Sonora Park reviews
10
0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
18.8 years
256 played
238 reviews
Great Hidden Gem Beats Most City Parks 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 5, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
- well maintained and picturesque park
- some limited elevation change is incorporated well
- creek hazard is incorporated well and forces tougher shots, especially near 6 and 7 baskets
- ample parking
- shared space with fishing lake, pavilion, playground, etc. but course mostly has its own space in the park
- large concrete tees
- some cool wooded shots aren't overly challenging but force some lines
- good quality bridges to cross creek
- no real issues with undergrowth
- some limited elevation change is incorporated well
- creek hazard is incorporated well and forces tougher shots, especially near 6 and 7 baskets
- ample parking
- shared space with fishing lake, pavilion, playground, etc. but course mostly has its own space in the park
- large concrete tees
- some cool wooded shots aren't overly challenging but force some lines
- good quality bridges to cross creek
- no real issues with undergrowth
Cons:
- hole 7 throws over walking path and creates minor safety hazard
- no practice basket
- limited garbage cans and benches through most of course
- basic baskets with limited chains, though they are in good shape
- walk to hole 4 crosses hole 5 fairway
- minor navigation issues
- tee signs are very basic but are in good shape
- no practice basket
- limited garbage cans and benches through most of course
- basic baskets with limited chains, though they are in good shape
- walk to hole 4 crosses hole 5 fairway
- minor navigation issues
- tee signs are very basic but are in good shape
Other Thoughts:
I really enjoyed my round at Sonora Park. This is one of the better city park type courses I played in Texas. Elevation change is pretty minimal except for dropoffs into the creek, but the space is used as well as it could be. Baskets and tees are in great shape, and so are the tee signs, although they are very basic.
The creek can definitely steal some discs and is deep enough to lose them in places. Particularly watch out for this on holes 6 and 7, and 5 to a lesser extent. Otherwise, discs should be easy to spot, with clear, open fairways. The online map seems a bit outdated and navigation is slightly strange as it seems like holes 4 and 6 were swapped at some point. However, it isn't too bad to figure out.
There are plenty of tree obstacles that force some shot selection here but it isn't an overly wooded, technical course. It's a fun, quick round as long as you stay out of the creek, which is the highlight hazard here. Other park uses mostly don't interfere, though do watch out for the walking path snaking through the course.
This course wont be a destination highlight, but it really was a lot of fun and is worth the trip if you're in the area. Some of the obstacles and hazards make up for the general flatness to make this an intriguing round.
The creek can definitely steal some discs and is deep enough to lose them in places. Particularly watch out for this on holes 6 and 7, and 5 to a lesser extent. Otherwise, discs should be easy to spot, with clear, open fairways. The online map seems a bit outdated and navigation is slightly strange as it seems like holes 4 and 6 were swapped at some point. However, it isn't too bad to figure out.
There are plenty of tree obstacles that force some shot selection here but it isn't an overly wooded, technical course. It's a fun, quick round as long as you stay out of the creek, which is the highlight hazard here. Other park uses mostly don't interfere, though do watch out for the walking path snaking through the course.
This course wont be a destination highlight, but it really was a lot of fun and is worth the trip if you're in the area. Some of the obstacles and hazards make up for the general flatness to make this an intriguing round.
8
0
Hidden 9-hole gem 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jun 21, 2021
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
-- The holes offer a challenge for players of all skill levels without the ridiculous distance that is sometimes off putting to those of us without big arms.
-- Good use of the terrain (particularly the creek). The small amount of elevation change on the land is also well used.
-- Nice baskets and tee signs.
-- Plenty of shade.
-- Most of the underbrush has been cleared, although No. 2 can still bite you.
-- Plenty of parking.
-- Good concrete tee pads.
-- Water and restrooms are nearby (at the other end of the park from the course). There are port-o-potties at the parking lot and in the ballfield parking lot near 6 basket 7 tee, but those might be temporary leftovers from a Scout camp that took over the park last week.
