• Discover new ways to elevate your game with the updated DGCourseReview app!
    It's entirely free and enhanced with features shaped by user feedback to ensure your best experience on the course. (App Store or Google Play)

Hanover, NH

Storrs Pond Rec. Area

Permanent course
3.595(based on 11 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Storrs Pond Rec. Area reviews

Filter
3 0
Beerdid1
Experience: 120 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Absolute Gem 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 13, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The variety of holes here is quite satisfying. The use of elevation is complete. There are steep ups to your almost looking down on top of the basket, downs. None of the distances are that intimidating when you first look at the course, which plays at 5650, but then your going to need a lot of mustard on your shots to get them upslope (e.g., hole 3 & 4) and into scoring position. The front 9 are all on a ski/cross country trails so mostly play open with trees lining the fairway or the putting circles. Note when I say open, I use the term loosely because this is, after all a mountain course so there are trees on every hole, they just might not come into play if your shot selection and placement are dialed in.

Storr's back 9 feels altogether different but is equally enjoyable. You play through the canopy of a mixed forest and the undergrowth is negligible so I had no problem finding discs that kicked off trees when I missed my line. Three or four steep down hill shots test your ability to throw straight without fading or turning (9, 14, 16 and 17) and 18, though much shorter than these four downhills, is a definite ace run.

I'm not a big armed player and found myself reaching for midranges and fairway drivers for placement more that I would have guessed. Hole #7 is 481 straight downslope with what seems like a two story tall flag marking the basket that you can see from the tee box. I was leary of throwing a fast disc and low and behold I can up only 80 feet shy of the basket with a 5 speed midrange. I've never thrown a midrange over 300 before so this hole is a delightful surprise. Take a few discs to throw from here because it really is a fun hole, but if you go high speed, you might reach the base of the mountain with a 1000' throw.

I found the tee signs, temp plastic yard type signs with decent graphics and placed with wire stake, sufficient for my needs. There were also some helpful next tee signs strategically placed throughout the course, but you do have to look for them as they are stained wood and blend in a little.

Cons:

I wasn't a huge fan of the crushed gravel, but I do understand the logistics that would be involved putting in concrete tees into the course. If it had concrete tees I would go up another half star rating.

As The Valkyrie Kid noted, the walk from hole 9 to 10 and from 18 out is a drag. I also took a wrong turn at a post that had a disc screwed into the top of while navigating from 9 to 18. It took me down a trail that was not part of the course but I was able to backtrack quickly using the Udisc App to aid in my navigation when it was needed.

Other Thoughts:

Some arrows hanging from the baskets pointing you to the next tee would be a nice touch (there were some, but not uniform).

The recreation area has nice facilities which is always a plus when driving from a distance to a course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
galluni
Experience: 73 played 13 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Blood Pumping 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 22, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course will get your blood pumping. Partly from the steep and nearly constant elevation change, partly from the mix of exhilaration and terror you experience on many of the tee pads. According to a card-mate's fitness tracker, once around the course was over 700 feet (70+ stories) of elevation change. I was more worn out after one round here than after two rounds at most courses. There are more unique tee shots here than any other course in the area, mostly due to the terrain and elevation change that it incorporates.

There are nice amenities on site as part of the camping/recreational area.

Cons:

The course does not let up. Nearly every shot is steeply up or down hill, and the few that are level still throw across hills or a ravine. A number of holes require a spotter to avoid losing discs, either because of blind fairways or thick trees or both. I never thought I'd say this, but the course could use one or two bland flat holes for "variety" and to allow you to catch your breath!

There is essentially one set of tees. There are short tee location markers, but they are just markers with no tee pad, so the options for new/casual/young golfers is limited.

Other Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of playing this course during the annual Storrs Pond disc golf tournament and thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe it is an excellent course for tournaments -- the challenging nature of the course makes for natural score separation.

On the other hand, if I want a casual fun round with friends or family, I'm not going to Storrs Pond. The course is way too demanding to be called "fun" for the casual disc golfer.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 1
Justinperkins
Experience: 26.9 years 63 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Super challenging, beautiful 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Course spreads across the beautiful land of Storrs Pond Rec Area, front 9 climbs up the side of the hill, back 9 stretches out around the pond adjacent to the campground. This is New England at its finest. The hike up the hill is not for the out of shape, but the rewards are glorious views over Hanover looking towards Vermont. The shot back down the hill (7) is blind and glorious. You don't get good without being challenged, which means that after you play this course a lot you will be amazing! Long shots uphill, roll away danger, blind shots, trees, tight corridors, huge downhills ... this course has it all.

