Wildcat Bluff reviews
17
0
srsmith31
Experience:
7 played
1 reviews
A hidden gem! drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 27, 2023
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
This course is absolutely amazing, but also very punishing. It is well-maintained and very clean. The course is fairly long for being tree-lined but you are reward for making good, accurate throws.
This course has seen numerous upgrades over the years. Each hole has typically A, B, or C (sometimes D) locations, and indication is shown accordingly. The signage is excellent! On long holes, there are wooden markers showing how far you are away from said hole, so might be "A-240, B-300, C-360" which is very useful for people that are new to the course.
Each tee box has a broom which is a nice touch. At the highest point of course (start of hole 16) there is a beautiful lookout and gazebo to sit and relax.
Also, there are little markers showing the 10m radius around the basket, which I have rarely come across in other courses, however it adds a great touch for the die hard players.
This course has seen numerous upgrades over the years. Each hole has typically A, B, or C (sometimes D) locations, and indication is shown accordingly. The signage is excellent! On long holes, there are wooden markers showing how far you are away from said hole, so might be "A-240, B-300, C-360" which is very useful for people that are new to the course.
Each tee box has a broom which is a nice touch. At the highest point of course (start of hole 16) there is a beautiful lookout and gazebo to sit and relax.
Also, there are little markers showing the 10m radius around the basket, which I have rarely come across in other courses, however it adds a great touch for the die hard players.
Cons:
I can see a casual disc golfer being very frustrated with this course, as it is pretty tight and treelined. Even with 2 tee boxes on some holes, it requires fairly precise throws. However, even with my most errant tee shots, I never lost a disc.
Other Thoughts:
Pins are already set; I don't know who determines what pin location, however on some of the holes, I've never seen anything but the long pin.
Also, you do have to drive back about 1/2 mile off the main highway and you'll be wondering, "am I in the right spot?" but after passing the campground you'll see the road end with parking and signage for the course. But for the avid disc golfer, this is a must play!
Also, you do have to drive back about 1/2 mile off the main highway and you'll be wondering, "am I in the right spot?" but after passing the campground you'll see the road end with parking and signage for the course. But for the avid disc golfer, this is a must play!
21
1
SaralaAnne
Experience:
12.1 years
18 played
3 reviews
They're not bluffing, it's the best. 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 1, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Amazing signage. All pin placements were shown on the sign, and the pin location shown bellow it. Also elevation changes were shown on the bottom of the signs.-Fantastic tee pads. Very roomy, level, and in great shape. The brooms on each sign pole were a nice touch that I've never seen anywhere else. -Garbage cans on almost every tee. -Lots of benches, and even a little rest area by hole 16s tee pads with a lattice backing so you can't get hit from behind. A nice little break after the massive walk uphill on 15.-Camping on site. Not a lot of camping areas, but it's seriously right next to the course. There's two tent spaces on hole one. Can't get any closer than that. -Quite a few little eater eggs. From wood carvings throughout the course to a face on one of the trees. Makes you want to take your time and really look around. -Challanging course. Lots of elevation changes, and lots of trees to hit. Seriously, expect to hit at least one on each hole, and be shocked if you don't.
Cons:
-No, really, it's hard. Like i said, you will hit trees. Lots of them. -Small parking lot. When we got there, it wasn't very busy, but when we left the lot was full.
Other Thoughts:
Honestly, we had a hard time finding cons for this course. The elevation changes are intense, and there's only maybe 3 flat shots on the whole course. With that being said, it's not one for small children unless they're very enthusiastic about joining you. Park was very clean and extremely well taken care of. They obviously take pride in having the highest ranking course in the state and it shows. Holes 20 and 21 were some of the most fun on the course, and hole 19 with the tree arch provided a unique obstacle. We drove 2 hours just to play this course and have zero regrets.
15
0
The Perfect Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 28, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
Two tee pads (red are short, blue are long) at each hole. Basket has multiple pin layouts (A,B,C,D) and the tee sign tells you whihc letter the basket is currently at so you know exactly where to throw and how far, along with the map for each one.
Cement pads are phenomenal.
There are even painted bricks along your path on the fairways telling you how far you are to each potential basket location at the time.
Trash cans are everywhere!
Rest benches and shelters after you climb some big hills are available for whenever you need a break.
Grass is never tall, and although it is thick with trees, you can raraly lose a disc because of all the anti-weeding and woodchips that have been placed down,
Cement pads are phenomenal.
There are even painted bricks along your path on the fairways telling you how far you are to each potential basket location at the time.
Trash cans are everywhere!
Rest benches and shelters after you climb some big hills are available for whenever you need a break.
Grass is never tall, and although it is thick with trees, you can raraly lose a disc because of all the anti-weeding and woodchips that have been placed down,
Cons:
If you can't throw a straight disc, you won't like this place... but that is also a lie, just hiking the course without playing frisbee is worth a trip!! (4.5 miles logged through the 21 holes according to my fitbit).
Bug spray is needed, but duh, you are in the woods. Doesn't take away from the course at all!!!
Bug spray is needed, but duh, you are in the woods. Doesn't take away from the course at all!!!
Other Thoughts:
The perfect course. Its in the woods and is heavily wooded (understatement maybe lol) but there are enough woodchips and constant maintainence that you can always find you disc even off of the path.
Perfect, phenomenal, insert other positive adjectives here...
Perfect, phenomenal, insert other positive adjectives here...
22
0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
20.9 years
550 played
429 reviews
No Bluff, Wildcat Rules 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 24, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
This is a triumph of modern disc golf. I applaud those responsible for the design, installation and upkeep of the course. Bravo! Given a perfect piece of land to work with, the layout mixes in all types of shots. The heavy woods and elevation changes present ultimate test of your precision and accuracy. Most holes offer long and short tees, and multiple pin locations, so the look of individual holes may be very different from one round to the next.
The tee signs are perhaps the best I have seen, with an illustration, elevation change shown with a cool profile at the bottom, and the current pin position indicated on the post. There are even QR codes that link to video fly throughs on each hole. The tee boxes are lined with pavers, and they are roomy and level. The baskets are florescent orange and stand out from a distance. The longer holes will often have benchmark pavers placed mid fairway and stenciled with the remaining distance to each pin placement. The hills can be steep, but the stairs are all sturdy and well constructed. The covered deck on hole 16 is about as nice a place to stop for a rest as you will get on any course.
I can't break down every hole, but there are a few that need attention. First and foremost, hole 11. I chuckled when is saw the stairway to 11 sign. I stopped laughing when I got to the short tee. I looked toward the basket and saw a great hole, then looked up to the long tee and took in the rest of the stairway. It is kind of like making your way toward the pearly gates of disc golf heaven. The photos in the gallery here don't really do it justice. I do think the photo on the Wildcat Bluff page on Facebook captures it pretty well with the basket to tee POV. What a view down the hill, across the ravine and up the other side. I wanted to throw everything I had from that perch. Signature hole is understating it.
