Trophy Lakes reviews
22
0
hanger129
Experience:
4.3 years
45 played
2 reviews
A must-play in Charleston drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 5, 2023
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Trophy Lakes is a great, well-rounded and well-designed course that will really challenge intermediate and advanced players from the Blues while offering an enjoyable round with plenty of scoring opportunities from the Whites. With water in play on more than half the holes, the need to throw a good shot is always top of mind.
The Property / Amenities: Trophy Lakes is a pay-to-play course ($8) and requires an electronic pass to get on the property. Unfortunately, the gate system is frequently a headache for first time and repeat customers alike. Once on the property, Trophy offers two sets of concrete tee pads for the White and Blue layouts, and a set of dirt tees for the Red layout. Nearly every hole offers a bench, and trash cans can be found about every 4th or 5th hole. The course playes around the man-made lake and once you've tee'd off from hole 5, you're past the point of 'no return' meaning there trip back to the parking lot and pro shop can be a bit of a hike. Unfortunately there are no portapotties until you've looped back around to about hole 16. Regretably, the signage for many of the holes on the course are dated and occasionally inaccurate, and navigating the course can be a challenge for first time visitors.
Design: Trophy Lakes is an exceptionally well designed course. Intermediate players can expect to throw every type of disc in their bag. A handful of holes allow for a putter off the tee, while the attackable par 4s ask for a driver often followed by a midrange. Trophy's defining feature, unsurprisingly, is the lake that the course plays around. Water comes into play on about 10 of the holes from White, and 11 of the holes from Blue. The Red tees allow players to navigate the course without having to throw directly over water.
This course presents plenty of risk/rewards decisions. Take hole 5 from the Blue tee for example: the player must clear a ~300ft carry with water continuing down the entire right side of the fairway. If you decide to play conservative and hyzer to the left early, you will likely be left with a difficult RHFH flex shot, or flip-up BH with difficult footing. If you choose to risk more of the water and push the disc straighter for longer, you will be rewarded with a wider fairway with more options to work the disc up to the basket.
The holes present good shot variety with both right-to-left, left-to-right, straight, long bombers, short par 3s, big hyzers, flex lines, etc. If there is one fault I can give Trophy Lakes, it's that certain holes can only be attacked with a RHBH/LHFH (4, 5, 8, 10 white, 11 blue, 16A, 16 blue). In general, the course is more friendly to right-handed throwers than left.
Difficulty: From the White tees, Trophy is not an overly difficult course for intermediate players. The par 3s average in the 270-310ft range, and the par 4s are very attackable with relatively little risk. While a 900-rated round is about -1, if you're throwing the disc well, -5 or lower can easily be in reach.
Trophy's full potential is realized when playing from the Blues. It is a pro-level layout that will not only test your ability to throw the disc, but your decision-making and resillience as well. Par 3s from the Blues average between 310-350ft, the par 4s become very challenging to attack, and there are very few "gimme" birdies. Hole 11, for example, requires a 340ft water carry to have any reasonable chance of birdie. +7 is a 900-rated round from the Blues and -5 is 1000-rated.
The Property / Amenities: Trophy Lakes is a pay-to-play course ($8) and requires an electronic pass to get on the property. Unfortunately, the gate system is frequently a headache for first time and repeat customers alike. Once on the property, Trophy offers two sets of concrete tee pads for the White and Blue layouts, and a set of dirt tees for the Red layout. Nearly every hole offers a bench, and trash cans can be found about every 4th or 5th hole. The course playes around the man-made lake and once you've tee'd off from hole 5, you're past the point of 'no return' meaning there trip back to the parking lot and pro shop can be a bit of a hike. Unfortunately there are no portapotties until you've looped back around to about hole 16. Regretably, the signage for many of the holes on the course are dated and occasionally inaccurate, and navigating the course can be a challenge for first time visitors.
Design: Trophy Lakes is an exceptionally well designed course. Intermediate players can expect to throw every type of disc in their bag. A handful of holes allow for a putter off the tee, while the attackable par 4s ask for a driver often followed by a midrange. Trophy's defining feature, unsurprisingly, is the lake that the course plays around. Water comes into play on about 10 of the holes from White, and 11 of the holes from Blue. The Red tees allow players to navigate the course without having to throw directly over water.
This course presents plenty of risk/rewards decisions. Take hole 5 from the Blue tee for example: the player must clear a ~300ft carry with water continuing down the entire right side of the fairway. If you decide to play conservative and hyzer to the left early, you will likely be left with a difficult RHFH flex shot, or flip-up BH with difficult footing. If you choose to risk more of the water and push the disc straighter for longer, you will be rewarded with a wider fairway with more options to work the disc up to the basket.
The holes present good shot variety with both right-to-left, left-to-right, straight, long bombers, short par 3s, big hyzers, flex lines, etc. If there is one fault I can give Trophy Lakes, it's that certain holes can only be attacked with a RHBH/LHFH (4, 5, 8, 10 white, 11 blue, 16A, 16 blue). In general, the course is more friendly to right-handed throwers than left.
Difficulty: From the White tees, Trophy is not an overly difficult course for intermediate players. The par 3s average in the 270-310ft range, and the par 4s are very attackable with relatively little risk. While a 900-rated round is about -1, if you're throwing the disc well, -5 or lower can easily be in reach.
Trophy's full potential is realized when playing from the Blues. It is a pro-level layout that will not only test your ability to throw the disc, but your decision-making and resillience as well. Par 3s from the Blues average between 310-350ft, the par 4s become very challenging to attack, and there are very few "gimme" birdies. Hole 11, for example, requires a 340ft water carry to have any reasonable chance of birdie. +7 is a 900-rated round from the Blues and -5 is 1000-rated.
Other Thoughts:
While Trophy Lakes is often seen as the best course in Charleston (for good reason), the property owners have relatively little interest in the sport. Even though discs are frequently retrieved from the lake, getting them back proves to be a hassle due to infrequent and inconsistent pro shop hours. With the recent addition of the floating obstacle courses, disc golfers can expect to deal with loud children while playing holes 11, 16A, and white 16, and risk hitting parked cars lining the OB area of 17. The original hole 18 is frequently unavailable to play during the summer due to non-disc golf customers parking on it's fairway. Luckily the local club has been afforded the opportunity to modify the course during the peak times for these non-disc golf activities, and new holes have been created that aren't available year-round.
10
0
Best in Charleston 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 17, 2018
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Trophy Lakes is the best track in the Charleston area, as far as I can tell. I see that repeated in review after review. I've only played a limited number of Charleston courses, Sewee Outpost being the best, in my opinion, prior to playing Trophy Lakes, but I feel pretty confident in saying that you won't be disappointed if you choose to play this one instead of any or all others.
+ Trophy Lakes is a terrific, true water course. There are water carries and holes where the water comes into play on putts and/or hyzers out over the water. Obviously, there's a risk of disc loss here, but you know that going in and can plan accordingly. Bring some cheap plastic or floating discs. In my opinion, it's worth the risk to play a beautiful course like this. There's something awesome about watching a disc fly over water. Oh, and even if you do land in the water, you may eventually be able to get your disc back. They employ divers to retrieve discs and post pics on their website to give customers a chance to buy back their lost discs.
+ Terrific risk/reward elements throughout the course: baskets close to water, some with steep greens; par 4's with water in play, forcing you to decide how aggressive you want to be on your drive; a handful of elevated baskets; OB in play even on some of the non-water holes.
+ There's awesome variety here: short, technical holes; long holes to bomb drives (including par 4's and a par 5); straight, right, and left playing holes.
+ Challenging for all skill levels, with red, white, and blue tees. The red tees mostly limit the risk of going in the water. The white tees are perfect for intermediate players with no water carries a 250 to 300-foot thrower can't handle.
+ Pro shop and restrooms
+ Beautiful setting: the course and the property
+ Zero rough to speak of
+ Well maintained
+ Navigation wasn't an A+ (could use a few more directional signs), but it's pretty easy and intuitive. There are helpful and accurate tee signs on every hole.
+ Even being a challenging course, there are ace runs and birdies to be found. There is great scoring differential possibilities on many holes.
+ Trophy Lakes is a terrific, true water course. There are water carries and holes where the water comes into play on putts and/or hyzers out over the water. Obviously, there's a risk of disc loss here, but you know that going in and can plan accordingly. Bring some cheap plastic or floating discs. In my opinion, it's worth the risk to play a beautiful course like this. There's something awesome about watching a disc fly over water. Oh, and even if you do land in the water, you may eventually be able to get your disc back. They employ divers to retrieve discs and post pics on their website to give customers a chance to buy back their lost discs.
