Where to start? When I saw someone on a riding tractor mowing the fairways last summer I was amazed at the upkeep and the care that is taken to play here. This is a beautiful forest far away from civilization yet someone mowing grass.

The mowed fairways help keep the course playable for a novice weak armed old man like I am. You certainly can find trouble here but the beauty of the woods in Northern Wisconsin is that there is not much underbrush beneath the oaks, maples, aspens, birches, firs and white pines. The holes have variety of shot shapes to keep you on top of your game.

There's some elevation change to tempt you to let fly with a mighty fling but beware as I find the downhills are the holes where an errant throw will travel further and more likely to be lost.

I enjoy the choices of short and long tees. I like to play with the big boys when I can, but there's times when my age forces me to swallow my pride and choose the 210 foot distance because there's no chance at birdie from 300. But there's no pushover holes out here.

Hard to come up with. I'm not sure if this is just me and just not knowing how to shape a throw from left to right very effectively, but it seems many of the holes are shaped in that direction. Maybe I should learn to throw a forehand!

The course is very remote, but about 10 minutes from the edges of Rhinelander and about 6 different Kwik Trips. Everyone who's not from Rhinelander will have to carve out a half day or so to make the drive to the woods from where ever they're staying at.

As an added bonus around late July into early August there are zillions (I counted) of wild raspberries just sitting there on bushes where your random disk may land after a bad throw. I brought a container and took a break and picked a quart or so last summer. The course is so well laid out that a few holes after carrying your raspberries you come to the halfway point like a ball golf course at the parking lot and you can stash the berries for later and then go on to finish your round.

While many people think of Wisconsin as a land of beer guzzling Packer fans and cheese castles (all true) it's a spectacularly beautiful place with numerous disc courses and of the limited ones I've played in the state (about 8-10) this is the best. The only reason I didn't 5 star it is I'm saving my one 5 star for another course.

Rookery run is another "Duster" Don Hoffman gem of a course. The course features beautiful rolling terrain in WI's northwoods. There's a mix of more open holes and fairways carved through the woods.

The tee pads here are concrete. Level, grippy and exactly what you'd like to see for a course of this caliber. Two tee pads per hole. Some are just fifty or so ft. apart, others are a bit further, but most offer a much different challenge from either tee. The elevation plays a huge part in this with so many undulations in the landscape. Just fantastic design and implementation with these.

The tee signs are top notch. Big circular signs with a sponsor on the top. Huge hole # which can be seen from a distance, par distances from each tee and a basic but functional hole map. The hole map shows the general shape of the flight required as well as the location of each tee pad. Nicely done.

There's a great mix of different shots required to score well here. I lack even a serviceable sidearm, and there are quite a few left to right bending holes. There were a couple that almost formed a horseshoe shape where even the best flick won't get you a look. Uphill, downhill, dead straight. It's all here. Just brilliant design with the available space.

The baskets are Mach V's which are all in great shape after less than four years in the ground. I'm a big fan of these baskets. They catch great. All were mounted nice and level. One pin per hole.

The flow of the course is extremely easy to follow. Even so, there's prominent next tee signs on every hole, more than one when called for. Zero navigation issues here. Hole 9 loops back toward the parking area where hole 10 tees off from. Hole 18 finishes right by the lot too.

The rough off the fairways in the woods is essentially non-existant. Zero chance to lose a disc on those holes. The prairie holes are shockingly timid as well. Well, except those cedary looking things.

The course is permanent, free to play and, at least today, immaculately maintained. Restrooms right by the parking lot, so mid round too. Ample parking and set in a disc golf exclusive area for the most part.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of "prairie" style courses. The placement of the pins on these holes here is what seals the deal. Precarious greens, slightly elevated pin with low branched pines behind. Again, this is all design aspects not many can truly appreciate.

The tee signs, while very well done, are a bit misleading on a few of the holes. More than a few actually. Some would show a straight to fade, standard looking shot shape. When in reality, the actual shape of the line is much more exaggerated in real life. The horseshoe shaped holes mentioned above are a prime culprit.

The potential for lost plastic out here isn't too big of a concern for the most part. Beware though, the prairie holes have some THICK brush. Not tall, but bushy. I've never seen anything like some of these plants. They can gobble up discs.

Hole 1 starts a bit north of the parking area. Not a con really, but a head's up for those without a course map. From there it's simple.

I'm a big fan of Don Hoffman's courses, cutting my teeth in central WI and all. This might be the best of the bunch. Phenomenal design to create a unique disc golf experience. Sandy Point is still the king of the Northwoods (especially with the new dual baskets), but Rookery Run is a very, very close second.

I'd recommend this course to anyone who happens to be in the area or even driving through. Not a destination course by itself, but combined with the other happenings in the area, and pretty solid DG, it's worth a look. I was more than impressed with this course. I'm already looking to make a return trip.

I started this review with a 4. As I wrote it and mulled it over in my mind, I decided to up it to a 4.5. Now, while I think that's a bit high (I'd go 4.25), the fun factor is what matters most. This course serves many skill levels and is fair enough for the vast majority of players. I'm sold. Well done.

The course designer and maintenance crew put in tremendous effort and care to make this course a high caliber track.

The diversity is what sets this course apart. You will pass through Jack Pines, Maple and Aspen stands. There are a few ponds and marshy areas and a few holes are wide open with huge elevation changes.

Each hole commands your full attention. The sloping and tree placements were all well thought out.

The baskets are the only negative I can think of. They are old style red baskets that were transferred from an old disc course that closed down nearby. Some shiny new DiscCatchers would compliment this level of course.

Aside from disc golf, this course offers great hiking and bird watching trails. Come winter, this is an excellent snowshoeing area. The elevation changes makes for an intense workout.