I liked the downhill fairway on 12 as well, and the tight gaps that allow clear flight to the field at the bottom. 16 was another fun downhill drive with the fairway lined by trees on each side. 17 is a winding fairway with a wild elevation profile.
The tee signs are perhaps the best I have seen, with an illustration, elevation change shown with a cool profile at the bottom, and the current pin position indicated on the post. There are even QR codes that link to video fly throughs on each hole. The tee boxes are lined with pavers, and they are roomy and level. The baskets are florescent orange and stand out from a distance. The longer holes will often have benchmark pavers placed mid fairway and stenciled with the remaining distance to each pin placement. The hills can be steep, but the stairs are all sturdy and well constructed. The covered deck on hole 16 is about as nice a place to stop for a rest as you will get on any course.
I can't break down every hole, but there are a few that need attention. First and foremost, hole 11. I chuckled when is saw the stairway to 11 sign. I stopped laughing when I got to the short tee. I looked toward the basket and saw a great hole, then looked up to the long tee and took in the rest of the stairway. It is kind of like making your way toward the pearly gates of disc golf heaven. The photos in the gallery here don't really do it justice. I do think the photo on the Wildcat Bluff page on Facebook captures it pretty well with the basket to tee POV. What a view down the hill, across the ravine and up the other side. I wanted to throw everything I had from that perch. Signature hole is understating it.
I liked the downhill fairway on 12 as well, and the tight gaps that allow clear flight to the field at the bottom. 16 was another fun downhill drive with the fairway lined by trees on each side. 17 is a winding fairway with a wild elevation profile.
Cons:
Mach 10 baskets are in great condition, but they never seem to treat me right. No birdies here didn't help me with that notion. I bonked baskets, splashed the chains, and ricocheted the rims. No love.
The difficulty here is high. I love this type of course but some will disagree. My round was from the long tees, but the shorts looked like they still had some teeth. If you don't like a challenge skip this one.
Holes 19-21 felt a little underwhelming compared to the first 18, some bonus holes to get you back to the car. 3 extra holes is a pretty sweet con, though.
The difficulty here is high. I love this type of course but some will disagree. My round was from the long tees, but the shorts looked like they still had some teeth. If you don't like a challenge skip this one.
Holes 19-21 felt a little underwhelming compared to the first 18, some bonus holes to get you back to the car. 3 extra holes is a pretty sweet con, though.
Other Thoughts:
Judging from some of the old photos, this course has been getting upgrades regularly. The conditions were great on the day I visited. A little hot and humid, but no serious mud. Not a piece of litter that I was able to spot.
My biggest regret was playing West Lake and Shaver earlier in the day. I went in the wrong order, should have made Wildcat Bluff the first stop. I would have liked to have fresh legs for this one.
My score was way over par (+13 to be exact). No birds. I felt slightly better when I compared my card to some of the other posted rounds later. Apparently it isn't uncommon to shoot in the upper 70's here. I would love to make a return trip and try it again.
My tenth course in Iowa, and my favorite in the state. Reminds me of what Longview is to Kansas or Hummel is to Nebraska. Instant favorite, and I recommend it to all my disc golf buddies. Destination course for sure.
My biggest regret was playing West Lake and Shaver earlier in the day. I went in the wrong order, should have made Wildcat Bluff the first stop. I would have liked to have fresh legs for this one.
My score was way over par (+13 to be exact). No birds. I felt slightly better when I compared my card to some of the other posted rounds later. Apparently it isn't uncommon to shoot in the upper 70's here. I would love to make a return trip and try it again.
My tenth course in Iowa, and my favorite in the state. Reminds me of what Longview is to Kansas or Hummel is to Nebraska. Instant favorite, and I recommend it to all my disc golf buddies. Destination course for sure.
12
0
My favorite course. Wooded Paradise 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 29, 2019
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
This course is a GEM. Hole design from Hole 1 to the final hole is excellent. Elevation changes, heavily wooded, moderately wooded, tunnel shots, epic shots, Hole 20 has to be the most beautiful hole in the Midwest when you step onto the tee pad. That fallen tree, the lush green grass. it's awesome.
This course will punish you if you hit early trees. All rough is rough/pitch out. You need every shot, a little luck and a lot of skill to score here.
Nice bright orange baskets!
The multiple pads are really different. Playing this course from the long pads is ProTour stuff.
21 holes here too. All excellent. Even the little shorty is deceptive as it's kinda downhill and you really have to control the speed of the disc.
This course will punish you if you hit early trees. All rough is rough/pitch out. You need every shot, a little luck and a lot of skill to score here.
Nice bright orange baskets!
The multiple pads are really different. Playing this course from the long pads is ProTour stuff.
21 holes here too. All excellent. Even the little shorty is deceptive as it's kinda downhill and you really have to control the speed of the disc.
Cons:
Having to drive 5mph down the road to get there.
ummm....only one gas station close for snacks....
ummm....only one gas station close for snacks....
Other Thoughts:
This course is a tireless passion of the folks that maintain it and it shows. It's amazing. Always in great shape. Nothing more to be said that hasn't been said many times over in other reviews. Just go play it
3
6
outsidedogs
Experience:
1 played
1 reviews
Best in Iowa 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 4, 2019
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Feel free to read the other reviews for detailed pros but the course is great. So much fun and good people.
Course has a fair amount of elevation and wooded holes for a course in Iowa.
Course has a fair amount of elevation and wooded holes for a course in Iowa.
Cons:
Again please see other reviews for cons but my one gripe would be a lack of water holes. But overall just an excellent course that is well worth a trip off Interstate 80 if traveling through Iowa.
11
0
jgassman1991
Experience:
7.9 years
22 played
1 reviews
One of the best wooded courses in Iowa! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 12, 2019
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
- 21 hole course with a great layout and multiple basket locations
- easy to navigate with excellent signage for each hole
- lots of challenging obstacles and terrain
- perfect course for tournaments
- well maintained trails and built in steps to get around course
- benches and trash cans at almost every hole
- beautiful scenery throughout course
- camping available
- easy to navigate with excellent signage for each hole
- lots of challenging obstacles and terrain
- perfect course for tournaments
- well maintained trails and built in steps to get around course
- benches and trash cans at almost every hole
- beautiful scenery throughout course
- camping available
Cons:
- not an easy course for beginners
- some fairways are long and narrow making it easy to loose discs if you miss your gap
- difficult terrain to walk if you are use to flat courses
- only one open hole
- wooded course so there will be poison ivy and bugs at different times of the year
- some fairways are long and narrow making it easy to loose discs if you miss your gap
- difficult terrain to walk if you are use to flat courses
- only one open hole
- wooded course so there will be poison ivy and bugs at different times of the year
Other Thoughts:
If you like playing wooded courses this is the place for you. The volunteers that maintain the course keep it in excellent condition year round. I've been playing here for 5+ years and continue to come back for its challenging terrain and unique design. The course architects continue to make upgrades and changes that keep this course challenging and unique for the state of Iowa.
