Pros:
Purdue University DGC sits across the street from the college track . If you drive to the top of Slayer Hill , there is a small parking lot where you can park and start on #9 . There were no bathroom facilities in this park . This is a 9 hole course .
The Equipment - The tee pads are Pavers that look nice . The Signs at each hole have a Purdue gold and black color scheme with hole# , length , par and flight path . I am going to guess that the baskets are Chainstars . They pulled up the baskets for some reason , although I looked at the links section and found nothing going on ( Thanks Purdue ! ) .Using the map , I played to all the plugs where the baskets were supposed to be . There were a couple of signs along the way to help guide you to the next tee . 3-4 at the top of the hill helps a bunch .
The Landscape - The park grounds were mowed and immaculate when I was here . No trash , whatsoever . I don't remember seeing this much elevation on a 9 hole course since West Virginia . Mostly uphill and downhill , Throwing to #9's basket , you are throwing downhill to the right and around the side of a big band shell at the bottom . There is a nice memorial garden back and to the right of the parking lot , where you will enter and cut through to get to hole 4 . The park is very small . If not for the elevation , it would be too cramped for 9 holes . There are trees that come into play on the hills , and a few bushes , but these don't overcrowd the course . There is a nice view from the lot overlooking the athletic complex .
The Highlights - The course won't Wow you with interesting holes , but it will force you to play your uphill/downhill shot game . #6 was an interesting hole .It has a mando that forces a left to right around a tree early on and shoot uphill around a treeline . it's 410' but plays more like 500' + .
Signature Hole - I think you will like the #9 400' downhill drive . The basket sits wedged between a band shell and the street sidewalk .
Disc Risk - This park is free from any overgrowth and so well taken care of , that the only way to lose your disc might be to have it roll into the street on a long downhill drive and have it run over by a bus .
Time - it took me 30 minutes to play the course . Students can play this quicker . A foursome will get through it in under an hour .
This course is a quick fun play . Enjoy the view from atop the hill .
Cons:
#1 Course access - I don't know if the baskets were pulled for an impromptu concert , or one that wasn't posted on the websites , or Purdue just doesn't want you to play this course for now . There was no rhyme nor reason for this ( Pickett Park just down the street , with their baskets missing , is going to be addressed in my next review . Purdue University DGC is a perfect chance to highlight your great campus , and give the students taking summer classes or just taking in the campus , to play a round or 2 here . You are blowing it !
#2 Safety - I hear that students like to sit in the park and relax at times . and a good long downhill drive gone " Broken Arrow " could clip someone on the sidewalk on #9 . Watch before throwing . A couple of bad days of students being hit could cause the campus to pull the course . Given the possibility of multiple groups playing this course , the 6-9 fairways , especially on a windy day , could cause some unlucky player to get a big surprise to their walk . The fairways sit very close together . Your downhill drive might fly into a group ( or single before they get a chance to even look up . Don't forget to yell Fore .
No Amenities - I didn't expect too much for a campus course ,but it would be nice to at least have a kiosk , and a picnic table at the top of the hill would be nice .
#3 Navigation - Print the map . Even though there are signs at the tees in the park , you will wander around looking for both them and the baskets . I had trouble finding the plug for #3 , which is behind bushes close to the street .
#4 Lack Of Enticement - Unless you want to get some good cardio climbing up and down these hills for a couple of rounds , there is nothing besides #9 that is going to keep you coming back . Not a slam , just an opinion .
#5 The Elements - This course will be impossible to play after a hard rain or after a snow . Wet grass + hills = Fall .
Other Thoughts:
I couldn't find anyone to contact in Purdue's directory that I could ask about course availability , so I guess you are on your own as to whether baskets will be up or not . Campus Rec need to update this in Course Conditions on Disc Golf Review , if the course is not to be played , spell it out ! The course itself is a worthwhile play and as long as there aren't more than 2-3 groups playing simultaneously , you should have room for a fun play . Pickett Park , another Purdue 9 hole course is a little more than 400 meters away . You can combine those 2 for 18 holes of disc golf on campus .
My Recommendation - This course is above average for a campus course and should be enjoyed by most of the Purdue students as a stress reliever or just goofing around with dorm mates . An okay intro course , and very good for the locals . Intermediates and up would avoid it here just because there are 18 hole options just up the road . Same with travelers .The area is now rich with courses . Course Collectors ? Bonanza ! 2 quick 9 hole courses within several hundred yards of each other . You could finish both in an hour .
I wouldn't go out of my way , otherwise , to play here .