+ Terrific risk/reward elements throughout the course: baskets close to water, some with steep greens; par 4's with water in play, forcing you to decide how aggressive you want to be on your drive; a handful of elevated baskets; OB in play even on some of the non-water holes.
+ There's awesome variety here: short, technical holes; long holes to bomb drives (including par 4's and a par 5); straight, right, and left playing holes.
+ Challenging for all skill levels, with red, white, and blue tees. The red tees mostly limit the risk of going in the water. The white tees are perfect for intermediate players with no water carries a 250 to 300-foot thrower can't handle.
+ Pro shop and restrooms
+ Beautiful setting: the course and the property
+ Zero rough to speak of
+ Well maintained
+ Navigation wasn't an A+ (could use a few more directional signs), but it's pretty easy and intuitive. There are helpful and accurate tee signs on every hole.
+ Even being a challenging course, there are ace runs and birdies to be found. There is great scoring differential possibilities on many holes.
Cons:
This is a 4.0 course that borders on 4.5, for me, and would be with a few tweaks.
- You know this is a great course when I say that my biggest con is that it doesn't have new baskets. (That's pretty minor, in my book.) The all-metal baskets are tough to see from some of the tees. New, neon baskets here would just make the course a grand slam.
- The tees are OK, but not great. Bigger concrete tees are a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
- You know this is a great course when I say that my biggest con is that it doesn't have new baskets. (That's pretty minor, in my book.) The all-metal baskets are tough to see from some of the tees. New, neon baskets here would just make the course a grand slam.
- The tees are OK, but not great. Bigger concrete tees are a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
Other Thoughts:
Trophy Lakes is well worth the $6 to play as long as you want. This is the future of disc golf (I hope): private, pay to play, country club like courses that are still very affordable. If you're in Charleston or just visiting, this is a must-play.
5
3
Sparkles
Experience:
15.3 years
22 played
18 reviews
Best Challenge for Charleston! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jan 26, 2018
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
*Baskets are all in excellent shape.
*Great Pro shop with a friendly staff.
*All concrete tee pads for the advanced and pro players.
*Great AM Tees for the beginner's and young players.
*Greens are in excellent shape with very good course up-keep.
*Many signature holes, with unique charm and high re-play value.
*Very nice layout with water shots and variety of distances.
*Great Pro shop with a friendly staff.
*All concrete tee pads for the advanced and pro players.
*Great AM Tees for the beginner's and young players.
*Greens are in excellent shape with very good course up-keep.
*Many signature holes, with unique charm and high re-play value.
*Very nice layout with water shots and variety of distances.
Cons:
*Bugs could be an issue during the hot months, however in SC, good luck finding a course that doesn't have this issue.
*Weaker players can find the Advanced and Pro Tees too hard on making Water shots. (lots of lost disc)
*Weaker players can find the Advanced and Pro Tees too hard on making Water shots. (lots of lost disc)
Other Thoughts:
The best course in the Charleston Area. This is a must play course if you live in South Carolina. Great place to enjoy the game, this course raises the bar of what a course should be. A++++
13
0
Your Discs are the Lake's Trophy 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 29, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
Layout - It has the word Lake in its name for a reason and water is the name of the game on this course. There's only a few holes where the water isn't in play and that along with a stiff breeze creates some interesting disc golf.
There's three sets of tees (R,W,B) which offer up different challenges. The reds are family/novice friendly and usually take as much water out of play as they can. The whites and blues are much closer in difficulty and you still have plenty of danger playing from the whites. The blues up the ante by tucking tees back in to early gaps or adding considerable length. If you don't throw 400+ I'd suggest playing the whites or skipping a few of the blues.
Overall this course has a really nice balance in how it uses the trees and water. You'll need a plethora of shots to go through this course and a good command on placement to avoid getting wet or going OB. I love how they vary how the water comes in to play throughout.
The width of the lines varies right along with the length of the holes. I really enjoyed getting to each tee and having a new challenge or a new look as you go through, that's something many courses have a hard time achieving. Many holes give you options on how to play it with multiple gaps.
The multi-shot holes are simply fantastic. I found myself standing on the tee several times thinking about how I wanted to attack the hole. You really have to decide how much you want to bite off or which route you want to take.
There's a ton of risk/reward here and the greens are usually very dangerous if you're trying to go right at them. I'll say it again that you really have to game plan each hole and consider where you're trying to end up.
Equipment - Concrete tees on the blue and whites. The reds have natural which is fine for that level. Each tee has a sign which is a huge plus. Baskets are in good shape. One sunken/raised basket combo on one hole. There's a course map at the beginning and a pro shop selling discs and such.
Atmosphere - It's a really cool park that is also used for towed wakeboarding. It's not a huge lake but it has some very good looking holes and nice scenery. I played early so it wasn't busy but even with more people it just seems like a chill place.
There's three sets of tees (R,W,B) which offer up different challenges. The reds are family/novice friendly and usually take as much water out of play as they can. The whites and blues are much closer in difficulty and you still have plenty of danger playing from the whites. The blues up the ante by tucking tees back in to early gaps or adding considerable length. If you don't throw 400+ I'd suggest playing the whites or skipping a few of the blues.
Overall this course has a really nice balance in how it uses the trees and water. You'll need a plethora of shots to go through this course and a good command on placement to avoid getting wet or going OB. I love how they vary how the water comes in to play throughout.
The width of the lines varies right along with the length of the holes. I really enjoyed getting to each tee and having a new challenge or a new look as you go through, that's something many courses have a hard time achieving. Many holes give you options on how to play it with multiple gaps.
The multi-shot holes are simply fantastic. I found myself standing on the tee several times thinking about how I wanted to attack the hole. You really have to decide how much you want to bite off or which route you want to take.
There's a ton of risk/reward here and the greens are usually very dangerous if you're trying to go right at them. I'll say it again that you really have to game plan each hole and consider where you're trying to end up.
Equipment - Concrete tees on the blue and whites. The reds have natural which is fine for that level. Each tee has a sign which is a huge plus. Baskets are in good shape. One sunken/raised basket combo on one hole. There's a course map at the beginning and a pro shop selling discs and such.
Atmosphere - It's a really cool park that is also used for towed wakeboarding. It's not a huge lake but it has some very good looking holes and nice scenery. I played early so it wasn't busy but even with more people it just seems like a chill place.
Cons:
Layout - A few of the holes could be considered filler. I think they're all fine holes but to me 2 and 18 just don't mesh well with the rest of the course. 18 especially is not the finishing hole you'd like after playing such a great course. A couple others are maybe not up to the level as most of the holes but there's only so many places you can stick a hole in the area with all the water.
The flow of the course is kinda weird at points. You do some backtracking so make sure you grab a map or take a pic of the course map outside the pro shop.
The course is almost completely flat; outside of a couple hills created to stick baskets on.
Overall the course does favor players who throw RHBH/LHFH dominantly. I think the course does a good job of giving you other options on some of the water holes but the advantage is definitely there.
Equipment - The baskets can be hard to see on some of the holes.
Atmosphere - It's a lake near the beach so yeah expect it to be buggy. There's some spots with standing water (outside the lake) and mushy ground. You are sharing this course with people who aren't playing disc golf so keep that in mind. There's also a few houses/campers situated on the course very close to holes.
The flow of the course is kinda weird at points. You do some backtracking so make sure you grab a map or take a pic of the course map outside the pro shop.
The course is almost completely flat; outside of a couple hills created to stick baskets on.
Overall the course does favor players who throw RHBH/LHFH dominantly. I think the course does a good job of giving you other options on some of the water holes but the advantage is definitely there.
Equipment - The baskets can be hard to see on some of the holes.
Atmosphere - It's a lake near the beach so yeah expect it to be buggy. There's some spots with standing water (outside the lake) and mushy ground. You are sharing this course with people who aren't playing disc golf so keep that in mind. There's also a few houses/campers situated on the course very close to holes.
Other Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed Trophy Lakes and highly recommend people checking it out if you're in town. It's definitely worth the $5 to play and if you're worried about losing discs just bring some DX plastic to throw over the water. I lost two discs on hole 6 due to some strong morning gusts and I just laughed it off and had a great time.
4
1
Trophy Lakes 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 20, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
My three pros:
+ Another beuatiful course in SC! The lakes and river around the course are well maintained and make for several pretty holes
+As a pay-2-play course this one has all the expected stuff- good signage, easy navigation, nice tee-pads, good baskets even some random but nicelooking discraft banners here and there. I bought 2 discs at the proshop from a very cool, very cute employee and didnt have to pay the 6$ fee. I like buying discs and i like not paying greenfees and i like cute girls so this was a triple plus for me.