12
0
benny34
Experience:
18.1 years
55 played
15 reviews
Wooded Course at its best! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 15, 2018
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
+ Hole design provides may risk/reward decisions
+ Fairways are fair but getting off track is punishing to your score (not your bag)
+ To score well you should think about landing zones before stepping up to throw
+ Great use of elevation
+ Variety of hole shapes to really stress throws you might not use every round
+ Bright Baskets easy to spot (and catchy too)
+ Very helpful signage
+ Nice teepads
+ Lots of memorable holes (#1, #11, #14, #20, #21)
+ Good "two throw" par 4s
+ Fairways are fair but getting off track is punishing to your score (not your bag)
+ To score well you should think about landing zones before stepping up to throw
+ Great use of elevation
+ Variety of hole shapes to really stress throws you might not use every round
+ Bright Baskets easy to spot (and catchy too)
+ Very helpful signage
+ Nice teepads
+ Lots of memorable holes (#1, #11, #14, #20, #21)
+ Good "two throw" par 4s
Cons:
- Cell reception was spotty for me
- It was not wet when I played but I could see this being potentially tricky to get up and down the hills if it has rained recently
- It was not wet when I played but I could see this being potentially tricky to get up and down the hills if it has rained recently
Other Thoughts:
This is my favorite course that I have played. I love that every hole is unique and requires some thought on how to play the hole. You can try to go big and are rewarded for hitting your lines (and there are fair lines), but punished for going off course. The punishment is not tall weeds to lose your disc in. Instead you are facing tricky decisions on how much you want to try to bite off and get back on track. There are plenty of risk/reward holes out here. The longer holes require consideration on how you attack them to score the best. The par 4s are legitimately two well executed throws to get a chance for birdie. This course uses its elevation and land available very well. Overall this is a course worth going out of your way for. I would advise anyone looking for a wooded course to check it out.
7
2
dickwolf
Experience:
27.9 years
50 played
21 reviews
incredible 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 26, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
-extremely well thought out holes.
-great signage
-amazing detail and care taken
-great pads
-great baskets (nice touch being orange for visibility)
-wonderful elevation, creek, ravine, meadow, forest use.
-very challenging, but fair for slightly better than intermediate to advanced players.
-requires multiple discs and knowing how to use them.
-birdies and double bogies available. probably more double bogies, but fair.
-great signage
-amazing detail and care taken
-great pads
-great baskets (nice touch being orange for visibility)
-wonderful elevation, creek, ravine, meadow, forest use.
-very challenging, but fair for slightly better than intermediate to advanced players.
-requires multiple discs and knowing how to use them.
-birdies and double bogies available. probably more double bogies, but fair.
Cons:
seriously? this course is too great, that is its only flaw. sorry, sounds dumb, but its true.
Other Thoughts:
every hole is as a dream hole, and the signature hole at most courses. hole for hole, this is the best disc golf course i have ever played. this is the course i vision in my head when i dream up a perfect disc golf property. so well thought out and so perfectly done it is unfair to overword. if you are ANYWHERE near this and i mean 200 miles or less, do not miss wildcat bluff.
tough, fair, BEAUTIFUL!!!
just down the road is 45 min. is shaver park in cedar rapids making it an incredible 1-2 punch.
tough, fair, BEAUTIFUL!!!
just down the road is 45 min. is shaver park in cedar rapids making it an incredible 1-2 punch.
2
8
conroy_01
Experience:
19.1 years
28 played
6 reviews
My new favorite course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 3, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
I bot love and hate this course. It's a beautiful quiet secluded course that can and will test your abilities. It is well maintained and has a variety of shots needed for the course. Tee pads are excellent, tee signs are informative, and it is rather easy to navigate. If you like a heavily wooded course with some hills thrown in you would love this course..
Cons:
Some holes are easy to lose a disc. There is no cell service except for a few holes like 7, 8, and 9.
Other Thoughts:
Overall best course around. Play it if you ever get the chance
4
7
mdeeter
Experience:
11.9 years
109 played
4 reviews
The best course in Iowa! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 7, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
This course has a ton of great holes and a beautiful layout.
+ It is well cared for and maintains its stature throughout the year.
+ The baskets are moved regularly and there are multiple pads on many of the holes.
+ The hole signage is gorgeous.
+ Well shaped fairways - even though you're in the woods a ton, every hole has multiple options.
I love playing this course, definitely one of my all-time favorites!
+ It is well cared for and maintains its stature throughout the year.
+ The baskets are moved regularly and there are multiple pads on many of the holes.
+ The hole signage is gorgeous.
+ Well shaped fairways - even though you're in the woods a ton, every hole has multiple options.
I love playing this course, definitely one of my all-time favorites!
Cons:
- Stay close to the fairways... some of the holes have some thick rough if you get too far off.
9
2
MarkDSM
Experience:
52.3 years
60 played
7 reviews
2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 23, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
One astonishingly beautiful hole after another.
Active and thoughtful course maintenance
Seasonal camping directly onsite
Constant rotation of pin positions with indication on teesigns
Art on the course, spot the mushrooms
Navigation signage
Great welcome kiosk with info, scorecards, and donation box
Front and back loops from hole one
Active and thoughtful course maintenance
Seasonal camping directly onsite
Constant rotation of pin positions with indication on teesigns
Art on the course, spot the mushrooms
Navigation signage
Great welcome kiosk with info, scorecards, and donation box
Front and back loops from hole one
Cons:
Mild walk to main campground for water and toilets
Spotty cellular and radio signal on course
Spotty cellular and radio signal on course
Other Thoughts:
Walk in 10$ primitive camping with fire rings to the north of hole one is very awesome. (i love it !)
