Boiling Springs, SC

Shoally Creek DGC

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3.795(based on 51 reviews)
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10 0
Horsman
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.6 years 222 played 100 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Beautiful 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 10, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Dual Innova Discatchers. There seemed to be a long and short pin position that are available to play to all times.

- Dual Concrete Teepads. Long enough to get the thumbs up from the tall crowd.

- Easy to get to with lots of parking and bathrooms in the same park (albeit kinda far away)

- The course has definitely seen its fair share of love. It's beautifully laid out and nothing was too overgrown. There are bridges everywhere to take you across the creek that runs thru part of the course. The fairways are fair with most holes having a clear path to take.

- Awesome teesigns. I love this style of teesign. They give you a ton of info and give you a very clear look at where the basket is and what the fairway looks like.

- The course has a great mix of left, right and straight shots. The course also utilizes the terrain very well. There is a good mix of uphill and downhill shots. The uphill shots didn't feel too crushing either which I always appreciate.

- I threw a good mix of backhands and forehands and more than half the discs in my bag. To me that shows that the course is well balanced and nicely designed.

- Hole 11 is the signature hole to me. Its a big downhill shot that is decently open with walls of trees on both sides that doglegs left at the bottom of the hill.

Cons:

- Some pins were hard to find. Even with the great signage, I did find myself not being able to find the correct basket to throw to so I threw to the incorrect basket and then I would come upon the correct basket as I played the hole. This was also slightly the case with the big downhill hole 11. I threw to the incorrect basket because it was the one basket that was in plain sight. I only knew I played to the incorrect basket because someone else was playing to the basket and they corrected me. This is a non-issue after you play the course once.

- Some holes were a bit closer to the water than I would like to see. It makes for some awesome risk/reward holes but also makes a few holes kinda poke and hope as to if you are going to be able stay clean and dry. This is the case with hole 15. Its very tight and you throw parallel to a winding creek with the basket being very close to the water. If you are off by an inch you can get OB very quickly.

Other Thoughts:

- This was my first and only experience with SC disc golf so far and if this is what SC has to offer for disc golf then I am in love. This course is worth going out of the way to play if you ask me, especially with there being multiple tees and baskets. You could plan a whole day here and I think you would have a great time.
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4 1
MadGame32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.2 years 69 played 69 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Some People Won't Like This 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 20, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Good tee boxes
-Good mix of shots required
-Definite test of skill.
-Most water hazard streams are shallow for easy disc retrieval.
- I really like the bag holders on most tees.

Cons:

-No convenient restrooms
-Parking was iffy on Saturday (Lots O' Soccer Moms)
-Confusing flow from goal to tee
-Multiple pin locations, but current location not specified
-Tee signs are old and worn
-Not all tee pads have signage
-One hole had 2 baskets?

Other Thoughts:

This was the very first place I ever saw disc golf goals. I remember seeing them 4 years before I picked up the game, and I thought it would be neat to try. Two years after I started playing, I made it back to give it a shot.

A ton of work has been put into this course. There are multiple tee boxes, multiple pin locations, well worn in. Most of the time that is a good thing. In my opinion, it looks as though the managers of this course may be trying too hard to be elite.

I found navigation to be very confusing, especially if you are playing long tees. Thank goodness I played with a local, or else I would have been lost all day.

The whole course just felt like someone was trying to force a tougher course out what was already a difficult but fair course to begin with. None of it was super hard mind you, but the flow felt forced rather than natural.

Don't get me wrong, it is not all bad. Like I said, it is clear many people care for this course and put a lot of work into it. It is well cared for.

I think hole 17 was my favorite of the day, followed by the other throw over water with the goal on the dam.

I would say it is worth a play with a local, and I am glad I got to see it.

7/9/20 Update: Due to course ranking and normal distribution, this course was bumped down to 2.5 stars.

Out of the 65 courses I have reviewed, this is where this course ranks along with similarly rated courses:
Rank-Course, Location
33-Weatherford DGC, Weatherford, TX
34-Timmons Park, Greenville, SC
35-Crooked Creek Park, Chapin, SC
36-USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC
37-Trails DGC, Anderson, SC
38-Shoally Creek DGC, Boiling Springs, SC
39-The Dragon, Purcell, OK
40-Mulerider DGC, Magnoli, AR
41-Lakeside DGC, Elmore City, OK
42-Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Enid, OK
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3 0
jksenior
Experience: 16.8 years 214 played 16 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Lots of fun. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

I really enjoyed this course. Didn't know anything about it prior to playing it. After leaving, it's definitly a course I'll come back to if I have a chance.

Holes were nice and varied. Some long, some short, some left and right. A few true par 4's. And a good mix of wooded and open shorts. Although in general the course wasn't too tight.