+one of the only true championship courses ive played where the blue tees looked tough and intimidating but not just added fluff so once i get better i hope to play those. I stuck to the white tess and had a great time and was challenged thourghout. The red tees looked pretty short throughout but the water in play on many holes make evenm the red tees interesting. This course has probably done the best of any ive visited with making three unique tees for each basket ranging from confident beginner to Mcpro!
+ Another beuatiful course in SC! The lakes and river around the course are well maintained and make for several pretty holes
+As a pay-2-play course this one has all the expected stuff- good signage, easy navigation, nice tee-pads, good baskets even some random but nicelooking discraft banners here and there. I bought 2 discs at the proshop from a very cool, very cute employee and didnt have to pay the 6$ fee. I like buying discs and i like not paying greenfees and i like cute girls so this was a triple plus for me.
+one of the only true championship courses ive played where the blue tees looked tough and intimidating but not just added fluff so once i get better i hope to play those. I stuck to the white tess and had a great time and was challenged thourghout. The red tees looked pretty short throughout but the water in play on many holes make evenm the red tees interesting. This course has probably done the best of any ive visited with making three unique tees for each basket ranging from confident beginner to Mcpro!
Cons:
My three cons:
-I play RHFH most drives so when theres a RHBH bias i notice pretty quick. that was definitley the case here as it seemed every over-water shot needed a good backhand hyzer shot so i was consistenmtly hitting sketchy anhyzer FH shots over the water. I get it that most people want RHBH favored holes but i felt like every over the water shot was a big risk as the water is almost always to the right of the hole...
-this is lost disc type water. they may have divers, and you may have drivers but youll be weary to bust em out since the big water crossings are guarded by lots of trees. it didnt happen to me, but i played conservative throughout bc if you get a good throw that tips a twig then bye bye disc in the deep wakeboarding lake. a couple times like on 15 and 18 i wanted to try the blue and throw around an island but this isnt wii dg so a brief tree tap means a lost ~15$ disc...
-the wakeboarding in the lake is a bit of a distraction. there was one couple wakeboarding while i was there and they were makin some noise but it wasnt overwhelming..
-I play RHFH most drives so when theres a RHBH bias i notice pretty quick. that was definitley the case here as it seemed every over-water shot needed a good backhand hyzer shot so i was consistenmtly hitting sketchy anhyzer FH shots over the water. I get it that most people want RHBH favored holes but i felt like every over the water shot was a big risk as the water is almost always to the right of the hole...
-this is lost disc type water. they may have divers, and you may have drivers but youll be weary to bust em out since the big water crossings are guarded by lots of trees. it didnt happen to me, but i played conservative throughout bc if you get a good throw that tips a twig then bye bye disc in the deep wakeboarding lake. a couple times like on 15 and 18 i wanted to try the blue and throw around an island but this isnt wii dg so a brief tree tap means a lost ~15$ disc...
-the wakeboarding in the lake is a bit of a distraction. there was one couple wakeboarding while i was there and they were makin some noise but it wasnt overwhelming..
Other Thoughts:
This course was pretty memorable for me and I hope to play it again if im in charleston. This one had several shots over the water that were fun from the white tees and wouldve been extreme from the blue tees. I wish I had a set of floating discs and a person in a boat to follow me around so i could play the blue tees all out. Between this course an the fire swamp, if im in the area again and only have time for one i'd come here. plus the Angel Oak is righty down the road and its pretty cool too.
7
0
Jiggy202
Experience:
13.9 years
63 played
25 reviews
Lives up to the Name 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 25, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Three sets of tees designed perfectly to challenge the beginner, intermediate, and advanced players respectively.
-Tee signs at every teebox with all possible of information you would need for the hole.
-Pretty easy to navigate even without a map. If you can find any teebox for the next hole, the info to find the correct teebox is on every sign.
-Decent disc golf shop with a pretty good selection of new discs.
-The risk/reward factor was mixed in really well, offering a wide variety of challenges for players of all skill levels and throwing styles.
-Tee signs at every teebox with all possible of information you would need for the hole.
-Pretty easy to navigate even without a map. If you can find any teebox for the next hole, the info to find the correct teebox is on every sign.
-Decent disc golf shop with a pretty good selection of new discs.
-The risk/reward factor was mixed in really well, offering a wide variety of challenges for players of all skill levels and throwing styles.
Cons:
-Course is pretty flat, but that's just the way it is around this area.
-A ton of water hazards in play... 10/18 holes. Some baskets were very close to the water. This course lives up to its name for sure. Very high chance your disc will end up in the water at some point.
-Holes 11-13 had some overlap that could cause issues on busy days.
-#16 plays a blind shot over the main entrance road, it's not a busy road but it could cause problems
-A ton of water hazards in play... 10/18 holes. Some baskets were very close to the water. This course lives up to its name for sure. Very high chance your disc will end up in the water at some point.
-Holes 11-13 had some overlap that could cause issues on busy days.
-#16 plays a blind shot over the main entrance road, it's not a busy road but it could cause problems
Other Thoughts:
This course is absolutely worth the $5 dollar fee to play. I would definitely come back and play this course again if I am in the area. I found it a really enjoyable round. The course kept me wondering what possibly could be coming up next. Yep, it truly lives up to its name. The course offers a challenge to all players and tests your skills and decision making with many risk/reward shots. I really enjoyed the sunken and hanging basket on 13. The flow between holes was a little funky in a few spots but it was manageable. This course has quite a few positives and only a few negatives. In my opinion it's the best course in the Charleston area.
10
0
Well worth the $5 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 7, 2014
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
- Concrete tee pads on long & mid (blue & white) in good shape.
- Nice tee signs showing not only the normal info - but also info such as water carry - distance to water, etc as needed.
- 3 sets of well marked tees with varying difficulty and water risk. Blue has lots of water in play and some longer carries (250 is longest if you lay up on a hole or 2). White has a few shorter carries. Red has no carries but a few with water close by.
- Nice pro shop on site with a great selection.
- They pond dive for your discs and you can buy them back for a few $
- Good variety of golf shots required (outside of the water). Some are fairly tight - a few quite open - and one long bomber (over 1000' par 5).
- Hole 13. Tight double mando off the tee - and it opens up to either ~295 raised haning basket (blue) or 282' to a sunken basket (white). Bonus as I managed to ace the sunken basket with a nice hyzer flip.
- Nice tee signs showing not only the normal info - but also info such as water carry - distance to water, etc as needed.
- 3 sets of well marked tees with varying difficulty and water risk. Blue has lots of water in play and some longer carries (250 is longest if you lay up on a hole or 2). White has a few shorter carries. Red has no carries but a few with water close by.
- Nice pro shop on site with a great selection.
- They pond dive for your discs and you can buy them back for a few $
- Good variety of golf shots required (outside of the water). Some are fairly tight - a few quite open - and one long bomber (over 1000' par 5).
- Hole 13. Tight double mando off the tee - and it opens up to either ~295 raised haning basket (blue) or 282' to a sunken basket (white). Bonus as I managed to ace the sunken basket with a nice hyzer flip.
Cons:
- Not really a con to me - but $5 to play is worth the mention. (note - it was well worth the $5)
- Hole 16 crosses the road (twice). Although the road is not busy you can't see anything coming as you throw from the blue tee.
- Course flow got a bit awkward in a few spots and had me wandering a bit to find the next tee.
- Hole 16 crosses the road (twice). Although the road is not busy you can't see anything coming as you throw from the blue tee.
- Course flow got a bit awkward in a few spots and had me wandering a bit to find the next tee.
Other Thoughts:
I have played both the blue & white tees and enjoyed them both (even though blue handed me my lunch...and stole my bandit RIP). I also brought along a beginner who had a good day with no lost discs from the reds. It is well worth the $5 to play and is the best of the courses that I was able to bag while in Charleston for a few days. This course has so much going for it with very few drawbacks. I just wish it was close to home so I could play it more often.
Great course!
Great course!
10
0
thecoasterman589
Experience:
10.8 years
33 played
6 reviews
Great Course For All Skill Levels! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 9, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course will fit pretty much any player's skill level depending on which tee they play from because of the increasing amount of water from each tee (red tees don't really have many water hazards, while the blue tees have many water hazards). In addition, there was a ton of variation in hole design. For example, About half of the holes had some kind of water to worry about and half didn't. Also, some holes were heavily wooded and some were relatively open. The signage was good too. Each tee sign had the distances from each tee and a map of the hole. The course is well maintained and manicured and all of the tee pads, baskets, and signs seem in top-notch condition. There is also a great pro shop that sells many discs.
Cons:
There is a $5 fee to play which can be a pain, but it is well worth the price! Also, on nice days, there will be wakeboarders practicing on the lakes right next to the holes. They are very loud and might even splash you a bit while you are putting (if you are close enough to the water). There is a ton of water, so losing a disc is very possible, but you could always purchase a new disc in the pro shop.
