Kansas City, MO

Water Works Park (Old Layout)

4.465(based on 109 reviews)
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3 1
ReinZ_96
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.3 years 104 played 48 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Watter Works DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 15, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

1) hills, even though very tiering, are used very well
2) great signage
3) great tee pads
4) benches at every hole
5) easy to navigate, arrows on the pins pointing to next basket
6) has a good mix of holes, left, right, and straight.
7) some well protected pins

Cons:

1) doesn't give current pin placements
2) could not find pin 18
3) no really long holes, but it's not much a con due to the grueling hike up and down the hills

Other Thoughts:

a very very nice course all around. played on my vist to KC to see my aunt and uncle. if im every in the area again i would surely play the course.
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2 8
Dirt4dinner
Experience: 17.8 years 72 played 17 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Everything an NT course should be 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 11, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

TOUGH! Tight tech shots, some wide open bombers, great signage, lots of benches, loops back to the parking lot mid-round, grassy and well maintained.

Cons:

TOUGH! "don't get left" "don't get right"...was all I heard from my guides.
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3 13
KvnBchr
Experience: 27.2 years 51 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

KC Masterpiece 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great workout. The terrain is both scenic and abundant. I travel a lot and everytime I get to KC, I HAVE to play WaterWorks.

Other Thoughts:

Drink a Gatorade, not a High Life, it will drag you down.

Lost: Discraft: Avenger, ESP, Rainbow colored.
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6 2
mgcarney
Experience: 15.5 years 94 played 56 reviews
5.00 star(s)

New Favorite 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 21, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

The first thing I heard as I approach the first tee at water works. Is a story of someone who fell playing and was bit by a snake. Needless to say, I was a bit worried starting. However, this course is now my favorite course I have ever played. The course has every conceivable type of shot. Left hand, right hand, uphill, downhill, short, long, tunnel shot, and open. The lengths are perfect and there was not one speck of litter when I was there. It is a very picturesque course.

Cons:

The only real negative of this course was the mud. Being so close to the Missouri, it was muddy. It made driving tough on a couple of the pads that have accumulated mud, but this is likely a seasonal problem considering the rain the area has had. The biggest negative is that it had to end.

Other Thoughts:

I encourage everyone to come here. There is some nasty woods that you can throw into, but it worked well into the course. Unlikely to lose discs, and very likely to be challenged. Wherever you are, go!
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4 8
badams
Experience: 34.4 years 73 played 9 reviews
5.00 star(s)

By a Florida golfer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 24, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Excellent array of shots needed.
great use of elevation
Risk reward came into play on lengthy puts!
beautiful scenery

Cons:

none

Other Thoughts:

I am florida golfer 95% of the time so it was a real treat to play this course that I have read and heard about for the past 20 years.
I got a taste of the risk/reward aspect of putting that applies here right off the bat by hitting the chains on a thirty foot birdie put on hole 1. It didn't stay in and came out and down the hill for a 75 foot third shot.This type of risk reward putting came into play on many holes and added an ingredient to the game I usually do not see in Florida. If you have not played here before, a second round is a must, I shot 57 the first round and 51 the second round. Your score can really be affected by your puts rolling away so it is very important to weigh the risk of going for the risky put.
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3 14
ZNCram1
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Beautiful Course!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 10, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This a beautiful course with great elevation changes and views of downtown Kansas City.
There are not many hole that are teribly long or short and are all fairly challanging. Well maintained

Cons:

Lack of bathrooms except for porta potty at 1st tee.
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3 18
buzzz killington
Experience: 36 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

one of the best I have played 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Elevation in the midwest!!!!!
Scenic
good for ams or pros
makes you throw every shot, anny, hyzer, straight, ect.
kansas city's best most beautiful course... one of the best in America!
don't have to be 500 off the tee to enjoy this course.

Cons:

only 18 holes

Other Thoughts:

in better neighborhood than blue valley or cliff drive....
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17 3
Hamilton
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.6 years 55 played 49 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Wooded, hilly, challenge! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 21, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

All concrete tee pads, plenty of length and great texture. Tee signs are nothing short of AWESOME, with full-color, framed, accurate maps of the hole, and multiple bag hooks. Baskets are Mach 3 and in great condition, with multiple hole locations on most holes. A color coded flag (matched to the tee sign) aid great in locating the pin position from the tee. One great thing that I noticed is that usually on a challenging course you have a lot of blind holes. That is not the case here, but that took nothing away from the experience at all. Every hole also has at least one bench if I recall correctly.

Parking is available right at the first hole, but not a lot. If the park is busy you might have to park a little further away and walk. Port-o-john available at the first tee. Map on kiosk at first tee is very helpful, and noted that holes 2 and 3 were currently OOP due to construction, but told how to play the two alternates to make a full 18.

