Williamsburg Park - FunBurg reviews
8
0
Cleverly Constructed For The Newbies And Families 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 6, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
Williamsburg Park is a medium sized park with a walking trail , a nice playground for the children , 2 shelters ,and basketball courts at the entrance , but it really features 2 24 layouts of disc golf .
THE EQUIPMENT - I will explain below in Other Thoughts , but presently , the tee pads are shared , some cement , most natural . The signage is a cheaper plastic almost cardboard , suspended by metal spokes in the ground .The holes are identified by letters instead of numbers ( A thru X ) to avoid confusion with the original course . Some of the baskets from the original (main ) course are used , and contraptions looking like PVC pipe and blinds making up sort of a tone pole . These are way cooler than object golf . You want to print off a map , because the Funberg course does NOT follow the sequence or path of the main course . This 24 hole shorter course starts next to the shelter nearest the parking lot ( throwing towards a hill ) and ends with an island hole just down from the playground .
THE LANDSCAPE - The main hill is cut out for Funberg , but there is some immediate elevation starting at hole #1 ( a slight rise at the end ) Good amounts of hill with some woods for effect goes into the first several holes . A deeper creek which can cause you to lose a disc is in play for a few holes in the F-L range and a smaller creek with little water will come into play at Hole R with tight lines into woods . Funberg opens up at the end with the final 4 or 5 holes being more open . The park is mowed and well kept , but you will still need waterproof shoes/boots or some beat up sneakers after a good rain . This course will get soggy in spots .
Highlights - This is not the type of course to have highlight holes , but they are fun to throw at , especially if you are new to the game , or don't have the time for a 1 1/2 to 2 hour round on the original course . There is an elevated tee shot on hole E that will make you fight a jail row of trees at the end . R is a creek shot that goes into a narrow to almost no green at the end . An island hole at X finishes the course . It's short at 156' , but it's slightly uphill and the wind in the park might blow your approach off the circle .
THE TIME - I was mapping out the course and making personal notes , so the time was just over an hour for my round . The holes are short ( 76' to 299' ) but you may have to walk a little to get to some . A foursome should get done in an hour and 40 minutes or so .
DISC RISK - Low . The holes are short , so you should be able to control and see the flight of your drives ( putts ) . A couple of places where an errant throw might ricochet off a tree causing your disc to land in the deeper creek are the only concern . No spotter is ever needed as long as you watch your disc flight and don't land it in a tree .
24 - The number of holes on this course , which mean you get 6 extra holes . Double the 24 if you want to experience all 48 holes in the park .
This is a fun and non competitive course . I am not sure how much play it gets yet , because of the Original course being more established , but it's a great alternative .
THE EQUIPMENT - I will explain below in Other Thoughts , but presently , the tee pads are shared , some cement , most natural . The signage is a cheaper plastic almost cardboard , suspended by metal spokes in the ground .The holes are identified by letters instead of numbers ( A thru X ) to avoid confusion with the original course . Some of the baskets from the original (main ) course are used , and contraptions looking like PVC pipe and blinds making up sort of a tone pole . These are way cooler than object golf . You want to print off a map , because the Funberg course does NOT follow the sequence or path of the main course . This 24 hole shorter course starts next to the shelter nearest the parking lot ( throwing towards a hill ) and ends with an island hole just down from the playground .
THE LANDSCAPE - The main hill is cut out for Funberg , but there is some immediate elevation starting at hole #1 ( a slight rise at the end ) Good amounts of hill with some woods for effect goes into the first several holes . A deeper creek which can cause you to lose a disc is in play for a few holes in the F-L range and a smaller creek with little water will come into play at Hole R with tight lines into woods . Funberg opens up at the end with the final 4 or 5 holes being more open . The park is mowed and well kept , but you will still need waterproof shoes/boots or some beat up sneakers after a good rain . This course will get soggy in spots .
Highlights - This is not the type of course to have highlight holes , but they are fun to throw at , especially if you are new to the game , or don't have the time for a 1 1/2 to 2 hour round on the original course . There is an elevated tee shot on hole E that will make you fight a jail row of trees at the end . R is a creek shot that goes into a narrow to almost no green at the end . An island hole at X finishes the course . It's short at 156' , but it's slightly uphill and the wind in the park might blow your approach off the circle .
THE TIME - I was mapping out the course and making personal notes , so the time was just over an hour for my round . The holes are short ( 76' to 299' ) but you may have to walk a little to get to some . A foursome should get done in an hour and 40 minutes or so .
DISC RISK - Low . The holes are short , so you should be able to control and see the flight of your drives ( putts ) . A couple of places where an errant throw might ricochet off a tree causing your disc to land in the deeper creek are the only concern . No spotter is ever needed as long as you watch your disc flight and don't land it in a tree .
