Pros:
River City Nature Park -Barwick is the 2nd of 2 18 hole courses that sit right off of I-4 between Daytona and Orlando . The course uses the same parking lot as Alpha and also the same nice shelter and course board that sit next to it . A practice basket is there , too . You will actually notice a couple of the baskets as you enter the park here . There is a nice store called Disc Golf Center right across the street from the park in case you forgot or lost a disc or just want to browse . From past reviews , I think that this course has had some improvements in the last year or 2 . Do not compare Barwick with the Alpha course next to it . Where they are similar , there is very much that is different . There are 2 cement tee pads per hole and pretty good and informative signage to go along with each . The signs tell you hole # , distance with each placement and flight paths to each . I don't know the story behind it , but there are uniquely painted Next Tee signs along the way to help you navigate. The baskets are yellow banded Discatchers . There are multiple tee placements per hole . On the tee signs , they have colored ties that are put into the holes of the sign to tell you which placement they are in . They supposedly change them each month . There is some seating at the holes The course is very flat and easy on the knees , but you will still get a good long walk in , especially between some holes and to/from the parking lot . Make sure you print an online map . I didn't see one at the disc golf park board and you can easily be tripped up going from hole to hole . Barwick is moderately wooded , and the course design will make you think and choose your approach based on your drive . Fair lanes , but a feature of this course is a tree ( or 2 ) seem to be right out in front of the some of the tee pads , forcing you to throw away from the basket or the tightening fairway . Many like this as an added obstacle . There were several good holes .
#1 is a great starter hole . Depending on the placement , the basket may sit on a higher platform , or go from a wide open drive into a narrow woods (450') . #5 is a tight tree lined shot that makes you earn all of it's 275' length . #6 would have been my signature hole ( also in cons ) , with its tight right to left alley and a creek running along the right side and in between . Several foot bridges to halp you navigate this . There wasn't any water when I was her , but I guess after a good rain , maybe it would hold some . The basket , if it wasn't missing , is facing away from the tee pad forcing you to putt toward your tee . #7 has a tree in front of the pad , 270' and is a ricochet waiting to happen . #9 is a 320' hole coming out of the trees and going back in at the end . #11 is one of the longer holes at 476' from the longs . It is a picturesque tunnel shot through Florida palms . #12 is another tunnel playing from 415-540' ( par 4 ) with a tree in front of the tee . #13 is shorter but the same type of shot .#15 is an interesting island shot . At 365' , you will have to be able to drive over 300' from the long tee in order to make the island . There is a cement LZ drop that you throw from if your drive doesn't make it . #18 is a good finishing hole , depending on the placement going anywhere from 385' to 500' . A tree forces you to bend your drive a bit to an open fairway that trees guard the basket placement . There is a lot of fun factor here , and although it is not as challenging as Alpha , it stands on its own very well . Solid course design . Other than some other disc golfers that play here regularly ( the locals are friendly ) , you shouldn't encounter any non disc golf traffic . It took me about an hour and 15 minutes to play Barwick , a foursome will take 2 1/2 + .
Cons:
#1 Navigation . Even with a printed map , because of some long walks involved and some crazy angles to go from some baskets to some tees , the flow isn't seamless . Big walks , like parking lot to tee 1 , basket 18 to the lot , #1 basket to #2 tee . 11 to 12 .
#2 Disc Risk . Medium or higher . You will hit trees , and with heavy foliage and thin fairways , you may lose a prized driver or midrange . Take turns spotting if not solo .
#3 Sometimes , the zip tie system didn't seem to match where the pin position was . This can cause you to walk down a fairway to see where the basket is . Watch your footing . Some small stump could cause you to trip in spots .
Other than that , be aware that you need to bring bug spray . You will be here a while , and the word is that the bugs are bad in the late spring until at least late fall . Bring water , too . I didn't see anywhere that you could fill a bottle . I didn't see a bathroom , either . The course is flat , even for Florida . Just say'n . ( I hope they put the basket back on hole #6 )
Other Thoughts:
I had a great time playing the Barwick side . Not a lot of places Anywhere , that you can park your car and play 36 holes . Pack a lunch and stay all day . If I was local and playing this course every other week , I wouldn't ever keep score . The colorful signs also set the course apart from others . Challenging enough that you have to keep your cool throwing into tight lanes at blind baskets . Thank You , River City Parks And Rec , and Debary Disc Golf Club , for making this parks courses a reality and allowing me to play here . My Recommendation . This is a can't miss course if you are local , a course bagger or a disc golf fanatic , Maybe not as fun for a seasoned pro , but definitely challenging enough for a good am . If a newbie or a family , I might play Alpha on the reds before tackling this course . Play It !!! , and PLAY BOTH !!!!