Not what it once was
11 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: **DISClaimer: The front 9 has been moved since all the other reviews were written due to construction of new dorms.**
Pros: The baskets are DISCatchers which are in good shape and catch well despite the yellow band being faded. This is a fairly beginner friendly course as most of the holes are pretty short, and many are even ace runs. The back 9 has concrete tees (the front 9 are gravel; hopefully the gravel will be used to make concrete tees in the future). Navigation on the front 9 and back 9 is pretty intuitive and aided by "TEE BOX #" being clearly visible from a distance on the side of the tee signs. Maintenance seems to be pretty good. There are nice views of the ocean.
Cons: You know it's bad when everything is faded off the once great tee signs except for the hole # and "Do NOT climb on the roofs of buildings to retrieve discs."
This leads me to the main set of cons: there are safety issues galore on this course. The course is on the Panama City satellite campus of Florida State University, and that's easy to see while on the course. The course is really packed in tight, so baskets are often really close to the next tee. Additional obstacles include, but not limited to: public roads, residential streets, sidewalks, campus drives, modern art sculptures, a canopy, permanent wooden lawn chairs, a sand volleyball court, buildings, a basketball court, bleachers, parking lots, and decorative landscaping.
Since the front 9 has been moved, there is now a LONG walk from 9's basket to 10's tee. A few holes come really close to the water (3 of mine went in, but were all successfully retrieved), so there is disc loss potential.
This course is Florida flat, and I was also disappointed that the campus infrastructure was more of an obstacle than the tropical foliage that I don't see back home.
Other Thoughts: I played this course while on vacation as it was the closest course to Panama City Beach (which is West of Panama City). It's fine for coursebagging (and a quick play, too), but it would stink to have this for a home course. I didn't have time to play the other courses in Panama City, but I hope for the locals' sake that they're better than this one. School wasn't in session when I played, so I didn't have any delays, but you should probably just forget it if you want to play on a weekday while students are on campus.
I'm an upper 800's rated player, played fairly poorly here, and still managed to shoot a 47.
I typically only review courses that have less than 5 reviews, but I made an exception here due to the relocation of the front 9 and the blatant safety issues.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.
Beautiful setting, decent course
6 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: -- Tee signs with all of the information you need, including distance.
-- Quality baskets, with numbers
-- Decent concrete pads
-- Beginner friendly
-- Water OB on many fairways. That adds some risk/reward, but the water is clear and shallow near the fairways and holes, so retrieving a disc from the water isn't a problem.
-- The course is well landscaped and scenic, with beautiful views of the water (not the Gulf of Mexico, but a large bay off of the Gulf).
-- There are plenty of places to sit and take a break while looking over the water.
-- Intuitive course layout once you find No. 1, which has a nice map near it. Once you get started, you won't have any trouble finding your way around the course.
-- Holes 1,9, 10 and 18 all meet up close to the parking lot, making a stop by the car for needed supplies mid round pretty easy.
Cons: -- Baskets are ridiculously close to proceeding tee pads. The front 9 in particular feels this way. Taking three holes out would alleviate that problem, but someone clearly wanted to make sure the course had 18 holes. The back 9 isn't as bad, but it is still somewhat crowded.
-- Too many extremely short holes (one under 100 feet and several others under 150).
-- Too many holes on the back 9 play close to or over pedestrian walkways, meaning some long waits and danger to non-disc golfers. I played on a summer weekday, so this wasn't an issue, but I doubt I would attempt the back 9 on a weekday during the school year.
Other Thoughts: -- The short holes give you lots of ace runs, but beware. I tossed one in the water thinking like that.