24 - The number of holes on this course , which mean you get 6 extra holes . Double the 24 if you want to experience all 48 holes in the park .
This is a fun and non competitive course . I am not sure how much play it gets yet , because of the Original course being more established , but it's a great alternative .
Cons:
#1 Equipment - I think that hole H had a pole that might have washed away from the rain and creek rising . I also failed to find the tee marker for Q , but I may have just known where to look for it . Some people might not like the tone poles or some of the natural tee pads , but the shortness of the course balances the thinness of the tone poles . Unfortunately , even though the poles have only been around since this course opened in 2019 , they are starting to unravel.
#2 Challenge - I know that several of the holes are under 100' , and that they seem squeezed into the original course , but fun is the game here , not really the score .
Safety shouldn't be an issue here , but Funberg holes are sometimes on the fairway or close to the much more challenging Original course , making it a possibility to get dinged by a Discraft . Be aware of where you are .
Partly because of the creek , bug will bite , and bite hard here during the summer . You may want to spray before your round .
#2 Challenge - I know that several of the holes are under 100' , and that they seem squeezed into the original course , but fun is the game here , not really the score .
Safety shouldn't be an issue here , but Funberg holes are sometimes on the fairway or close to the much more challenging Original course , making it a possibility to get dinged by a Discraft . Be aware of where you are .
Partly because of the creek , bug will bite , and bite hard here during the summer . You may want to spray before your round .
Other Thoughts:
I hear that this course was only installed because of the constant upgrading challenge-wise of the Original course , and complaining of some that they started to feel alienated from what the old course was . I understand , as I have played the Original course at least once a year since it's inception in 2002 . Somehow , the responsibility of Funberg fell on disc golf enthusiast Jeff Armstrong ( Sisyphus on DGR) . With almost no budget , Jeff did an admirable job of designing , clearing ( along with notables like Donny Conrad ) and upkeep of this course , along with keeping with the number of holes ( 24 ) as the Original course now has . He could have well made it an 18 or even a 9 hole course and be done with it . I walked away impressed with the setup . Even though I may have never met Jeff , he is still a local in my area , and I definitely know OF him , so my review Could be a little biased .
MY RECOMMENDATION - A great and much easier alternative to the much more challenging other course . This is a great introductory to the game . Maybe even have an Elementary school challenge , lending out discs and see all the kids enjoying themselves . Newbies can cut their teeth and learn the technical aspects of the game , moving up slowly to the more challenging course on the grounds . A good after dinner or weekend round for families , or a social event for the locals . Intermediates and up can hold a drink and a sandwich and still have deuces and ace runs here . A little off the beaten path for travelers , unless their travels take them on Rt 32 . Not a bad pickup , 2 for 1 stop in the same park , for the Course Bagger . Defintely Play It If You Have The Time !
MY RECOMMENDATION - A great and much easier alternative to the much more challenging other course . This is a great introductory to the game . Maybe even have an Elementary school challenge , lending out discs and see all the kids enjoying themselves . Newbies can cut their teeth and learn the technical aspects of the game , moving up slowly to the more challenging course on the grounds . A good after dinner or weekend round for families , or a social event for the locals . Intermediates and up can hold a drink and a sandwich and still have deuces and ace runs here . A little off the beaten path for travelers , unless their travels take them on Rt 32 . Not a bad pickup , 2 for 1 stop in the same park , for the Course Bagger . Defintely Play It If You Have The Time !
7
0
my own take on ‘You Know… For Kids!’ 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 3, 2019
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
DISCLAIMER (not disc claimer…): I designed and installed this 'unusual' course & thought you should know that before reading on, but please take a look at the rationale in the 'Other' section, at least the first paragraph. Thanks!
This short course is an ideal sampler for the beginning disc golfer, for families, and, well, for kids. There are 24 holes available* that do not incorporate strenuous hill climbs or dangers of losing too many discs. When we get muddy (and this park does experience seasonal flooding), there are holes that do stay relatively dry and accessible. But mostly, there is VARIETY. You'll experience wide open shots to astonishingly wooded and technical lanes, and a good number of flight lines in either direction, but all scaled down to accommodate distances from 76 to 299 feet. There are three holes under 100', but two of those require precision. There are only seven holes over 200', but again, they have variety, so no two holes seem to play the same. The mix as you progress through the course keeps the interest level up, the players safe, and the fun level nice and high.
The unique feature of the course is the mixture of objects and targets. Since it plays blended in with the established Williamsburg course, there will be DisCatcher baskets in play, but the number will vary depending on the 'pin location' that course is using. Otherwise, you'll be playing to PVC and aluminum 'chimes' tone poles, with the finishing putt needing to hit what would be the 'sweet spot' if you were shooting for chains. I've found it helps my focus tremendously on putts inside the circle, and makes me want to place my tee/upshot much more judiciously. So the course will play very well for a 'Birdie Bash', even for higher skilled players. However, note the 'pars' are listed here on DGCR according to the tee color you choose in your scorebook. Green 'pars' are more generous (for kids, novices), Red 'pars' tend to go with traditional Recreational 'everything's a three', and White 'pars' are realistically set for Intermediate skill levels and above, so that means most holes are 'par 2'!