Good use of the limited elevation, and very good use of the winding stream through the Park.

The long holes (that I played) were quite good. In some cases the shorts looked to be quite different lines. A couple of the longs had pretty long carries (although it was dry when I played) so no water to carry.

Cons:

I played the long tees, but I noticed that quite a few of the short tees didn't have signs.

A couple navigation questions, but nothing too severe.

Hole 14 had a different basket (hanging) so the distance on the sign was off.

Other Thoughts:

Course categories (1-5 rating)
Hole design: 4.5
Condition: 4
Navigation: 3.5
Signage: 4
Amenities: 4
"Fun factor": 4.5

Play it if you have a chance. I think it's slightly underrated at 3.87 (when I played it). Definitely a good complement to other very good courses in Spartanburg area (holston and pileline).
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0 3
DylanLJolley
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great course. Maintained. Tee box signage is accurate and helpful. Challenging. Pro tees and amateur tees. Which makes it almost like two different courses. Great hole designs. Not repetitive. Great mixture of wooded and open shots.

Cons:

Sometimes they move a basket to its 2nd location and do not mark it on the tee box. Just look ahead to see.

Really muddy when it rains.



Other Thoughts:

I love this course and will pick it 9/10 times. (around Spartanburg)
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1 2
EROPPER
Experience: 26 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

on my new top 4 in Upstate SC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 1, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

So many! -
- a Very interesting, superbly laid out course-
A little of everything- tight wooded ace runs to air it out open fields-to elevation changes in the woods
-quality concrete tees/short and long
-Well kept
- adequate tee signs and arrows to the next tee
-Challenging from the advanced tees, but playable for beginners from the easy tees
-Standard Yellow- quality - Innova Discatcher baskets
-numerous benches/trash cans
-cool little bridges along the small creek
-

Cons:

Can't really think of too many-
the basket on top of the dam- (OB all around in the drainage pond) seemed a little unfair to me at my skill level ;)

Other Thoughts:

Loved this course overall- one of 3-4 fantastic courses around the greater Gville/Spartanburg area- would love to bring my homies up to play an all day/2-3 round mini /informal tourney up around Spartanburg/Pipleline/tyger river/shoaly creek
I played ok from the advanced tees- took an OB on the downhill bomber shot, flew over the creek, and hit 3 trees on one other hole for a double bouge, but other than that I played well and finished at +5, couple of birds couple of boges to balance each other out- note to self- when in doubt/ lay up!
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15 0
BrotherDave
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.7 years 192 played 188 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Shoally the Money! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 11, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great, great course. Truly has a bit of everything with elevation, water carries, multi-throw par 4's, landing zones, risk/reward, open holes to air it out, wooded tunnels to thread and two good tee layouts to appeal to a wide spectrum of skill levels. This is a player's course, with design teeming with quality and enjoyment that beckons you to stay for another round. I was a little worried about this course with Russell Schwarz' name attached to it (aka he who builds lackluster to downright awful courses in the NC Piedmont) but there was definitely enough Harold Duvall at work to remind me of another Duvall classic, Castle Hayne.

There isn't any gonzo or extreme elevation, terrain, or water at play here but a terrific use of it all. A lovely little, shallow creek meanders lazily throughout much of the course and provides a great element of OB without worrying you over losing a disc when, not if, you end up wet. It's hilly in parts but every throw downhill is very satisfying and every throw uphill is tough but fair. Retention ponds with significantly marshy rough within provide daunting carries to baskets precariously placed on ridges, dams, and near the creek. Best of all, the holes largely invite you to attack off the tee in any way you see fit instead of forcing a FH or a weird layup for example; like hole 1 that dares you to go up the middle as the crow flies or test your arm by anhyzering around the trees to the left. Choose your own adventure golf at some of its finest.

I played mostly the long tees but the short tees looked to be their own unique layout rather than a miniaturized version of the longs. Navigation is pretty easy although I wish the map available on the website was made by someone with a bit more graphic design experience. The baskets move around and a friendly local gave me a head's up as to which holes had alternate pins that differed from the map but I think I would've done fine without him. Arrow signs are plentiful on the course to aid in transitions and tees are easy to spot. They're a bit old but the tees are your solid, concrete standards that I love. Innova baskets complete your check-off list for necessities.

Though there is some elevation and water in play, this isn't a physically taxing course and a bench isn't uncommon so fear not, aged and corpulent disc golfers. I almost selfishly wish it was more of a butt-kicker like Pipeline just to discourage dog-walkers and the like from enjoying this nice park as much as the disc golfers.

There are straight holes, doglegs, ace runs, etc. This is a moderately wooded course mostly, with fairways exceedingly fair and spacious but still challenging, The longer the hole, the more you can safely air it out with the fairway width ratios being consistent and logical. Hole 11 as an example is terrific with being a hole you can be wildly ambitious with distance drivers etc but you might be better off playing set-up with a midrange. Like I said, choose your own adventure.