-- The course itself isn't very challenging (only one hole longer than 300 feet), but it isn't as easy as the distances might make you think. And the natural beauty is hard to overlook.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Dont play during school
2 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: 1. short fun course
2. water in the backdrop makes for a nice view
3. front 9 play away from campus
Cons: 1. back 9 play directly through campus
Other Thoughts: All i can really say is if school is in the front 9 is all you can really play the back 9 wind through or near walkways students may be taking to class. i liked some of the short holes that were only par 2 that made for a fun challenge. like i said though the front 9 fun to play anytime, the back 9 not fun at all if school is going on, i think they need to just remove it all together, i know thats no fun but it truly is dangerous. so just try to play on the weekends if you can.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Than a bag of discs
6 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros:
- free to play, plenty of free parking
- informative tee signs: numbered, display fairway image, list distances
- quality baskets, numbered
- spacious concrete pads
- beginner friendly
- water ob running parallel to many fairways, adds some risk/reward
- water ob was fairly shallow and clear, easy to retrieve disc from
- lots of ace runs
- course well landscaped, scenic
- intuitive course layout
- safari capable course
- hole 1,9, and 18 all meet up close to the parking lot
Cons:
- baskets are ridiculously close to proceeding tee pads
- too many extremely short holes, some tee pads are close enough to putt from
- course layout may interfere with campus pedestrian traffic
- errant throws on the course could damage university property, cars
- wind off the water could be an issue, wasn't for my visit
Other Thoughts:
FSU's satellite campus features a pitch and putt course between brick buildings and the inlet. The course is uncommonly short, even for a campus course. Most holes can be thrown with a putter, however, you may be tempted to empty your entire bag in search of an ace. This is truly the greatest strength of the course. Another thing that added positively to my experience was the course amenities. Spacious concrete tees, quality Innova Pro baskets, and tee signs were all top notch.
From a safety standpoint, this course is pretty rough. There are simply too many baskets in the same small plot of land. Many holes share the same space. Worse yet, a lot of pads were within spitting distance from other baskets. Removing half the baskets in favor of multiple tees and or pins would likely make for better disc golf in general. As is, the course is probably better suited for ultimate disc golf instead of regular disc golf.
My round lacked challenge and was mildly boring. The ace run aspect of the course could have been fun, however, there were other groups on the course and errant drives were being peppered all around me.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Sunny September
1 Helpful / 2 Not
Pros: 1. Grass mowed
2. Tees in good shape
3. Baskets strategically placed
Cons: 1. I was never able to find the tee for #12.
2. Fairways are perilously close to each other
Other Thoughts: I think that if nine baskets were removed and then 9 alternate tees added to create a true 18 basket spread, then this course could be made into a great course.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Nice view but...
3 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: 1) Nice scenery
2) Clean and well maintained
3) Decent shot selection
4) Great signage
Cons: 1) Too small and compact
2) Nothing about it is challenging
3) Very breezy being on the water
4) There are people on the back 9 constantly whether they're sitting at a picnic table studying, jogging through, going on the pier, etc.
5) Constantly teeing off with people from other holes in your path.
Other Thoughts: A nice course to play by yourself and get some practice on your short game but I wouldn't bring a group to play here. In reality, this would be a MUCH better 9 hole course where you could design the course to actually be challenging. And if this course is busy, forget about it. You'd have people in your way constantly. I will probably never play here again.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
I like it
0 Helpful / 1 Not
Pros: Very relaxing. Scenic bay backdrop. Lots of nut snatchers running around. Very well maintained. Back nine very nice. There is a cool "between building" run. Friendly regulars to help you navigate the course. I played it at night and did fine.
Cons: Not many. Some holes short. Kind of confusing at first because all the holes and tee boxes on the front 9 are squeezed together.
Other Thoughts: Worth a short drive to play. I'll play it again for sure when I'm in the area.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
3 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: This is the perfect course for learning the sport. For more advanced players it would be a great safari course to extend some of the holes and test your creativity.
The university has put some time and money into making the course nice on the property. A few more acres would have gone a long way but for what they have they did a great job squeezing in 18. I would rather have the 18 they have rather than 9 longer holes. Tee pads are in great shape. Signage is adequate. The course is very, very well maintained. Very clean. No rough.
The view is really scenic. It is really fun to play under mature live oak trees right on the gulf. I love that combination. Turn your back to the water and you would swear you were in rural Florida with the huge live oaks.
Plenty of ace opportunities. Only hole 9 isn't really that aceable. The line would be extremely hard to hit. I got close to an eagle with a nice flick roller down the right hand side got me close enough to the pin for a decent putt. That is the only hole over 300. The rest are very, very short but with some obstacles that make you pick your line well or hit a tree in the fairway.
Water is a plus. It makes you think about it on a couple of holes to place your shot carefully. When I played the tide was out a bit so water wasn't a big deal but I hear on 8 and 9 and on the back 9 in a few spots the water can be pretty close to the pins.
Very accessible from 23rd. It also feels very safe being right on the university. I did hear it isn't really playable at night. You might think there is enough light there to pull it off but apparently not.