There is signage at every hole (lettered A through X, so as not to confuse with the numbered holes on the main course), and the tees are mixed from grass to concrete, with two from the park's paved path. Please use the map uploaded here (soon to be updated at the course kiosk), and note that the starting hole is not the same as the 'main' course, but the flow is in the same direction (for safety). No holes cross fairways or paths.
Overall, this course has a mission to focus on Fun. If you enjoy an occasional Birdie Bash, or play with your spouse, beginner friends, or your kids, I hope you enjoy this option. Meanwhile, it does coexist with the more challenging Williamsburg layout.
This short course is an ideal sampler for the beginning disc golfer, for families, and, well, for kids. There are 24 holes available* that do not incorporate strenuous hill climbs or dangers of losing too many discs. When we get muddy (and this park does experience seasonal flooding), there are holes that do stay relatively dry and accessible. But mostly, there is VARIETY. You'll experience wide open shots to astonishingly wooded and technical lanes, and a good number of flight lines in either direction, but all scaled down to accommodate distances from 76 to 299 feet. There are three holes under 100', but two of those require precision. There are only seven holes over 200', but again, they have variety, so no two holes seem to play the same. The mix as you progress through the course keeps the interest level up, the players safe, and the fun level nice and high.
The unique feature of the course is the mixture of objects and targets. Since it plays blended in with the established Williamsburg course, there will be DisCatcher baskets in play, but the number will vary depending on the 'pin location' that course is using. Otherwise, you'll be playing to PVC and aluminum 'chimes' tone poles, with the finishing putt needing to hit what would be the 'sweet spot' if you were shooting for chains. I've found it helps my focus tremendously on putts inside the circle, and makes me want to place my tee/upshot much more judiciously. So the course will play very well for a 'Birdie Bash', even for higher skilled players. However, note the 'pars' are listed here on DGCR according to the tee color you choose in your scorebook. Green 'pars' are more generous (for kids, novices), Red 'pars' tend to go with traditional Recreational 'everything's a three', and White 'pars' are realistically set for Intermediate skill levels and above, so that means most holes are 'par 2'!
There is signage at every hole (lettered A through X, so as not to confuse with the numbered holes on the main course), and the tees are mixed from grass to concrete, with two from the park's paved path. Please use the map uploaded here (soon to be updated at the course kiosk), and note that the starting hole is not the same as the 'main' course, but the flow is in the same direction (for safety). No holes cross fairways or paths.
Overall, this course has a mission to focus on Fun. If you enjoy an occasional Birdie Bash, or play with your spouse, beginner friends, or your kids, I hope you enjoy this option. Meanwhile, it does coexist with the more challenging Williamsburg layout.
Cons:
You might hate the tone poles. They might not hold up to weather or abuse. But they are affordable and replaceable. They are NOT PDGA approved targets, and cannot be used in sanctioned events.
We do not have the manpower or funding to pour concrete tees for the main course, let alone these, so it's not likely to have that amenity for quite some time.
You might hate shortie courses. Sorry, please play the main course.
We've definitely noticed the occasional vandalism here at this park/course(s), and hope those folks will learn to show a little respect, especially if good folks like yourselves feel free to step up and politely suggest appropriate behavior.
The course does flood, and the holes along the river stay very wet often. Expect swampy areas and puddles on holes G (7) and O (15) in particular.
In the spring, we will try to keep maintenance up, but the edges of a new course will have some weeds if you do happen to kick off the trees. But for the most part, the FunBurg course will avoid rough and water hazards.
We do not have the manpower or funding to pour concrete tees for the main course, let alone these, so it's not likely to have that amenity for quite some time.
You might hate shortie courses. Sorry, please play the main course.
We've definitely noticed the occasional vandalism here at this park/course(s), and hope those folks will learn to show a little respect, especially if good folks like yourselves feel free to step up and politely suggest appropriate behavior.
The course does flood, and the holes along the river stay very wet often. Expect swampy areas and puddles on holes G (7) and O (15) in particular.
In the spring, we will try to keep maintenance up, but the edges of a new course will have some weeds if you do happen to kick off the trees. But for the most part, the FunBurg course will avoid rough and water hazards.
