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Sapwi Trails reviews
8
0
Epic course with huge elevation changes dogged by rough terrain and an inefficient layout 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 16, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Excellent facilities, clean bathrooms with water fountains and water bottle fillers at both sides of the course. The bathrooms are even ventilated and have A/C... wow Thousand Oaks is bougie.
- Decent amount of parking on both sides of the course as well
- Tee signs at each tee box and "next tee" signs after each basket that help greatly with navigation. You will still definitely get lost without UDisc though...
- Brand new Disccatcher baskets that are in great shape.
- Awesome elevation changes on pretty much every hole. Crazy fun top of the world shot on Hole #16 that was a blast to throw.
- VERY challenging greens. Holes 4 and 5 have baskets perches right on a ridge so missed putts will leave you in a lurch. Basket on #12 was, I kid you not, on like a 20 degree grade... My approach was 15 ft away from the basket and I really thought I had the birdie on lock down. But it's hard to make a putt from INSIDE THE WORLDS THICKEST BUSH COVERED IN THORNS. Crazy slope after the basket on #12 as well. Same on #13, I was 20 ft from the basket but had to turbo over a tall bush and SHOCKINGLY did not make my putt. Love the hanging willows on #17, makes a short hole very tricky.
- Some legitimately frightening tee shots. You'll have to carry thick brush, water, lots of places where if you don't have the distance or if you shank it you are more or less guaranteed to lose your disc. If you're seasoned and consistent it's really fulfilling to nail these shots and you feel like you're playing a professional course! If you're just starting out and can't throw far or consistently... maybe hold off on this one until you improve.
- Four par 4's and a decently long par 5 (which despite being almost 900' is very reachable in 3 with some well placed shots). The par 4's are SUPER gettable. I don't have a cannon arm by any means, I can throw max distance drivers anywhere between 300' and 350'. You don't have to bite off a ton of distance off the tee, it's really just about placement. The real challenge is the approach shot. If you have 400-500' of distance than I would venture to say that almost all of the par 4's are reachable.
- The fairways are fairways--you're not gonna lose your disc in the obvious landing areas of wide open dirt and yellowish brown grass. But the rough is ROUGH. Going off in the high grass or bushes won't guarantee you will lose your disc but you'll have to throw from such an awkward lie that it's just not worth the extra distance. If you stick to the discs you know and throw controlled shots to the biggest landing areas then you can survive this course.
- This course has what I consider the best element to course design: holes that look much harder than they actually are. There is so much rough / hazard / danger on this course that can be avoided with measured, consistent throws. Like I said before--lean on your go-to discs. I threw the same two discs off the tee for probably 12 of the 19 holes.
- I would say the most picturesque and unique course within an hour of L.A. Bigger and more exciting holes than Chavez, Sylmar and OG. Way more elevation and rough than La Mirada or El Dorado. Much tougher and bigger than Rabbit Flats.
- Decent amount of parking on both sides of the course as well
- Tee signs at each tee box and "next tee" signs after each basket that help greatly with navigation. You will still definitely get lost without UDisc though...
- Brand new Disccatcher baskets that are in great shape.
- Awesome elevation changes on pretty much every hole. Crazy fun top of the world shot on Hole #16 that was a blast to throw.
- VERY challenging greens. Holes 4 and 5 have baskets perches right on a ridge so missed putts will leave you in a lurch. Basket on #12 was, I kid you not, on like a 20 degree grade... My approach was 15 ft away from the basket and I really thought I had the birdie on lock down. But it's hard to make a putt from INSIDE THE WORLDS THICKEST BUSH COVERED IN THORNS. Crazy slope after the basket on #12 as well. Same on #13, I was 20 ft from the basket but had to turbo over a tall bush and SHOCKINGLY did not make my putt. Love the hanging willows on #17, makes a short hole very tricky.
- Some legitimately frightening tee shots. You'll have to carry thick brush, water, lots of places where if you don't have the distance or if you shank it you are more or less guaranteed to lose your disc. If you're seasoned and consistent it's really fulfilling to nail these shots and you feel like you're playing a professional course! If you're just starting out and can't throw far or consistently... maybe hold off on this one until you improve.
- Four par 4's and a decently long par 5 (which despite being almost 900' is very reachable in 3 with some well placed shots). The par 4's are SUPER gettable. I don't have a cannon arm by any means, I can throw max distance drivers anywhere between 300' and 350'. You don't have to bite off a ton of distance off the tee, it's really just about placement. The real challenge is the approach shot. If you have 400-500' of distance than I would venture to say that almost all of the par 4's are reachable.