This course had to be designed by a DG'er for DG'ers. Course layout is superb. The park has lots of elevation change and the course makes great use of that, as well as drop-off threats, tunnel shots, multiple uphills, peninsula shots, etc. There is nothing better than playing a course that has such balance and challenge.

My memorable holes:
1 - It's not often that right off the bat you have a great hole. The terrain drops down significantly right after the tee, then the basket on the hill sloping up from left to right, just lower than the tee. This looked fairly straightforward, but when you actually walk the hole, the hill looks completely different, might be better to walk this one the first time.
5 - Not too long of a hole, but the basket is protected by low trees, and if you try to go high and hyzer out, you could go down the STEEP hill covered with trees and mud.
7 - Uphill and off to the left. Cross the small ravine and back up a small rise, trees protecting on all sides, tough to drive!
13 - Basket is a good amount higher than the tee, and you have to throw over a dip in the land then uphill. Can't get a good hyzer angle due to trees on the right, very tough shot.
14 - The peninsula shot. Long and straight, and drops off left onto 17's fairway, so you have to keep it pretty straight, as well as long.
15 - Throw from the open into a stand of trees, and the basket was up a hill on the right protected by a LOT of trees. You could go big hyzer way left and drop in on the basket, but this is not advised as you would be crossing 14's fairway. There is no mando preventing this, but I would not recommend it. I felt lucky to take a 5 on this one..

Cons:

Not much. I would definitely suggest adding some "next tee" signs on the basket. I know this can be difficult with multiple pin positions, but you could do like Rankin Lake Park in Shelby, NC. They have multiple arrows on the bottom of the pin that, depending on what position the basket is located, point the correct way to the next tee.

The only other cons I can think of are:
-Not much parking close to the first tee.
-No formal restrooms or water fountains that I saw.
-Sometimes you play close to a road and have to watch for cars
-There is not much variance in length, great variety of type, but most are around 300.

Other Thoughts:

My rating of a 4 shows the great challenge and fun that this course provides. I love wooded technical holes as well as more open city-park-style holes. This course delivers that and then some. It does fall a little short in that there are not a lot of holes much over 300 feet, the hole lengths on here lists only 4 holes more than 325 feet, and most of the other 14 are less than 300.

If you are somewhat out of shape like I am, this course will give you one heck of a workout. It is almost all hilly, and some climbs are a little steep and sustained, many holes play uphill.

If you are in KC, this is a definite must play. With the exception of my being winded by the terrain, this is the most fun I've had on a DG course in LONG time.
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4 1
PuttsMcGee
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

best course around 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 18, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

this course provides a great variety of shots. i've played it with baskets in several different locations and its always a challenge, no matter what. there are only a couple of long holes for higher level players, so you'll need to use more mids and control drivers than anything else. i throw a buzzz on about 7 of the holes, just to give you an idea, but they are VERY technical holes. errant throws are usually punished and good throws rewarded. there are some very scenic looks throughout the course, so its visually appealing too. benches on every hole. water fountain and spigot on hole #1. porta-potty near hole #1 too. plenty of parking. park is for disc golf only, so very few pedestrians to watch for.

Cons:

i will occasionally have a roll-away with a missed putt, because of the hills. really, i should just learn to make putts. sometimes the course gets muddy, but not often.

Other Thoughts:

restating.... bring good shoes and plenty of water. the hills can be daunting and if the course is very wet there are some risks of slipping. still, this course is epic. take note, course designers.
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6 1
Daffron24
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.1 years 156 played 25 reviews
4.50 star(s)

One of Midwests finest. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

An amazing course on the outskirts of Kansas City. This world class course offers a great challenge to all who play. This course flows through rolling hills and wooded terrain allowing for a complex and challenging course that allows every level player have a challenge. The teepads are concrete with newer tee signs that show exactly where to shoot and where the pin position is. The course is maintained very well, although there is some construction going on and holes 2,3 to be closed off. Each hole offers a bench and a trashcan which is nice to take a rest after walking through this hilly course or waiting for the group in front of you.
Water works offers a great use of elevation shooting up and down hills as well as trees throughout the course which adds to the difficulty. The overall difficulty of the course is 4.5/5. There are any specific holes that one would deem epic, but each hole is very fun. Most holes are around 300 feet which doesn't give the opportunity of the big throwers to really air it out, but the technical aspect of the course makes up for that. This course which test all of the shots in your book as well as allow you to go for the risk/reward shot.
There is parking and a porter potty at hole 1. The course wasn't too crowded in the middle of the week. The locals that we met were very friendly and helpful of what to expect from the course.