Cons:

Not a whole lot. Like I said, the epic, "turn it up to eleven" factor isn't really in play except for versatile hole 11 and the pretty scary holes of 14 and 17 with their retention ponds of OB and narrow landing zones.

The tee signs are a bit outdated and a little confusing. For example, the long tees are labeled White and the short tees are Gold which should be the other way around. For their faults they are still pretty informative.

It's a nice park to walk around so be ready to hold fire occasionally for dog walkers, joggers and children playing in the creek.

Hole 16 tees over a bridge. I'm guessing this was Russell's contribution. : |

There is spray painted OB lines and transition lines in a lot of places. Functionally this is great. Aesthetically, it looks kind of trashy.

Other Thoughts:

This is definitely on the very shortlist of courses I have to return to when I'm down this way. It's a blast to play, it's well-designed so when you have a bad round you just have yourself to blame and it doesn't wear you out much. It's a very polished, well-defined course that is a great example of disc golf. This is a great course to initiate into disc golf not b/c it's easy but b/c it's legit. No amateur hour here, just high quality golf so dispel your notions of beach frisbees and hippies reeking of patchouli.
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12 3
filobedo
Experience: 18.8 years 289 played 21 reviews
5.00 star(s)

One of the most underrated courses in the Southeast 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

I first played this course when it had 6 baskets back in 2005 and it has gone through some significant changes, each making the course better. All descriptions are for rhbh from long tees with some mention of short tees that I like.
#1 - tight shot to open fairway. Make three for a solid start.
#2 - wide open fairway up a hill to a protected green downhill in the middle of trees in long position.
#3 - tight tunnel with water on left from long pad and short pad is a great short hole hole through tunnel with water behind. Great shot a 2.
#4 - another tunnel shot with water on the left and target protected by trees and another shot a 2.
#5 - Challenging hole uphill and to the left with the first of several chances for major rollaways down the hills
#6 - tight par 4 hyzer to basket on a ledge. Must be accurate with midrange.
#7 - Possibly the most fun shot on the course! 30 foot elevator drop to short pin. Good for a thumber.
#8 - tricky shot with a good chance of going in the creek if not careful. Short, uphill to a target on the right edge of about a 10 foot drop off into the creek. I have noticed over the years there has been significant erosion in this area of the course so the basket seems a little higher than most.
#9 - Great hole! Tight uphill fairway over ridge to basket on the right side.
#10 - Another great uphill shot from the shorts and tight fairway from longs. The route for the long pad is a tight hyzer which could be redesigned a little as the green and target is almost a poke and hope if you go for it on the second shot. The short pad is one of the most fun shots on the property and chance for 2.
#11 - This use to be the signature hole when you threw across the creek but the current target placement is much more challenging. Huge dogleg left with a major downhill shot where it is better to be on the right side of the fairway to have a chance of getting in position to get to the fairway or possibly green for big arms on the 2nd shot. Creek runs down the right side of the fairway but not really in play unless you hit it early or during your approach. You are more likely to get in the creek from a ricochet off one of the many small trees. Great hole!
#12 - Another great tunnel shot with no room for error if you want a deuce. Creek on right is in play off the tee. You can easily take a high # on this hole if you underestimate it.
#13 - Open tee shot into a cluster of trees. Kind of a throw away hole for flow. I think it would be a little more challenging by teeing in the forest through a tunnel to have the basket back to the left.
#14 - Great hole over pond with basket sitting on dam and major drop off. Commit to the shot or you go ob or over the target with a roll away and difficult putt back towards the pond.
#15 - Super challenging hole with creek to left and small gap to hit for a chance at 2. This hole is deceiving as it appears easy but I have seen many 4's due to ob by basket or not getting through the gap leaving a long touch shot for par.
#16 - Throwaway hole for flow but challenging with a slight anhyzer across creek to basket next to creek.
#17 - Great hole with lots of ob. Waste area to the left, creek to the left and behind but great chance at two if you can navigate the small green.
#18 - Major anhyzer from longs (90 degrees from longs). 3's are rare from what I have seen on this as the tee shot must be perfect to open area in fairway well past short pad. Basket up in guarded green.

Cons:

Erosion has exposed some sleeves which could be filled in.

