Beautiful Setting, But only 18
17 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -Beautiful Setting with boulders and trees
-Good Baskets (most temp baskets, but fixed in position)
-Decent signage, (tee sign on slate cool, but worn in places)
-Wide variety of terrain, elevation, length, fades
-Rough not punishing, lost no discs
-Plenty of benches and trashcans
-$5 not bad, but it is per ROUND, not day
Cons: -Only found the original 18 holes, went looking for a long time for 19-27 with no luck (followed the road back to the #12 basket, went down the road another 1/4 mile until it ended at a couple of ponds, no baskets / tees)
-A Map would help, especially for the above
-A bit of a walk to Tee #1 and from Basket #18
-The waiver and sign in, while understandably necessary, was annoying
Other Thoughts: Willow Valley DGC is located on a private 100 acre farm outside Richmond, RI. Supposedly expanded from the original 18 holes to 27, I was only able to find the 18. I would probably have rated this course a 4 or a 4.5 on the 18 alone, but with no map or signage about the last 9 holes, I spent a long time trying to find them to no avail. The setting is beautiful in the rocky forest of the farm with a meadow coming into play on 3 holes. The course will need much of your disc bag with throws between and around large boulders and arcing around tree lined fairways. Varying lengths and fades give you a chance to empty your bag for great enjoyment. I played the 18 through and then looked back at the previous notes on how to find the last 9 holes with no luck. Really dampened my overall enjoyment for the course. Even a note at the sign-in kiosk saying "Holes 19-27 out for the season" would have made it better. Still worth the price at $5, but the sig-in kiosk said per round instead of the noted per day. I did really enjoy the 18 holes, would say it is worth the trip. Just be aware of the "phantom 9" and you will enjoy your round. Way of of town for me, but I would play again, if I come back to the area.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.
Pussy Willow
15 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Fun unique private 27 hole course on historic 100 acre farm. Plays through some serious glacial till with beautiful boulders and rock walls throughout the property.
Course is very technical and mostly wooded and briefly includes a meadow on a couple holes but still plays from the woods, back into the woods. Some water, ob rope/walls, moderate elevation changes throughout the course adding to the fun and challenge. Has everything from short fun ace race holes, to some long par 4 holes, challenging but fair holes.
Amenities include cool detailed painted rock tee signs, majority of rubber tees now, trash cans, and benches throughout the course. New black Dynamic Recruit baskets on the OG 18, no issues with the other 9 baskets either. I found navigation to be fairly good for the most part with signs pointing to next tee, even with no available course map. Course was very well maintained, little underbrush to lose discs in, don't recall much or little if any poison ivy. Cool farm animals and course owner for allowing us to play here.
Cons: I think the only real con is it doesn't loop back after 9 holes, and while we're at it, there's no snack bar or wet bar. Single tee and basket. You can play the 18 hole loop without playing 27 holes. That 18 loop is my favorite.
The other 9 holes seem to be newer and shorter and still works in progress, but I think I see the potential of what they eventually want to do with some of those holes and should be on par with the rest of the course. There are still some natural tees, but were mostly level and would anticipate them being upgraded soon.
Other Thoughts: Rhode Island disc golf ain't no joke, I love Willow Valley! IMO this course is criminally under-rated from some early reviews and has been upgraded even from the previous review. Willow Valley reminds me a lot of Sugaree NC, Joralemon NY, and Black Falls VT, where just walking the course is a scenic nature hike worth it, but you get to throw some discs along the way. Highly recommend to anyone not allergic to woods golf.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.
Beautiful New England course
7 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Beautiful course with old slate roof tiles painted for the course maps.
This is your typical New England wooded course with fair lines to throw.
The course is the perfect mix of short but wooded holes. Any longer and you could easily get frustrated. The designers found he perfect mix.
The course makes you work on accuracy above all else and the open holes allow you to just rip it.
The tee boxes are a mix of natural ground and crushed stone. Some people complain about this as a con but I think this is a pro as it adds to the natural beauty of he course
There are trash baskets at a few of the tee areas and very little trash. I picked up three coffee cups and 2 beer cans the day we played. Most were at the tee boxes which means that people just forgot them (they were half to 3/4 full too). It is a very clean course and you can tell they take care of it.