Nearest full disc shop is Titan Disc Golf in Cedar Rapids located at Shaver Park. (search Titan Disc Golf - Facebook)
A few other good courses within 45 minutes to include onsite camping at Sugar Bottom in Solon, Iowa
Check Wildcat Facebook page for tourney days
Limited services in Urbana a mile north on the course. One large convenience store (Casey's) and one bar with simple food (The O-Zone at 309 W Wood St)
Nearest full disc shop is Titan Disc Golf in Cedar Rapids located at Shaver Park. (search Titan Disc Golf - Facebook)
A few other good courses within 45 minutes to include onsite camping at Sugar Bottom in Solon, Iowa
Check Wildcat Facebook page for tourney days
Limited services in Urbana a mile north on the course. One large convenience store (Casey's) and one bar with simple food (The O-Zone at 309 W Wood St)
2
7
mrkvnmnn
Experience:
14.9 years
140 played
7 reviews
Best Course in Iowa 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 29, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
There is camping right next to the course.
Many Varieties of shots.
Well manicured.
Great elevation change with some holes you would never expect to see in Iowa!
Many Varieties of shots.
Well manicured.
Great elevation change with some holes you would never expect to see in Iowa!
Cons:
The only con is that this course is really hard in the long position, but that isn't really a con.
Other Thoughts:
This is the course by which I judge all other courses. I have not played a better course in Iowa and I have played 50+ Iowa courses.
2
4
caleb1989
Experience:
10.9 years
13 played
3 reviews
Best Iowa Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 28, 2015
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Easily the best course I've ever played, it is primarily wooded only open hole is hole 1. The course is well laid out and marked, every hole have signs and a lot of holes have two tee pads. There are multiple basket locations and are moved pretty regularly sign is marked to let the thrower know which location the basket is in. Is extremely technical but a lot of fun to play.
Cons:
Hard to come up with anything, is on public hunting land so they recommend your wear orange during hunting season.
Other Thoughts:
Fantastic Course, fun to play.
3
8
timj5304
Experience:
19.9 years
161 played
32 reviews
Disc golf heaven 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jan 31, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course is a true disc golf paradise, true woods golf, true hit your line or you will be punished. This course flows great, well maintained, very safe with nice concrete pads, retaining walls, nice stairs. This is a championship level course that will test every shot in your bag over and over as well as your mental game.
Cons:
There are none, place is perfect.
Other Thoughts:
Well worth the 2 hours out of the way during my trip to Des Moines. Wish it had not been raining pretty much the entire round.
17
0
MitchMileHigh
Experience:
19.9 years
40 played
6 reviews
I didn't want my round to end! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Oct 30, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
--When you get to the first hole there is a big course map sign and you can pick up a great scorecard with the course map on it.
--I was greeted at hole 1 by one of the crew members who offered some great advice and recent hole placement changes.
--This course was quite the challenge and only the first hole was out in the open, then you enter a wooded paradise.
--Beautiful scenery!
--Amazing signage and easy course navigation
--Benches and seating at every tee pad and a trash can on almost every hole.
--Even though heavily wooded, there are distinct, narrow fairways.
--I like how they were able to squeeze in 3 more holes, labeled A, B, and C.
--Elevation was fun when the basket was down a hill like on hole 12 for example, but quite the beast on a couple uphill holes.
--Hole 8 was one of the best holes I've ever seen!
--Easy 20 min drive North from Cedar Rapids
--I was greeted at hole 1 by one of the crew members who offered some great advice and recent hole placement changes.
--This course was quite the challenge and only the first hole was out in the open, then you enter a wooded paradise.
--Beautiful scenery!
--Amazing signage and easy course navigation
--Benches and seating at every tee pad and a trash can on almost every hole.
--Even though heavily wooded, there are distinct, narrow fairways.
--I like how they were able to squeeze in 3 more holes, labeled A, B, and C.
--Elevation was fun when the basket was down a hill like on hole 12 for example, but quite the beast on a couple uphill holes.
--Hole 8 was one of the best holes I've ever seen!
--Easy 20 min drive North from Cedar Rapids
Cons:
--Not much room for parking.
--I have an arrow putt and approach disc so I didn't have to much trouble with rollouts but I can see how that can be an issue for some players.
--Keep a keen eye on your disc because there is a lot of leafage on this course.
--I can see this course being overgrown during the spring in summer months with thorn bushes but that is just my assumption.
--I have an arrow putt and approach disc so I didn't have to much trouble with rollouts but I can see how that can be an issue for some players.
--Keep a keen eye on your disc because there is a lot of leafage on this course.
--I can see this course being overgrown during the spring in summer months with thorn bushes but that is just my assumption.
Other Thoughts:
This course was frickin awesome, hands down the best course I've ever played so far. Fun factor 10/10. I can see why it is rated the number 1 course in Iowa. If you call yourself an avid disc golfer and live in IA, you need to make the drive to play this course, no excuses people its that good! I will definitely play again and bring my friends to this course.
Just a heads up: There is some road construction going on in Urbana but just follow the detour signs and you'll find your way.
Just a heads up: There is some road construction going on in Urbana but just follow the detour signs and you'll find your way.
20
0
2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:May 29, 2016
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
• Wildcat Bluff is a Fantastic Professional Caliber course that plays through the woods, up and down hills, and across deep ravines. Beautiful Scenery and rugged trails! This is an extremely challenging and technical course!
• Bulletin Board at the start where you can pick up a Map and scorecard. There is also a donation box.
• Tee Area: Teepads are concrete bricks that are attractive and grippy. Tee signs with maps and distance, as well as basket position indicators.
• Tee pads have benches and garbage cans.
• Bright Orange painted baskets show up nicely in the woods.
• Alternating basket locations. Colored markers on the teesigns notate which position the basket is in.
• Wildcat Bluff is well manicured and built up to be a solid course. Designers have taken great pride in making this an attractive course!
• Navigation is easy, although you'll want to make sure get a map. There's a couple tee's that aren't easy to spot.
• *Legit Par 4's and 5's. You will be required to make a second shot placement on some of the fairways.
• Variety of fairways types: Canyon shot over deep ravines, doglegs through the woods, uphill and downhill shots, rolling fairways. You'll throw a number of different lines here.
• Risk/Rewards: In most cases, bad throws could cost you extra throws to get back to a place where you have a line. (i.e. Landing at the between a rolling hill or at the bottom of a ravine.)
• Has a Figure 8 Layout, and the front and back 9's start and play back to the Parking area.
• No Filler Holes or Gimme shots, Every Fairway here is well layed out, and has a strategic flow to it.
• Easy access from the Interstate.
• Bulletin Board at the start where you can pick up a Map and scorecard. There is also a donation box.
• Tee Area: Teepads are concrete bricks that are attractive and grippy. Tee signs with maps and distance, as well as basket position indicators.
• Tee pads have benches and garbage cans.
• Bright Orange painted baskets show up nicely in the woods.
• Alternating basket locations. Colored markers on the teesigns notate which position the basket is in.
• Wildcat Bluff is well manicured and built up to be a solid course. Designers have taken great pride in making this an attractive course!
