Some changes in Miller Park?
12 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -Baskets OK (see cons)
-Concrete Pads
-Signage OK (DGA "Peel n Stick" (TM))
-Front 9 through mature trees, back 9 more open
-Good variance of distance (168' to 464')
-Some elevation on the back 9
-Mostly stays away from other park activities (see cons)
Cons: -Currently missing baskets #10 and #12, New tee pad in place for #11
-Walking path in play on #2, #4, #9, #10, #17 and #18 with a possible addition of a new path right down the #4 fairway
-Sewage lagoons OB, really only in play on #16 and not much there, but have to wait for city to pull your disc
Other Thoughts: Miller Park hosts a nice DGC on the western edge of Sanborn, IA. An original 9 in the trees of the eastern part of the park opens up with an additional 9 around the ball field and soccer field and near the lagoons. Front 9 takes some shot selection to work through, with the short #8 having the most trees to work around. #10 opens up (if the basket was there, we shot to #11 which was close) and the back 9 open up distance and elevation with #16 atop the hill with a lovely view (even if it is the sewage lagoons). Finishing hole is the longest hole, a 464' par 4, the only par 4 on the course, with a basket on an "island" in the parking lot. We played on a quiet weekday afternoon, so other activities did not come into play, but I could see that as an issue, especially around a couple of shelters around #5 and along the edge of the soccer field for #17. Wind could also be an issue on that back 9, being as open as it is. #11 seemed to have a new tee pad, but its sign had yet to be replaced. The baskets for #10 and #12 were just gone. #10 could play to the #11 basket (wasn't far from what is on the map), but we skipped #12. Maybe these are close to being fixed, but that does hamper the rating just a bit for me. The sequence of #14, #15 and #16 seemed a bit disjointed. After #14, you climb the hill to shoot back down to #15, then a shot back up to the top of the hill for #16. Not sure of the best way to adjust this, but seemed strange. Fix #10, #11 and #12, maybe re-imagine #14, #15, and #16 and you'd have a solid 3.5-4.0 rating from me. An enjoyable round. Would definitely play again, if in the area.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.
Miller Time
5 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Miller Park in Sanborn is a full 18 hole course, and it has some good attributes. A good place for a casual round without much stress or frustration. There are mostly short to medium distance holes, and enough trees, mandos and OB to keep things interesting.
It is par 55, with hole 18 being the only par 4 hole. A full course map is posted in the parking lot. The tees are concrete, and they all have nice tee signs. All of the baskets are numbered and in good condition. The front nine loops around and brings you near the parking lot at the halfway point.
There is nice grass on every hole, and about half of the course is pretty well shaded. I played three other 18 hole courses that morning that were pretty physically demanding, and was relieved to see Miller Park was less of a hike. I didn't even put my shoes on for this one, and played it in my flip flops.
The first several holes play under and around scattered mature trees, and have a mix of throws. 6 is on the shorter side and not a lot of bend. I put the drive close but missed the putt. 8 is also short, but plays through more trees than any other hole.
11 was a good hole that isn't very long and runs the alley between two rows of trees. 14 and 15 are both short, and I was able to birdie both with a little help from limbs of trees near the basket knocking down my drive at the right time. There is not much elevation change, with hole 16 being the biggest exception. It is uphill most of the way and the basket is behind a large pine tree. I had a good look at birdie there, but banged the putter off the front of the basket. 18 is a par four, and tees out the trees next to the campground, a mando taking away a lot of the open air on the left side of the fairway. The basket is on an island in the parking lot, making a nice finishing hole.
Cons: There is not a big challenge here for the high level disc golfer. Not a huge risk of losing a disc in the water, but there is a lagoon that is behind a fence on the back nine.
If the wind is blowing hard it would add difficulty. I am willing to bet wind is a factor often, though it wasn't bad at the time I played it.
Other Thoughts: I shot one over par my first time out at Miller Park. I had 3 birdies and 4 bogeys. Missed some easy approach shots, and a couple of makable putts as well. Maybe I should have worn real shoes, but it was still fun.
It has been a while since this course has had a review, and many of them were written when the course was only 9 holes. I think the front nine was a little better overall, but the expansion added a few more good holes, some slight elevation change, and more birdie opportunities also.
I think rating this course above 3.5 is viewing it through rose colored glasses, but it is a nice 18, and it plays fast and easy. If you're in the area it may be worth a try, but I wouldn't go too far out of the way.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Excellent
0 Helpful / 2 Not
Pros: Good baskets.
Nice teepads.
Good variation in holes.
Fair amount of trees.
Fair pars.
Cons: Takes a while to play.
Unclear of where to throw sometimes.
Other Thoughts: My favorite course. If I had this course in my home town, I would play it all the time.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Great Course
1 Helpful / 2 Not
Pros: This course can have two different attitudes on any given day. Those that have good technical skills will shine on this course as most of the shots require a mix of finesse, accuracy, and distance. This course will show you your weaknesses. There are a mix of wooded and open fairways. Mandos and OB can also ruin an otherwise decent round.
Cons: Sometimes there is park traffic on the course, although it can be easily avoided.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Good course with challenge and variety
0 Helpful / 2 Not
Pros: Fun course with great variety - Mid and long distance, shots with lots of trees and other are wide open. Nice use of small hills on the back nine (one basket sits on top of a steep mound).