Other Thoughts:

Images on dgcr do not do this course justice, you need to see it in person for the elevation changes, tight wooded holes, routes and open shots. Play this course with foliage in the summer months for a real challenge. I do miss the long shot across the creek on #11. If I was in the local club, I would purchase another basket to add back up to the right to have 2 targets on the hole for tournament as it really would not affect the current layout. Also, some of the other changes in the past were changed to make the course better (#12 or #13 was once a major hike up the hill and not really fit with the course as it was throw as hard as you can straight until you threw up to a target on a hill. If Greenville, Spartanburg, Clemson, Easley ever bid for Worlds, this course would be a great fit.
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4 3
crwharton
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Nice set up - nice park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Traveling for the holidays - we are two distinctly different players - course sets up very nicely for both. Long tees provide solid pro test and short tees provide good play for shorter thrower.

For visiting player, signage / tees /maintenance/ course amenities are solid. Excellent facility - clean restroom. Weekday morning in November mostly empty, no problems with other park users.

Some beautiful throws - enjoyed the course - well worth the trip from the highway for a round when traveling.
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1 4
mierze
Experience: 54 played 6 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

*Two different tee selections which change up the course pretty dramatically.
*Good mix of woods and open shots.
*Hard to lose a disc.
*Little streams running through and around many holes.
*Nice park overall.
*Solid elevation changes.

Cons:

*Lots of walkers on disc golf course.
*My white putter is now red from the clay being wet :|
*Really drawing a blank, it's a great play.

Other Thoughts:

I would probably rate this closer to a 4-4.25 but I feel that it is a little underrated as it sits right now on dgcoursereview.
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3 6
Tom_oconnor
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 9.5 years 63 played 24 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Best course in Spartanburg? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 14, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great use of elevation. 2 sets of tee pads.
2020: Parks added extra baskets so now you have a yellow basket and red basket option on some of the holes. Challenging layout.
From longs, this is the toughest layout to par in the upstate. Even par is a solid round and anything under par is a bonus. From all shorts its a birdie fest easily 8 throws easier if not more. Mix up the tee pads and you have a layout that works for any skill level. Recently parks installed red baskets so some of the holes have two baskets installed which adds to the enjoyment.
Having multiple soccer fields makes fieldwork an option and gives you a good place to warm up.

Cons:

People use this course a lot for not playing disc golf. Dogs, kids on bikes, strollers, and many other obstacles can be aggravating during a nice weekend afternoon.

Other Thoughts:

The tree gods can be very unforgiving. I would say it's impossible to not hit a tree. Even keeping your ego in check and playing a safe route is somehow still challenging. This area has 4 must play courses: Shoally Creek, Holston, Pipeline, and Tyger River. How did I get so lucky to pick up disc golf here?
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6 0
Bennybennybenny
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 305 played 287 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Va Du Marvelous ace made by Benny! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 11, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Nicely designed course. Very nice neighborhood and park. I want to live in a neighborhood like this when I'm 75! Anyway, sweet course with tons of ace (what I got on #4!!) runs as well as a very well designed par 4.
-Nice tee signs and tee pads. Course is easy to navigate too. There are next tee arrows pointing to both the shorts and the longs.
-Practice basket beside the kiosk beside #1.
-Nice greens on the course. Whether they are next to the creek (#15) or steep rollaways like #6 and #8.
-Great use of elevation on the course. This course is NOT mostly flat. There are a couple straight downhills like #7 and #11. #7 from either tee is a sweet straight down putter shot. #11 is the only par 4 from the shorts and par 5 from the longs and sure enough it's the most difficult yet one of the best. It starts off on the top of a big hill and turns left at the bottom of the hill. I threw a midrange and went over the creek that's over 300' from the tee.
-Great chance for an ace because I DID IT!!! I aced #4 from the short tee. I threw a putter dead straight and BAM! Hole 7 also can very well be aced as it is only 180' and lose half of its footage due to elevation. Fun ace runs are scattered along the course.
-Special standout to the creek running along the course and the pond on #14. #14 rocks! It's over a pond that's OB whether it's dry or not. The long tee is even better as it is on top of a hill maybe 15'. This kind of hole really gets you pumped. Love the rollaway green too.
-Great mix of open/wooded holes on the course. Great variety period. Holes on the short range from 123' to 564' and on the longs, lengths range from about 200' to 735'.
-This course is basically for everyone! The shorts are more fun and where you can see many birdies and the longs are a real test. The fairways are a little more odd and they put you to work.

Cons:

-This is a hike for sure. Few more benches and many trash cans would be appreciated.
-#11's approach is too close to #12. I got confused and thought #12's basket (just over the creek) was #11's. #11's basket is in the woods left of the creek.
-I'm seriously wondering if there is some sort of trail around the course because there were people walking, especially on #15.
-Warning! The steep hill we play on is steep, especially on #6. If you hit a tree on #6, your disc will likely go right and will ricochet down all the way, if not, be careful for sure because there is a good chance in slipping.
-Few filler holes. The shorter holes were actually really fun but #9 was kind of just there for support I guess, same goes with #16.