We played on a friday and the course was not busy but it still had about 5 groups playing. The play moved right along and there was almost no waiting.
Cons: The first time through we did play all 27. It took us a bit to navigate the course Because some of the next holes aren't easy to find from basket to next tee. Look for the beat trails go slow and pay attention to some worn arrows and it will take a bit to navigate.
The baskets are portable practice baskets. The actual 18 holes are dynamic disc and the bonus 9 are something else. The baskets aren't permanent and could be better quality as a lot of my putts spit out or hit the bottom and bounced out. I understand baskets cost a lot but this is one of the only things stopping me from giving this course a higher rating
Other Thoughts: This was our first time here and for my friend and I it was over an hour drive. The foliage was in and the course and weather was gorgeous. It had rained for he three days before we played and even then the course was in great shape.
We will definitely play this at least 2-3 times a year and is easily now my fourth favorite course. If the baskets were higher quality I would say this would be my second favorite! Definitely a must play course if your looking for a classic New England course to play.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
Awesome Fun
4 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Some snow on the ground in the field about 7" deep. But other than that the course was not wet/muddy (sans hole 17 that had a stream in the fairway). Noticed several updates for this year new tees and some surprise alternate tees and quite possible new holes. There was no trash / cans / bottles anywhere very clean and picked up. No signs of ticks upon finishing.
Cons: Minor things. First hole across the field hole 3, the arrow on the basket is facing in the wrong direction. Had a similar issue on one of the back holes (short dog leg left arrow showed right and the tee was left) . We came back and tried the alternate tees which shorten the hole (we played the original basket location) it seems that there are also alternate baskets.
Other Thoughts: The two holes that have water, the water never came into play, but I can see that being aggressive at one of the baskets would cause you to go swimming. The folks that are developing / maintaining the course are doing a great job. Keep up the great work. You would never know that 3 Northeaster storms ripped through this area, the course had some downed limbs but nothing affecting play and you could see where the folks cut and moved any trees that hindered play. Year after year this place keeps getting better. Thanks to everyone responsible for the course.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
5 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Wicked Fun!
Terrain: Some of the most picturesque, glacial boulder deposits you will find, many incorporated into design. Nice mix of
elevation, not a ski resort course, but enough to add to fun level and challenge.
Design: Challenging, but fair. Even mix of hole directions, and "tightness" of fairways. Many holes offer multiple lines to
basket. Use of aforementioned glacial boulders in pin placement and as obstacles. Roughs are mostly fair and
free of briars and poison ivy.
Tee Signs: All super informative and accurate, hand painted on slate.
Course Signage: Multiple direction to next hole; arrows under baskets, posted on trees, next hole arrows on tee signs!
Tee Pads: Natural w/stone dust. Maintained nicely.
Cons: Not many, if i had to nitpick, course could maybe use more benches and a couple more trash cans?
Other Thoughts: Definitely the funnest, and maybe, most challenging course in RI.
If you're in the area, a must play!
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Wooded, tight, and fun
6 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -The course is on a beautiful plot of land. You park at a horse farm and walk a short bit to an area with many large rocks covered in moss, large trees, stunning rock walls, and great elevation. The setting reminds me of Highlands in Conway, MA (with slightly less natural beauty) and also Crane Hill in Palmer, MA (but a bit more wooded).
-Most holes are heavily wooded, but there are a few that play into open fields. Almost all of the fairways are very tight, but almost all of them are fair. The only fairway that really doesn't have a legitimate line is 17. This course is very technical and true beginners might be frustrated by it.
-These might be the nicest signs I've ever seen. They are accurate and beautiful -- painted onto slabs on rock. They clearly invested time and money into them and they're awesome!!
-The pin positions are excellent. There are several elevated baskets and several sit on large rocks, creating some good death putts.
-There are several par 4's, and a couple possible ace runs.
-Easy to find -- look for signs on the street.
-Brand new baskets on many holes that catch great.
-It sounds like there are plans to expand the course to 27 holes!
-No thorns or poison ivy (unlike the other two courses in southern RI). It's easy to find discs.
-Good amount of OB, which is well defined.
Cons: Tee boxes are natural and some of them are a little bumpy.