-- Navigation is good and mostly intuitive. Once you find No.1 (west of the parking lot, on the top of a small hill beside the pond), you can probably follow your instincts. 1 and 2 are parallel. Three is the closest tee you see from No. 2 basket. Four tees from close to the No. 3 basket, and 4 and 5 are parallel, with 5 bordering the creek. Six tees from near the bridge to cross the creek, and the fairway is on the other side of the creek from No. 5. Seven then comes back from the six basket toward the creek/bridge. Eight tees from the other side of the bridge and goes away from the rest of the course. Nine then tees coming back toward No. 1 and the parking lot.
-- Good use of the terrain (particularly the creek). The small amount of elevation change on the land is also well used.
-- Nice baskets and tee signs.
-- Plenty of shade.
-- Most of the underbrush has been cleared, although No. 2 can still bite you.
-- Plenty of parking.
-- Good concrete tee pads.
-- Water and restrooms are nearby (at the other end of the park from the course). There are port-o-potties at the parking lot and in the ballfield parking lot near 6 basket 7 tee, but those might be temporary leftovers from a Scout camp that took over the park last week.
-- Navigation is good and mostly intuitive. Once you find No.1 (west of the parking lot, on the top of a small hill beside the pond), you can probably follow your instincts. 1 and 2 are parallel. Three is the closest tee you see from No. 2 basket. Four tees from close to the No. 3 basket, and 4 and 5 are parallel, with 5 bordering the creek. Six tees from near the bridge to cross the creek, and the fairway is on the other side of the creek from No. 5. Seven then comes back from the six basket toward the creek/bridge. Eight tees from the other side of the bridge and goes away from the rest of the course. Nine then tees coming back toward No. 1 and the parking lot.
Cons:
-- No benches at the tees, but there are a few benches nearby along the walking path.
-- If you've got a big arm, you might find the holes too short.
-- Retrieving discs from the creek (if you play a few times, you WILL end up there) is difficult. And I've heard but not seen evidence of snakes in the water.
-- While the creek is in play on at least two holes (5 and 6 easily, and No. 7 and 8 to a lesser degree), I wish there was water carry. The tee for No. 1 is beside the pond. If it were pushed back 50-60 feet, you would have a nice water carry and probably the signature hole for the course.
-- The walking path brings non-disc golfers onto the course. Some are unaware of the sport, so beware. However, all of them I have encountered have been very nice.
-- If you've got a big arm, you might find the holes too short.
-- Retrieving discs from the creek (if you play a few times, you WILL end up there) is difficult. And I've heard but not seen evidence of snakes in the water.
-- While the creek is in play on at least two holes (5 and 6 easily, and No. 7 and 8 to a lesser degree), I wish there was water carry. The tee for No. 1 is beside the pond. If it were pushed back 50-60 feet, you would have a nice water carry and probably the signature hole for the course.
-- The walking path brings non-disc golfers onto the course. Some are unaware of the sport, so beware. However, all of them I have encountered have been very nice.
Other Thoughts:
-- The distance listed for No. 1 appears to be off. I think this is the sign from a previous tee pad. The "new" location adds at least 50-75 feet, but the tee sign was not updated.
-- The "electric" fence on No. 4 isn't really electric, in my experience. I have crossed it a few times, with no trouble other than my trepidation approaching a huge horse who was standing near my disc.
-- This is a fun course and one I often hit when I am playing a solo round. It allows me the freedom to play 9/18/27 holes.
-- Not a destination course but worth a stop if you are in the area or live nearby and want some variety.
-- Bag hooks have been added to the tee posts, but they were mounted with just one screw, and many are already coming off or are damaged.
-- The "electric" fence on No. 4 isn't really electric, in my experience. I have crossed it a few times, with no trouble other than my trepidation approaching a huge horse who was standing near my disc.