- The fairways are fairways--you're not gonna lose your disc in the obvious landing areas of wide open dirt and yellowish brown grass. But the rough is ROUGH. Going off in the high grass or bushes won't guarantee you will lose your disc but you'll have to throw from such an awkward lie that it's just not worth the extra distance. If you stick to the discs you know and throw controlled shots to the biggest landing areas then you can survive this course.
- This course has what I consider the best element to course design: holes that look much harder than they actually are. There is so much rough / hazard / danger on this course that can be avoided with measured, consistent throws. Like I said before--lean on your go-to discs. I threw the same two discs off the tee for probably 12 of the 19 holes.
- I would say the most picturesque and unique course within an hour of L.A. Bigger and more exciting holes than Chavez, Sylmar and OG. Way more elevation and rough than La Mirada or El Dorado. Much tougher and bigger than Rabbit Flats.
Cons:
- Tees do not have hole maps, hole names, or distance. Just a logo and a hole number.
- The baskets need numbers on them, plain and simple. Really easy to get the baskets for #4 and #6 confused.
- The rubber tee pads with holes in them aren't the best. Most aren't very level. Some tees don't even seem to have them (#19?).
- The layout for #4, #5, and #6 doesn't make sense and is inefficient. Hole #5 should not exist (there would still be 18 holes without it). You have to walk the entire hole, tee off and then walk backwards. The walk to #5 also means that while leaving hole #4 you walk through #6's fairway. Not only do I see this being a HUGE source of backup during tournament play, it seems unsafe.
- #7 uses #5's fairway as its fairway. Again same thing about slowing down play and safety.
- #2 and #14 need to go. I can appreciate that blind shots are an added layer of challenge and part of difficult courses. But you will 100% lose even a while placed shot on these holes without a spotter. It's a huge hike for one person to go up the hill and watch for discs and them come back down and throw. Also #2 just does not have a fairway. You just throw to a field of thick bushes. Expect that your approach will be from an awkward stand still position to a very sloped green.
-#1 tee was unclear. UDisc was saying that you throw from the other side of the parking lot??? But the sign showed teeing off from a handicapped spot which would prevent getting the disc at the angle it needs to be at to not hyzer out crazy early. I can appreciate a challenging starting hole but it needs a little bit of clarity.
-Hills. Hills. Hills. Bring a ton of water. I played this past weekend in 100 degree weather and both of the people I played with bailed halfway through because of hydration. You need to bring a TON of water. I brought a 3L hydration pack which I recommend. Be prepared to be super winded.
- Despite the heat, you kind of need to wear pants on this course. I could so many buts and burrs in my socks and on my legs that there's no way I'm playing in shorts.
- As cool as hole #16 is, it took 10 minutes to walk to the green. This seems like a nightmare in tournament play, especially because you can't see people walking down the stairs. Hopefully people will get waved on?
- Definitely a given considering all that I've already said... But you will likely lose discs on this course especially if you are a beginner. If you struggle to throw 250'+ or shank your shots I would not recommend this.
- The baskets need numbers on them, plain and simple. Really easy to get the baskets for #4 and #6 confused.
- The rubber tee pads with holes in them aren't the best. Most aren't very level. Some tees don't even seem to have them (#19?).
- The layout for #4, #5, and #6 doesn't make sense and is inefficient. Hole #5 should not exist (there would still be 18 holes without it). You have to walk the entire hole, tee off and then walk backwards. The walk to #5 also means that while leaving hole #4 you walk through #6's fairway. Not only do I see this being a HUGE source of backup during tournament play, it seems unsafe.
- #7 uses #5's fairway as its fairway. Again same thing about slowing down play and safety.
- #2 and #14 need to go. I can appreciate that blind shots are an added layer of challenge and part of difficult courses. But you will 100% lose even a while placed shot on these holes without a spotter. It's a huge hike for one person to go up the hill and watch for discs and them come back down and throw. Also #2 just does not have a fairway. You just throw to a field of thick bushes. Expect that your approach will be from an awkward stand still position to a very sloped green.
-#1 tee was unclear. UDisc was saying that you throw from the other side of the parking lot??? But the sign showed teeing off from a handicapped spot which would prevent getting the disc at the angle it needs to be at to not hyzer out crazy early. I can appreciate a challenging starting hole but it needs a little bit of clarity.