Other Thoughts:
As the 'Beasts of the Burg' began adding more difficulty to the existing Williamsburg layout, we promised the park district folks that we'd make sure the family friendly option would always be here. Well, one day, while moving a basket from sleeve to sleeve, we had to clean out some rocks and mud to get it to slide down to its locking position, and I suggested we fill the unused sleeves with a capped PVC pipe. Then realized that we could do more than that and create very affordable tone poles, and fulfill that promise. So this option is in place unless someone wants to pony up the thousands of dollars for a second set of baskets!
*…as of November, 2019, we have 21 out of 24 holes in place, with the intent to have the course fully in place by spring, 2020. The holes are nicknamed (just like the main course) for ease of discussion:
A (1) the Shelter: from large shelter tree line, dogleg left through gap to slight uphill
B (2) the Corner: NOT YET INSTALLED - awaiting honeysuckle clearing
C (3) Main Street: (see above)
D (4) Back In: (see above, though you can throw in to the basket from the field)
E (5) the Gaps: from elevated tee out one gap, across field to short position at tree line, slight left to right, downhill
F (6) the Flag: from path near small shelter out to tone pole just left of the park flag
G (7) the Grove: main course's hole one, short position left and downhill (option on line of fade)
H (8) Drop Zone: from that hole's mando drop zone to the long position before the path, option of lines
I (9) the Wire: right hand fade (left) from white tee to guarded position halfway down this fairway
J (10) the Pedestal: lane shortie to the elevated basket
K (11) the Path: (inside the park path, left from the pedestal) ace run this tone pole if you dare: it's only 76 feet away, and wide open
L (12) the Ceiling: same as the main course original from the white tee, don't hit the branches!
M (13) the Entry: from the park path, with a little more distance for beginners to hit a longer line
N (14) Woody: very tricky wooded 'fairway' with options to hit a tight line, but 'only' 99 feet!
O (15) the Lane: another chance to 'halve' a challenging main course hole, target is to the left
P (16) Half Lane: cross the fairway to the right and throw the longest FunBurg hole, and a 'lefty' line
Q (17) NO Ravine: sure, it's short (to the 'Rocky' long position, so watch for players there), but no gimme
R (18) Creekbound: same as the main course, but no mando required. Only hole where creek comes into play
S (19) Rocky: plays from the white tee to the short position, and lefty friendly
T (20) the Slot: from the concrete tee to the slot right of the ball field, with reward for accuracy
U (21) On Deck: lefty shot to right field basket
V (22) Toss Across: chance to sample the big boys' tee, throwing from blue to the target downslope from the out of bounds sand volleyball court
W (23) Center Field: from the slope with a little more distance to the woodline, so still needs control
X (24) the Island: from the shorter tee option to the island, with no requirement to land 'in' unless the group agrees
*…as of November, 2019, we have 21 out of 24 holes in place, with the intent to have the course fully in place by spring, 2020. The holes are nicknamed (just like the main course) for ease of discussion:
A (1) the Shelter: from large shelter tree line, dogleg left through gap to slight uphill
B (2) the Corner: NOT YET INSTALLED - awaiting honeysuckle clearing
C (3) Main Street: (see above)
D (4) Back In: (see above, though you can throw in to the basket from the field)
E (5) the Gaps: from elevated tee out one gap, across field to short position at tree line, slight left to right, downhill
F (6) the Flag: from path near small shelter out to tone pole just left of the park flag
G (7) the Grove: main course's hole one, short position left and downhill (option on line of fade)
H (8) Drop Zone: from that hole's mando drop zone to the long position before the path, option of lines
I (9) the Wire: right hand fade (left) from white tee to guarded position halfway down this fairway
J (10) the Pedestal: lane shortie to the elevated basket
K (11) the Path: (inside the park path, left from the pedestal) ace run this tone pole if you dare: it's only 76 feet away, and wide open
L (12) the Ceiling: same as the main course original from the white tee, don't hit the branches!
M (13) the Entry: from the park path, with a little more distance for beginners to hit a longer line
N (14) Woody: very tricky wooded 'fairway' with options to hit a tight line, but 'only' 99 feet!
O (15) the Lane: another chance to 'halve' a challenging main course hole, target is to the left
P (16) Half Lane: cross the fairway to the right and throw the longest FunBurg hole, and a 'lefty' line
Q (17) NO Ravine: sure, it's short (to the 'Rocky' long position, so watch for players there), but no gimme
R (18) Creekbound: same as the main course, but no mando required. Only hole where creek comes into play
S (19) Rocky: plays from the white tee to the short position, and lefty friendly
T (20) the Slot: from the concrete tee to the slot right of the ball field, with reward for accuracy
U (21) On Deck: lefty shot to right field basket
V (22) Toss Across: chance to sample the big boys' tee, throwing from blue to the target downslope from the out of bounds sand volleyball court
W (23) Center Field: from the slope with a little more distance to the woodline, so still needs control
X (24) the Island: from the shorter tee option to the island, with no requirement to land 'in' unless the group agrees