Other Thoughts:
If you want a great day of fun, go to Trophy Lakes and bring $5, a golden retriever and some discs. It is one of the best DG experiences you can get in SC!
2
3
lukejones
Experience:
11.8 years
70 played
24 reviews
One of my favorites 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 28, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course seems to be professional caliber. It has everything you want from a well thought out course layout around a ski lake to plenty of trees, multiple tee locations for beginner, amateur and professional skill levels, some very demanding par 4's and 5's and some fun and even unique basket locations, such as the basket in the ground on hole 13.
Cons:
None on the course come to mind, but I could see where the ski lake could become distracting
Other Thoughts:
My wife and I played this course on a trip late November. We're fairly new to the sport, however, based on the reviews, we decided to give this course a try. I was very pleased with my 1 over round from the am tees. I definitely recommend having a disc or 2 that either floats or you don't care about on some of the water holes. Somehow I managed to not lose a disc, but this involved some amount of luck!
15
0
Trophy Lakes takes gold! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 14, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
-WATER, WATER, WATER!!
-good variety of distances
-decent mix of open, semi-open, somewhat wooded holes
-fun & challenging greens and basket placements
-several legit multi-throw holes for most arms
-3 tee levels, all with concrete
-great new signs with all the new tee info
-next tee signs and maps on the scorecard, navigation is easy
-practice basket
-benches, trashcans, restrooms, pro shop
-awesome watersports on the lakes
-pay to play (yes, i think it's a good thing)
-good variety of distances
-decent mix of open, semi-open, somewhat wooded holes
-fun & challenging greens and basket placements
-several legit multi-throw holes for most arms
-3 tee levels, all with concrete
-great new signs with all the new tee info
-next tee signs and maps on the scorecard, navigation is easy
-practice basket
-benches, trashcans, restrooms, pro shop
-awesome watersports on the lakes
-pay to play (yes, i think it's a good thing)
Cons:
-mostly flat terrain, but what can you do
-only 2 kinda wooded holes
-hole 11 has to walk through 12's fairway. tee 13 is in 12's fairway
-16 plays over the main road, watch for cars
-18 plays near the overflow parking
-inevitable lost discs in the water, but it's so worth it. the pucker factor adds to the fun factor! also, there is a lost and found in the pro shop.
-only 2 kinda wooded holes
-hole 11 has to walk through 12's fairway. tee 13 is in 12's fairway
-16 plays over the main road, watch for cars
-18 plays near the overflow parking
-inevitable lost discs in the water, but it's so worth it. the pucker factor adds to the fun factor! also, there is a lost and found in the pro shop.
Other Thoughts:
This course is totally awesome! I had such a great time playing here. The course plays around a couple of small lakes that are open for watersports. There are six potential water carries plus many baskets near the water's edge.
Many of the holes play into or out of the edge of the trees surrounding the course area but there are really only 2 holes that are more or less wooded. The lack of some true wooded holes and any real elevation are my only nitpicking complains about this course but the design does the best it can with what is available.
There is great variety in the distances between holes, especially with 3 different tee levels. They are appropriate for different skill levels but the water is still present and challenging on all the tee levels. The blues are a real beast with 8 holes over 500' and the new red (family) tees are great for the on-vacation golfer with the family in tow.
The fun factor is high here. I love all the water hazards and risk/reward involved. It may be frustrating for newer players, or anyone who loses some plastic in the drink, but experienced players will appreciate the challenge. The sunken basket on 13 and the hanging basket nearby are cool touches. I should also note that the wakeboarding pulley system is awesome but it does make a bit of noise. You won't get that secluded out in nature feeling but the park is beautiful. The flat land and lack of true wooded holes is what holds Trophy Lakes back from being a truly elite course.
I talked to the owner and I could tell he took a lot of pride in the course. It also showed in the level of maintenance. I'm glad the $5 is going to good use. Definitely the best course in the Charleston area and my favorite course that I have played in South Carolina.
**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
Many of the holes play into or out of the edge of the trees surrounding the course area but there are really only 2 holes that are more or less wooded. The lack of some true wooded holes and any real elevation are my only nitpicking complains about this course but the design does the best it can with what is available.
There is great variety in the distances between holes, especially with 3 different tee levels. They are appropriate for different skill levels but the water is still present and challenging on all the tee levels. The blues are a real beast with 8 holes over 500' and the new red (family) tees are great for the on-vacation golfer with the family in tow.
The fun factor is high here. I love all the water hazards and risk/reward involved. It may be frustrating for newer players, or anyone who loses some plastic in the drink, but experienced players will appreciate the challenge. The sunken basket on 13 and the hanging basket nearby are cool touches. I should also note that the wakeboarding pulley system is awesome but it does make a bit of noise. You won't get that secluded out in nature feeling but the park is beautiful. The flat land and lack of true wooded holes is what holds Trophy Lakes back from being a truly elite course.
I talked to the owner and I could tell he took a lot of pride in the course. It also showed in the level of maintenance. I'm glad the $5 is going to good use. Definitely the best course in the Charleston area and my favorite course that I have played in South Carolina.
**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
7
1
The great lakes 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jul 30, 2012
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
-Trophy lakes is a great disc golf course around John's Island. It's the best course in Charleston and when I played it, I could see why.
-The course has nice teepads that are nice and longer than most. You will need a big strong run up since a lot of water occurs and some teeshots are over the water.
-The new family tees came and they are now the red tees. The tees that used to be red are now the whites. The blues are the same. On the new red tees, every hole under 300' so if you are a beginner, the red tees are for you. Not a lot of water occurs either.
-There are next tee signs that point you where to go. They also have the hole # you are headed to.
-There is a pro shop where you can pick up scorecards and they have many discs that float in water (dragons, hydras and wahoos) so if you don't have a floatable disc, bring about $10 for that. Also bring about $2 for sodas. You will need it.
-There is a practice basket to the back of the pro shop.
-#14 is a great hole! At 825' feet long with a wide fairway but there are woods to the left. Avoid the trees to the right as well because it's hard to get out if you are not in the fairway. Don't let this hole beat you up. It's fun but punishing as well.
-There are mando trees as well and I like the mando gate on #13 since it is only a few feet from the tree. There is a mando on #14 too but it only points you to go left.
-I loved #14 but my favorite is #13. I have not seen a basket sunken that you can't see the pole part. It's easier to make bigger putts on this one since it's lower.
-There is also another practice basket beside #13's basket that is hanging from a tree. It's fun to practice in that one.
-All of the baskets are in good shape and the grass is cut.
-Benches and trashcans are on the course along with bathrooms.
-The course has nice teepads that are nice and longer than most. You will need a big strong run up since a lot of water occurs and some teeshots are over the water.
-The new family tees came and they are now the red tees. The tees that used to be red are now the whites. The blues are the same. On the new red tees, every hole under 300' so if you are a beginner, the red tees are for you. Not a lot of water occurs either.
-There are next tee signs that point you where to go. They also have the hole # you are headed to.
-There is a pro shop where you can pick up scorecards and they have many discs that float in water (dragons, hydras and wahoos) so if you don't have a floatable disc, bring about $10 for that. Also bring about $2 for sodas. You will need it.
-There is a practice basket to the back of the pro shop.
-#14 is a great hole! At 825' feet long with a wide fairway but there are woods to the left. Avoid the trees to the right as well because it's hard to get out if you are not in the fairway. Don't let this hole beat you up. It's fun but punishing as well.
-There are mando trees as well and I like the mando gate on #13 since it is only a few feet from the tree. There is a mando on #14 too but it only points you to go left.
-I loved #14 but my favorite is #13. I have not seen a basket sunken that you can't see the pole part. It's easier to make bigger putts on this one since it's lower.
-There is also another practice basket beside #13's basket that is hanging from a tree. It's fun to practice in that one.
-All of the baskets are in good shape and the grass is cut.
-Benches and trashcans are on the course along with bathrooms.
Cons:
-The teesigns are gone and the baskets are not numbered. If you don't get a map in the pro shop, then you could be lost.
-The new red tees do not have tee pads yet but they are new so I think they will soon.
-#11 isn't a good hole. It's surrounded by water and you will need to throw a big hyzer to avoid it. Sometimes it can go the wrong way and you will land in the water. I did that with a dragon and I still got soaked. You might want to consider playing the red tees on this hole. It's the same with a couple more but they have the fairways straight ahead.
-Paying to play is always a con. It's $5 bucks so you will need to bring about $20. I would play at least twice so it's worth the payment. It's a lot of fun and once you pay, you can play all day.
-I had a hard time finding #1 usually people can find it but you just go right of the parking lot and pro shop. #1's basket is across the road and water is past the basket.
