Top Course In Every State Heading Into 2020

[biscoe]

2. Loriella (I wish it was harder but I only actively dislike 1 hole and that's really rare for me)

Funny- i only actively dislike one hole there too. I don't know how many times I have said it is the worst hole I have ever designed. In my defense the rules set by the park changed on us in the middle of installing that hole. All in all i feel like Loriella is seriously under-rated on this site. If you haven't been there since March of last year you will see a huge difference from USWDGC work as well. (and it is plenty hard for the majority of us out here )

Maryland is WAY behind many adjacent states in terms of professionalism and good sense of course design. I think the path forward to fixing that involves a more unified statewide front rather than the local clubs all fighting for their own course and area. I think that would offer more lobbying power to show disc golf as a useful part of parks. The next step is persuading agencies to pay for professional course design and installation. Some of this is a challenge because of high land costs and most parks already being established near the population centers.

When i started playing Maryland was light years ahead of Virginia in these respects. From the outside looking in there seems to be a lot of provincialism in MD for such a small state.

 

[swatso]

MD/VA/PA

I try to address my reviews primarily from the perspective of design--did the designer utilize the space effectively and safely for the intended user group, and does it reward good play? Secondarily is equipment (teepads, baskets, signage) appropriate, and is it well-maintained? I try to view it this way because the equipment and maintenance are a snapshot of the time(s) I've been there, but the design is the lasting and critical part. A beautifully manicured landscape can be squandered in many ways, while 9 holes on a postage stamp can be made fun and interesting for a local group (see Gregg Hosfeld's article in Winter 2020 discgolfer).
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3. It's a LONG way back to any other course in MD. Druid Hill, Turkey Hill, Scarboro, and Ditto I guess are the others I'd consider here, but I would hesitate to give any of them a 3.5 for various reasons. Perhaps the forthcoming redesign of Rockburn would change something here?
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VA (caveats, have mostly played northern part, haven't played Lake Marshall or Clarks Run, pretty much just go here for tournaments):
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PA (caveats, pretty much go here for tournaments):
1/2: Moraine/Deer Lakes. It took me so dang long to figure out how to play Moraine and now I love it. Both of these courses are hard and diverse. I'd call them both 4.75s because there are few things I hate but ultimately would round to 5 because I'm not that mean-spirited.
3. Nockamixon. Teepads are terrible. If the teepads weren't terrible this course would be a 5. Also if they would line their ding-dang water features for consistency. Also pending reopening from emerald ash borer closure.
4. Linbrook. Fight me. This course design kept me interested throughout. The teepads and signage are terrible.
5. I think that concludes the courses I really love in PA. Second tier includes Tyler (haven't been in a couple years since it got ravaged by emerald ash borer too, but never bought it as a top-10 worldwide course by design, just maintenance), Jordan Creek (haven't been in 3 years and it's changed since), Camp Sankanac (which has really fun and interesting design but is rarely open and lacks good teepads and signage).

Re Rockburn redesign will improve your secondary considerations, but unfortunately lessen your primary points.

Re VA: Clark's Run is awesome. Haven't visited Lake Marshall yet.

Re PA: Moraine and Deer Lakes are back-n-forth in my book, too, with the slightest leaning towards Moraine. Linbrook is one of the top 9ers I've played, anywhere. I assume you haven't played the beastly No Boundary yet - or weren't impressed.

 

[JC17393]

I count seven that I've played. Only a couple of which I'd quibble with as far as it being what I think is the best course I've played in the state.

Why does Warwick Park an almost nothing course get so high? Simply due to all people from NYC playing that course as the ONLY course they have ever played. The other one yeah it deserves to be that high for a course having see it online the Steel course scares me having looked up that course. Just looking online at Warwick is just a City park without even tee markers meaning you have to play from the previous basket to the next basket except the first hole having a small tee marker. Reading online here in the reviews of players getting hit trying to make an 18 holes into 35 holes. That is if I am thinking of the right course, closest to NYC.

You are most definitely not thinking of the right course (which of course would never give you pause to, you know, do some research first). I have no idea what course you are thinking of, but Warwick Park has two 18 hole courses on site, one of which features two concrete tees and two permanently installed baskets on each hole. There are most definitely tee signs and the course has been a northeastern gem for nearly two decades.

