West Park reviews
16
0
West Park Redux- Reviewing the Latest Layout of a Historical Course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 25, 2021
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
- West Park, established in 1979, remains a relevant course by today's standards, albeit a bit on the short side. Mostly a park-style course consisting of large mature oaks and other trees and light scrub, with a large seam of elevation (maybe 20-25' at its highest point) running through the middle. A small, semi-dry creek/ drainage pond/ body of "poo" water of dubious origin "runs" along the bottom of this slope. Stretches of highway, including I-80, run alongside, giving several parts of the course a very urban feel despite West Park's natural greenery and relaxed, casual vibe.
- Because of its age, much of the design focuses on shorter technical style holes where accuracy over raw power will win on most days. Only one hole tops 400', and just barely at that. As a result, most experienced players will have a fun time collecting birdies and making ace runs. In general, the course is shorter but more solid all-around than the previous layout.
-Good use of elevation throughout, with risk/reward opportunities arising from the positioning of baskets on the edge of slopes and drop-offs. Throwing downhill over the "creek" on #2 is the main holdover from the old design in this realm. The solid use of elevation throughout the park is definitely West Park's main allure for the author.
- Tee signs and concrete tees are a major upgrade to the previous layout's rutted, washed out, natural tees.
- Gone are the sketchiest of holes from the previous 24 hole layout: #16 (IIRC) was a sketchy up and over shot with no real fairway and road directly behind the basket. The hole that played through the grassy area that flooded is also gone. They did a good job picking the best, dropping the worst, and adding a few nice touches in between, and (despite the loss of total number of holes) come out more or less the same rating-wise.
- Because of its age, much of the design focuses on shorter technical style holes where accuracy over raw power will win on most days. Only one hole tops 400', and just barely at that. As a result, most experienced players will have a fun time collecting birdies and making ace runs. In general, the course is shorter but more solid all-around than the previous layout.
-Good use of elevation throughout, with risk/reward opportunities arising from the positioning of baskets on the edge of slopes and drop-offs. Throwing downhill over the "creek" on #2 is the main holdover from the old design in this realm. The solid use of elevation throughout the park is definitely West Park's main allure for the author.
- Tee signs and concrete tees are a major upgrade to the previous layout's rutted, washed out, natural tees.
- Gone are the sketchiest of holes from the previous 24 hole layout: #16 (IIRC) was a sketchy up and over shot with no real fairway and road directly behind the basket. The hole that played through the grassy area that flooded is also gone. They did a good job picking the best, dropping the worst, and adding a few nice touches in between, and (despite the loss of total number of holes) come out more or less the same rating-wise.
Cons:
- I always loved hole #4, the one that threw over the creek to the raised pin, but it was very much an erosion and safety issue, so I understand its deletion.
- A lot of the back nine feels a bit repetitive with the more open, grassy, park-style holes.
- The walk from #9 to #10 isn't obvious. Follow the roadway uphill and NOT the old fairway back towards the woods.
- A lot of the back nine feels a bit repetitive with the more open, grassy, park-style holes.
- The walk from #9 to #10 isn't obvious. Follow the roadway uphill and NOT the old fairway back towards the woods.
Other Thoughts:
- Despite the unpleasant aspects usually associated with semi-urban disc golf (such as the dubious smells emanating from the water hazards), West Park proves to be a really fun, solidly designed course geared towards beginners and rec-level players that provides a great woodsy escape to the surrounding urban and suburban sprawl.
16
0
The New, not so Wild West 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 9, 2020
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
- Dual tees for about half of the holes, and a few with alternate baskets
- Good range of fairway types from mostly open to tightly wooded
- Rolling hills are used pretty well to give some interesting looks off the tee and at the green
- Good range of fairway types from mostly open to tightly wooded
- Rolling hills are used pretty well to give some interesting looks off the tee and at the green
Cons:
- Average hole length is on the short side, some repetitive shots
- Navigation can be tricky in a few places your first time out
- Some fairways play close to roads
- Navigation can be tricky in a few places your first time out
- Some fairways play close to roads
Other Thoughts:
The updated design for West Park kept many of the elements from the original layout, though there are some things I definitely miss (I liked old holes 5, 11, and 16 more than just about any of the remaining or new holes). That said, I tried to review this course for what it is and not what it used to be/what it isn't.