#8 was moved back and I lost a disc in the water since the water is more straight ahead. It really should be moved back cause this design is no good and #18 isn't a great finishing hole, it's too short for a par 4 and for players who usually hit 300+ can get an eagle.
-The new red tees do not have tee pads yet but they are new so I think they will soon.
-#11 isn't a good hole. It's surrounded by water and you will need to throw a big hyzer to avoid it. Sometimes it can go the wrong way and you will land in the water. I did that with a dragon and I still got soaked. You might want to consider playing the red tees on this hole. It's the same with a couple more but they have the fairways straight ahead.
-Paying to play is always a con. It's $5 bucks so you will need to bring about $20. I would play at least twice so it's worth the payment. It's a lot of fun and once you pay, you can play all day.
-I had a hard time finding #1 usually people can find it but you just go right of the parking lot and pro shop. #1's basket is across the road and water is past the basket.
#8 was moved back and I lost a disc in the water since the water is more straight ahead. It really should be moved back cause this design is no good and #18 isn't a great finishing hole, it's too short for a par 4 and for players who usually hit 300+ can get an eagle.
Other Thoughts:
I do not live in Charleston. I was just here for vacation with my family and my parents got me to play here. Pay $5 for the disc golfin' and you can buy discs that float for 8 to $10 bucks. I would bring your own cooler and keep it in your car. You will need something to drink after every round you play because you will be sweatin' like a pig. I met a man named James and he played the last four holes with me on my second round. The day before I played here, he played four rounds. You might also get wet. Bring your bathing suit or extra clothes and a towel. There is a lot of water. Get why my title is called "The Great Lakes"
hole by hole review (white)
#1. Nice starting hole that isn't very long but just get over the road and you are pretty close. Don't bomb your drive. You could land in the water past the basket.
#2. I like that it's wooded. This hole is short but requires accuracy since there are a lotof trees. Sidearming is safer and RHBH can get you close or it can hit a tree.
#3. Another wooded hole I liked. It's no longer than #2 and it's straight but the tree in the middle of the fairway can mess you up. Go left or right of it.
#4. The great elevation hole! The deep woods aren't as nasty right as they are left. A midrange goes straighter as you know so go with that. Give it a little power, you got an uphill putt.
#5. Not hard if you avoid the woods to the left and miss the tree ahead of you. If you are in my range of throwing (225-275) and occasional hit 300+. Give it more power than you usually do.
#6. Now there is a long hole. It's 546 feet of distance and accuracy. Once you get over the lake about 200-210' feet. You got a lot of trees to avoid. I didn't like this hole and a bogey isn't bad for this one. RHBH on you teeshot.
#7. Nice hole for sidearm throwers. It's a bit challenging since you have to avoid the woods right and miss the water also to the right. Only let it turn a little but right.
#8. I don't like that it was moved back at all. It's now at least 260' from the white and it's not an ace run anymore. The water is more straight ahead and it's a disc eater. Hyzers are needed.
#9. Also technical but if you are in the fairway which is in the field, that's a good shot. The basket is in the woods. Sneak through whatever tree you find easy to avoid. 243' feet long.
#10. It's like #11 but the fairway is wider and a small hyzer and a decent 250' is a nice shot. It's longer than 324' though. It's about 350'. I like the basket on the small circle of bricks.
#11. Not fun at all. The water is really nasty and I got soaked by getting my disc out. So I don't like this one. A hyzer should be safe but discs turnover on this one and the water skiiers can distract you.
#12. Decent hole that is longer than 380' though but anyway. The water is ahead by 180' feet. It's not too much in play though but going over is risky. Go short if you can throw very straight. Going over give you an easy birdie and even if you aren't across, you still have a birdie opprotunity.
#13. My favorite on the course and the sunken basket is awesome. Hit the mando tree if you play the white and blue tee. It's the same. If you play red, there is no mando.
#14. Super long and challenging. Brillant design and the fairway is wide enough for a monstrous drive on this monster. Be cafeful and this is a test of your big drives. Don't let them go bad. I loved this hole.
#15. Mildly frightening teeshot that requires at least 190' feet of accuracy and don't keep it low. You are in the water if it's low and don't sidearm either.
#16. Great par 4 that is a dogleg left. The basket is exactly the way #10's is on the brick circle. The tree in front of your teeshot is a disc magnet. Keep it lowerthan the limbs hanging down.
#17. Not an ace run but very easy if you avoid the bushes in the fairway.
#18. Too short for a par 4 at only 333' feet long. It's also straight. The lake is in play to the right and the road is very close to the left. Sidearm over the road and get it to go right and you have an easy birdie.
-#13 was my favorite but the signature hole probably is #14. It's length was pleasing.
hole by hole review (white)
#1. Nice starting hole that isn't very long but just get over the road and you are pretty close. Don't bomb your drive. You could land in the water past the basket.
#2. I like that it's wooded. This hole is short but requires accuracy since there are a lotof trees. Sidearming is safer and RHBH can get you close or it can hit a tree.
#3. Another wooded hole I liked. It's no longer than #2 and it's straight but the tree in the middle of the fairway can mess you up. Go left or right of it.
#4. The great elevation hole! The deep woods aren't as nasty right as they are left. A midrange goes straighter as you know so go with that. Give it a little power, you got an uphill putt.
#5. Not hard if you avoid the woods to the left and miss the tree ahead of you. If you are in my range of throwing (225-275) and occasional hit 300+. Give it more power than you usually do.
#6. Now there is a long hole. It's 546 feet of distance and accuracy. Once you get over the lake about 200-210' feet. You got a lot of trees to avoid. I didn't like this hole and a bogey isn't bad for this one. RHBH on you teeshot.
#7. Nice hole for sidearm throwers. It's a bit challenging since you have to avoid the woods right and miss the water also to the right. Only let it turn a little but right.
#8. I don't like that it was moved back at all. It's now at least 260' from the white and it's not an ace run anymore. The water is more straight ahead and it's a disc eater. Hyzers are needed.
#9. Also technical but if you are in the fairway which is in the field, that's a good shot. The basket is in the woods. Sneak through whatever tree you find easy to avoid. 243' feet long.
#10. It's like #11 but the fairway is wider and a small hyzer and a decent 250' is a nice shot. It's longer than 324' though. It's about 350'. I like the basket on the small circle of bricks.
#11. Not fun at all. The water is really nasty and I got soaked by getting my disc out. So I don't like this one. A hyzer should be safe but discs turnover on this one and the water skiiers can distract you.
#12. Decent hole that is longer than 380' though but anyway. The water is ahead by 180' feet. It's not too much in play though but going over is risky. Go short if you can throw very straight. Going over give you an easy birdie and even if you aren't across, you still have a birdie opprotunity.
#13. My favorite on the course and the sunken basket is awesome. Hit the mando tree if you play the white and blue tee. It's the same. If you play red, there is no mando.
#14. Super long and challenging. Brillant design and the fairway is wide enough for a monstrous drive on this monster. Be cafeful and this is a test of your big drives. Don't let them go bad. I loved this hole.
#15. Mildly frightening teeshot that requires at least 190' feet of accuracy and don't keep it low. You are in the water if it's low and don't sidearm either.
#16. Great par 4 that is a dogleg left. The basket is exactly the way #10's is on the brick circle. The tree in front of your teeshot is a disc magnet. Keep it lowerthan the limbs hanging down.
#17. Not an ace run but very easy if you avoid the bushes in the fairway.
#18. Too short for a par 4 at only 333' feet long. It's also straight. The lake is in play to the right and the road is very close to the left. Sidearm over the road and get it to go right and you have an easy birdie.
-#13 was my favorite but the signature hole probably is #14. It's length was pleasing.
5
1
Shade
Experience:
2 played
2 reviews
Trophy Lakes, new 'family friendly' tees, coming soon... 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:May 3, 2012
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Beautiful, laid back setting on private property. Safe and enjoyable for families. Knowledgeable staff and well stocked Pro Shop. Great signage, written guides, maps and scorecards. Professional instruction available by appointment.
Cons:
I wish I lived there...
Other Thoughts:
Trophy Lakes Disc Golf Resort is currently undergoing a "Spring Cleaning" of sorts. By the end of June 2012 the property will boast three full sets of tees (Red, White and Blue). Yes, something for everyone. The Red tees (newest setup) have been designed for newer players who haven't yet obtained the throwing ability (distance) to cross the lake 'fingers'. The Reds also provide an ideal training course for more experienced players wanting to sharpen their short game skills. The White course (formerly red) is for more advanced players, requires several carries over the lake and offers numerous multi-shot, risk/reward challenges. The Blue setup (The Blue Monster) plays more closely to the PDGA's guidelines for a 'Gold' course. This is the course that top professional players want to conquer, but few have...