-- This is a fun course and one I often hit when I am playing a solo round. It allows me the freedom to play 9/18/27 holes.
-- Not a destination course but worth a stop if you are in the area or live nearby and want some variety.
-- Bag hooks have been added to the tee posts, but they were mounted with just one screw, and many are already coming off or are damaged.
6
1
mavsfan0434
Experience:
12 played
11 reviews
Fun 9 holes 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 13, 2015
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Good for beginners, concrete tees, very well kept park
Cons:
-Only 9 holes, although that's ok, not everything can be 18.
-Water, especially right now with all the rain. I lost a disc to the creek off tee 5, and there are 3-4 holes where it is REALLY easy to lose a disc with one poor shot.
-Water, especially right now with all the rain. I lost a disc to the creek off tee 5, and there are 3-4 holes where it is REALLY easy to lose a disc with one poor shot.
Other Thoughts:
This course is super close to my home, so I am able to get in a round after work a couple times a week. It's never too crowded in the afternoons, and is at a really nice park for bigger events. I've only been playing a couple months and I didn't feel overwhelmed playing this course.
8
0
Not Easy! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 29, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Tight, challenging lines
- Good practice for accuracy, shot shaping
- Concrete teepads
- Not difficult to navigate
- Heavily wooded, shaded
- Peaceful rural setting, with duck pond, horses and cows
- Multi-use park with other facilities
- Good practice for accuracy, shot shaping
- Concrete teepads
- Not difficult to navigate
- Heavily wooded, shaded
- Peaceful rural setting, with duck pond, horses and cows
- Multi-use park with other facilities
Cons:
- Only 9 holes
- Pedestrian cross-traffic
- Little elevation change
- Pedestrian cross-traffic
- Little elevation change
Other Thoughts:
Contrary to other reviews, this would not be a great beginner's course. It's not long, but the lines are very tight. You can leave your distance drivers at home, but don't assume you're going to get a lot of easy birdies.
5
0
fun 9 holes 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Dec 30, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
-fun and challenging holes
-lots of trees and a creek in play
-uses the slight elevation well
-nice baskets and adequate signs
-little underbrush, looks like most of the poison ivy has been neutralized
-decent parking
-NEW concrete tee pads
-lots of trees and a creek in play
-uses the slight elevation well
-nice baskets and adequate signs
-little underbrush, looks like most of the poison ivy has been neutralized
-decent parking
-NEW concrete tee pads
Cons:
-can get quite muddy after a bit of rain
-possibly a bit too challenging for the beginner, too bad for a 9 hole course in a smaller town.
-possibly a bit too challenging for the beginner, too bad for a 9 hole course in a smaller town.
Other Thoughts:
**Edit**
The new concrete pads are in and they are great. The new location for tee 1 back by the pond is cool too. Gives a bit of elevation to the tee shot. The course looks great but some of the poison ivy may be returning.
****
This is a pretty fun and rather challenging 9 hole course. Most of the holes have a significant number of trees and a bad kick can leave you in the creek, over the OB fence, or with no upshot. Not a lot of easy hyzers, you have to carve your line through the obstacles.
I can't imagine the course ever being crowded. If it were, there are a few close fairways and the entire area of the course is not that big. Still shouldn't be a problem though since you probably won't be just trying to bomb it on these holes.
Another course well worth playing in Ft. Worth. Not a destination but certainly worth it if you are in the area.
**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
The new concrete pads are in and they are great. The new location for tee 1 back by the pond is cool too. Gives a bit of elevation to the tee shot. The course looks great but some of the poison ivy may be returning.
****
This is a pretty fun and rather challenging 9 hole course. Most of the holes have a significant number of trees and a bad kick can leave you in the creek, over the OB fence, or with no upshot. Not a lot of easy hyzers, you have to carve your line through the obstacles.