• Navigation is easy, although you'll want to make sure get a map. There's a couple tee's that aren't easy to spot.
• *Legit Par 4's and 5's. You will be required to make a second shot placement on some of the fairways.
• Variety of fairways types: Canyon shot over deep ravines, doglegs through the woods, uphill and downhill shots, rolling fairways. You'll throw a number of different lines here.
• Risk/Rewards: In most cases, bad throws could cost you extra throws to get back to a place where you have a line. (i.e. Landing at the between a rolling hill or at the bottom of a ravine.)
• Has a Figure 8 Layout, and the front and back 9's start and play back to the Parking area.
• No Filler Holes or Gimme shots, Every Fairway here is well layed out, and has a strategic flow to it.
• Easy access from the Interstate.
Cons:
This is really rare for an 18 hole course, but there really aren't any major Cons here. Those who have designed this course, have done a great job here at Wildcat! I've got a few concerns that will come across as nitpicking. This is a well built course that was strategically laid out. These are just some concerns that caught my attention. None of these will affect ones decision to play here.
• I forgot to mention, there is Hunting allowed on this course from September to May. Break out the Hunter Safety Orange Vests if you play here during Hunting season.
• Stay out of the rough! There are some dense knee-high plants in there that can hide your disc.
• *Although there are legit Par 4's and 5's, there is no official par per hole on this course. A course of this level should have them listed, especially when having to make second shot placements. It's part of the challenge and strategy of playing a course of this caliber.
• Adding shorter tee's for beginners on some of the longer holes. Who knows though, it may be in the works. The Teepads they have now are extremely nice, and look sharp and were probably pretty costly. The reason I mention it is because this is the only course in the area.
• There is no cell service, so if you use UDisc or the PDGA app make sure you save the course data before you arrive. (Update: I did get some service in the higher points of the course. This may vary depending on your carrier)
• (This was gone as of the last time I played, but I'm leaving it here. I still laugh) Who ever put pants on the logs that were under a fallen tree on #20, your bit worked. I seriously thought a tree fell on top of someone. It startled me and forced an "Oh My God!" out of my mouth! Kudos to you! You got me!
• I forgot to mention, there is Hunting allowed on this course from September to May. Break out the Hunter Safety Orange Vests if you play here during Hunting season.
• Stay out of the rough! There are some dense knee-high plants in there that can hide your disc.
• *Although there are legit Par 4's and 5's, there is no official par per hole on this course. A course of this level should have them listed, especially when having to make second shot placements. It's part of the challenge and strategy of playing a course of this caliber.
• Adding shorter tee's for beginners on some of the longer holes. Who knows though, it may be in the works. The Teepads they have now are extremely nice, and look sharp and were probably pretty costly. The reason I mention it is because this is the only course in the area.
• There is no cell service, so if you use UDisc or the PDGA app make sure you save the course data before you arrive. (Update: I did get some service in the higher points of the course. This may vary depending on your carrier)
• (This was gone as of the last time I played, but I'm leaving it here. I still laugh) Who ever put pants on the logs that were under a fallen tree on #20, your bit worked. I seriously thought a tree fell on top of someone. It startled me and forced an "Oh My God!" out of my mouth! Kudos to you! You got me!
Other Thoughts:
What else can be said, this is a fantastic course! It had the right mix of Challenge, Fun, and Appeal! It is a must play and well worth a drive from anywhere! This is a must play course!! It will challenge you, and you will play smarter. No two fairways play the same, and the shorter holes still meet you with a challenge. You'll find fairways that require you to be fairly accurate at long distances, as well as throwing tight finesse shots. You'll have a blast playing here.
You will want to some comfortable shoes that are built for hill climbing and long walks. You will be trekking over all kinds of terrain. There is a Casey's Gas Station in Urbana, but once you get out of town there is nothing nearby. Even the bathrooms in this campground are the old school outhouses. Be mindful before you arrive.
This is a stellar, well maintained course! If you are planning a road trip in, through, or to Iowa, this is a must play. Wildcat Bluff is worthy of a 5 star rating.
You will want to some comfortable shoes that are built for hill climbing and long walks. You will be trekking over all kinds of terrain. There is a Casey's Gas Station in Urbana, but once you get out of town there is nothing nearby. Even the bathrooms in this campground are the old school outhouses. Be mindful before you arrive.
This is a stellar, well maintained course! If you are planning a road trip in, through, or to Iowa, this is a must play. Wildcat Bluff is worthy of a 5 star rating.
9
0
5.0 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 25, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
It doesn't get much better than this.
Wildcat Bluff was one of the most incredible disc golf experiences I've had to date and is a course that every disc golfer should have on their bucket list. My round here was such a wonderful experience that I found it worthy of my fourth ever 5.0 rating. These are the aspects of the course that reinforce this rating.
*The hole design at this course is incredible. The course carves its way through the Iowa woods going up and down the hillside. The lines are fair and the throwing lanes are wide enough to score well, but if you're not hitting your lines, your score will show it. Most of the holes have some degree of elevation, which adds a degree of "risk-reward" tradeoff.
The course features memorable hole after memorable hole. My personal favorite was a 524 foot downhill bomb over a valley lined with trees.
*It was evident that this course has a devout group of people that work hard to make it a great place to play. The upkeep was great. In addition to quality tee pads and baskets, Wildcat Bluff has benches, garbage cans, and "next tee" signs all over the course. Many of the holes here have multiple pin positions, which can cause confusion at some courses. The confusion is averted here because the tee signs effectively portray pin position with a colored button on each tee sign.
*The best part of Wildcat Bluff was that it serves as a mini-discgolfer getaway. It is isolated from the rest of the world and really lets golfers enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The scenery here is second to none and as you walk up and down the wooded hills here it truly feels like you and your disc golfing buddies are the only people in the world.
As an Illinois resident, I'm surprised that I had not heard of Wildcat Bluff until last year. The course does not seem to garner as much attention as its neighbors in the Quad Cities, but for disc golfers making a trip to play West Lake Park and Camden, this one is well worth spending a day driving to and playing.
Wildcat Bluff was one of the most incredible disc golf experiences I've had to date and is a course that every disc golfer should have on their bucket list. My round here was such a wonderful experience that I found it worthy of my fourth ever 5.0 rating. These are the aspects of the course that reinforce this rating.
*The hole design at this course is incredible. The course carves its way through the Iowa woods going up and down the hillside. The lines are fair and the throwing lanes are wide enough to score well, but if you're not hitting your lines, your score will show it. Most of the holes have some degree of elevation, which adds a degree of "risk-reward" tradeoff.