I had trouble with navigation. I played solo for the first 6 holes. I got lost after hole 1, but found some locals to show me where the tee box for 2 is. Then I joined up with those same guys at hole 7. If I hadn't, I think I would have gotten lost a couple more times. A course that charges money should make sure that navigation is super easy for those people who come from out of town and are playing solo (like me!).
Other Thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect with this course since it has received some poor ratings from a few reviewers. I can say with confidence that as long as you don't get lost, you will have a highly enjoyable experience playing this quality course! (unless you've only played disc golf a few times in your life, in which case the course is going to be a bit too challenging. I'd recommend starting at South Kingstown DGC).
Overall, the design of the course is very good, the setting is outstanding, and the disc golf is challenging, fair, and fun. I would rate this course a 3.3 and I'm rounding up. The starting point to improve the course would be foolproof navigation and real tee boxes. If these things were in place and the course was expanded to 27 holes, it would easily be a 4.0. Kudos to everyone working to make this course what it is. Keep up the great work!
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Rustic Gem
10 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros:
Willow Valley is a quiet 18 hole course located on a private horse farm. The course plays through the rocky woods located behind the working horse stables. There is a variety of shots and smart use of the limited elevation. I played this course as part of a disc golf road trip playing 12 states in 12 days. This was the only course I played in Rhode Island.
Rocks
The entire property is covered with grey moss covered rocks in every shape and size. These rocks are used extensively throughout the course to provide challenge and unique pin locations. Except for a few ferns and some smaller trees, there is very little underbrush under the canopy. There are also many moss covered stone walls that run throughout the course. Some of the old rock walls line the fairways to designate the OB, while others provide built in obstacles.
Pay to Play
Please be sure to sign a waiver and pay the $5.00 fee before you begin play. Be respectful to the owners that have opened up their private property to complete strangers. Be that awesome disc golfer that makes them glad they are doing this.
Rhode Island
One goal on my 12 state trip was to play the top rated course in every state. I searched using the "Top Rated Courses" for each state which only lists Ninigret in Rhode Island. I prefer to play well maintained courses that are easy to navigate and that led me to choose this course. I am very happy with my decision and I am glad I got the opportunity to play this wonderful course.
Fun
If I had to sum up this course with only one word it would be FUN! It was also fair and challenging. While it is not the most challenging course I have ever played, it is certainly one of the most fun and unique courses I have played. The designer did a great job using the small elevation changes for maximum effect.
Amenities
In addition to the wonderful slate tee signs on every hole, there were flags on every basket. The flags are a welcome addition that makes it easier to find the grey targets in the grey woods. Many holes have benches and logs for seating. I can't remember if there was a restroom in the parking area. However, this wooded course is very secluded, so there are plenty of opportunities for privacy.
All 18 in a row
Once you leave the parking area, you will not return until you complete all 18 holes. The first tee is a short walk from the parking area. There are plenty of signs to lead the way to the first tee. Plan to take all the water and supplies you will need. Don't forget, you need to pack out all your garbage as well. It is a pretty spread out course, plan accordingly.
Unique Variety
The giant maze of moss covered rocks gives this course a very unique vibe. Most of the holes are located amid the trees, while several traverse a tranquil meadow. While this is a wooded course the fairways are fair and don't have a lot of underbrush The course had OB clearly marked on several holes to add challenge for tournament play and more advanced players. Additional challenge comes from the unique location of the targets among the rocks.
Private Property
Be respectful of the owners and their neighbors and avoid loud cursing on the course. Please pack out all of your trash and do your part to keep the course clean so the owners will want to continue sharing this disc golf course.
Temporary Targets
The course uses target with temporary bases. They are not permanently installed. However, most baskets have placements that have been built up and leveled for the targets. Every target has a next tee arrow to get you started in the right direction.
Tees
The natural tees are very well marked and maintained. Some tees have been framed and gravel has been added for leveling. Others are marked by only a couple of bricks. I played on a rainy day and didn't have any problems with the natural tees. There was no standing water or mud around the tee areas.
Handcrafted Signs
Each tee sign is made from a piece of slate that has been hand painted. At first, I didn't realize exactly how detailed these signs were. When you take a closer look, each sign shows Clearly these are the most unique tee signs I have ever encountered. Each sign includes the Hole Number, the Par and the Distance as well as as OB areas. Each uniquely shaped slate sign included a full hand painted map of the hole. Map includes geographic features like walls, trees, rocks and paths as well as an arrow to the next tee.