Cons:

Watch for ticks during the tick season, grass can get long when it's not mowed. Wear proper footwear, ground will be pretty saturated until it's fully dried out after mud season. The front 9 is used by Dartmouth XC when there's snow on the ground, which means the course is off-limits during ski season.

Other Thoughts:

Bring your whole bag, you'll need all kinds of shots out here. Don't play solo for your first time unless you have extra time to search for your discs. Having a spotter on some of the shots, especially #7, is highly recommended.

I'm proud to call Storrs my home course. It can be agonizing sometimes when you can't catch a break, but it makes the hot rounds that much more satisfying.

Birdies do not come frequently at Storrs, make sure you can capitalize on those opportunities.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
xxzincxx
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 11, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very fun, hilly, tree course. Lots of different types of shots used. Beautiful views of Hanover on top of the hill. Lots of birdie opportunities, with a few ace possibilities as well.

Holes:

If you get through 1-4 unscathed, you're doing real well. Just be ready for a long shot downhill at 7 (Throw something stable and slow), and a nice ace opportunity on 9.

Walk to the back 9 on the dirt access road for the campsites. Much of the back nine is less hilly but can be a little more technical. You have another few ace possibles with 14, 15, 17 and 18.

Cons:

Can be a difficult course if you haven't seen it yet. The course is separated. The front 9 plays up and down Oak Hill, then after 9, you take the campsite access road to the back. Can be confusing if you haven't played before.

I also wouldn't consider this a beginner course, although the recreational tees are a bit more forgiving.

Other Thoughts:

The spring and early summer will bring the ticks out, so plan accordingly. It's a small hike up Oak Hill while you're throwing a disc, so be sure to bring proper footwear and lots of water.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 7
JTQuack
Experience: 15.8 years 176 played 5 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Map? Gps? Accurate info? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 12, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great views. Interesting shots. Good combo of left, right straight, up, & down.

Cons:

Needs WAY more signage. Hard to navigate on first try. grass was thick at the time we went. ALL of the baskets were on a slope. that takes away from some of the playability of some of the holes. Some of those holes would play A LOT better if they chose to either- put the basket near/on a slope and the tee on flat ground - OR - put SOME of the baskets on flat ground w/ no slope involved.
I understand that it is a very mountainous course, but it seemed like half the holes were thrown together only by what might "Look cool" and not really how it played.
a fine example of that is hole 8.
great concept, terrible execution.
I like the idea of that basket location, but the signs dont show that, nor are the measurements accurate. (yes I GPS'd it myself, AND paced it off.) Hole 8's basket would be better suited in the bowl on the right side of the fairway 50' closer from current pin.

I think parking at hole 1 and then playing that course and having to walk almost a mile back to the car from 18 is a little absurd.

Mostly needs more/better/more accurate signage and maybe some handrails/rope and some stairs.

Other Thoughts:

I could definitely write a book about what this place NEEDS and not what it has.

I thought hole 18 was the best hole on the entire course. It's a shame I had to wait until that hole to enjoy almost anything about the course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.8 years 304 played 198 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nothing Recreational about Storrs Pond DGC! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Spectacular Views!
Wildly Challenging!
Extreme Elevation!
Tons of Fun!

18 gravel tees with wood painted tee signs and single pin position yellow Discatcher baskets playing through New Hampshire White Mountain Forrest providing some unique holes. The course was surprisingly well maintained with little underbrush. The course plays best for intermediate to advanced level players providing good mix of challenges playing uphill, downhill, across slopes and ravines with well defined fairways.

Two loops of 9 holes with decent signage and navigation. The front 9 contains the most extreme of the elevation and the great views. The back 9 consists of more moderate elevation although still quite a bit and more heavily wooded and was actually my favorite loop disc golf wise despite not being as epic.

Cons:

Extreme elevation and challenge - not a great beginner or recreational course. Some blind baskets and landings providing a decent chance of losing disc on a couple holes. Only single tee and basket position. Beware mountain bikers coming down some fairways/cross country ski trails. Some of the Pars here don't make much sense and the extreme elevation makes some of them play weird.