The course features memorable hole after memorable hole. My personal favorite was a 524 foot downhill bomb over a valley lined with trees.
*It was evident that this course has a devout group of people that work hard to make it a great place to play. The upkeep was great. In addition to quality tee pads and baskets, Wildcat Bluff has benches, garbage cans, and "next tee" signs all over the course. Many of the holes here have multiple pin positions, which can cause confusion at some courses. The confusion is averted here because the tee signs effectively portray pin position with a colored button on each tee sign.
*The best part of Wildcat Bluff was that it serves as a mini-discgolfer getaway. It is isolated from the rest of the world and really lets golfers enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The scenery here is second to none and as you walk up and down the wooded hills here it truly feels like you and your disc golfing buddies are the only people in the world.
As an Illinois resident, I'm surprised that I had not heard of Wildcat Bluff until last year. The course does not seem to garner as much attention as its neighbors in the Quad Cities, but for disc golfers making a trip to play West Lake Park and Camden, this one is well worth spending a day driving to and playing.
Other Thoughts:
Make sure you grab one of the maps provided at hole one to help with navigation on this course.
19
0
namar
Experience:
26.9 years
46 played
8 reviews
Come hug a tree at Wildcat, you might just get hugged back. 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Nov 18, 2013
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
-Outstanding use of massive elevation changes, one of the few places where a description of "very hilly & heavily wooded" might be understating it a bit. A crazy amount of work has been done not only in clearing fairways but putting in tons and tons of stairs where they need to be. See the pictures of hole 8 for a good example.
-Like any well-designed wooded course, consistent accuracy is prized above sheer power, but you have to be on point and have some good distance to score well here.
-Course flow is excellent, very easy to figure out where to go next even with leaves covering every bit of ground. Scorecards with a map and pin distances are located at the little pavilion by the tee for hole 1.
-I consider the carved wooden signs in use at Wildcat to be perfect. Colored washers indicate the current pin position, with distance and map position color-coordinated. No more info than is needed, but no less either.
-Orange baskets are easy to spot in the trees; full disclosure these are homemade but appear pretty much built to spec and catch as well as any basket made by DGA, Innova or other manufacturer.
-Benches and garbage cans (with lids!) at nearly every hole.
-Even the short holes are not routine, as they are either uphill anhyzers or downhill at a protected basket with significant risk for roll-aways.
-The course is generally not busy at all. In the 20 or so times I've played here, I don't remember ever having to wait or let a group play through.
-Like any well-designed wooded course, consistent accuracy is prized above sheer power, but you have to be on point and have some good distance to score well here.
-Course flow is excellent, very easy to figure out where to go next even with leaves covering every bit of ground. Scorecards with a map and pin distances are located at the little pavilion by the tee for hole 1.
-I consider the carved wooden signs in use at Wildcat to be perfect. Colored washers indicate the current pin position, with distance and map position color-coordinated. No more info than is needed, but no less either.
-Orange baskets are easy to spot in the trees; full disclosure these are homemade but appear pretty much built to spec and catch as well as any basket made by DGA, Innova or other manufacturer.
-Benches and garbage cans (with lids!) at nearly every hole.
-Even the short holes are not routine, as they are either uphill anhyzers or downhill at a protected basket with significant risk for roll-aways.
-The course is generally not busy at all. In the 20 or so times I've played here, I don't remember ever having to wait or let a group play through.
Cons:
-You have to look hard for cons at Wildcat, but this would be a tremendously frustrating course for newer players.
-The rough can be brutal if you get a bad kick off the trees, and it should be punishing, but some places it can take 2 shots just to pitch out back to the fairway.
-This time of year you can easily lose discs under the leaves, but you can hardly blame the trees for being trees.
-Paver teepads are pretty good right now, but there are a couple spots where the pavers are starting to separate a little creating some borderline dangerous footing. This issue should be resolved in the next year or so when concrete pads are installed, at which point I would consider this a 5 star course.
-The rough can be brutal if you get a bad kick off the trees, and it should be punishing, but some places it can take 2 shots just to pitch out back to the fairway.
-This time of year you can easily lose discs under the leaves, but you can hardly blame the trees for being trees.
-Paver teepads are pretty good right now, but there are a couple spots where the pavers are starting to separate a little creating some borderline dangerous footing. This issue should be resolved in the next year or so when concrete pads are installed, at which point I would consider this a 5 star course.
Other Thoughts:
Be prepared for a good hiking day, and plan accordingly. After playing 2 rounds my gps said I covered right at 5 miles of distance and just under 6000 feet of elevation change! Very hilly indeed.
In chatting with a couple gents from "the crew" that built and maintain the course, it sounds like they've secured funding for concrete pads throughout. The current paver teepads are pretty good but can get a bit slick with dew/leaves/snow/etc., whereas the handful of new concrete pads that went in this year are awesomely textured and provide perfect traction when wet.
Hole-by-hole...
1- The only open shot in the course, a few fairway trees but essentially wide open and straight ahead.
2- The first of many uphill shots, with pins at straight, left and right positions. Not quite a narrow alley but a good introduction to what you can expect out here.
3- Reasonably wide alley, slight anny or straight ahead pins.
4- In A position it's a straight 250' with a decent lane. B is a tough hyzer through a tightening alley, and C really makes you think hard if you want to muscle it around an even longer hyzer or play the landing zone game. A bad tree kick to the left will turn an excellent drive into a struggle just to get back to the fairway.
5- The lane shrinks a little bit, still a pretty straight or slight left bend and you start to think "maybe I'll start teeing with my putter..."
6- Narrow and fairly long, pins around 300, 350 and 400 in various directions. Stay in the middle.
A- The first of 3 bonus holes, another tight and straight alley with brutal jail rough.
B- A little shorter but even tighter than hole A, an ace run that can be an easy birdie or a "how the *&@!% did I 5 that?"
C- Same formula as B but longer. With solid control you can make up strokes on the bonus holes, but a bad shank will leave you seeing red and test your mental game as much as anything.
7- A bit more breathing room than the last 4 holes, but still pretty tight. This plays downhill and can be easily overthrown if you're not careful.
8- The signature hole of Wildcat Bluff, a rad across-the-valley shot that plays fairly downhill and is easily reachable if you make your line. Photos don't really do this hole justice, as the ravine floor is much lower than it appears. A tree hit will usually drop you to the bottom, leaving a very hard upshot to save par.
9- Very downhill and and plays much shorter than you think, a neutral putter on slight anny will park this one.
10- Hard hyzer line with a low ceiling. There is a gulley to the left that positively eats discs off a skip, a spotter is not a bad idea on this blind shot.