It is nice that the split between 9 and 10 puts you back at your vehicle. A sign of good course design. I always appreciate that.
It wasn't very crowded which meant you could finish a round easily in 45 minutes. Locals that I did meet were very nice.
Great glow that is easy to follow. The pins were a bit close to the next tee but that also made for easy flow without anything too hard to figure out.
Cons: The shortness of the course was about the only negative. The par 2's made up for the challenge a bit but it still would be nice to have a few longer holes. The lack of elevation is just typical for Florida. No big deal.
Some mandos might be nice to up the difficulty level but I know some people don't like mandos.
Other Thoughts: This is the course I would play if I lived there. I would probably play a lot of safari golf and just enjoy the view! Much credit goes to the university for putting this right on campus and making it look really nice/maintaining the course!
Be sure to enter and exit off of 23rd because of the construction.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
A short ace run course
6 Helpful / 0 Not
Pros: (2.133 Rating) A super short 18 hole course.
- ACEABILITY - Numerous holes are aceable, You will have great opportunities on the pars 2s. You are probably 5 time more likely to ace here than at a normal course. Great place for a junior player to get a first ace.
- QUICK PLAY - A single can easily complete a full 18 in under 45 minutes. groups of 4 will probably finish in under two hours, perhaps even an hour and a half.
- NAVIGATION - super easy to navigate. There's a course map at hole one. In addition, Hole signage has next tee indications on them. Perfect for the disc golf bag stroller as well.
- FORGIVENESS - The odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is low. There is the bay but it really only comes into play for seasoned players on hole 9. If the tide is up and you grip lock one, I guess it would be possible to leave a souvenir.
- MAINTENANCE - The course appears to be constantly trimmed and manicured. There was very little trash spotted despite a lack of trash cans.
- TEE PADS - They are all concrete and are generously long for what one will need. Well above average in my opinion.
Cons: The course is a tight fit for 18.
- UNIQUENESS - - The holes themselves are lacking the uniqueness that you'd see on your average 18 hole course. The course is extremely short, shorter than nearby Ferry in Fort Walton, Florida. Other than hole 9, many players will just need a putter. hole 9 is the only hole over 300 feet. There really aren't any true doglegs. no hole twists even a little bit, perhaps one is 10 degrees. there are no blind baskets. There are a few windows to hit. and a few holes that are guarded by trees. There is the bay that plays along the edge of the course. But as a 900 rated player I only felt tested by the water on hole 9.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. I know that this is typically for Florida, but this course is flat for even Florida standards. no more than 10' elevation change throughout the entire course layout.
- BASKET AND TEE SEPERATION - There are numerous occurrences where the basket and next tee are perilously close. Several times they are separated by less than 30 feet.
- SPACING - Well below average, Several of the fairways feel partially shared. Discs will constantly end in other fairways. Black aces probably happen a lot comparatively. In addition, if the course were full of players, you would be wise to keep your head up and aware of other groups teeing off.
- DIFFICULTY - Too short and not a challenge to advanced/pro level players. Advanced players should have no problem being well under course par. Intermediate and Recreational players may be delighted however as it can be a feel good round. It's a great opportunity for those players to finish below par.
- CHARACTER - The FSU course is probably about slightly below average in terms of character. There is a nice course map at hole 1, there is good hole signage, a few of the tees are well shaded. Probably the biggest thing that's missing is seating and trash cans. There is also no practice area, multiple pin placements or bag holders that you'd see at your older established courses.
- WIND - Due to the lack of trees and location on the bay edge, wind will be an issue. I was greeted with 30 mph gusts. I played another panama city course right after this one and the wind speed seemed cut in half.
- LOCATION - Course is a trek to get to from the interstate highway system. A good 45 minutes from I10
Other Thoughts: An adequate course for those living within 5-10 miles. A great Beginner Course due to the low amount of hazards and overgrowth. Probably worth a look see if you've vacationing in panama city, have access to a car and are looking for a laid back round.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Short18
0 Helpful / 5 Not
Pros: Very short course. Perfectly maintained. Easy to follow lay out. Great for the new players.
Cons: Overall course is too short.
Other Thoughts: Would score this course as "perfect" if there were a couple of longer par 4's. Overall, a great experience.
0 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Course Extinct 
1 
7/30/2020 
8/3/2020
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