Cons:

One of the cons for me was that 2 and 3 wasn't there, but that will be fixed soon. Also there were a few holes with garbage and graffiti which took away from the experience. As for the actually layout and difficulty of the course I maybe would have liked to see more open holes.

Other Thoughts:

This beautiful course offers views of downtown KC. Waterworks is a top-tier course that offers a great challenge for everyone. Good shot variety as well as a great variety of shots required. One of the midwests best courses in terms of difficulty, fun, and overall. If you are in the KC area play this course and enjoy some KC BBQ......it's amazing.
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7 0
crimsonsation
Experience: 15.4 years 10 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The Best in KC! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is great. There is a ton of elevation change and you will definitely get a workout on this course. Hole 1 sets the stage for this course, you have to throw from the top of one hill to the top of another hill or even over it. There are a couple of open holes on this course, but most require a nice controlled shot. There are around 3 hole locations on each hole too so this course can definitely bring some nice variety. This was the first course I had played where there was a tunnel shot and I definitely like those now. The tee signs are nice. All around, this is a nice course. Very well kept. A lot of people play it so you can meet some nice people.

Cons:

This is not exactly a beginner friendly course, but definitely an exciting course for beginners to come to and watch. There has been some construction going on as well which has eliminated the original holes 2 and 3. They have temporary holes up on number 8 and 12, but they aren't marked very well. The terrain at this course can be pretty rough. I twisted my ankle walking down the huge hill at 8 when I stepped in a small hole, but if you take it carefully, you should be fine.

Other Thoughts:

This course is definitely the best course in the KC area. If you have a chance to play it, don't think twice, just go. You won't be disappointed.
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1 5
jayhawker737
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 52 played 41 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Best use of elevation 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 10, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great use of elevation.
Trees are present, but only in the way if you have a bad shot.
Great views of Downtown KC.
Multiple pins that are moved frequently.
A good place to play with a good group of people.

Cons:

Watch out for roll-aways. You must keep your disc flat.

Other Thoughts:

The use of elevation here is awesome.
Be careful if you go off to the side as it might have rolled all the way down to the water plant!!
This course is amazing and is in my top 5.
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13 0
IsaacIRL
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.7 years 83 played 46 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Water Works... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 4, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is located in an extremely hilly park in the northern part of Kansas City. The park is the most beautiful park I've ever seen. The course utilizes the hills like no other course I've been to. There's every kind of shot here. Downhill, Uphill, even over a valley to another hill. Somehow they even got a couple flat holes here! There's straight shots, dogleg left, dogleg right, everything you can imagine and more! Most of the holes were very wooded, but there were still a few open holes (14, 11). Most of the holes are between 200 and 400 ft., but all the elevation changes make up for that. Concrete Tee pads were big and perfectly flat. Signs were very detailed and accurate, clearly showing all O.B. and where the pin is. Trash Cans are at most tees, and benches are at every tee. Most tees even had two benches. (hole 7 had a bench on top of a bench!) The posts the tee signs were on had bag holders, which I've only seen at one other course. The grass was cut the trees weren't overgrown and the course was maintained well in every way! Hole 10's basket was near the parking lot, so you can stop if you're to tired. 18 also ended near the parking lot. There was plenty of parking, and there was a practice basket in the island where the parking was. (there was also a putting game printed on the basket sign) Hole 14 had a nice view of the Kansas City downtown area. Everyone in the course was nice. So even if you have to wait, you're talking with really nice people. I've been here twice, and the pin positions were changed around. It looks like they change them regularly.

Cons:

Cons? No water hazards, but the hills make up for that. No bathrooms. Ummm...that's it.

Other Thoughts:

I was able to play 2 and 3 while I was there, but the fairways were covered in hay. You might have to wait to throw, but the people around you make it an enjoyable experience. It would be nice if you could somehow see which pin position was in play, but usually they're visible from the hole.

-------------------------
If you mark this review unhelpful or you find a mistake, please send me a personal message here on DGCR explaining what is wrong with it.
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2 22
c0ntagion
Experience: 14.5 years 9 played 8 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good course but not the best for beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 holes, concrete tee pads, well marked course, utilizes several different shots.

Cons:

Located in a very wooded area, it's easy to throw your disc off the fairway and into the woods and trees. This is a hard course for beginners.

Other Thoughts:

You'll also get a workout trekking through here, as you will have to navigate up and down hills. I enjoyed this course overall, and I look forward to playing it again in the future once I've improved my technique.
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5 2
progolfer33
Experience: 17.3 years 13 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

5-star quality 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

I can't believe I'm one of a few people to give this course a 5-star rating recently. I have played many beautiful mountain courses in Colorado (Including Beaver Ranch), and Water Works Park blew them all away.