-Hills. Hills. Hills. Bring a ton of water. I played this past weekend in 100 degree weather and both of the people I played with bailed halfway through because of hydration. You need to bring a TON of water. I brought a 3L hydration pack which I recommend. Be prepared to be super winded.
- Despite the heat, you kind of need to wear pants on this course. I could so many buts and burrs in my socks and on my legs that there's no way I'm playing in shorts.
- As cool as hole #16 is, it took 10 minutes to walk to the green. This seems like a nightmare in tournament play, especially because you can't see people walking down the stairs. Hopefully people will get waved on?
- Definitely a given considering all that I've already said... But you will likely lose discs on this course especially if you are a beginner. If you struggle to throw 250'+ or shank your shots I would not recommend this.
Other Thoughts:
I know the cons section is pretty heavy but it's like that one teacher you had in school that was always on your case because they knew your full potential. This course has the potential to be a 4.5 for me. As the lines and rough get broken in over time that will help a ton. If the #4-#6 layout was fixed that would also go a long way. I don't see a major re-design in the cards though... but I can always hope. The tee signs for sure need maps and lengths. And the baskets definitely need numbers--this seems like a pretty doable thing.
Had to check this course out before I play the tournament next weekend. LOVE the course but to be honest I am super concerned about tournament play. There seems to be a ton of spots backups will form and some people will get seriously screwed with a shot gun start by having to walk 1+miles. Not to mention the heat and elevation changes. It's gonna be a long day... Will update my review with how that goes.
Had to check this course out before I play the tournament next weekend. LOVE the course but to be honest I am super concerned about tournament play. There seems to be a ton of spots backups will form and some people will get seriously screwed with a shot gun start by having to walk 1+miles. Not to mention the heat and elevation changes. It's gonna be a long day... Will update my review with how that goes.
6
0
lardog
Experience:
7 played
7 reviews
Sapwi Trails 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 5, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
Super challenging. Lots of bomber holes 500 feet+. I think one of the holes is 1000 feet! This is a 3 hour course to get through 18 holes. Interesting Layout. Could be much better with serious weed maintenance.
Cons:
Tons of high weeds and mustard grass. 2 or 3 spotters mandatory or you will lose discs. Needs some serious amount of weed whacking. I suggest wearing gaiters or you will have tons of foxtails poking you.
Other Thoughts:
Not a beginner course. Don't go if you are an unpredictable arm.
8
0
BBB-SoCal
Experience:
26 played
17 reviews
New course in 2018 makes for a new challenging spot 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 9, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
New landscaping and design
Challenging shots
Elevation changes
Bathroom and drinking fountains at the parking lot(s)
Relatively straight-forward path from hole to hole
Good mix of short and long holes
Challenging shots
Elevation changes
Bathroom and drinking fountains at the parking lot(s)
Relatively straight-forward path from hole to hole
Good mix of short and long holes
Cons:
Some fairways overlap
No actual tee box signage
No concrete teepads (they are rubber with holes)
Spotters are good to have on a few holes to track discs
Permanent pin positions limits variety
No actual tee box signage
No concrete teepads (they are rubber with holes)
Spotters are good to have on a few holes to track discs
Permanent pin positions limits variety
Other Thoughts:
The par structure on this course is generous, but with that said it is still a challenging course at times. The wind can be very unforgiving at times and some pins are blind. This course feels very new (I understand it started in September 2018) and as a result it will probably develop some course strategies soon. Based on the markers indicating where the next tee is I would assume the pins are always in the same place. This will limit variability but it will make it easier for a new person (or group) to start the course and feel welcome. The bathroom and drinking fountain at the parking lots (roughly hole 1 and 11) are nice and clean and greast to have. There is nothing else after that though so plan accordingly. The views are nice and the course shares a trail with hikers and bikers -- so please be courteous to them as well. There are some nice top-of-the-world shots that make for a memorable trip and possibly some headaches if you do not choose the right disc.
Overall this is a nice course. It would be a 4+ rated course if it had tee signs and/or some different pin positions throughout. As it currently is: it is clean, new, and a solid challenge. That makes it very good and should be a place to visit. The community seems to support the sport and that is awesome to see (and play). If you have time, check out Rabbit Flats relatively nearby and make a day of it. Cheers!
Overall this is a nice course. It would be a 4+ rated course if it had tee signs and/or some different pin positions throughout. As it currently is: it is clean, new, and a solid challenge. That makes it very good and should be a place to visit. The community seems to support the sport and that is awesome to see (and play). If you have time, check out Rabbit Flats relatively nearby and make a day of it. Cheers!