Other Thoughts:

-I came here because I wanted extra credit in my AP U.S. History class, I first when to Cowpens Battleground and definitely didn't want to drive there without playing this course and Tyger River (PLAY THAT COURSE!). This was a great day to spend for Veteran's Day and was glad that I didn't have school because I wouldn't have gotten to ace #4 my first time out here.
-I recommend you bring your friends, church group, school disc golf club etc. out here because it's a good time.
-Signature hole would easily be #11. The true par 4/5.
-My favorite hole was #14. It may not be the signature hole but love the risk/reward on the hole. Easy to reach a midrange, difficult to reach with a putter. Long tee, just throw what you are comfortable with.
-Fun factor-137/180
-Hole rating-134/180
-Both are high ratings but I felt like there could have been a couple things that could make it sicker! Few filler holes and needs more benches and a lot more trash cans.
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2 3
DGLobo999
Experience: 11.8 years 13 played 13 reviews
4.00 star(s)

GREAT Course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 30, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great layout with LOTS of variation in shots required. Great use of trees and elevation. A true design with the disc golfer and the flight of the disc in mind! Excellent tees, signage, and baskets. Good risk/reward opportunities. Easy to navigate.

Cons:

Needs benches badly. Did not see facilities but only played passing through so I might have missed them. #7 descent is a nightmare when dry. Can't imagine the fun if wet!

Other Thoughts:

Nice park. Well maintained. Definitely recommend making the trip to play this course. Kudos to the designers.
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5 1
Hearin Chains
Experience: 25 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Well done on a nice spot of land 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 9, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Great mix of open and woods shots
- Balanced Risk / Reward options
- Elevation used well to add dynamics to shot selection
- Lots of benches , Tee box signs are nice and professional

Cons:

- Would have liked to have small next tee signs under the basket on every hole, rather then the large yellow ones on some
- odd transition to 10 long
- basket for 12 very close to fairway for 11
- unclear on the intended play for hole 2 from back tee

Other Thoughts:

I was traveling through town on Friday and I though I would give this course a try. I was not disappointed!

From the back tees, holes that stood out to me:
5: Nice uphill long dog leg left,very fun.
7: Back down the hill, very straight. Good chance to throw a thumber.
11: another down hill, but with more room to work and longer. Will come back to play this one.
14: Wicked pin placement on the edge of a retention pond with the creek on the downslope after the pin.

Even solo I had a great time here, and would really love to come back and play with some of the locals. The love of their course is evident in how well maintained and clean it is.
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9 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 548 played 429 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Va-Du-Mar-rvelous 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 17, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Va-Du-Mar is the name, disc golf is the game. Lucky for me the golfing is better than the funky name. I really enjoyed playing this course, and think it is one of the best in the state. I liked the combination of challenging and fun throws. The elevation changes are on nearly every hole, varying in degree from steep to slight. The fairways range from wide open on a couple, to carving place to place and turning tight corners through dense woods. Playing the long tees adds an extra punch. Two tees on each hole make the distance more manageable from the shorts, but doesn't take away all of the difficulty. Pin placements are regularly near water, on the edge of a hill, or both. Chances to crank some long drives, but accuracy is important over distance mostly. Fairways can be very tough but are balanced left/right and nicely defined.

I especially liked hole 7 and 11, both are steep downhill drives. 7 is a shorter birdie hole if you keep it down the middle, and 11 is very lengthy with a dogleg left at the bottom of the hill. 14 and 17 are open drives, but require long throws over marshy retention holes.

The tee pads were all concrete, all the baskets were there and numbered, and the long tees now have signs marking distances and basic hole map. Also, large yellow arrows help guide the transitions between holes in a few spots. The bridges crossing the water were all sturdy and nice. Overall the layout great fun and not too hard to figure out.

Cons:

The most obvious fault was the total lack of benches at any point in the round. Didn't see many trash cans either. A map might be helpful, but I really didn't have too much trouble navigating the course. I played the day after the snow fell, and there were slick, muddy spots, but not too bad. Still, the steep hill sides could get dicey, so be careful. Water is present on many holes, and though several of my throws were in the creek, all discs were retrieved. Bad rolls and tree ricochets may be expected, due to terrain features.

Other Thoughts:

Winter canopy on the trees might have helped me some, but this course still kicked my tail. The 20 mph cold wind definitely played a part, and so did the water. My short game was not sharp, and I was way over par. I still had an awesome time! I might have been too generous and over-rated by a half star, but to make up for the 3.36 average rating from previous reviews. The course is killer, meriting a solid 4 minimum. Install benches and a few trash cans, and a 4.5 could be justifiable in my opinion. I never played the old layout, but the current one is great. I'm ready to sound the awesome course alert. Serious disc golfers, this one is worth making the trip. Sort of reminds me of Bowers Park in Tuscaloosa, AL.
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8 0
Stardoggy
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 12.7 years 1002 played 214 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice intermediate course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 9, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice course with really good use of elevation through most of the round. It's not the hardest course around, but it has a nice variety of shots, even on the more open holes.