The new equipment is the best upgrade from the old course. The concrete tee pads are sufficiently large and grippy and the tee signs are large and colorful and show the distances from each tee, though the signs are only present at one tee per hole where there are dual tees. The red banded Chainstar Pros catch great, and there are two or three holes with alternate pins using older model Chainstars. These alternate pins do not have distances on the tee signs, and some signs show alternate pin locations in the overhead view where I have never seen a basket. There is a new railing to help you navigate the rough stairs down the hill to 2's basket but crossing the creek can still be a little sketchy. This is really the only problematic area for those using a cart.
The dual tee pads are nice in that they usually provide a slightly different look or completely different angle to the basket. The choice of which is the Red and which the White tee is at times confusing, and finding the alternate pad for the hole that doesn't have a tee sign can be a little tricky your first time out. Routing to the next hole can also be difficult in a few spots if you are not familiar with the course.
There is a pretty good mix of open, to moderately wooded, to tightly wooded fairways at West Park. Generally the tightly wooded fairways are short enough to not be overly discouraging to newer players, and I have seen families and other less experienced players having a great time during each of my rounds. There are still enough interesting features to keep more skilled players entertained. Angle control and line shaping is definitely required, but there are a few too many open, parks style holes that begin to feel a little repetitive by the end.
This is a nice park, and the recent improvements definitely gave it a much needed face lift, and helped make West into a true multi-use park. It is a bit less challenging than nearby Channahon, Trinity, Highland, or Dellwood, but fits in well with the area courses. Definitely still worth playing for those living nearby. For those traveling, if you only have the time for two or three rounds, I have trouble recommending West Park over the other courses mentioned above, but hopefully you have time to include the oldest course in the state in your play schedule.
The new equipment is the best upgrade from the old course. The concrete tee pads are sufficiently large and grippy and the tee signs are large and colorful and show the distances from each tee, though the signs are only present at one tee per hole where there are dual tees. The red banded Chainstar Pros catch great, and there are two or three holes with alternate pins using older model Chainstars. These alternate pins do not have distances on the tee signs, and some signs show alternate pin locations in the overhead view where I have never seen a basket. There is a new railing to help you navigate the rough stairs down the hill to 2's basket but crossing the creek can still be a little sketchy. This is really the only problematic area for those using a cart.
The dual tee pads are nice in that they usually provide a slightly different look or completely different angle to the basket. The choice of which is the Red and which the White tee is at times confusing, and finding the alternate pad for the hole that doesn't have a tee sign can be a little tricky your first time out. Routing to the next hole can also be difficult in a few spots if you are not familiar with the course.
There is a pretty good mix of open, to moderately wooded, to tightly wooded fairways at West Park. Generally the tightly wooded fairways are short enough to not be overly discouraging to newer players, and I have seen families and other less experienced players having a great time during each of my rounds. There are still enough interesting features to keep more skilled players entertained. Angle control and line shaping is definitely required, but there are a few too many open, parks style holes that begin to feel a little repetitive by the end.
This is a nice park, and the recent improvements definitely gave it a much needed face lift, and helped make West into a true multi-use park. It is a bit less challenging than nearby Channahon, Trinity, Highland, or Dellwood, but fits in well with the area courses. Definitely still worth playing for those living nearby. For those traveling, if you only have the time for two or three rounds, I have trouble recommending West Park over the other courses mentioned above, but hopefully you have time to include the oldest course in the state in your play schedule.
6
0
Updated but not necessarily better 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Mar 8, 2020
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
New signage, tee pads, baskets and obstacles throughout. As one of the few shots that went unchanged, Hole 2 is still wonderful. Hole 9 was an improvement, taking advantage of the concrete barrier to add difficulty. Several ace run opportunities, with a mix of open and technical fairways. This course requires a variety of shots to stay under par.
Cons:
I miss quite a few of the old holes, especially Hole 5 on the hill near the small bridge, and the downhill shot to the basket near the road (Hole 14, I believe). The new walking path cut into a lot of the usable space around holes 4-6. With the reduction in holes, I expected more long-ish par 4s or even 5s, so that was a little disappointing.
Other Thoughts:
West Park is still one of my favorite courses in the area, even after the layout change. The equipment upgrades improve the overall experience here. I love the use of elevation; some areas are steep, but not unforgiving like a few over at Highland. Pro players will conquer this course but amateurs will find it challenging while still being a lot of fun.