Video from this year's A-tier held there...

 

[BogeyNoMore]

This is kinda a fun exercise, but as we've established: ratings aren't the "be all and end all," and based on # of reviews, who's reviewed them, and what their motives were in rating a course...

Ratings don't always reflect "reality," for lack of a better way to put it. I think they do a good job of establishing a top 10 or so for each state, but wouldn't say each of these is necessarily the best course in each state. Then again, a big part of that comes down to personal preferences and what's important to each person, so...

I think it's more meaningful to look at how many of the state's top 10 you've played. That provides a better perspective on how solid the courses in that state are.

I have to say: GA has a quite a few really, really good courses. Just played Etowah and Westside, both of which are well designed, executed and a pleasure to play. Not at the same level as Flyboy, Hobbs, NGCT, or the IDGC courses, but throw all that into the mix with Perkerson, Tyus, Tripplett, Sandy Creek - that's a lot really good DG ...and there are still a few highly rated GA courses I haven't made it to yet.

 

[brentjacobs]

Thirteen here

Samsies

 

[Binky Yutz]

I've only played in 9 states.... of those 9 --- 5 are on the list
Alabama
Connecticut
Mississippi
Louisiana
South Carolina

Hobbs Farm in Georgia is on my list and fairly close (6 hours by car)...I was planning a trip
Fall of 2019, but life happens, so I had to cancel that trip, perhaps Spring of 2020..

 

[Monocacy]

. . . Is Muddy Run's 4.67 really superior to Moraine's 4.66 (or Deer Lakes' 4.64)? . . .

The difference between 4.67, 4.66, and 4.64 is statistically insignificant, especially when one factors in varying personal preferences. I would interpret those scores as "Hmm, lotsa folks seem to like these courses" and dive into the reviews to see which fit my tastes.

Or just play the mall just because. Which I have done.

I have played Muddy Run a few times and enjoy it very much. But I love elevation in the woods. And I certainly have different landing zones than the pros.

 

[ToddL]

Connecticut: Wickham Park (4.20)
Delaware: Iron Hill (4.29)
Kentucky: Idlewild (4.76)
Massachusetts: 501 Disc Golf (4.71)
New York: Brakewell Steel / Warwick Park (4.56)
North Carolina: Ashe County Park (4.47)
Oregon: Riverbend DGC (4.62)
Pennsylvania: Muddy Run DGC (4.67)
South Carolina: Langley Pond DiscGolfPark (4.57)
Texas: Selah Ranch - Lakeside (4.85)
Vermont: Smugglers Notch - Brewster Ridge (4.63)

11 for me.

Surprised to see 501 rated above Maple Hill. I really, really enjoyed 501. It's a tough call for me which one I like more.

Muddy Run is a bit overrated IMO. Really good course, but I'd expect more like 4.2-4.3 instead of 4.7.

 

[wellsbranch250]

I have played 9 of them;

Alabama: The Admiral
Florida: Picnic Island DGC
Georgia: Hobbs Farm Park
Illinois: Fairfield Park
Kentucky: Idlewild
Louisiana: Lake Claiborne SP- Whitetail
South Carolina: Langley Pond DiscGolfPark
Tennessee: Harmon Hills
Wisconsin: Rollin Ridge

I personally have ranked 6 courses ahead of Picnic Island in Florida. Tom Brown, New World, T2, Lake Hiawatha, River City Alpha and Oldsmar.

 

[ToddL]

Self-quote:

11 for me.

Surprised to see 501 rated above Maple Hill. I really, really enjoyed 501. It's a tough call for me which one I like more.

Muddy Run is a bit overrated IMO. Really good course, but I'd expect more like 4.2-4.3 instead of 4.7.

Dang, I skipped over
Kansas: Jones Park- West (4.21)

12 for me.

IMO, Clover Cliff blows Jones out of the water. That course is a gem.

 

[Jukeshoe]

4 Played: Flip, Idlewild, Rollin' Ridge, Wildcat.

Indiana's "#1" course is....interesting?

Only 11 reviews, though, so I expect it will come down to earth with some time.

 

[Stardoggy]

14...and counting. Played 7 of them this year (some first time, some repeats). Just played Hobbs Farm on 12/27...phenomenal course!