Pretty good risk/reward on most holes, with some pretty steep hills in play on several, and a small creek running along several holes (although retrieval is never really a problem, except for possibly the pit on 14). I particularly liked 14, which is a 200ish shot over a pit to a thin (10 ft wide) ridge. I was fortunate to keep it up on the ridge both rounds I played. The downhill bomber/dogleg left hole (11 I think?) was an especially nice hole, probably the signature hole on the course. It was nice having long tees on most holes, as well.

Following the course is relatively easy, with yellow arrow markers located after most baskets. They also seem to have done a really nice job with clearing out the nasty brush, as well.

Cons:

For such a nice course, I'd expect there to benches on more holes. The lack of signs was also surprising. Distances, par (I played everything as a 3, just to be consistent), elevation change, and hole diagrams would go a LONG way towards making this a 4-4.5 course.

I REALLY would have liked to see a better way down the hill on hole 7, as well. That's a hairy descent, to be mild about it. I would be downright frightened to go down it with anything but super dry ground.

Other Thoughts:

Despite the cons, this really is a great little course that I'd be more than happy to call my home course. A decent variety of shots, and two really nice setups with the short/long tees. The teepads are nice, although I prefer trapezoidal concrete to just a straight rectangle.

Overall, a really nice spot to stop for a couple rounds if you're in the area.
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0 8
JeffShearsmith
Experience: 11.9 years 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Va-Du-Mar 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 28, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Great course with lots of elevation change. Nice play through trees. Some holes you can rip it off the tee while others require a little more finesse.

Cons:

The two holes with nearby water hazards ate my disc.

Other Thoughts:

Close to so will play often.
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3 7
Dsweat
Experience: 3 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Used to be better. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 28, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice challenge. A number of thread the needle holes that require some good straight drives. I especially like the two downhill holes that really make you feel like you've ripped it. I could throw those over and over again. Very nice wooded terrain like a peaceful walk in the woods.

Cons:

Lots of opportunities for lost discs in woods and brush if you're not careful. We actually could not find 2 holes or the starting pad for another. I believe 14 was the one we couldn't find the pad and 18 was one where we couldn't find the hole. Used to be one of my favorite courses.. Several times I had to walk halfway to the basket just to figure out where to throw.

Other Thoughts:

This course was better in my opinion before the recent revamp. With better markings, could be a great course.
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13 0
TOURNEYPLAYER
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.2 years 54 played 12 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Job!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 11, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

So, I have played this course 2 times since its redesign and I must say that the second was far superior to the first. I initially was quite upset about the changes to the back but after playing the 90% finished product that has changed completely.

The first item I want to point out is that I only played from the longs and prob wont play shorts again because the long layout was just that much fun.

Hole 2- the new long tee has a well manicured path to it, and a defined fairway(mowed,with tall grass on left and right.) this is a bomb and a really fun shot. Par was taken by me.

Hole 6- FINALLY!!!! the long tee is finally enjoyable. there is enough room to try and float one down the fairway with enough height to go for the birdie 3. Thank you for this! (Par)

Hole 10- The other original par 4 hole is slightly better. the tee shot is still very tight, but the new pin position is a little more forgiving. (Par)

Hole 11- What an awesome par 5. The only true par 5 anywhere in the upstate. ( I took a 7) this hole will challenge anyone. you have to place each of your shots precisely to get a 5 or maybe even a 4.

Hole 12- LOVE THIS. I was so glad they kept the two trees in play on this course. the old 13 long was a good hole, this is a great hole. I was undecided as to which gap to aim for (the lefty hyzer around or the tunnel) I ended up in between. but a great second shot can give the opportunity for a birdie. (my first of the day)

Hole 13- This hole is deceptively challenging. I thought it would be a nice easy lefty hyzer around the gap but i left it short. and flubbed my upshot,(BOGEY)

Hole 18- Another challenging par 4. this can be pretty forgiving but a 5 looms if you dont hit the first or second shots right. (Par)

Cons:

The only reason I did not give this course a 4.5 is because there was limited signage and no Tee pads on 14. Signs would really help on some of the longer holes and will improve my rating once installed. also, not having a clearly marked tee or teepad for 14 was a small let down. Again, once this is done my rating will go up.