9
0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
18.8 years
256 played
239 reviews
First Course in Illinois! Sort of :-) 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 27, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
- great wooded technical shots
- a good variety with some more open shots
- great elevation change for NW Illinois
- fantastic Discraft Chainstar baskets
- nice, large concrete tees for both tee locations on every hole
- quality signs on every hole
- next basket direction shown on sign for navigation
- decent amount of parking, benches, and garbage cans
- nice permanent bridge on one water crossing
- a good variety with some more open shots
- great elevation change for NW Illinois
- fantastic Discraft Chainstar baskets
- nice, large concrete tees for both tee locations on every hole
- quality signs on every hole
- next basket direction shown on sign for navigation
- decent amount of parking, benches, and garbage cans
- nice permanent bridge on one water crossing
Cons:
- a disappointing amount of trash left around the course
- some baskets are mounted a bit low
- some low-lying areas can get rather wet and muddy
- can be fairly busy at times
- some elevation change areas are a bit treacherous and some
more permanent stairs might be nice
- some shots are very close to the road
- some baskets are mounted a bit low
- some low-lying areas can get rather wet and muddy
- can be fairly busy at times
- some elevation change areas are a bit treacherous and some
more permanent stairs might be nice
- some shots are very close to the road
Other Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this course! It technically is the first DG course in Illinois, which is pretty cool, although it was redesigned last year. This is another gem in the Joliet/Lockport area which has the best disc golf I've seen in northern Illinois.
I wish people would pick up their trash, which is the biggest problem I saw on this course. Seriously, how does a styrofoam egg carton end up in the middle of a wooded disc golf course? There are garbage cans everywhere but apparently some people can't be troubled to use them which is too bad.
The elevation change here is great for Illinois. While some of the later holes aren't particularly unique, almost none of them are boring and they all force you to make a certain type of shot. I love all the ravines and holes that make you think about the best approach... not to mention the risk of throwing off the side of the rise. The Discraft Chainstar baskets are beautiful and have 3 layers of chains - it may sound silly, but these are really nice. The tee pads and signs are great, with 2 concrete tees for every hole which are clearly marked on the signs. Navigation was easy even though it was my first time.
Though this course is certainly challenging and I could have played better, I never found it so difficult it was that frustrating. Admittedly, some shots play very close to the road, but it admittedly is a very low-traffic road and this wasn't much of an issue. The course can get muddy and wet in low lying areas but I was able to avoid most of these pretty well.
I did have to help my 5 year old cross the creek since the concrete bridge only goes about halfway across (would be interesting to know how this setup originated). There are stepping stones so it wasn't too bad but it made for an interesting crossing.
All in all, this course seems well maintained and is a lot of fun. It was late March so obviously there wasn't much foliage, and I can't say how that would change the course. However, for the time being, I never had any trouble finding my discs. Despite all the tree obstacles you could always see the ground well. I will definitely be back eventually. I'd highly recommend this course if you are in the area... probably #3 for me currently after The Canyons and Highland Park.
I wish people would pick up their trash, which is the biggest problem I saw on this course. Seriously, how does a styrofoam egg carton end up in the middle of a wooded disc golf course? There are garbage cans everywhere but apparently some people can't be troubled to use them which is too bad.
The elevation change here is great for Illinois. While some of the later holes aren't particularly unique, almost none of them are boring and they all force you to make a certain type of shot. I love all the ravines and holes that make you think about the best approach... not to mention the risk of throwing off the side of the rise. The Discraft Chainstar baskets are beautiful and have 3 layers of chains - it may sound silly, but these are really nice. The tee pads and signs are great, with 2 concrete tees for every hole which are clearly marked on the signs. Navigation was easy even though it was my first time.
Though this course is certainly challenging and I could have played better, I never found it so difficult it was that frustrating. Admittedly, some shots play very close to the road, but it admittedly is a very low-traffic road and this wasn't much of an issue. The course can get muddy and wet in low lying areas but I was able to avoid most of these pretty well.
I did have to help my 5 year old cross the creek since the concrete bridge only goes about halfway across (would be interesting to know how this setup originated). There are stepping stones so it wasn't too bad but it made for an interesting crossing.
All in all, this course seems well maintained and is a lot of fun. It was late March so obviously there wasn't much foliage, and I can't say how that would change the course. However, for the time being, I never had any trouble finding my discs. Despite all the tree obstacles you could always see the ground well. I will definitely be back eventually. I'd highly recommend this course if you are in the area... probably #3 for me currently after The Canyons and Highland Park.
