Pros:
(3.349 Rating) (RE-EVALUATED) An eclectic course with a great vibe.
- UPGRADES - I felt the need to update this review as the course has continued to get upgrades over the past two years. In that time, 9 baskets has multiplied up to 24 baskets. 9 fairways has become 12. More circus and county fair relics have found there way on to the course too. This is one of the few courses outside my area that I actually want to re-bag.
- UNIQUE - Showmen's is unlike any course I've played in Florida. It's a carnival ride through utopia imo. I really liked (3) with the basket inside the helicopter car looking thing. There's a spaceship flanking the basket on (1) and also a tunnel to throw threw on (14). 479 courses played as of this revision, and I've only played one other course with a similar feel.
- VIBE AND FUN FACTOR - To my knowledge this course gets regular play. There is a ton of craftsmanship that has gone into this course and it has been done with pride and passion. Tee areas are tricked out with benches and bag hangers. Most tees are also well shaded and have artwork peaking out from the tropical vegetation. The course is going to be oodles of fun for Rec and Novice level players and it's the kind of course that will produce addicts out the ying yang. Sure the rough is a jungle here and there, but the lines to the holes are generally pure. Very little searching for discs except on horrible shots. This is just such a relaxing get-away where players are more concerned about having a good time over training to go pro. However, for the players needing a serious challenge to be satisfied, this course currently doesn't deliver and that's not a bad thing IMO.
- NOVEL BEAUTY - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I enjoyed the one of kind theme out here. Lots of circus or county fair related relics find their home along this layout. I think some will argue that it doesn't look elegant, but there's just a lot of interesting flavor in these rusting artifacts. There are some boundary fences that look like eyesores. Overall, I scored the course a touch above a 3, which is actually one of the higher scores I've given for a course without elevation, rock features and backdrop views.
- AMENITIES AND NAVIGATION - As noted above under the Upgrades pro, there are a ton of baskets and they are DISCatchers. The tees are concrete and good sized. Nice course map and tee signage that makes navigation easy. Tee signs have next tee direction, and there are directional cues between holes. As noted above, benches and bag hangers and every tee.
- RECREATIONAL FRIENDLY - I brought my mom here, and the lines I think were a bit too constricting for her. Perfect for those however at both the Novice and Recreational level.
Cons:
A small footprint and flatness.
- TWELVE FAIRWAYS - Although listed as 21 holes on DGCR, there are only twelve fairways in play. Two baskets and two tees on nine holes and also a three-hole loop between (2) and (3). Unfortunately, several of the duel tee holes are on the same or similar line with just a distance modification. Holes (5/14) and (7/16) are the exceptions for the numbered holes. The tees that are on the same line are not all short for the front nine, it's a mix.
- SPACING - Not the largest track of land to work with for the designers. Disc will find other fairways. Players will need to be aware of other groups on busy days. There are no egregious concerns, but the course is tight in areas.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - The course style is not set up for those at the Advanced level and beyond. Anyone who needs a gauntlet of obstacles before them may not enjoy this course as much as others. Even myself as a weak arm Intermediate level player, I felt underwhelmed by the hole distances. Seems to be set up perfect for the grand master rec player.
- OVERGROWTH - Like many south Florida courses, a disc that finds the rough can get swallowed up by tropical vegetation. I played in February and it was heavy in spots.
- PARKING - unless I parked in the wrong area, its appears to be a mix of sand, gravel and mud. It could get dicey after a bout of heavy rain.
Other Thoughts:
The fun factor and eclectic nature of Showmen's really got to me in a good way. When I scored it with just the nine fairways, it was among the highest scores I had ever given for a course with that description. Now with all the upgrades, it is the highest score I've ever given to a 12 or less fairway course. Showmen's has a feel and look that is rarely seen. The only one I've played that's similar in nature is Flying Armadillo. I don't think everyone is going to get this course, but a lot of people will. For those in the central Florida area, the vibe here has some attributable similarities to that of Taylor Park and Turkey Lake. For those in the panhandle, it's feel is similar to that of Blue Angel Park. If you like those courses, you'll enjoy this one.
- HOLE VARIETY - As noted in the pro's, this course is about as unique as you'll ever play, considering the artwork encompassing the course. However, when I refer to hole variety, I refer to things like elevation usage, water usage, tunnel fairways, moving lines in different direction, multi-play holes, etc. The course is super flat, maybe a five-foot berm occupies a hole or two. Unlike for my play, there is now water on hole (C), for those that elect to play the 3 hole bonus loop. The par fours here are on the shorter side and can be deuced by Advanced players from time to time. There are lots of pocket shots and tunnel fairways using the typical Florida low hanging tropical vegetation. Overall, the play variety is about average among all courses I've played.
- PAY TO PLAY - I paid $10 for my mom and I to play. Probably a little steep for those that go regularly, but thankfully there's a seasonal rate.