Other Thoughts:

All I can say is this course is my new favorite in the Upstate, and #2 in the State. (Stoney Hill is #1) If you have not played this course since the redesign, or have only played it before they finished the fairways and lines, GO PLAY VA DU MAR! You will not be disappointed.
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5 0
jcphenom
Experience: 18.7 years 10 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Worth your time 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 19, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course was updated during the winter of 2011-12.

Offers a variety of open vs. wooded holes

Plenty of:
- Water hazards
- Risk/reward shots
- Birdie opportunities

Yellow next tee arrows are up at most baskets.

Spartanburg Parks and Rec have done a great job in the last few months clearing briars and making new fairways for updated holes.

Cons:

Needs tee signage, including distances and pars. Maps would be an added plus. Very few of the original signs remain.

#18 strays near a parking lot (though the new tee keeps the fairway further away).

Still a LH bias (I am a lefty)

Other Thoughts:

Recent course changes have addressed complaints that the course was too easy.

Here's the new layout:

Park near the playground area across from a practice basket that used to be the basket for #18. Tees for #1 are visible near the basket.

#1 Long: Either go straight through the grove of trees or around to the left with a long hyzer. This basket was moved further from the tee with the course update.

#1 Short: Choose either left or right of the tree in the middle. A LHBH or RHFH shot can land you very near the basket with some luck.

#2 Long: From Basket #1 turn left and walk up the hill. A new tee has been poured at the crest of the hill. Play down the hill following the fence. The basket is located near the gate on a flat landing zone. Past the fence is OB.

#2 Short: From basket #1 continue straight toward the post ahead. Shoot toward the fence and aim to make it just past the last tree. LHBH or RHFH has the fairest chance of landing near the basket. Past the fence is OB.

#3 Long: Follow the path to the right of basket #2 to the steps on the right. Tee is at the top. Beware of the tree on the right side of the fairway as you cross the path. It has claimed many drives. Basket is near the creek. Creek and beyond is OB.

#3 Short: Tee is located at the bottom of the steps leading to #3 Long. A straight shot that begs for a midrange or approach disc. Drivers have a tendency to skip toward the creek. Creek and beyond is OB.

#4 Long: Cross the bridge and turn right. Yet again, the tree on the right side of the fairway adds technicality to this shot. Basket lies behind and between two trees.

#4 Short: Tee is to the left when you cross the bridge from basket #3. A long straight shot with a fairway driver or midrange can give you a look at an ace almost every time. The two trees add an intimidation factor since it's difficult to shoot from directly behind them.

#5 Long: From basket #4 look at about 2 o clock. The tee is up on the hill near the housing development. This basket has been updated. This throw is perfect for a long slight uphill RH left hyzer. LH players probably need an understable disc to make the turn. The basket is on the same side of the running track up on the hill.

#5 Short: From basket #4 look right to see the pad. This basket has been updated. RHBH and LHFH have the easiest line up to the basket. Go for gold. An ace is a definite possibility.

#6 Long: Continue up the hill from basket #5 to find the tee. This will take a well placed first shot to keep you out of the woods. The fairway has been widened to the left to allow a longer turn time. The basket is set near the edge of the hill after the dogleg left. Do whatever it takes to stay on top of the hill.

#6 Short: From basket #5 walk along the running track to the tee. For the weak of heart, lay up halfway down the fairway to set up an easy lay up. For the bold, a LHBH or RHFH laser guided missile can slide right up to the basket. But beware, any mistake will more than likely send you to the depths below.

#7 Short/Long: The old short tee (just beyond #6 basket) is no longer in use. From #6 basket look left and walk up the short path to the tee. The basket is all the way down the hill near the creek. A skilled turnover/hammer can drop in near the pin. Otherwise, a very straight midrange or approach disc works well. Throw low over the ledge to maintain the beeline for the basket. Creek and beyond is OB.

#8 Long: Turn left at basket #7. The tee is near the creek. Your shot will mirror the curve of the creek. A dogleg up and right to the basket taunts you with plenty of opportunity to get wet. Creek and beyond is OB.

#8 Short: The shortest throw on the course. An approach disc works well since it doesn't skip as easily. If you go for it here you might find yourself in the creek. Dogleg right up the hill. Creek and beyond is OB.

#9 Long: Walk down the hill from basket #8 and go straight ahead. One tree bends out over the fairway just in front of the tee pad. A low fairly straight shot from a LHBH or RHFH will often skip up the hill toward the basket.

#9 Short: From basket #8 walk down the hill and head to the left. A RHOH can slide right up to the pole. LHBH and RHFH have a decent ace attempt. Any very straight thrower can put a shot on the chains as well.

#10 Long: From #9 basket turn right and follow the yellow arrow across the running path and down a short path that will dump you out on #10 fairway (#10 short tee was formerly located here). Turn right and walk 100' to the tee. The shot is a long left hyzer with an uphill finish to the pin. The basket has been moved down and to the right and now sits on the edge of the running path.