12
0
Manifest Discony - Go West Young Man and Disc in Joliet 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 12, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Newly laid out course in a hilly multiuse park.
- Loved the front nine for the most part
- Loved the layout difficulty. It's consistent. I rarely see this on courses were it seems like almost all of the holes are relatively the same in difficulty. While there's nothing wrong with having a course with a few holes that are much harder than the others West Park offers up something a little different.
- With a few exceptions, navigation was easy peasy. Usually the next hole was visible from the previous basket.
- Loved the odd bit of retaining wall on 9. Not sure what it used to be in it's former life but it definitely added a ton of character to this hole. With the tough little tunnel shot off the tee this is probably my favorite hole.
- The use of available elevation is wonderful here and is what really makes this course a ton of fun.
- The brand spanking new and shiny Discraft Chainstars are BEAUTIFUL. What a great choice in basket. These are some of my favorite baskets I have ever played on.
- Concrete tees are broomed perfectly and appeared to be professionally installed. I like the trapezoidal shape pointing the way to the basket. Some may argue that they are too small but hey, unless you're James Conrad (sponsored by Pert Plus FYI) trying to pump one out to 500' you don't need bigger tees than this.
- Dual tees. Freaking awesome. Each set of tees has different looks at the basket and if there isn't dual tees on the hole there are multiple pin locations. Very nice touch.
- The signs were great.
- Loved the front nine for the most part
- Loved the layout difficulty. It's consistent. I rarely see this on courses were it seems like almost all of the holes are relatively the same in difficulty. While there's nothing wrong with having a course with a few holes that are much harder than the others West Park offers up something a little different.
- With a few exceptions, navigation was easy peasy. Usually the next hole was visible from the previous basket.
- Loved the odd bit of retaining wall on 9. Not sure what it used to be in it's former life but it definitely added a ton of character to this hole. With the tough little tunnel shot off the tee this is probably my favorite hole.
- The use of available elevation is wonderful here and is what really makes this course a ton of fun.
- The brand spanking new and shiny Discraft Chainstars are BEAUTIFUL. What a great choice in basket. These are some of my favorite baskets I have ever played on.
- Concrete tees are broomed perfectly and appeared to be professionally installed. I like the trapezoidal shape pointing the way to the basket. Some may argue that they are too small but hey, unless you're James Conrad (sponsored by Pert Plus FYI) trying to pump one out to 500' you don't need bigger tees than this.
- Dual tees. Freaking awesome. Each set of tees has different looks at the basket and if there isn't dual tees on the hole there are multiple pin locations. Very nice touch.
- The signs were great.
Cons:
- The dual tees on a few holes are a tad odd. Like on 4 the red tee is significantly longer and appeared to me defintely harder than the white tee. I thought it should be the other way around. Yeah I know...It's a picky con.
- Navigation was an issue between 9 and 10. Download the map from this site or make use of Udisc.
- One of the biggest things in my mind holding this course back is the back nine. While there is nothing technically wrong with any of the holes there a lot of them felt rather bland and basically filler holes. More specifically, 13, 14 and 15. In the course designers defense...I'm really not sure what could have been done differently.
- Ten IMHO is way too close to the roadway. Newb hyzers are going to wind up across the street.
- While I liked the the consistent level of difficulty this is by no means a championship course. I kind of feel like it would be nice to have a few holes that are just ridiculously hard.
- Navigation was an issue between 9 and 10. Download the map from this site or make use of Udisc.
- One of the biggest things in my mind holding this course back is the back nine. While there is nothing technically wrong with any of the holes there a lot of them felt rather bland and basically filler holes. More specifically, 13, 14 and 15. In the course designers defense...I'm really not sure what could have been done differently.
- Ten IMHO is way too close to the roadway. Newb hyzers are going to wind up across the street.
- While I liked the the consistent level of difficulty this is by no means a championship course. I kind of feel like it would be nice to have a few holes that are just ridiculously hard.
Other Thoughts:
West Park was obviously constructed with a specific goal in mind which is to create a mildly challenging and fun course for the average discer. Even pros are going to find this place entertaining and looking to play more than just one round. Mission accomplished for sure. Yet, I would love to see the dial labeled "challenge" turned up a bit and unfortunately I don't think there is room in this park for it so the designer in my book get's an A- for doing the best they had to work with.