I can't imagine the course ever being crowded. If it were, there are a few close fairways and the entire area of the course is not that big. Still shouldn't be a problem though since you probably won't be just trying to bomb it on these holes.
Another course well worth playing in Ft. Worth. Not a destination but certainly worth it if you are in the area.
**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
10
1
Sanora Park Rundown!!! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 12, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Hole variety -- long, short, open, treed, rights and lefts
-Lots of shade
-Hazard variety -- OB fenced propety, road, water.
-Great surrounding park
-Clean
-Lots of parking
-Lots of shade
-Hazard variety -- OB fenced propety, road, water.
-Great surrounding park
-Clean
-Lots of parking
Cons:
-No pads
-No signs
-Very muddy when wet
-Looks as though they're still doing a lot of construction out there (park construction)
-Currently, there is ton of poison ivy on the banks of the creek as well as other places on the course, so be careful!!!
-No signs
-Very muddy when wet
-Looks as though they're still doing a lot of construction out there (park construction)
-Currently, there is ton of poison ivy on the banks of the creek as well as other places on the course, so be careful!!!
Other Thoughts:
Being that this is a BRAND NEW course, there's still a lot of cleaning up of the course to do -- brush, poison ivy, tall grass, etc. BUT this is to be expected guys and gals when courses start blossoming. NO course started out top-notch.
Great little course with variety. Front starts out fairly easy and wide open, then some of the holes blow-up for some killer difficulty though trees and along creeks.
This course has great potential and can't wait to play it again.
Makes for a nice warm-up round before playing near-by courses: Veterans, Bicentennial, Z-Boaz, Greenbriar.
Keep your eyes on this course everyone!!!
Great little course with variety. Front starts out fairly easy and wide open, then some of the holes blow-up for some killer difficulty though trees and along creeks.
This course has great potential and can't wait to play it again.
Makes for a nice warm-up round before playing near-by courses: Veterans, Bicentennial, Z-Boaz, Greenbriar.
Keep your eyes on this course everyone!!!
14
0
FallenOak
Experience:
24.9 years
152 played
4 reviews
Another great nine holes in the Metroplex. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 10, 2011
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
While it starts out fairly easy, the second half can be quite challenging. Great place to hone hitting lines and practicing shot placement. This course will entertain all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Beautiful park has restrooms, water fountains, play ground, water park and a pond. Kid friendly and dog friendly.
Cons:
We've all played a new course so I won't waste your time telling you about dirt tees and no signage, it's easy to figure it out. Watch for foot traffic on sidewalks.
Other Thoughts:
1. Decent opening hole as it is only a 275-300 ft field shot (fyi my sense of distance can be off at times so take all my yardages with a grain of salt) with no obstacles. A RHBH hyzer route will have to carry the parking lot while being mindful of the consistent South wind. Briar "rough" with slight drop off 15 feet past basket punishes long throws.
2. ~300 foot dog leg right with plenty of room on the left and a well defined rough on the right. Left to right cross wind. Skinny routes on the right will have to contend with a handful of trees along the right side of the fairway.
3. Another left to right hole, found a RHFH over stable hyzer seemed to work well. Maybe 150 feet? Downward elevation change 15 feet before basket so any drive that comes short will have to deal with a downhill putt. Basket protected off the box by a few small trees in front and long drives will have to deal with a fir on their comeback putt.
4. Another short dinker hole, only this time with a fairway congested with trees (imagine a PuttPutt version of Gateway). Less than 100 feet. Pasture fence on right adds element of O.B. (the fence appears to have an electric component to it if the stroke penalty wasn't enough to deter you from crossing it).
5. Great hole, split fairway that will hopefully teach someone who doesn't know how, to thrown an "s" shot. I'd put it around 400 feet. Any errant shots or redirects to the right will flirt with the fence O.B. again. Slight elevation drop to basket which has a creek ~40 feet behind it, again punishing deep shots. This is the hole which cements the fact that the course designer s knew what they were doing and executed it well.