7
2
Beachwail
Experience:
14.1 years
83 played
1 reviews
Hometown go-to course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Feb 22, 2011
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Variety of open and wooded, long and short holes completely flat no real elevation changes at all.
Some picturesque baskets! Very well groomed and maintained. Top notch.
Ability to work short game and long game, nice variety of shots. 9 holes are under 300 feet. Red tees are fun and challenging, and Blue tees are pro-level and very challenging.
Secluded from public, very tranquil and private feeling.
Good pro shop, nice folks. Discraft and Innova great selection. Used discs for $5 each, some recovered from the lakes so you can get great plastic here if your timing is right!
Holes are very well marked, all Blue and Red tees are concrete and indicate distance.
No extreme woods here at all. Underbrush is minimal and lost discs are typically only due to water. Lots of open throws, lots of tree obstacles as well. Good mix.
Some picturesque baskets! Very well groomed and maintained. Top notch.
Ability to work short game and long game, nice variety of shots. 9 holes are under 300 feet. Red tees are fun and challenging, and Blue tees are pro-level and very challenging.
Secluded from public, very tranquil and private feeling.
Good pro shop, nice folks. Discraft and Innova great selection. Used discs for $5 each, some recovered from the lakes so you can get great plastic here if your timing is right!
Holes are very well marked, all Blue and Red tees are concrete and indicate distance.
No extreme woods here at all. Underbrush is minimal and lost discs are typically only due to water. Lots of open throws, lots of tree obstacles as well. Good mix.
Cons:
Tee Maps are outdated/hard to follow.
Lots of water, some long water throws= lost discs.
Water is very deep at the edges, so often even 3 feet into the water is a goner disc.
3 baskets are within 15 feet of water's edge.
Championship watersports (water skiing, boating, etc) are weaving through the lakes during the warm season, can be distracting at times.
Lots of water, some long water throws= lost discs.
Water is very deep at the edges, so often even 3 feet into the water is a goner disc.
3 baskets are within 15 feet of water's edge.
Championship watersports (water skiing, boating, etc) are weaving through the lakes during the warm season, can be distracting at times.
Other Thoughts:
We play this course at least once a week and it never gets old! My dog comes out sometimes and walks the 2+miles per round, sloshes around in the lakes amidst the occasional white herons and orange sunsets. A beautiful place to play and get away from the hustle-bustle. Not a lot of noobs play here because it's intimidating with all the water. Everyone seems very respectful and nice. Looking forward to constant improvement in my game thanks to this course!
I play the Reds mostly. Here's my recap:
1. 260ft. Pretty wide open "upshot" with a tree in the center of the fairway. Choose anhyzer or hyzer and go for your ace run
2. 225ft. Throw a laser into a group of pines and oaks surrounding the basket. Another ace run opportunity.
3. 225ft. Heavier woods, tight fairway with a Discraft sign smack in the middle. Short hole with a few options from the tee--pick left, center, or right
4. 225ft. The tunnel shot of the course, not a super-tight one. Just fling your putter or mid straight as an arrow for an ace run. Elevated tee sits on a 5ft mound of dirt creating a difficult putting situation. Lay up for par or go for the risky birdie?
5. 275ft. Wide open fairway with heavy woods lining the left side. Some trees guarding the basket on its right side, but a straight shot works great.
(this is the end of "birdie row" as we call it...if you're throwing well the first 5 holes are easy birdies.)
6. 546ft. Par 4. Your drive has to span about 240ft over the lake. It's intimidating especially with winds whipping in your face! Then your 'long' upshot goes thru a forest of oaks and pines that allows for many lines. Water hazard along the right of the fairway.
7. 260ft. A technical shot that doglegs right around trees and the basket sits only 10 feet from water's edge, sloping down!!! Fairway is wide open, great flick shot.
8. 280ish?? Straight shot out of the woods edge, over water and the basket sits 15 feet from water's edge. Fairway is the "beach" where water is on the right. Very dangerous water here, mature large trees on the left.
9. 243ft. A bunch of pines in the fairway makes for some line selection on this shorter hole. Find your hole and you have an ace run. Basket sits in moderately dense woods edge.
10. 324ft. Signature Hole! Throw 300+ over water and land on the elevated basket perch. Very picturesque. Very dangerous too, basket has water on the right and behind! Straight or hyzer shot is wide open, just throw long and land on dirt!
11. 415ft. Par 4. Throw over about 150ft of water and into a bunch of trees. Large lake on right side of fairway as well. Big hyzer drive over the lake can get your eagle opp. Otherwise pick your lines thru the trees.
12. 380ft. Small arms needs to "lay up" because water starts about 200ft. up and you need to throw 300+ to span the water. Lines of trees prevent you from ripping your drive...has to be a well-placed shot to make it through. Mando on the right side.
13. 282ft. Signature hole. Two Mando's are 5 feet in front of the tee-box. they are about 4 feet apart and distracting!! Throw straight through them and down the tight fairway to the sunken basket, it only sticks about 1-2 feet out of the ground!!
14. 750ft. "The par 5". Follow the dirt road down the wide open fairway, 2 good drives and you're looking at easy birdie. End up in the woods on either side and it's trouble.
15. 260ft. Ace run. Wide open with one tree in the fairway and some water to about 150ft. Gentle RHBH hyzer/fade.
16. 450ft. Crazy out of bounds here, the hedges/posts hold a thick rope lining the road. You pretty much have to lay up in the fairway before the road and then weave your upshot next to the elevated basket. This is the basket you see when driving in to Trophy Lakes' entrance.
17. 273ft. Well-placed pines make for a tricky line, the rope/hedges on the right are OB. The blue tees have 300+ of water off the box!!
18. 380??? Water lines the right side of the fairway, OB road on the left side. Dense trees down the center...drive up on the beach near the water's edge for an easy upshot.
I play the Reds mostly. Here's my recap:
1. 260ft. Pretty wide open "upshot" with a tree in the center of the fairway. Choose anhyzer or hyzer and go for your ace run
2. 225ft. Throw a laser into a group of pines and oaks surrounding the basket. Another ace run opportunity.
3. 225ft. Heavier woods, tight fairway with a Discraft sign smack in the middle. Short hole with a few options from the tee--pick left, center, or right
4. 225ft. The tunnel shot of the course, not a super-tight one. Just fling your putter or mid straight as an arrow for an ace run. Elevated tee sits on a 5ft mound of dirt creating a difficult putting situation. Lay up for par or go for the risky birdie?
5. 275ft. Wide open fairway with heavy woods lining the left side. Some trees guarding the basket on its right side, but a straight shot works great.
(this is the end of "birdie row" as we call it...if you're throwing well the first 5 holes are easy birdies.)
6. 546ft. Par 4. Your drive has to span about 240ft over the lake. It's intimidating especially with winds whipping in your face! Then your 'long' upshot goes thru a forest of oaks and pines that allows for many lines. Water hazard along the right of the fairway.
7. 260ft. A technical shot that doglegs right around trees and the basket sits only 10 feet from water's edge, sloping down!!! Fairway is wide open, great flick shot.
8. 280ish?? Straight shot out of the woods edge, over water and the basket sits 15 feet from water's edge. Fairway is the "beach" where water is on the right. Very dangerous water here, mature large trees on the left.
9. 243ft. A bunch of pines in the fairway makes for some line selection on this shorter hole. Find your hole and you have an ace run. Basket sits in moderately dense woods edge.
10. 324ft. Signature Hole! Throw 300+ over water and land on the elevated basket perch. Very picturesque. Very dangerous too, basket has water on the right and behind! Straight or hyzer shot is wide open, just throw long and land on dirt!
11. 415ft. Par 4. Throw over about 150ft of water and into a bunch of trees. Large lake on right side of fairway as well. Big hyzer drive over the lake can get your eagle opp. Otherwise pick your lines thru the trees.
12. 380ft. Small arms needs to "lay up" because water starts about 200ft. up and you need to throw 300+ to span the water. Lines of trees prevent you from ripping your drive...has to be a well-placed shot to make it through. Mando on the right side.
13. 282ft. Signature hole. Two Mando's are 5 feet in front of the tee-box. they are about 4 feet apart and distracting!! Throw straight through them and down the tight fairway to the sunken basket, it only sticks about 1-2 feet out of the ground!!
14. 750ft. "The par 5". Follow the dirt road down the wide open fairway, 2 good drives and you're looking at easy birdie. End up in the woods on either side and it's trouble.
15. 260ft. Ace run. Wide open with one tree in the fairway and some water to about 150ft. Gentle RHBH hyzer/fade.
