There are a lot of good/great things about Saddle Hill. In my 9 months of playing, I've played Z-Boaz the most and I feel Saddle Hill is a great complimentary course to ZB. Really looking forward to playing Saddle Hill again to expand my skill set.

Elevation changes:
Lots of elevation changes. In my very limited experience, I was very impressed with the elevation changes. Several holes included elevation changes from 20'-50' (guessing).

Concrete tee pads are in good shape. Looks like a few are relatively newly poured.

Baskets are good.
Each basket has a nice metal number plates on top that's readable as you approach the basket. Allows you to confirm you are approaching the correct basket.

Shot variety.
The variation in terrain really gives you an opportunity to throw a lot of different shot types.

Cell service is acceptable.
I'm on T-Mobile/Sprint (the worst of the big 3 in DFW) and I was able to take a call after hole 1 and use UDisc throughout to help with navigation.

I am going to point out the "cons" as I see them, but they are aesthetics and things that would make it easier to navigate--the course is well worth the time and effort to play for the pros mentioned above.

Mobility issues:
I have some mobility issues being out of shape, overweight and two total knee replacements. As I traversed the down hills and up hills, I was a little concerned about the footing, but overall found it to not be too bad. If you aren't comfortable stepping up/down 12 inches+ you may find this course isn't good for you.

Not cart friendly. IMO, leave the cart, carry a bag. EDIT: I don't use a cart myself and I can't imagine using one at SH, BUT, I did see and talk with a group that was going out as we were finishing. They all had carts, so it is possible.

Navigation is difficult:
I played solo and I don't know how long it would have taken me to get through it without UDisc. I did not have the "map" some have mentioned, so no idea if that would have been helpful.

Signage is minimal:
A few holes have a marker peg with a number on it next to the tee pads. Some tee pads have spray paint on them identifying the hole # and long/short. Some older hand painted signage staked down near the tee pads. I didn't see any actual tee signs.

Couple of sketchy areas that might eat a disc.
I did not lose any discs. It's winter time so it's pretty open. There are two places I specifically thought would be an issue with losing discs. The first is #6 off to the right, ~200' off the tee. Kind of bog looking area. The second is #15 which is a big downhill and creek crossing. When the foliage is in bloom, I'm guessing it's easy to lose a disc on this one. A spotter is highly recommended for this hole.

Speaking of sketchy.
As I started out on #1 and most of the back nine, it felt like it was a DG course layed out over a construction dumping ground. It is caliche with lots of rocks everywhere. I thought the outdoor aesthetics were nicer as I moved to the back nine. It's winter time so everything is pretty barren. I look forward to seeing it in the spring.

Erosion issues.
Tough issue to address.

As a novice, I found Saddle Hill to be a very challenging and fun course to play. My list of cons is kind of long, but I'm really looking forward to playing this course again to overcome the challenges it offers.

There are some great hole by hole reviews already posted, so I won't attempt to go through each one. From the previous reviews, it sounds like the course layout was updated ~2018? I think it's a good layout with good use of the available land.

Per UDisc, all holes are par 3. I suppose that's fair, although #6 is 481 feet and should probably be a par 4 IMO. The DGCR SSE is ~49. Lot of getable birdie opportunities, but several holes that I thought a 4 would be a decent score as well. As I see it, scoring even (54) for a round would involve balancing multiple birdies and bogies (or doubles+). Getting in trouble on some of these holes can add several strokes to a round so you need to score on the holes that give that opportunity.

For the 3 courses I've played, most of the cons are very similar. Volunteers are needed to work on the course and the city needs to support the effort or at least allow people to do the work--I assume that any meaningful work done on the course would need approval from the parks department. Then there is a need to raise some funds to support things like signage.

10/5/21
Thanks Johnny! Look forward to seeing the new signs

The variety of terrain is nice. Some holes are very open while a few others are more wooded. I appreciate that. This course is relatively easy to follow and it's kept up regularly.

There's a lot of random construction going on around a few of the holes. There are some holes where it is really easy to lose a disc because you lose track of it when throwing up/down a hill.

-land is well utilized, great design (shout out to Brandon Melton)
-huge variety in tee shots
-water and/or elevation in play on most holes
-concrete pads on each tee, some original alternate tees still exist but the natural pads are hit or miss. hole 10 tees from a walking path and holes 6 & 15 have a 2nd longer concrete pad
-dual basket positions on all holes, some have three
-mandos are clearly marked with orange paint
-orange tape on the baskets showing the direction of the next tee
-creek is calm and shallow, though the reeds are getting tall near holes 10 & 12
-practice basket next to the parking lot
-i enjoy the course's rugged terrain and unique holes
-right off the highway and not that far from Z-Boaz

-water crossings can be flooded in wet season
-water crossings are functional when the water isn't too high but they're not optimum. there are stepping stones in key places
-a few areas prone to getting muddy/swampy
-no restrooms or water fountains
-STILL needs new signs
-difficult paths and hills for those balance-challenged, especially holes 4, 15 & the path between 6 & 7
-lost discs are a definite possibility near parts of the creek and on some blind holes
-new parking lot is not really small but not big, it could get limited if a lot of people show up for minis. the portion of Wilbur St. leading to the lot is a $hitstorm. i wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of people just parking on Saddle Rd.