Hole 11's tee sign seems to have the fairway curving to the left instead of right. Somewhat long confusing walk from 9 to 10 and long walk back to the parking lot from 18. After hole 9 you can go back to the parking lot which I did to re-up on H2O although it makes the walk a bit longer to 10.

Other Thoughts:

Storrs Pond is a true beauty and beast with a diabolical nature and I can see why many players might have a love/hate relationship with it and I think I'm in that camp as well. It requires a fair amount skill to navigate your disc down the fairways and a lot of physical stamina, however it's too short and extreme to be what I'd consider a true pro caliber course.

If you are a rank beginner or rec player and disregard the warnings, then it will require a high level masochism or a great sense of humor and humility and even more physical stamina - and if you are worried about disc loss then I'd recommend just playing the back 9 and hike up the front 9 for the views. If you make it up to hole 6 you should be physically able to finish, I think I spent 30-45 minutes at the picnic bench recovering and taking in the view - wow! I had to think about hole 7 a bit, and probably wisely chose a thumber on the mother of all blind downhill holes.

For most traveling players the close proximity to the interstate makes Storrs Pond a well worthwhile and epic choice to play on road trips.

Was this review helpful? Yes No
0 3
KnickerbockerLAG
Experience: 12 years 20 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Storrs Pond is no joke. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Storrs Pond is serious business. I have lost more discs on this course than any other. But I also love the fearlessness of the course design. I love the use of elevation and de-elevation. Its scenic, well laid out, and challenging.

Cons:

I appreciate the idea behind hole 7.... but dont even tell me anyone has it remotely down to a science. Be willing to lose your disc. If you love your disc, be willing to search for it for at least 45 minutes. I overthrew on my drive by about 300 feet. Bu then again. Not used to driving down a 400+ foot double black diamond. Nor should I be.

Other Thoughts:

This course is ballsy and I like it. NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 0
gsloat
Experience: 12.9 years 9 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fun Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of fun shots. The front 7 are up and down a ski slope with open space on most of the holes. A few blind shots which makes things more interesting for me. A few of the holes give you room to let rip!. The back holes (8 on) are wooded and not as steep. This makes for a different challenge and breaks the course up so the holes don't all feel the same.

Cons:

Need to work on the signs, just temp laminated ones at the beginning of the holes for the front nine, but the back nine have wooden signs. No trash cans on course. A few scattered across the course would be nice so I don't have to carry my empty "golf sodas"

Other Thoughts:

The Front nine can be very steep at times but makes for a good workout. The Course was created last year and I can see the drastic improvements from this spring to now. The fairways are more open and mowed and the brush has been thinned out to open up the area more for better shots and easier disc finds.

Caution on hole 7. It is very steep and is easy to throw over the tree line behind the basket. One of my friend lost a disc, overshot by a couple hundred feet.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 46 years 1562 played 1507 reviews
4.00 star(s)

I Have A LoveHate Relationship With This Course! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 6, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Storrs Pond Recreation Area Disc Golf Course is a brand new course designed by the the Marquis De Sade of course designers, James Beaulieu. Oh, how this resembles Pinnacles DGC, his other DGC of physical punishment and terror.

The front 9 at Storrs is built on BIG steep hill used as a cross country ski network. Then the back 9 plays through the lower campground and close to the pond. The back 9 is classic New Hampshire beautiful, wooded and technical. The course was built to challenge the best golfers and it does that, both physically and golf wise.

The tee pads are large and packed with gravel. The signs on the front 9 are currently just laminated and attached to a stick. Luckily, the teen crowd aren't going to hike all the way up here to vandalize them. The baskets are brand new Discatchers with the yellow bands and numbers on them. I'm glad they picked these baskets for this course. They're highly visible in the woods.

There are so many EpIc throws on this course!
# 3. Downhill but tight window and hyser at the end is nice.
# 4. Beautiful hole but 442' up and around a huge old Pine tree.
# 6 Gorgeous view of Hanover from here. Picnic table to take a rest and enjoy it from. By now, I needed a hammock, not a hard table.
# 6. The hole is diabolical. 335 over some brush to a small landing zone. Then a narrow road entry about 150' leading to the basket with a ravine on your left it's entire length. The basket is then perched about 1 foot from this ravine making for some scary putts and approaches.
# 7. 481 down a two tiered hill to a blind basket placement. I had been forewarned about being careful and not overthrowing this hole. Playing alone, I considered the risk/reward and thought about skipping it. Thought about throwing my trusty Roc. Finally, I decided to throw my driver but keep it low and not put too much zip on it. So I nice and softly let her go. I estimate when it passed 50 feet over the basket, it was traveling at Mach 4 and then took a hard hyser turn. It might have landed in the parking lot. It might have landed at the Dartmouth Commons. It might still be going!
# 9. 274' incredible straight shot down a very steep hill.
# 14. Great 290' steep downhill throw.
# 16. Pretty shot over a valley to basket sitting on other side.
# 18. Great little Ace run over a very deep ravine.