16. 450ft. Crazy out of bounds here, the hedges/posts hold a thick rope lining the road. You pretty much have to lay up in the fairway before the road and then weave your upshot next to the elevated basket. This is the basket you see when driving in to Trophy Lakes' entrance.
17. 273ft. Well-placed pines make for a tricky line, the rope/hedges on the right are OB. The blue tees have 300+ of water off the box!!
18. 380??? Water lines the right side of the fairway, OB road on the left side. Dense trees down the center...drive up on the beach near the water's edge for an easy upshot.
2
5
filobedo
Experience:
18.8 years
289 played
21 reviews
Plan to play all day 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Nov 20, 2005
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Private course and well maintained by Joe to the E and members of the CDGC and a challenge from the beginner tees, medium and long tees. Pro shop on site. Course has a mix of par 3s, 4s and a 5. The course continues to evolve throughout each year just as Stoney Hill does. The most recent addition is the elevated tee pad that took numerous man hours to build by a few CDGC members and the new benches next to teepads spearheaded by Mikey T and the great signs by Plays It Forward during the Fall of 2012. The course is pay to play which is the future of the sport. To keep this course in the ground, pay, $5 at the Pro Shop or put in the mailbox next to the door if closed. With this course being private they can pull it at anytime so please pay if you plan to play.
Cons:
People that do not pay to play! Nothing is more frustrating than seeing people getting out of vehicles and heading to hole #1 without paying!
Other Thoughts:
The gem in Charleston, SC!
7
1
40th course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 18, 2010
Played the course:once
Pros:
Where to start? This course is friggin' awesome. The campground it's in rocks, and the landscape is just about as perfect as you can get. The upkeep is outstanding, and I love the personal touches that are strewn throughout the course. Let's cover the basics:
Great mix of shots - the front nine is a bit more techincal than the back, where bombs abound. Wooded holes placed in between water shots for a nice blend. Believe it or not, the wood shots will hurt your score more than the water; there are some tight gaps to thread through. Keep your shots low (if you can) for the best results. The water shots are breathtaking both in their beauty and menace. I was fortunate enough not to lose anything in the drink, although I'm sure many have.
All the pro tee pads (blue) are concrete. While the ams (red) are not, they do have something down over the dirt, whether it's a rubber pad or a persian area rug (awesome!). The variation in tee placement is great, offering not only more distance from the pro tees but different angles and lines from the ams.
Every hole (and almost every tee) has a sign with hole number and diagram. No vandalism here. There are also "next tee" directional signs between almost every hole that direct you to not only the next hole but to each coloured tee (a very big plus).
The professionalism put into this course blew me away. I'm not sure if I played on the tail-end of a tournament weekend or what, but I've never seen anything like this. Discraft banners up everywhere, logoed flags on top of every basket - "greens" were even created with spraypaint around the pins! Amazing.
Great mix of shots - the front nine is a bit more techincal than the back, where bombs abound. Wooded holes placed in between water shots for a nice blend. Believe it or not, the wood shots will hurt your score more than the water; there are some tight gaps to thread through. Keep your shots low (if you can) for the best results. The water shots are breathtaking both in their beauty and menace. I was fortunate enough not to lose anything in the drink, although I'm sure many have.
All the pro tee pads (blue) are concrete. While the ams (red) are not, they do have something down over the dirt, whether it's a rubber pad or a persian area rug (awesome!). The variation in tee placement is great, offering not only more distance from the pro tees but different angles and lines from the ams.
Every hole (and almost every tee) has a sign with hole number and diagram. No vandalism here. There are also "next tee" directional signs between almost every hole that direct you to not only the next hole but to each coloured tee (a very big plus).
The professionalism put into this course blew me away. I'm not sure if I played on the tail-end of a tournament weekend or what, but I've never seen anything like this. Discraft banners up everywhere, logoed flags on top of every basket - "greens" were even created with spraypaint around the pins! Amazing.
Cons:
My God I am hard-pressed to find anything wrong with this course. I can't really knock the lack of elevation because it's in Lowcountry. The only thing that irked me was that there weren't any distances listed on the tee signs. It had diagrams and everything which was great, but on hole 14 I had no idea how FAR the basket was. It was impossible to tell on the diagram. It was like a 900' hole, but the diagram made me think it was only 300' or 400'. I hate throwing vaguely in a generalized direction. However, this was the only hole in which I really felt lack of distance on the signs disrupted the round. If you think I'm nitpicking, you try to find something wrong with the course!
Other Thoughts:
I am uploading a few new pictures, so check those out!
Love the hilltop basket on #4 and the sunken pin on #13. The thought and care put into this course is apparent.
The back nine is BRUTAL. I was unprepared for the length after the shorter front half, and I paid for it in my final score. But I don't care. What an experience - I highly recommend playing this course if you're in the area and even making it a travel destination.
I played hella early so the pro shop wasn't open, but it looked sweet from what I could tell. If it's closed, please put your five bucks in the drop box by the door. You won't regret it.
Love the hilltop basket on #4 and the sunken pin on #13. The thought and care put into this course is apparent.
The back nine is BRUTAL. I was unprepared for the length after the shorter front half, and I paid for it in my final score. But I don't care. What an experience - I highly recommend playing this course if you're in the area and even making it a travel destination.
I played hella early so the pro shop wasn't open, but it looked sweet from what I could tell. If it's closed, please put your five bucks in the drop box by the door. You won't regret it.
7
1
Lowcountry Challenge 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jul 2, 2010
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Trophy Lakes features, an 18 hole course which all offer something unique for all skill levels. There are Blue tee's for more advanced and Red tee's for newer players.
Pros:
*Great Scenery with well kept maintance.
*Water hazzards are avoidable with minimum caution.
*Great pro shop with a great staff.
*Used disc for 5 bucks, in case you don't want to risk your favorite.
*Because the maintance is nice, very little wildlife to encounter.
*Alot of Tree's to help make a hot day feel cooler. Very few spots in direct sunlight.
*Very little noise, with it being set-up in an isolated location.
Pros:
*Great Scenery with well kept maintance.
*Water hazzards are avoidable with minimum caution.
*Great pro shop with a great staff.
*Used disc for 5 bucks, in case you don't want to risk your favorite.
*Because the maintance is nice, very little wildlife to encounter.
*Alot of Tree's to help make a hot day feel cooler. Very few spots in direct sunlight.
*Very little noise, with it being set-up in an isolated location.
Cons:
*Water Hazzards (7) A newer player may find this somewhat annoying. Although it is avoidable, mistakes can and will happen.
*The risk of losing a disc, I would recommend buying some used plastic at the pro shop and throwing those.
*The risk of losing a disc, I would recommend buying some used plastic at the pro shop and throwing those.
Other Thoughts:
When I first started playing disc golf, I thought "How hard is it to throw a frisbee into a basket". Well, about 4 triple bogeys later, I found out how hard. I was hooked. I didn't care how long it would take to learn...I knew I liked this sport and wanted to get better. You know that feeling, everybody who has played disc golf knows it....Well, if you think your hooked to disc golf, play this course. Because you will be hooked to this disc golf course. In my opinion, well worth 5 bucks!
15
1
Take the Red tee or the Blue tee. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Apr 10, 2010
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Pro Shop has nice selection of discs, apparel and accessories. (Innova and Discraft) They also have maps, scorecards, and pencils available.
-This is not a beginner's course.
-multiple tee's (Red & Blue)
-Cement Tee's
-Tee Signs w/ Maps
-Navigates nicely around the lake, and back to the Pro shop.
-The disc golf course is separated and by itself. (No parks, bike trails, or playground) The only people you should see on the course are other Disc Golfers.
-Trophy Lakes is what water holes are all about. If you have any floater discs, now is the time to break them out. Or throw discs you don't mind parting with. These can be long water shots as well!
-If you aren't throwing over water, you'll be working a line around trees. Not overly tight, but spread out just enough that you'll have to find that "right" line.
-Unique and challenging pin placement. (See hole #15! They should put a mando sign up, just for fun)
-Whether you choose the red tee or choose the blue tee, you will still be challenged. The red tee's offer their own challenges. They just offer less risk on the water holes. That doesn't mean you won't lose a disc, it just means that your odds of leaving with all of your discs are better
- The holes at Trophy Lakes will make you really consider your approach strategy. Some holes will require you to make a short drive, in order to play your second shot from the waters edge.
-The blue tees offer some healthy distance challenges, with 6 holes that are 500ft+ and two that are over 600ft. The blue tee water holes are very challenging. Whereas most of the red tee's tee off from the waters edge, blue tees can be at least 100ft further back.
-The red tee's have their own challenges and still have good distance. One red tee is 546ft. The Red tees will still require you to contend with the water holes. Do not underestimate the red tees!