Saddle Hills is still the course it has always been: rugged, challenging, well-designed, fun to play, ever-changing, and bit of a pain in the ass. Brandon Melton's original design is basically still intact but many things have been in flux over the years. Thankfully the layout is set, there's a concrete pad on every hole, and the baskets are in good condition.

There are lots of great holes at Saddle Hills that utilize the creek and the unique terrain. They vary in length and range from relatively open to tightly wooded. There are moderate elevation changes on nearly half the holes and the creek is in play on over half the holes depending on the pin location. Speaking of pin locations, there are at least two of them on each hole and eight of them have three. The first 6 and the last 4 holes play through rougher terrain with more elevation and the middle holes are in a more polished looking park area.

The course has lost some land and some really cool holes over the years but 7 of Brandon's original 9 are still intact and 4.5 of his original back 9 are as well so it's mostly the same course you know. The layout is renumbered and some holes have been combined or split over the years and 3 new ones have been added (4, 5, 11) to get back to 18 holes. Hole 4 is like a new version of old hole 13. Hole 5 is the mando hole with the power lines in the fairway. Hole 11 plays to the old practice basket area, basically the original unofficial hole 19. Some of the old sleeves are still around apparently and appear on the map as alternate pin locations. I'd love to see 15C in play, using the location from old hole 8 of the original 18. I don't know how often the baskets get moved but surely John Forrester will tell us when he replies below.

Saddle Hills desperately needs new tee signs. They were promised long ago but have never materialized. It's a shame because nearly half the baskets are blind on this course. First timers will have to walk up the fairways to know where they're throwing. The orange tape on the baskets is great for those unfamiliar with the course. But you really need the map to navigate, especially the transition from 6 to 7 crossing the creek. That said, the new map is difficult to read; lines from tee to basket(s) would help. The course would benefit greatly from new tee signs... and leadership from the active local club is needed to make that happen. That would be awesome if they can include a washer/bolt system to show the current pin location, if anyone is keeping a wish list.

Currently, the course is a muddy mess which is prone to happen around the creek and on some of the trails. The creek crossings are what they are, deal with it and leave the cart at home. There is also some construction going on around holes 2-3,15-18. Hole 17 is basically unplayable at the moment between the construction and the mud. Normally such comments are better suited for the course conditions section but would I really be that surprised if the construction ended up precipitating further changes? I suppose time will tell, unless John Forrester tells us first. Find out below!

In summary, Saddle Hills is still a great course that is a little rough around the edges. It may be in the shadow of Z-Boaz but it's a great option for locals looking to beat the crowds or a change of pace and travelers in Fort Worth should definitely consider hitting both courses for an impressive day of North Texas disc golf.


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Nice, new baskets.
Nice, new tee pads.
Elevation providing for interesting lines.
A wide variety of lengths, lines and obstacles.
Holes aren't repetitive.
It doesn't favor right handed or left handed players.
Enough trash cans. Pretty clean park.

Navigation. This course doesn't have signs or clues. No course map at the parking lot. No sign directing you to the first tee (that can't be seen from the parking lot). No sign or indication on the basket directing you to the next tee (A piece of tape on the basket closest to the general direction of the next tee would be inexpensive as well as useful). Old tee pads and markers from previous designs are all over the course. They add to possible confusion from those trying to play for the first time.

Mobility issues. Several creek crossings that are hazardous to the less than graceful among us (no bridges). Steep climbs on some holes (#4 had at least one from our group with a disc on the side of the steep hill you have to drive over in each round. It could easily be hazardous.)

Standing water. I know it's rained a lot lately, but something needs to be done about drainage for #'s 16 and 17 fairways and in front of the tee on #14. Evaporation isn't a good plan, especially with the mosquito problems in DFW.

No restrooms.
No water.
No benches.

I gave this course a "Very Good" rating because it's a lot of fun to play. A LOT of work has been done (an amazing amount of work on #6) to get this course to where it is a place I want to come back to. That said, I'm in very good physical condition and grew up playing in creeks. This course would be tough to play if you have any physical liabilities. If you have a cart, you'll be carrying it over creeks and dragging it up and down pretty steep hills. I would recommend leaving the cart in the car and carrying your bag.

The tee shots on #2, 6, 12 and 15 are really fun. Especially #6. (Thanks to all that cleared the thick forest that is now the fairway).

There are very low hanging utility lines on #5... as well as a double mando. I understand you needed a hole here to make 18 total, but it's the worst designed hole on the course.

Baskets were overly guarded on 16 and 17 (especially 17). There needs to be some path for a skillful shot reward.

I played Saddle Hills in previous designs (it was a great 9 hole course), so I've been here before. There has been a massive amount of work to get the course in the shape it's in. I like this version of 18 for its fun factor despite the glaring issues that remain.