Cons:

For many golfers, the pure physical effort needed here will keep some from playing here. That's a shame as there are so many wonderful, epic throws on this course. Few courses anywhere can boast of so many.

The long walkout after 9 and then again after 18.

Cheesy laminated signs, although I'm sure better signage is coming.

Other Thoughts:

I'm not stating this as either a pro or a con but the pars for this course are all rated as par threes. Now, par is a relative term, so it's your number score that counts. So when you look at # 4 being 442' uphill or # 6 being a treacherous 335' or # 7's 481' downhill and almost all of us are raciking up the bogies and the double bogies, Just remember, those par 3's would be for a pro type player.

I wrote on another review that I have now finished my tri-fecta of top mountain courses in the area and this is how I rank them on my own personal enjoyment factor.

1. Storrs Pond. To many epic throws not to be first on list.
2. Otter Brook. Delicious front 9 and less painful to play.
3. Pinnacles. Loved 17 and 18 but the rest of the course less so.
4. Base Camp Outfitters. Have to add this course. Has two extremely difficult holes ( 1 & 3) but others didn't excite. Lacks natural beauty. Cheesy baskets.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
alfonseski
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great new course in the Upper Valley 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 4, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The new Storrs pond course built just a few months ago is a great new course for anyone looking for some challenging and unique holes. The front 9 has some wide open holes with some big uphills and some huge downhills(hole 7 is about as big a downhill as you will find) The back 9 is played in beautiful pine forests alongside a small pond which is a beautiful setting. The views of Hanover looking down from the top of the front 9 are quite appropriate for this beautiful corner of the country.

The holes here challenge a variety of shots with tunnel shots, long drives, variety of dog legs breaking both ways with big elevation changes. Several holes go downhill and uphill. Some exceptional holes include my favorite a downhill tunnel shot on number 9. The hole is 275 feet down a tunnel right in front of you. Trees everywhere else, can you throw it straight that far? Hole 2 massive downhill dogleg left, nothing like watching those overstable discs do their thing.

This course is quite difficult with all holes rating at par 3. Of those I would say 5 or 6 holes for most mortals birdies are not realistic.

This course stands up well to the many great courses within an hour or so. Hope to see you out there!

Cons:

I don't consider this a con but many people do. This course is a workout, you will sweat from walking up all of the hills. But the result is some amazing up and downhill holes. Ticks are a problem but that is a problem everywhere. Some might consider the fact that the front and back nine are a bit apart but it can be a pro if you want to play one or the other, you can park at either one.

Other Thoughts:

This course is lots of fun and worth trying. It is not quite finished so the best is yet to come. Bravo to the folks who put so much effort into creating it!

Also if you are interested in making a day or weekend of it they have camping onsite and swimming, paddleboarding, mountain biking, you name it. Hanover is a great college town as well with some good restaurants and bars.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
NHChiver
Experience: 9.9 years 22 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 11, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Designed to give the best golfers a challenge, This par 54 is as tough as they come. The front 9 is built on a cross country ski trail network. It plays across down and up a big hill from holes 1-6 then from 7-9 you go all the way down. Big open fairways will challenge even the biggest arms. Few birdie opportunities exist on the front 9, making 3s feel like a real accomplishment. the back 9 is classic New England tight, technical woods. This course has it all!

Cons:

Storrs Pond is brand new this year (2014) and just had it's grand opening in September. The course still needs a bit of breaking in. It looks and plays like a new course. Some of the fairway edges and roughs are unforgiving to say the least. As time goes on and more maintenance is done, all of this will be taken care of but for now, its does detract from what will someday be a stellar golf course.

Other Thoughts:

This course is not for the faint of heart, as it has over 400' of elevation change. Bring your hiking boots and a lot of water, it's a tough hike. The course is at a public rec area with a beach, pool, tennis courts, camping, kayak and canoe rentals. keep an eye out for other users.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top