6. Just about shares the fairway with six as this is the turnaround hole. ~400 feet. Creek on right. Watch for bees in the gnarly tree in the center of the fairway just off the box. Like the previous hole, this hole demands shot placement. Straight fair way with a slight dogleg right 70 feet from the basket. Basket well protected by small grove of trees with sidewalk O.B. right/behind.
7. Was not sure exactly where the pad would be for this hole, so we played what we thought looked like the line desired by the designers. A longer, ~375 feet, left to right. Plays over creek with a low ceiling/tunnel (the first time around we went 3 for 3 into the drink : ). Once over the creek, the fairway widens into what appears to possibly be temporary parking for the ball fields (there was a dude chillin in a mini van on the right side of the fairway so keep an eye out). Creek does follow right side of fairway and again will come into play on deep up shots.
8. The course shortens up again here. 100-125 feet. Either a RHFH hyzer or RBBH putter turn shot with just a touch of fade. Rough on right and downhill elevation past the basket.
9. This was the only confusion we found on the course. There were two posts between the basket for eight and the basket for nine. We weren't sure if they were long/short for nine or possible the extra was an alt. for seven? So, 9 long; 350-375 feet, congested fairway on left, dry creek bed along right which appears the easiest route to the basket. 9 short; 275ish feet. RHBH hyzer route to basket. O.B. fence on right comes into play from both boxes.
2. ~300 foot dog leg right with plenty of room on the left and a well defined rough on the right. Left to right cross wind. Skinny routes on the right will have to contend with a handful of trees along the right side of the fairway.
3. Another left to right hole, found a RHFH over stable hyzer seemed to work well. Maybe 150 feet? Downward elevation change 15 feet before basket so any drive that comes short will have to deal with a downhill putt. Basket protected off the box by a few small trees in front and long drives will have to deal with a fir on their comeback putt.
4. Another short dinker hole, only this time with a fairway congested with trees (imagine a PuttPutt version of Gateway). Less than 100 feet. Pasture fence on right adds element of O.B. (the fence appears to have an electric component to it if the stroke penalty wasn't enough to deter you from crossing it).
5. Great hole, split fairway that will hopefully teach someone who doesn't know how, to thrown an "s" shot. I'd put it around 400 feet. Any errant shots or redirects to the right will flirt with the fence O.B. again. Slight elevation drop to basket which has a creek ~40 feet behind it, again punishing deep shots. This is the hole which cements the fact that the course designer s knew what they were doing and executed it well.
6. Just about shares the fairway with six as this is the turnaround hole. ~400 feet. Creek on right. Watch for bees in the gnarly tree in the center of the fairway just off the box. Like the previous hole, this hole demands shot placement. Straight fair way with a slight dogleg right 70 feet from the basket. Basket well protected by small grove of trees with sidewalk O.B. right/behind.
7. Was not sure exactly where the pad would be for this hole, so we played what we thought looked like the line desired by the designers. A longer, ~375 feet, left to right. Plays over creek with a low ceiling/tunnel (the first time around we went 3 for 3 into the drink : ). Once over the creek, the fairway widens into what appears to possibly be temporary parking for the ball fields (there was a dude chillin in a mini van on the right side of the fairway so keep an eye out). Creek does follow right side of fairway and again will come into play on deep up shots.
8. The course shortens up again here. 100-125 feet. Either a RHFH hyzer or RBBH putter turn shot with just a touch of fade. Rough on right and downhill elevation past the basket.
9. This was the only confusion we found on the course. There were two posts between the basket for eight and the basket for nine. We weren't sure if they were long/short for nine or possible the extra was an alt. for seven? So, 9 long; 350-375 feet, congested fairway on left, dry creek bed along right which appears the easiest route to the basket. 9 short; 275ish feet. RHBH hyzer route to basket. O.B. fence on right comes into play from both boxes.
