is at the end of it . A large bathroom is accessible at the beginning and end of the course , and close by at 4 , 16 , 17 , and 18. The course was being mowed while I was there on a Wednesday morning and the park is kept immaculate . The course does have some elevation to it for a Florida course , and the designer did a great job of utilizing it . Equipment-wise , everything here is first class . The signage is great and is on both tee pads with a spot to show the pin position . There are 2 large level cement tee pads per hole , orange coded for amateur and blue coded for pro . The baskets are orange ringed Discatchers with flags on top. Next tee signs are at the bottom of the baskets for better navigation . There are some benches and trash cans on the course . there are multiple pin positions per hole , too . Course design is very good with a lot of variety . The difference in playing the holes from the orange tees can be not only longer but give you a very different look to the pin . The first hole sits behind and you will have to follow a path to the first tee . It is one of the most scenic and best hole #1's I have even played . Teeing off from an elevated tee pads to a blind shot basket , the water is on your immediate right , and there is punishing rough to your left and in front . Best to play the orange tees if playing solo , or you might be frustrated looking for your disc . The course does a small loop for the first 3 holes , then drops you back off to the parking lot to pick up the main course at hole #4 . Make sure you have printed the map , because with all of the nooks and crannies of this course , you will become lost once or twice . Hole distance , depending on where the pin is ( and I am told they change it up a lot ) can vary from 210' ( #3 ) to 610' ( #11 ) . This course will make you empty your disc bag . Right , left , short , long , technical , tight , open . You might have a couple of people drift off or on the course , but almost all of the people you see are players . The fun factor is here as well as the challenge . I won't make you sigh by giving you hole to hole descriptions . Plus , I want you to see it for yourself . I will tell you that when you get to 17 , you will have a drive with the water and it's tide to your immediate left and some deep rough and trees to your right , wit the basket sitting hidden behind it up on the hill . I left the course with wet feet because a stiff wind kicked up and took my disc into the water ( retrievable , but act fast ) . #18 finishes you off with a slight uphill shot to a basket sitting on a tall dirt mound . It took me about 80 minutes to play this course , but all 80 was worth it . It's a great course in a beautiful and picturesque park . Signature hole : #1 is the most beautiful , but I will pick #11 . at 610' , It is a long sustained drive under a partial tree canopy to a 90 degree dogleg left , to a faraway green with a basket sitting between some high reeds on the right and rough on the left .
Cons:
Very little . #1 the rough is really rough . Disc Risk : can be high here . Water , thick and deep rough and trees that wont always give your disc back . The wind here will deposit your throws into a risk area from time to time . I won't put safety as a con here , but warn you that since the water is visible and the park is nice , people tend to sit near the fairway or on the tee pad at #17 . Some will spread a blanket near the #16 fairway , too . Look before you throw . A few dog walkers and even a few that bring theirs while playing . If scared of dogs , be warned . Spray down with bug repellent . Along with a possible snake sighting , you will more likely be attacked by the Florida Mosquito or gnats . They are really bad in the summer/fall .
Other Thoughts:
i wanted to add that from Nov -Sept on Saturday mornings at 9:30 there is a popular 2 round handicap event . What a course ! Plenty of good challenging shots and plenty of time to admire the park and the waves . Even though the park sits at a southern tip of Tampa , it's a scenic drive . This course has spent a lot of time and bucks on making this a course that's hard to pass up . Popular , nice locals , solid amenities ( some of the best tee pas in Florida ) , navigation , shot variety . What more is there ? Thank You , Sunrise Disc Club and Tampa Rec Dept for allowing me to play this wonderful course . My Recommendation : I would suggest newbies play a number of rounds somewhere else before coming here . Lack of control + the wind can make for a lost disc . Other than that , all locals from pro to casuals , and even though the park sits at the bottom of a mini peninsula , a must see and play for vacationers/travelers . Play This Course For Sure !!!!