The best thing about this course is the hilly terrain. Hole number 1 is an immaculate downhill shot that sets the tone for the rest of the round. The hills and varying distances create a nice mixture of required shots for the round. I'm pretty sure that in the whole round, I did not have the same shot twice. If someone wants to shoot well here, they must have a mastery of nearly every shot in the game; no specific type of throwing is favored here. Finally, the course is really well maintained. Every hole has a nice yardage sign with bag hooks and a bench.

Cons:

The current construction has put a damper on the course. I did not lower my rating for this because the course has no control over this. Even with the construction, it is still the best course I've played.

Other Thoughts:

The hilly terrain could also mean a tough hike for some folks. Bring good shoes and plenty of water. The shade is nice to keep away the heat, but it was still real hot when I played.

I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Many of the shots are tough, but there is enough scenery and enough easier holes to keep everyone happy.
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1 6
Jason Daves
Experience: 30.6 years 4 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Play This Course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 25, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Lots of different types of shots. Tunnel shots, elevation changes. Wonderful course. There are several courses in the Kansas City area, don't miss this one.

Cons:

Some missing baskets were a little bit of a drag, but alternates had been set up.
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5 1
DrRyan
Experience: 68 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Arguably a top 5 course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 26, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is THE course many people will talk about in the Kansas City area. I would have a hard time putting any of the others in the area above it. Many people will consider this a top 5 course period. The elevation change, variety of shots required and scoring variance on most every hole are what make this such a great course. Hole 1 in the long position is one of my favorite DG holes on any course. When stretched long this course has some serious teeth and will punish errant shots while good shots will be rewarded. Hole 6 long is also a signature two shot hole that I have witnessed a deuce a couple of times on. The view back downtown over the river on hole 14 is an excellent back drop as well.

Cons:

Being that there is so much elevation change battling erosion is one of the only things I can find for the "con" side of the coin.

Other Thoughts:

If you are within a short day trip to this course, you must make the trip to play it. Do not miss playing this course if you are in the area. When stretched long this course has some serious teeth and will punish errant shots while good shots will be rewarded
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7 0
bschmidt006
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 12, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

1) TONS of elevation change! I just played YMCA of the Rockies last week and this course has the elevation change I was expecting (and didn't find) there!
2) Very beautiful park, huge trees to provide shade on most holes.
3) Good signage, except for the construction the only place I got lost from 5-6, which is actually pretty well marked, I'm just blind!
4) Good variety of shots, all the other reviews are spot on, you'll need a good selection of shots on this course!
5) This is a disc golf "course", and not a park, there aren't any sidewalks/pavilions/park benches... etc to attract other people to fairways.

Cons:

1) One reviewer said bring your good shoes, I'd say bring shoes you don't mind getting muddy! It looks like this place can get and stay pretty wet due to shade.
2) There isn't any real danger of losing your disc on this course, I guess that's also a pro, but there aren't any shots that really have to be perfect.
3) Could use a few longer holes. I'm no long-arm by any means, but were only 2 or 3 holes I really needed to rip it on. This could have just been due to pin placement when I played though.

Other Thoughts:

Be ready to use your legs! This is MUCH more than a casual course! I'd put this in the top 3 courses I've played so far! If you have a long-arm, be ready to work on your short game (200-300ft).
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2 7
FriedOkra
Experience: 15 years 171 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fabulous course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 28, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Easily my favorite course played to date. Almost every hole was different than any other on the course. Up hills, down hills, doglegs, tunnel shots, long shots, short shots. A ton of fun.

Cons:

The construction lowered my rating this time. It would have been at least a 4 otherwise.

Other Thoughts:

I planned on playing this course on a Thursday evening as I drove from the Lake of the Ozarks. On arriving at the park at 6:30 p.m. I counted 26 people standing in line at hole 1. May have been league night. I played this on my return trip at 11 a.m. on Monday morning and only had to wait for two groups to tee off. I'd play this course over and over again. The construction will be over soon.
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2 0
seymourdiscgolf
Premium Member
Experience: 22.5 years 321 played 12 reviews
4.50 star(s)

PLAY THIS COURSE!!! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 23, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Bring your good shoes cause this course has some elevation! Great mix of shots,
; hill to hill, hill to valley, valley to hill and a couple of flat tunnels. One of the best courses around...even many top pros choose this is one of their favorite coures. Great signage, easy enough to follow, large pads and well kept fairways. Nearly all baskets are visible but with trees that will that can easily bat you down.

Cons:

The course is very hilly so that can be a hindrance if you have a stroller, little ones or it is wet. They are putting in a pipe line right now so #2 & #3 are unplayable but they have put the baskets at alternate locations on the course (I can recall that there are 2 baskets on #8 and I hear that the other is on #12).

Other Thoughts:

HAPPY DISCIN'!!!
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