-Big fun factor for me, even though I still lost 2 discs that day!
-FWIW: Watching the skiers in the background can enhance the experience. I really enjoyed watching them.
-This is not a beginner's course.
-multiple tee's (Red & Blue)
-Cement Tee's
-Tee Signs w/ Maps
-Navigates nicely around the lake, and back to the Pro shop.
-The disc golf course is separated and by itself. (No parks, bike trails, or playground) The only people you should see on the course are other Disc Golfers.
-Trophy Lakes is what water holes are all about. If you have any floater discs, now is the time to break them out. Or throw discs you don't mind parting with. These can be long water shots as well!
-If you aren't throwing over water, you'll be working a line around trees. Not overly tight, but spread out just enough that you'll have to find that "right" line.
-Unique and challenging pin placement. (See hole #15! They should put a mando sign up, just for fun)
-Whether you choose the red tee or choose the blue tee, you will still be challenged. The red tee's offer their own challenges. They just offer less risk on the water holes. That doesn't mean you won't lose a disc, it just means that your odds of leaving with all of your discs are better
- The holes at Trophy Lakes will make you really consider your approach strategy. Some holes will require you to make a short drive, in order to play your second shot from the waters edge.
-The blue tees offer some healthy distance challenges, with 6 holes that are 500ft+ and two that are over 600ft. The blue tee water holes are very challenging. Whereas most of the red tee's tee off from the waters edge, blue tees can be at least 100ft further back.
-The red tee's have their own challenges and still have good distance. One red tee is 546ft. The Red tees will still require you to contend with the water holes. Do not underestimate the red tees!
-Big fun factor for me, even though I still lost 2 discs that day!
-FWIW: Watching the skiers in the background can enhance the experience. I really enjoyed watching them.
Cons:
*I do not believe these detract from the course score in any way, I just felt they were worth the mention.
-The terrain is flat, but this IS Low-country South Carolina. Good luck finding a hill!
-Maps on the tees were a bit faded, but the Map and Scorecard from the pro shop make up for that.
-Some of the holes on the back 9 can cause you to cross paths with other Golfers. I walked right into the middle of a group playing, and was not aware of it! I felt horrible! They were nice about my disruption! I was playing on hole 11, so when you walk around the inlet of water. Be mindful that you have to cross the fairway of Hole 12 to do it.
-Once you start hole 6, you are committed to playing the rest of the course. I didn't see any Porto's back there, so be mindful of that before you start. If you have to make an emergency run to the B'room, you'll have to run around the lake. Just a heads up!
-The terrain is flat, but this IS Low-country South Carolina. Good luck finding a hill!
-Maps on the tees were a bit faded, but the Map and Scorecard from the pro shop make up for that.
-Some of the holes on the back 9 can cause you to cross paths with other Golfers. I walked right into the middle of a group playing, and was not aware of it! I felt horrible! They were nice about my disruption! I was playing on hole 11, so when you walk around the inlet of water. Be mindful that you have to cross the fairway of Hole 12 to do it.
-Once you start hole 6, you are committed to playing the rest of the course. I didn't see any Porto's back there, so be mindful of that before you start. If you have to make an emergency run to the B'room, you'll have to run around the lake. Just a heads up!
Other Thoughts:
Trophy Lakes had a big "Fun Factor" for me. I drove from over an hour away to play here, and I felt like it was well worth the drive! I had no problem paying 5$ to play this course, for me, it was money well spent. I don't know how everyone one will feel about the "in ground" basket, but I was amused by it. . This course doesn't require hiking shoes; tennis shoes will be fine here. You will want to bring discs that you don't mind parting with. Also, you may want to eat first or bring something to snack on. I didn't pass many restaurants on the way in, though there were a few gas stations along the way to the course.
This course is the top course for the Charleston area, but Trophy Lakes is not for everyone. Trophy Lakes could become very frustrating to beginners or those that would have a hard time with the course. When you play Trophy Lakes you will need to stop and think about how you will throw each hole! No two holes play the same. I started off playing the blue tees, simply because I like to throw for the distance. I changed my mind, once I got to the water holes and opted for the easier, less risky routes. I still ended up losing 2 discs to the water anyway. I had a great time, and I can't wait to come back here and do it again! (Playing the course, not losing 2 discs! )
This course is the top course for the Charleston area, but Trophy Lakes is not for everyone. Trophy Lakes could become very frustrating to beginners or those that would have a hard time with the course. When you play Trophy Lakes you will need to stop and think about how you will throw each hole! No two holes play the same. I started off playing the blue tees, simply because I like to throw for the distance. I changed my mind, once I got to the water holes and opted for the easier, less risky routes. I still ended up losing 2 discs to the water anyway. I had a great time, and I can't wait to come back here and do it again! (Playing the course, not losing 2 discs!
)
4
0
Shodai
Experience:
15.7 years
9 played
6 reviews
Oh my, where did my disc go? 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 14, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
Very challenging, well designed and fun to play. Great scenery, good service at the pro shop and you may even get back your lost discs... eventually. Dont let lost discs discourage you. Its a nice place to play and learn what you're lacking in your personal game. Well worth the drive and the 5 bucks.
Cons:
Only con I have is the long throws over water. Not everyone has a canon for an arm, including myself and it took almost year before my game was good enough to make it across the lake on a couple of holes. Have lost a couple of discs out there but then again, so have the pros. This problem can be remedied with practice somewhere else. Did not lose any discs my last time out though.
Other Thoughts:
Have played a couple of times and will play again. As my game improves, I'll frequent the course more often. By the way, write your name and number on your discs and they may call you when they dive for discs on occasion. 3 dollar fee is peanuts next to getting your favorite disc back.
7
0
Angus2053
Experience:
20.6 years
9 played
3 reviews
Just a blast to play! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 15, 2009
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
I like the fact that there are red and blue tees for every hole. It is a good mix of water and wooded holes. Makes you use every shot type in your bag.
Cons:
There are multiple water holes so there is a very good chance that you will lose a disc or two even if your not playing off the red tees. The signs for the holes are a little confusing when it came to moving about the course, but if you get a map at the office this problem will be fixed. Also not all the tee boxes are concrete and I think with a little upgrade it could help a bunch!
Other Thoughts:
A really well designed and fun course to play. The staff at the office are friendly and will to help with anything. I have played with many people and some have conplained about the 5 dollar fee to play. My stance on the fee is that it helps keep the course up! If your in Charleston for the weekend or live near by I would def check out the course and by the end of the 18th hole you will know where you need to work on your game!
11
0
Tin Machine
Experience:
21.9 years
30 played
11 reviews
Trophy Lakes - It's a splash 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 18, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course can definitely take you to your limit in terms of strategy. Trophy Lakes offers you two different sets of tee boxes to play from on all but one hole, and the difference in difficulty between the two sets can be quite a lot. From the pro tees, you'll find yourself at times quite a ways further from the pin and sometimes with a substantial water hazard between you and safety. You'll definitely need a full set of tricks up your sleeve, or in your bag as it would seem.
Lovely environment. The lakes offer a lot of beauty and even some cool wildlife nearby... not to mention the unique pleasure of getting to see some water skiers doing tricks while you play. It's private and isolated nature also let you play without the interference from the general public that you can often find in public parks.
Lovely environment. The lakes offer a lot of beauty and even some cool wildlife nearby... not to mention the unique pleasure of getting to see some water skiers doing tricks while you play. It's private and isolated nature also let you play without the interference from the general public that you can often find in public parks.
Cons:
As much as the water is a pro, it can be a con if you make poor throws or decisions. Make sure you plan out your attack and disc selection before you throw, as it could be your last with that particular disc. Even if you're the type that will go in the water after your discs, you won't be able to here as there are tons of "Absolutely NO Swimming" signs due to the boats and skiers.
The summer sun and heat can also be a downer due to the overall length of the course, but that'll be the case wherever you play in the south. Just make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Also, make sure you get a map at the clubhouse, as it will save you time finding the baskets and/or tee pads.
The summer sun and heat can also be a downer due to the overall length of the course, but that'll be the case wherever you play in the south. Just make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Also, make sure you get a map at the clubhouse, as it will save you time finding the baskets and/or tee pads.
Other Thoughts:
The $5 fee to play isn't really that bad, considering it's a great course and it will probably keep out those who aren't serious about the sport. They also sell discs and equipment at the clubhouse, which can be good if you need to replace any lost plastic.
All in all, a great course with lots to offer. It is definitely different than your "run of the mill" course. If you're around Charleston and in the mood for a challenge, this course is a must!
All in all, a great course with lots to offer. It is definitely different than your "run of the mill" course. If you're around Charleston and in the mood for a challenge, this course is a must!
