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Watson Road reviews
15
0
Wooded Fun
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 26, 2023
Played the course:once
Pros:
** This is a review of a just-opened 18 hole course that's still being groomed and improved.It is playable and enjoyable with the caveat that in some areas, the rough is pretty punishing. I will update it as conditions change and improve.**
+ Compact layout that takes advantage of woods on the property. As you start in the open field (and see other baskets/tees), you might not get the full picture of how wooded the course is going to be, with many holes featuring tight gaps and guardians
+ Level asphalt tees and good signage throughout, excellent next tee directional signage. You're not going to get lost
+ Hole #1 has a short tee that cuts out the dogleg and has a direct line into the woods. As a par 3 with a wooded approach, the short tee makes the first hole more beginner-friendly
+ Several of the early holes feature transitions between open and wooded environments, adding to the challenge. Holes #1 and #4 throw into the woods. The approaches feature some tricky lines through the trees. You're playing for placement, not distance
+ At 4800', you're going to find some short holes. There's a run of them in the middle (8, 10, 11, 13), but there's variety: a flat tunnel, a downhill floater with a gap off the tee, a right dogleg, an uphill with guardians in front of the basket. Designers have done a lot with the trees and any elevation available.They seem to have taken extra care to feature leaning trees on the #4 approach and in front of the tee on #16 (so distracting!)
+ As mentioned in an earlier review #15 is a signature hole. 530' par 4, narrow off the tee. Mostly flat, but there's a bit of a depression crossing part of the fairway late. Playing through beautiful woods to a well-guarded basket. Absolutely fair if you keep the teeshot clean. Reminded me of deep woods holes at courses like Iron Hill and Greystone
+ Compact layout that takes advantage of woods on the property. As you start in the open field (and see other baskets/tees), you might not get the full picture of how wooded the course is going to be, with many holes featuring tight gaps and guardians
+ Level asphalt tees and good signage throughout, excellent next tee directional signage. You're not going to get lost
+ Hole #1 has a short tee that cuts out the dogleg and has a direct line into the woods. As a par 3 with a wooded approach, the short tee makes the first hole more beginner-friendly
+ Several of the early holes feature transitions between open and wooded environments, adding to the challenge. Holes #1 and #4 throw into the woods. The approaches feature some tricky lines through the trees. You're playing for placement, not distance
+ At 4800', you're going to find some short holes. There's a run of them in the middle (8, 10, 11, 13), but there's variety: a flat tunnel, a downhill floater with a gap off the tee, a right dogleg, an uphill with guardians in front of the basket. Designers have done a lot with the trees and any elevation available.They seem to have taken extra care to feature leaning trees on the #4 approach and in front of the tee on #16 (so distracting!)
+ As mentioned in an earlier review #15 is a signature hole. 530' par 4, narrow off the tee. Mostly flat, but there's a bit of a depression crossing part of the fairway late. Playing through beautiful woods to a well-guarded basket. Absolutely fair if you keep the teeshot clean. Reminded me of deep woods holes at courses like Iron Hill and Greystone
Cons:
- The only significant "con" is the current state of the rough (which is not unusual for a brand new heavily-wooded course). When playing, pay special attention on holes #6 and #7 - they're straight and relatively long and narrow - the rough is really punishing. Work is ongoing to beat down some thick and thorny areas. In the meantime, long sleeves and pants are strongly recommended. Or, you could just keep it in the fairway...
Other Thoughts:
~ A note about hole #9 (340' par 4). It's got a left-then-right turn midway, transitioning from open into a wooded alley for the last part. You won't understand the shot needed unless you walk forward and really check out the turn and see what's required. The par 4 makes it easy to dink and dunk your way through the turn, but I also wonder if big arms will be tempted with an eagle play with a high hyzer that crashes through to the basket. Probably not worth the risk until the hole gets more grooming - but hey, spend a few extra minutes walking the hole to score well
~ And take an extra minute to walk ahead on your approach on #18. The basket is down an alley with a harder left turn than you might expect from just looking at the tee sign
~ Hole #3 is just an open field 200' throw right now, but there are plans to outline an island
~ Sandy soil absorbs rain quickly, similar to other courses near the shore like Doc Cramer. But these are more "northern" woods than the cedars and pines you find at Doc.
~ Red DisCatchers are difficult for those of us who are red/green colorblind, but many baskets are visible from the tee and it's easy to pick out the new silver chains and trays
~ New, and already playable and enjoyable. And 4 minutes away from the new and pretty spectacular Creamery course
~ And take an extra minute to walk ahead on your approach on #18. The basket is down an alley with a harder left turn than you might expect from just looking at the tee sign
~ Hole #3 is just an open field 200' throw right now, but there are plans to outline an island
~ Sandy soil absorbs rain quickly, similar to other courses near the shore like Doc Cramer. But these are more "northern" woods than the cedars and pines you find at Doc.
~ Red DisCatchers are difficult for those of us who are red/green colorblind, but many baskets are visible from the tee and it's easy to pick out the new silver chains and trays
~ New, and already playable and enjoyable. And 4 minutes away from the new and pretty spectacular Creamery course
15
0
Another JSDGC Offering
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 18, 2023
Played the course:once
Pros:
New 18 hole primarily wooded course as of June, 2023 featuring red Innova Discatcher Baskets. Adequate asphalt tee pads, descriptive signs and "next tee" directional markers provide assistance with navigation, which is intuitive. Ample parking and kiosk with oversized map on site along with a practice basket to the left of the hole 1 pad. Thoughtful design with good variety and modest elevation incorporated into the layout. Hole 15 figures to be the signature hole of the course and Hole 1 has both an advanced and a short tee pad. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Cons:
The angle of a couple tee pads is slightly off. Heavy growth on and around much of the front nine, and course grooming still a work in progress. No bathroom on site or lost disc box yet. Many holes a bit short for the true advanced player. As with any new wooded course, there can be ticks; bring spray!
Other Thoughts:
The Watson Road Disc Golf Course is the fourth 18 hole course designed by the Jersey Shore Disc Golf Club. Much credit must be given to the Wall Twp. Public Works Department who honored our vision and did tremendous work in helping shape and install the course, carving much of it out of dense woods. It is a fun layout which balances some challenging holes with a number of more modest offerings. Intermediate players should score well here, and though it has seven Par 4 holes, advanced players have a legitimate chance to approach double digit under par scores. It is unfortunate that protected lands and private property that border much of the course prevented additional longer holes and a small creek from figuring into the design.
Some of the cons at Watson Road- primarily the debris and excessive growth around some fairways- will be alleviated as the course gets broken in. An island hole is planned for the short field hole 3, which will add to its appeal. A half-star could easily be added to this rating as additional improvements are made. Located five minutes away from the new Creamery @ Neptune Course; make a day of it and play two fun area courses!
Some of the cons at Watson Road- primarily the debris and excessive growth around some fairways- will be alleviated as the course gets broken in. An island hole is planned for the short field hole 3, which will add to its appeal. A half-star could easily be added to this rating as additional improvements are made. Located five minutes away from the new Creamery @ Neptune Course; make a day of it and play two fun area courses!