Navigation
Even though there was no map available, the course was easy to follow. The first tee is a short walk from the parking lot and the path is well marked. Each hand painted tee sign has an arrow to the next tee. Each basket had a next tee arrow attached to the basket tray. I almost got led astray at one hole where another player decided to spin the basket and make the direction arrow point the wrong way. Luckily, I had my map and was already anticipating the next tee was in the other direction.
Well maintained
Everything was clean and well maintained on my visit. There was no overgrowth here to steal your wayward discs. There was no graffiti, trash, butts or broken bottles. You can see there is a lot of ongoing work taking place. There were a couple of old vehicles and farm equipment on the property, but they add to the rustic feel and don't come into play.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
Yes to kids, not sure I would want to bring a cart or stroller as the grey rocks are everywhere and make for tough rolling. Once you get started, you don't get back to car until you play all 18. You may be able to cut out a few holes between 6 and 15 to make it a little shorter.
Worth it
It was a pretty easy drive to the course as it is only a mile or two off 1-95. The cost of $5.00 was very reasonable for such a fun course. I hope the owners make enough money to make all their hard work worthwhile.
Cons:
I am trying to think of some cons and I honestly can't think of anything that I didn't like about the course.
Natural Tees
I guess the course could use some more developed tees, but the current tees are very appropriate for the location.
Other Thoughts:
Fun
Some things are worth repeating. I found this course very fun and interesting. I am very happy with my choice to play Willow Valley Farm as my only course for Rhode Island. This type of private farm course is one reason I fell in love with disc golf in New England. If you only have time for one course when you visit, this course is the place to play.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Willow Valley
2 Helpful / 3 Not
Pros: Traveled up from North Carolina visiting family and we played this course. Absolutely loved it! Challenging, yet very much fun and scenic!! Loved the sign'age on all the holes and the course description at the tee boxes!
Cons: Only one that I could think of, would be Hole 17, maybe another lane going into the hole, not complaining by any means, but there are way more trees on this hole than the others.
Other Thoughts: If you are reading this, Play this course! You will not regret it!
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Favorite Course in The State
2 Helpful / 1 Not
Pros: I'm giving this a 3.5 because I think it deserves a better rating that it has right now, and it's one of the better courses in the state.
-Full 18 holes
-The start is right near the parking lot and the last hole brings you right back to where you started
-Nice variety of holes
-a few par 4s, it provides a good challenge
-My favorite course in RI
Cons: -$5 fee per person, not that bad
-can be tricky to navigate to, but not a big deal
-a little confusing getting from hole to hole sometimes, the first time we played it we got mixed up once (follow the arrows), but the second time we didn't have much problem
Other Thoughts: The teepads are mostly natural, with two bricks in the dirt marking the end of the tee, which I kind of like. A few are sand/dirt teeboxes too. The tee signs are painted on rocks, which I find very cool.
Great course, they also host the Grey Sail Open tournament in late August, and it's on August 27, 2016 this year.
Website:
http://www.pdga.com/tour/event/29865
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
3 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: Good signs.
Private property open to public.
Technical.
some elevation change.
Scenic/rustic in the forest.
Arrows on baskets and good signage to direct you around the course.
Nice big bright orange flags on the baskets.
Cons: Pay to play, $5...no big deal as it helps owner with upkeep cost.
No rest rooms.
Too many trees on some holes leaving no open line.
Hillbillies leaving cans on bottles on the course. Not much compared to other places.
Dirt/mud tee boxes.
From the North there is no exit 4, so directions need to be changed.
A little tricky to find.
Other Thoughts: Great that this kind soul put a course on their property for everyone to enjoy.
Lots of touch/aim shots. Not much wide open let'er rip holes.
I did get crossed up a couple times on the holes. A map printout at the start would help and maybe hole # on the basket flags.
This course is only going to get better with time.
I played in the spring after a lot of rain the prior day and the course was dry for the most part. A good time of year to play.
Thanks Willow Valley Farm!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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5+ 
3/24/2018 
8/11/2017
Review By: Mochachinos 
This review was updated on 3/29/2018
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