11- One of my favorite holes out here. A nice 300' S-shaped alley that plays slightly downhill, and hitting the shot on this hole is at least as gratifying, maybe more so, than parking it across the ravine on #8. The C position is almost 500 and not reachable from the tee, but A and B can be parked if you nail your drive.
12- Another tough uphill, A is straight ahead and just over 200' but plays like 300'. B pin is 300' off to the left and requires you to navigate a large fallen tree on your way to the basket. Fairway is pretty wide open.
13- A lovely ace run in the A position that plays slightly downhill and perfectly straight. B position is a bit longer with just a hint of anhyzer.
14- Landing zone hole for sure, as the fairway plays over a couple ridges. Park your drive on the first ridge to have decent upshots for A and B pins. C pin is 550+ and a legit par 4.
15- Short, tight, straight and uphill.
16- Anhyzer line to both pin positions, both around 250' and reachable as it plays downhill.
17- Possibly my favorite hole, a long anhyzer bomb that plays in a downhill gulley the whole way. A fallen tree cuts horizontally across the entire fairway about 100' from the teepad and maybe 30' above ground, perfectly in the way if you're not careful. A and B pins can be reached with a good/great drive, and I'm sure some folks can reach C but 550' through the trees is pretty deep, even playing downhill.
18- Teepad is in the open but the pin is back in a tight row of pine trees. A straight or very gently bending drive will put you in pretty good shape to close the course with a birdie.
**update**
I have played Wildcat a few more times since posting this review, and have bumped my rating up to 5 because it straight up deserves it. Nearly all of the teepads are now nicely textured concrete, and a new pavilion was built this year which will make a great tournament HQ. A ton of work has been done clearing out new throwing lanes and old log piles, and a couple new pin placements have been added. This course is better than ever, and has to be one of the best in the country. **
In chatting with a couple gents from "the crew" that built and maintain the course, it sounds like they've secured funding for concrete pads throughout. The current paver teepads are pretty good but can get a bit slick with dew/leaves/snow/etc., whereas the handful of new concrete pads that went in this year are awesomely textured and provide perfect traction when wet.
Hole-by-hole...
1- The only open shot in the course, a few fairway trees but essentially wide open and straight ahead.
2- The first of many uphill shots, with pins at straight, left and right positions. Not quite a narrow alley but a good introduction to what you can expect out here.
3- Reasonably wide alley, slight anny or straight ahead pins.
4- In A position it's a straight 250' with a decent lane. B is a tough hyzer through a tightening alley, and C really makes you think hard if you want to muscle it around an even longer hyzer or play the landing zone game. A bad tree kick to the left will turn an excellent drive into a struggle just to get back to the fairway.
5- The lane shrinks a little bit, still a pretty straight or slight left bend and you start to think "maybe I'll start teeing with my putter..."
6- Narrow and fairly long, pins around 300, 350 and 400 in various directions. Stay in the middle.
A- The first of 3 bonus holes, another tight and straight alley with brutal jail rough.
B- A little shorter but even tighter than hole A, an ace run that can be an easy birdie or a "how the *&@!% did I 5 that?"
C- Same formula as B but longer. With solid control you can make up strokes on the bonus holes, but a bad shank will leave you seeing red and test your mental game as much as anything.
7- A bit more breathing room than the last 4 holes, but still pretty tight. This plays downhill and can be easily overthrown if you're not careful.
8- The signature hole of Wildcat Bluff, a rad across-the-valley shot that plays fairly downhill and is easily reachable if you make your line. Photos don't really do this hole justice, as the ravine floor is much lower than it appears. A tree hit will usually drop you to the bottom, leaving a very hard upshot to save par.
9- Very downhill and and plays much shorter than you think, a neutral putter on slight anny will park this one.
10- Hard hyzer line with a low ceiling. There is a gulley to the left that positively eats discs off a skip, a spotter is not a bad idea on this blind shot.
11- One of my favorite holes out here. A nice 300' S-shaped alley that plays slightly downhill, and hitting the shot on this hole is at least as gratifying, maybe more so, than parking it across the ravine on #8. The C position is almost 500 and not reachable from the tee, but A and B can be parked if you nail your drive.
12- Another tough uphill, A is straight ahead and just over 200' but plays like 300'. B pin is 300' off to the left and requires you to navigate a large fallen tree on your way to the basket. Fairway is pretty wide open.
13- A lovely ace run in the A position that plays slightly downhill and perfectly straight. B position is a bit longer with just a hint of anhyzer.
14- Landing zone hole for sure, as the fairway plays over a couple ridges. Park your drive on the first ridge to have decent upshots for A and B pins. C pin is 550+ and a legit par 4.
15- Short, tight, straight and uphill.
16- Anhyzer line to both pin positions, both around 250' and reachable as it plays downhill.
17- Possibly my favorite hole, a long anhyzer bomb that plays in a downhill gulley the whole way. A fallen tree cuts horizontally across the entire fairway about 100' from the teepad and maybe 30' above ground, perfectly in the way if you're not careful. A and B pins can be reached with a good/great drive, and I'm sure some folks can reach C but 550' through the trees is pretty deep, even playing downhill.
18- Teepad is in the open but the pin is back in a tight row of pine trees. A straight or very gently bending drive will put you in pretty good shape to close the course with a birdie.
**update**
I have played Wildcat a few more times since posting this review, and have bumped my rating up to 5 because it straight up deserves it. Nearly all of the teepads are now nicely textured concrete, and a new pavilion was built this year which will make a great tournament HQ. A ton of work has been done clearing out new throwing lanes and old log piles, and a couple new pin placements have been added. This course is better than ever, and has to be one of the best in the country. **
13
1
Go play this course right meow. Right meow. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Sep 28, 2013
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
- Constant upkeep of the course is very evident. All the fairways were very clean and well kept.
- Nice, bright orange homemade baskets. Catch and act just like they should.
- Tee signs are simple and effective. All hand carved, and colored to pin placement.
- Great colored washer set-up to let you know at each tee which pin placement is in. Helpful, since many are blind.
- Great, new, grippy concrete tee pads.
- Good course flow. Really can't mess up, especially with a provided score card.
- 5 holes have alternate tee pads.
- Score sheets with map and distances available at the course sign, 1A tee.
- Trash cans along the way.
- Benches or large tree-stump-seats at nearly every tee I can remember.
- Great stairs for climbing and descending all over the course. Although not always needed (or obviously used) on dry days, if the course is at all damp I bet they're a necessity.
- Elevation of this course is insane, and used very well. They definitely did not shy away from it while designing the course, but embraced it.
- Not overly-wooded, if that makes sense. Yes, it's in the middle of the woods, but it's not thick and frustrating like lots of wooded courses can be. Just the right amount of trees have been cut down for shot lines. There is always a line or two, sometimes 3.