-- As good a piece of land as you're likely to find in DFW for disc golf. There is plenty of elevation change, with uphilll and downhill throws, water and trees. The scenery is really nice and would be enjoyable for a walk or hike. Getting to play disc golf here is almost like a bonus.
-- There are some really fun holes. Nos. 3 and 6 really stand out. No. 3 is a short RHFH shot to a basket on the side of a hill (at least that is one basket position). An alternate path for RHBH is there. No. 6 throws from a bluff/hill over some trees (at least there used to be trees) to a basket in a clearing surrounded by rough. The long basket position is devilishly placed a few feet from an 8-foot drop-off right to a 15-foot wide flat area that then drops down to the creek.
-- You have a good mix of distances, and the course doesn't overly favor one throwing style (RHBH, etc.).
-- Baskets are numbered (fairly large) with the logo of the local club. It's a nice touch.
-- Practice basket near parking lot.
-- Excellent tee signs with map of hole and obstacles and "Next tee" direction. Some also include directions for a "safe" route on trickier creek crossings or steep hills.
-- A couple of holes have gotten new/different basket locations (some of them elevated). I generally like them and think they add to the course, but they are getting close to have too many elevated baskets and making it feel gimmicky.

-- Navigation (and course flow) was a big issue here. The new tee signs help, but there are still some issues. Vestiges of the numerous previous incarnations of this course are still there (tee pads that are no longer used and old tee markers with incorrect numbers), and make the navigation issues worse. A map by the parking lot has been added as well as a sign pointing to No. 1 tee pad. That sign isn't big and could be overlooked, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.
-- Related to the navigation issue but somewhat different is the ability to safely traverse the course. Numerous "creek" crossings (mostly dry in the summer but a muddy mess when I played in February) exist. In fact, with the No. 1 basket in the long position, you cross the creek three times in the first two holes. Many crossings are steep and either so dry that the loose dirt and rocks make them likely to cause an accident or so muddy so as to cause an accident. Also, going almost straight up hill on No. 4 is dangerous. On my first visit, I had to throw my second shot from the hill on No. 4 and was worried about falling. I am in good shape, hike frequently, and was wearing hiking boots and was still worried. Additionally, there are many large pieces of concrete with rebar in them that are dangerous.
-- Blind shots. If I'm standing on the tee and have no idea where, or even which direction, the basket is located, that's a problem.
-- No. 5 seemed like a throwaway hole. It was short, with a double mando (almost always a gimmick) and power lines 10-15 feet off the ground all the way across the fairway. Now the tee sign is missing.
-- No. 11 has a picnic table near (or in) the fairway. With the pin in the right position and a RHBH thrower, a disc is likely headed right for that picnic table. A non-disc golfer was sitting there on my first visit and on my most-recent visit.
-- Snakes. I haven't seen any on my two most-recent visits, but this is the only course/location where I have seen two snakes on the same day.
-- No restrooms or water.
-- New development (house) in the area is likely related to the re-paving of the road, but it also added a drainage ditch almost on top of the No. 1 tee. It appears that water from that pipe now flows directly into/across the No. 1 fairway.

-- Wilbur Road (leading to the parking lot) used to be more potholes than road, but re-pavng has fixed that problem. The parking lot (small) is also nicely paved.
-- This was a difficult course to rate because the pros are really strong, but the cons are almost as strong. If I were rating this on just the holes (taking out navigation, safety, etc.), it probably would be a 4-disc rating. However, the frustration of trying to safely traverse the course and figure out where the basket is brings the rating down.
-- Between the navigation issues and the blind shots, you almost can't play a solo round. It would be really helpful if your playing partner knows the course, but if nothing else, you're going to need a spotter on several holes. The risk of losing a disc is high, as is the risk of hitting someone (a disc golfer or someone walking in the park or sitting at a picnic table).
-- A LOT of hard work has been put in to clear brush, etc. I understand that this work is done by volunteers, so kudos to them. However, that doesn't eliminate the concerns. When I order a meal in a restaurant, my rating/satisfaction is based on the quality of the food and is not influenced by any struggles or limitations in the kitchen, etc. Why something is a "con" doesn't make it not a con. The course rating should be based on what is, and is not, there. The reasons should not affect the rating.
-- This is at least the fourth version of the course at this location, and the course was getting worse. Recent improvements (tee signs, road paving) are moving the needle in the other direction. However, many of the current holes existed on previous versions of the course, but the flow doesn't work as well now. The only reason I can think of for the current move (the old No. 1 is now No. 12) is to have slightly more parking near No. 1, but it's still a small parking lot. In addition to way too many creek crossings, you cross the main road (Saddle Road) twice. I don't think the trade-off is worth it.

** UPDATE **
I originally rated this a 2.5 disc course. I was torn whether to raise it to 3.0 or 3.5 but eventually settled on 3.0 on my first update and now a 3.5 based on the new tee signs, which help the navigation. There are still some problems with course flow and not knowing where baskets are located. The creek is in play on quite a few holes, which makes the holes challenging, but the creek crossings themselves are difficult and a safety issue.