Nice map and sign to explain course.
Cons: Some of the back nine have areas you can lose a disc (though not too bad if you are careful).
People and cars in the park could effect your shots (my friend actually hit someone when throwing).
Other Thoughts: Overall this is a fun 18 basket course with lots of variety and challenge for leisure players.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.
HomeCourt Baby!
2 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: I regard this as my Home court. it is closest to my house and i play it often. there is some technical holes in the front nine. there was definitely some thought in the first nine holes. there is also a long bomb shot where u can let some discs fly from the tee.
Cons: Really don't like how the back nine was just thrown in there with out very much thought. you have to walk pretty far in between holes and that makes the other holes longer? there is a hole that spans across a "bowel" that is kind of lame. There is a lot of out of bounds areas, i guess since this is a shared park with many other things that is ok, but if you don't want me using a line to get through then plant a tree, or some other kind of natural barrier. not a sign, or an electric fence! stay away from the electric fence that goes around the waste water treatment lagoon! How's that for a Hazzard?!
Other Thoughts: I play this often, while i complain about the back nine, i will continue to play this as it is close to my house and it has 18 holes.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Good course in small town!
3 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -Very nice and detailed sign at the start of the course.
-Tee signs are top notch. They even show where the next tee is.
-Tee boxes are in good condition.
-Baskets are in great condition, especailly the new ones on the back 9.
-The park appears to be maintained and the grass appears to be cut regularly.
-Front 9 is shaded, while the back 9 is more open.
-The trees are put to good use as obstacles.
-Despite this, the chance of losing a disc in a tree is slim.
-The back 9 has some very nice bomb shots, especially hole 18, which is around 450 feet.
-You can put all of your discs to good use here because of the variety of trees and brush on the front 9, and wide open space on the back 9.
-Better chance of getting an ace here than most places.
-You won't have to worry about heavy course traffic.
Cons: -When wet and rainy, the course was extremely muddy.
-The fairways on the front 9 somewhat intersect, but it is not much of a hassle even with a bit of traffic.
-The back 9 is miserable on a windy day. Granted, I am a beginner, but I think that intermediates and experts alike may find trouble. Absolutely no tree cover, and it is rather easy to completely let one fly into the bean field or the sewer nearby.
-I personally didn't think the back 9 was necessary. It is on a hill that has very good frolf potential, but I don't think it was put to good enough use.
Other Thoughts: This was a rather nice course, and a lot of people will really enjoy the back 9 that was just put in!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Solid 9 in the land of city park 9s
2 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -Huge map at the start with scorecards
-Signs on every hole as well as the scorecard
-Nice cement tees
-Nice baskets in good shape
-Good length and variety of length. Only one real open and straight shot.
-Great flow, always know where the next tee is, especially if you check the map
-Shouldn't lose a disc here
-A lot of trees that require shot shaping and low, fast throws.
-Looks like there is a good support group for this course. Leagues and tourneys held here.
-Well maintained and clean city park
-Course doesn't really interfere with any other part of city park.
-A few ace run holes but they aren't just straight and open, you have to hit the right line first!
-This is a pretty small town so you are probably going to have the course to yourself as I did.
Cons: -Just 9 holes, maybe expand onto that hill next to the park!
-Pretty flat, not too much challenge from the elevation.
-Even with the trees you didn't have to shape your shots any certain way, there was always multiple ways to the basket
Other Thoughts: Iowa seems to have more 9 hole courses in small towns than any other state. Many of them seemed to be loved and well designed. This course was a good challenge and I would say is designed for the intermediate level. A bit easy for a pro and a bit hard for a beginner. Beginners would benefit from playing this course. I don't think it would be too frustrating. If you for some reason happen to be in the area I would play here but don't drive from some far off distance for it.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
1 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Overall good 9 hole course. The first couple of par 3's have some good length and tree cover, so if you have a bad drive could be looking at a bogey. Hole 8 is a bit tricky with all of the trees but they kept it short to make it manageable. also good length on the last hole. If your around the area its a good play.
Cons: most of the holes are straight and there isn't much shot variety. the par 4's are somewhat short and easy to birdie.
Other Thoughts: well kept! its got a golf course right by it where you can eat. also a park so the kids can play there with restrooms. real easy to find from parking lot its a fun play!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Course for the straight shots
3 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Tees are clearly marked. Bathrooms are very accessible. Great course map at the information booth including score cards. At each tee the par, distance, and a map complete with markings for out-of-bounds are present.
The course is unique because of the ground cover. Nearly every (except for #9) hole has tree cover. Some start right away with tree cover, others are clear but the basket is surrounded by young trees. The course is a quick play with some shot variety. Elevation is flat, but the course is well-mowed and maintained.
Cons: Because the course is compact, stray shots would easily interfere with other holes.
The three 4-par holes, all sub 400 ft. could have been 3 par.
Other Thoughts: The tree cover is mostly young trees, but it still makes for a challenging game if your straight game is not up to par. Deciding between overhand and straight shots on the holes was a challenge too. Overall a good course especially because the shots required were different from most other courses.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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1 
7/28/2012 
7/29/2012
Review By: FredHJ12 
This review was updated on 8/1/2012
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