#10 Short: From #9 basket continue up the hill. This is an updated hole. Several trees are marked as mandos here. A right hyzer shot down across the running path.

#11 Long: This is an updated hole. Turn left from basket #10 and look for the yellow arrow pointing left. A short path through the woods leads to the intimidating tee pad. A right dogleg leads to the downhill fairway. A left 90 at the creek narrows the fairway to the basket which hovers dangerously near the edge of the creek. Be happy with a 5. Creek and beyond is OB.

#11 Short: This has an updated basket location. Follow the running path and turn to the right out of the woods. The basket you see across the creek is #12. Downhill with a 90 degree left turn at the creek. Creek and beyond is OB.

#12 Long: This is an updated hole. Cross the culvert bridge and walk past #12 Short tee. Walk toward the bench up the slight hill. Tee is on the left between two large trees which make a natural throwing lane. The tee is formerly #13 long but has been shifted slightly to aim it for #12. The stated fairway is right through the grove of trees and to the right of the large oak trees in the drainage area, though going outside of the large oaks to the left is a possibility. The basket stands in a circle of trees near the creek.

#12 Short: From #11 basket cross the culvert bridge. This is an updated hole. Fairway follows the creek. Trees scattered throughout make navigation a nightmare. Keep it low and straight. A birdie is possible with good placement.

#13 Long/Short: Turn left and walk toward the tennis courts. The tee is placed near the edge of the trees before the hill ascending to the tennis courts. This hole was reintroduced after a long hiatus. A LHBH or RHFH shot placed out wide from the trees and just short of "the pit" can skip pretty close to the basket. Bottom of the pit and beyond is OB.

#14 Long: From basket #13 turn left and follow the edge of the pit to the very corner. The flat ground (no tee installed yet) straight back is the "pad." Go for glory across the pit or lay up short and then cross over. Bottom of the pit is OB. Creek and beyond is OB. The hill in front of the pin is playable (the OB stobs have been removed, so I assume the entire front hill in in bounds). The back hill and flat area before the creek are in play.

#14 Short: Continue around the pit. Straight across from basket #13 are two flags on top of the hill. I assume this is the location of the short tee. This is an updated tee since the old pad is near basket #13. Shoot across the pit or try to land on the berm closer to the tee. A disc dropped in the pit could be lost forever in certain places.

#15 Long: Cross the bridge down and to the left of basket #14 and then turn right. Navigate your way through the mostly open but technical fairway. Creek and beyond (I assume) to the left is OB. Basket is protected on the right by about half a dozen trees.

#15 Short: Cross the bridge and turn left. A LHBH or RHFH shot over the creek can ess right to the basket.

#16 Long: Walk straight ahead from basket #15. Shoot across the creek and straight ahead. The basket is tucked behind a line of trees near the creek. Basket #7 is visible across the creek once you near #16's pin. Plenty of air to the left gives you a chance to really put some muscle into a throw. Creek and beyond is OB.

#16 Short: Cross the bridge. The open fairway on the left is the choice of most. A second fairway to the right of the trees following the path of the creek is available. The basket is tucked behind the last tree. Creek and beyond is OB.

#17 Long: Follow the creek along the side of "the abyss." Long tee crosses over the pit and drops you out on the beautiful green near the creek. There is a double threat here. Any part of the pit is OB, hill included. Creek and beyond is also OB. The only real option is to try for the green.

#17 Short: Continue along the path between the creek and the pit. Hyzers left and right are possible. A straight shot with a good midrange or approach are feasible as well. Go for the ace if you have the guts. Any part of the pit is OB, hill included. Creek and beyond is also OB.

#18 Long: Continue around the pit. Nestled in the woods just before you make the turn is the long tee. This is an updated hole. This is the same tee as old #18 Long. Basket #18 was taken out to become the practice tee. Now take a dogleg right and head straight for the basket formerly known as #19. Now the threat moves from pit to parking lot. Basket is on the dirt area near tee #1.

#18 Short: From basket #17 follow the pit around to the tee. This is the same short tee as old #18 Short as well. Make the right dogleg and head for the basket along the side of the parking lot. Cars often park right near the basket, so caution is necessary.

Old #19 tee near the corner of the parking lot is no longer in play.

This is a great course for anyone with plenty of new twists and turns to please most players. With added signage McMillan would be much improved. I love this course and play it weekly.
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0 8
WaterLogged
Experience: 12.8 years 9 played 8 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Walkabout 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 3, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice course. Fairly wooded with a variety of ranges. Holes are spread out enough that being hit with shanked discs is very unlikely.

Cons:

i would like a course map at the beginning and maps on each hole which this course had neither when i played. there were 2 holes that i actually couldn't find
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