14
0
Three Putt
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
29.3 years
152 played
127 reviews
Day after day I get up and I say I better do it again 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 4, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
Good old West Park, the first disc golf course in Illinois circa 1979. It's historic! It's nostalgic! It's...gone. Kinda. Sorta. Not really. It's still there with a "NEW FOR 2018" design. If you only casually played the old course and don't have the shots drilled into your muscle memory, the shots on this new course are going to remind you a lot of the old course.
WHAT'S NEW?: Concrete tees in the long and short position. YEAH!
New Chainstar baskets. I don't remember the old baskets so that might be a yeah.
WHAT'S OLD?: The shots for the most part felt familiar. 12 of the holes seemed like holes I had played before. The tees or pins might have been moved a bit and some of the shots might have been stretched by a few feet, but the vibe of the course was the same.
The distances for the most part were those 250'-270' park-style shots. Holes 3.4.15 & 18 have one 300'+ tee each, and the new hole 11 stands as the 400' shot in the design. There is some challenge in the design, but not Open Pro challenge. It's a solid recreational/Intermediate design.
It seemed like a lot of the old "this tee is pretty close to the last basket" issues had been improved. I also didn't notice as much erosion as I remember the old course having. I consider the overall effect more of a "refresh" than a "redesign." If you had fun at the old West Park, you will have fun at the new West Park.
WHAT'S NEW?: Concrete tees in the long and short position. YEAH!
New Chainstar baskets. I don't remember the old baskets so that might be a yeah.
WHAT'S OLD?: The shots for the most part felt familiar. 12 of the holes seemed like holes I had played before. The tees or pins might have been moved a bit and some of the shots might have been stretched by a few feet, but the vibe of the course was the same.
The distances for the most part were those 250'-270' park-style shots. Holes 3.4.15 & 18 have one 300'+ tee each, and the new hole 11 stands as the 400' shot in the design. There is some challenge in the design, but not Open Pro challenge. It's a solid recreational/Intermediate design.
It seemed like a lot of the old "this tee is pretty close to the last basket" issues had been improved. I also didn't notice as much erosion as I remember the old course having. I consider the overall effect more of a "refresh" than a "redesign." If you had fun at the old West Park, you will have fun at the new West Park.
Cons:
WHAT'S NEW?: 18 hole layout (down from 24.) Less golf=BOO!!!
There used to be a goofy downhill shot that was hole 16, it's gone. There was a long shot across a meadow to the creek in the low spot of the park (old hole 11?) that is gone. Those were signature-type shots on the old course, so they will be missed by many. The meadow has been given up to weeds and tall grass, which is aesthetically a downer. Local players will be able to note more changes and have a better perspective on what was lost.
WHAT'S OLD?: A few of the old course safety issues remain. There is still that anny uphill shot (hole 10 now, I think it used to be 17) right next to the road that dares a new player throwing RHBH not to n00b hyzer into the street. Hole 15 and 16 still throw at each other with 16's pin too close to the road. The issues are not horrible, though.
Hole 2 has a set of stairs down the treacherous hill, but even though I knew they were there I couldn't find them topside. I ran into them halfway down my trailblazing path from the tee. If there were some signs over to the stairs, that would be great.
There used to be a goofy downhill shot that was hole 16, it's gone. There was a long shot across a meadow to the creek in the low spot of the park (old hole 11?) that is gone. Those were signature-type shots on the old course, so they will be missed by many. The meadow has been given up to weeds and tall grass, which is aesthetically a downer. Local players will be able to note more changes and have a better perspective on what was lost.
WHAT'S OLD?: A few of the old course safety issues remain. There is still that anny uphill shot (hole 10 now, I think it used to be 17) right next to the road that dares a new player throwing RHBH not to n00b hyzer into the street. Hole 15 and 16 still throw at each other with 16's pin too close to the road. The issues are not horrible, though.
Hole 2 has a set of stairs down the treacherous hill, but even though I knew they were there I couldn't find them topside. I ran into them halfway down my trailblazing path from the tee. If there were some signs over to the stairs, that would be great.
Other Thoughts:
West Park pretty much still does what it has been doing for the last 40 years. It's a cool, fun recreational to intermediate-type course. Enough of the old course is in the design of the new course for it to retain the vibe it always had. Old disc golf courses get run down and need attention, even "first in the State" courses. I think they did a great job of keeping the experience the same while giving the course needed updates.
West Park is dead, long live West Park!
West Park is dead, long live West Park!