- Underbrush is light enough to go find your disc when you bounce out of the fairway, and not too worrisome. What IS worrisome is finding a great line through the trees back to the fairway in any direction other than you came... (i.e. there are plenty of small trees to still make you pay)
- Caretakers have marked most of the exposed tree roots, knots, and small stumps in the fairways with little orange flags, to keep trip hazards visible. Especially on the front 9, which is a little tighter. Extremely effective and much appreciated. I'm sure once leaves start to fall it becomes very easy to stub your toe or take a tumble.
- #C basket (B position) is guarded by a very tall tree that has half-uprooted and fallen across the approach area. Very cool, and provides some interesting "over or under" decisions.
- #7A (A position) requires a super tight, straight release off the pad, until it opens up downhill towards the basket.
- #8 is simply epic. Freaking cool shot over a valley. Really nice paver tee pad on 8A tee.
- #17 is in a very scenic, long shallow gulley. Overhanging limbs and one fallen tree that has arched across the fairway make it look like a gateway leading somewhere special. Might have been my favorite hole of the day, even over #8.
- #18 is a cool, straight pine-row tunnel shot. Tight line, and finishes the course with something just a little different from the rest of the course, but just as demanding.
- Nice, bright orange homemade baskets. Catch and act just like they should.
- Tee signs are simple and effective. All hand carved, and colored to pin placement.
- Great colored washer set-up to let you know at each tee which pin placement is in. Helpful, since many are blind.
- Great, new, grippy concrete tee pads.
- Good course flow. Really can't mess up, especially with a provided score card.
- 5 holes have alternate tee pads.
- Score sheets with map and distances available at the course sign, 1A tee.
- Trash cans along the way.
- Benches or large tree-stump-seats at nearly every tee I can remember.
- Great stairs for climbing and descending all over the course. Although not always needed (or obviously used) on dry days, if the course is at all damp I bet they're a necessity.
- Elevation of this course is insane, and used very well. They definitely did not shy away from it while designing the course, but embraced it.
- Not overly-wooded, if that makes sense. Yes, it's in the middle of the woods, but it's not thick and frustrating like lots of wooded courses can be. Just the right amount of trees have been cut down for shot lines. There is always a line or two, sometimes 3.
- Underbrush is light enough to go find your disc when you bounce out of the fairway, and not too worrisome. What IS worrisome is finding a great line through the trees back to the fairway in any direction other than you came... (i.e. there are plenty of small trees to still make you pay)
- Caretakers have marked most of the exposed tree roots, knots, and small stumps in the fairways with little orange flags, to keep trip hazards visible. Especially on the front 9, which is a little tighter. Extremely effective and much appreciated. I'm sure once leaves start to fall it becomes very easy to stub your toe or take a tumble.
- #C basket (B position) is guarded by a very tall tree that has half-uprooted and fallen across the approach area. Very cool, and provides some interesting "over or under" decisions.
- #7A (A position) requires a super tight, straight release off the pad, until it opens up downhill towards the basket.
- #8 is simply epic. Freaking cool shot over a valley. Really nice paver tee pad on 8A tee.
- #17 is in a very scenic, long shallow gulley. Overhanging limbs and one fallen tree that has arched across the fairway make it look like a gateway leading somewhere special. Might have been my favorite hole of the day, even over #8.
- #18 is a cool, straight pine-row tunnel shot. Tight line, and finishes the course with something just a little different from the rest of the course, but just as demanding.
Cons:
- Piles of logs from tree clearing sometimes just off the fairway, or just into the timber. Really doesn't affect game play much. (Edit: ongoing of course, but much of this has been removed)
- Once fall hits and leaves start to cover the ground, I'm sure there will be more penalty to bouncing out of the fairway. (Welcome to any wooded course, ever). Spring time might also find the underbrush denser.
- Once fall hits and leaves start to cover the ground, I'm sure there will be more penalty to bouncing out of the fairway. (Welcome to any wooded course, ever). Spring time might also find the underbrush denser.
Other Thoughts:
- I played on a mixed setup of pin placements, and it was a nice variety. Just because the baskets are in a sometimes shorter "A" position, still doesn't mean it's easy..
- Stumbled into being the first one to play from the first, new concrete tees on the course. Got there early in the morning, and the crew was pulling the forms off as I got to #1. Sounds like they will be slowly replacing the paver pads on most of the course. Good luck to them, as getting concrete into the far reaches of the course will surely be an undertaking. (Edit: new concrete pads)
- Really can't say enough about the obvious amount of TLC these guys put into this course. I'm sure it's been a pain at times, but the fruits of their labor are immensely evident. (Edit: Check out the facebook page to see evidence of all of their time and effort. Including the wonderful, brand new pavilion on site.)
- Absolutely gorgeous, serene, and out-of-the-way course. I really wish I was able to spend more time here, and play it 2 or 3 times that day. It is a difficult course, and I certainly did not play my best. But I never really felt overly frustrated. How is that possible?!?! The views and comfortable feel of the course makes it possible. I'm sure I will be dreaming of some of these holes until I'm able to make a trip back again. Plus, I have a 1st-time-around score to beat...
Review Update: Rating increased from 4.5 to 5.0, and the comments regarding the following from my original review have been updated/deleted: Concrete tee pads, practice basket, new pavilion, and continued clearing of rogue branches, fallen timber, and logs. This course continues to be one of the preeminent courses in Iowa.
- Stumbled into being the first one to play from the first, new concrete tees on the course. Got there early in the morning, and the crew was pulling the forms off as I got to #1. Sounds like they will be slowly replacing the paver pads on most of the course. Good luck to them, as getting concrete into the far reaches of the course will surely be an undertaking. (Edit: new concrete pads)
- Really can't say enough about the obvious amount of TLC these guys put into this course. I'm sure it's been a pain at times, but the fruits of their labor are immensely evident. (Edit: Check out the facebook page to see evidence of all of their time and effort. Including the wonderful, brand new pavilion on site.)
- Absolutely gorgeous, serene, and out-of-the-way course. I really wish I was able to spend more time here, and play it 2 or 3 times that day. It is a difficult course, and I certainly did not play my best. But I never really felt overly frustrated. How is that possible?!?! The views and comfortable feel of the course makes it possible. I'm sure I will be dreaming of some of these holes until I'm able to make a trip back again. Plus, I have a 1st-time-around score to beat...
Review Update: Rating increased from 4.5 to 5.0, and the comments regarding the following from my original review have been updated/deleted: Concrete tee pads, practice basket, new pavilion, and continued clearing of rogue branches, fallen timber, and logs. This course continues to be one of the preeminent courses in Iowa.
