Pros:
- even more unique shots than the Island Course, with slightly increased difficulty
- one set of challenging tees, good baskets
- an assortment of unique and phenomenal wooded holes, nestled in among several that are "merely" excellent
Cons:
- the only downside I can think of is that some of the structures (e.g. bridge on pond hole) are starting to show wear; still structurally sound, but noticeably worn and will need some work in the near future
- far away from major airports?
Other Thoughts:
It's a beautiful course in Osage Nation (see my Island Course review for a tad more info), in an area with beautiful trees and gentle elevation changes that make for challenging technical disc golf. At the same time, it's not so hilly or rugged that you're utterly exhausted after 18 holes. It ain't an afternoon in the park, but it ain't climbing a sixteener either. It's fun and physically demanding, but you'll make it. There's also shade on basically every hole. Just make sure you bring water for 18 holes since it doesn't really loop back to your car, but don't expect to need any survival skills unless you're playing on tornado or flash flood day (in other words, check with the meteorologist - the Oklahoma ones are among the best I've ever encountered).
I got the impression that the Island Course is often the favorite out here. Like at Selah, however, where Creekside blew me away, this course surprised and impressed me. Hole after hole was memorable, consistently challenging but with a line to hit, and with diverse and impressive basket placements. It's a long course, and there are a few holes toward beginning and end that were good golf holes but maybe too open (1-2, 15, 18) Nevertheless, there's no way around it: some of the wooded holes were among the best I've ever played. 9's downhill tunnel may have been my favorite. The elevated tee just beneath the tree canopy provided a fun and unique line, and a Teebird straight-to-hyzer was good enough to get me in the circle. The water carry on 12 was beautiful and also provided a nice layup zone to the right (I chose to go RHFH Zone-Zone for a laid-up par rather than risking water from the tee). 14's long par 4 required some decent distance to make a dogleg, followed by a decently long downhill approach. Plenty of others were special, including a creek-crossing down-and-up to a rocky green, and 14's very demanding long uphill shot. This whole course was, quite simply, a blast. I waited way too long to review this because I wanted to make it out a few more times before the review. I've since moved away from Oklahoma, so I figured the time was now.
Okay, did I mention the golf is awesome? Add to that how friendly the hosts are, and this place becomes even more attractive. I made three trips to the Lodge, and I had several interactions with Jim, Deborah, and family. I brought my family out for one Saturday, and Jim drove my wife and toddler around for a bit on some rougher parts of the course. Good people, and I wish them the absolute best. Having now played many more courses, both courses at the Lodge in Pawhuska remain among disc golf's elite. It would be a great disc golf destination for 2-3 days or more, with lodging or camping available. Contact Jim at the number on the DGCR page.
Rating: 4.5 for "phenomenal" was an easy decision for me. More courses like this, and disc golfers would go crazy trying to decide where to play. It's worth the trip!