Colorado: Bucksnort DGC (4.77)
Georgia: Hobbs Farm Park (4.66)
Illinois: Fairfield Park (4.59)
Iowa: Wildcat Bluff (4.64)
Kentucky: Idlewild (4.76)
Maine: Sabattus Disc Golf- Eagle (4.70)
Massachusetts: 501 Disc Golf (4.71)
Michigan: Flip City Disc Golf Park (4.84)
Minnesota: Blue Ribbon Pines DGC (4.71)
New Hampshire: Salmon Falls (4.08)
Oregon: Riverbend DGC (4.62)
Texas: Selah Ranch - Lakeside (4.85)
Vermont: Smugglers Notch - Brewster Ridge (4.63)
Wisconsin: Rollin Ridge (4.79)

 

[Stardoggy]

I suppose I should've listed mine.

Rollin Ridge (WI)
Blue Ribbon Pines (MN)
Fairfield (IL)
Wildcat Bluff (IA)
Idlewild (KY)
Flip City (MI)

Hopefully 2 more next summer. Harmony Bends (MO) and Jones East or West, I forget which one it was, in Kansas.

As far as discussion, I can't argue with Wildcat Bluff, Idlewild or Flip City being top rated. I've only played a handful in each of those states though. I personally like Highbridge Hill's Blueberry and Gold better than Rollin Ridge, probably Granite Ridge too. Not to take anything away from RR though. Awesome course in it's own right. Fairfield is a great course, my second favorite in IL, but the Canyons is far superior IMO. Both excellent courses though. Blue Ribbon is a great course but I would say Bethel University is actually better. I haven't played Bryant Lake yet (somehow) but it sounds like it could give BRP a run for it's money.

I'd agree with all of this, except maybe Bryant Lake being better than BRP. It does have a bit of elevation, but I think the golf itself doesn't match up. Bryant Lake may be the "cleanest" course I've ever been to, though. So incredibly manicured....and the view over the lake is real nice.

I'd add in Wilderness as probably better than Rollin' Ridge as well. Hell, maybe even Stoney Creek is better at this point.

 

[TimSyl]

Have only played two: Flip and Idlewild.

I need to get on the road!

 

[BogeyNoMore]

So many of the top courses could easily be swapped with the course immediately below it... especially considering many of them teeter between 4.5 and either 5.0 or 4.0.

Bryant Lake vs BRP is a legit toss up, worthy of conversation. Personally preferred Bryant Lake, but totally see how some give the top slot to BRP.

I'd give the nod to Woodshed over Whippin' Post... but it's real close.
Deer Lake and Moraine are neck & neck in my book (apparently with Muddy Run).
I enjoyed The Canyons more than Fairfield, but get those who feel just the opposite. FWIW, I think Foundation Park Champ 18 might be better than either of them.

… indeed, these are tough hairs to split.
That's why I try to reserve my opinion until I've actually played at least a few of the state's Top 10.

 

[Stardoggy]

The Canyons is incredible, and I'd also slot it in above Fairfield.

 

[Countchunkula]

The Canyons is incredible, and I'd also slot it in above Fairfield.

Agreed. The Fairfield redesign was a monumental improvement over the old layout, but the Canyons is significantly more fun than either of the current Fairfield layouts. I may be alone here, but I'd put Camden II ahead of both.

 

[Jukeshoe]

Yes, or Foundation Park.

 

[Shamis]

I guess I got 8/50.

Delaware: Iron Hill (4.29)
Kentucky: Idlewild (4.76)
Massachusetts: 501 Disc Golf (4.71)
New Jersey: Stafford Woods (4.22)
New York: Brakewell Steel / Warwick Park (4.56)
Pennsylvania: Muddy Run DGC (4.67)
Vermont: Smugglers Notch - Brewster Ridge (4.63)
West Virginia: Whippin' Post (4.41)

I have to admit that out of that list I think 501 and Stafford might be my favorites. Which is ironic, because I definitely don't think 501 is the best course in Massachusetts and Stafford is definitely one of the best courses on the east coast, but actually has the lowest rating on that list.

Also, Hawaii must really suck.

 

[armiller]

Nice discussion. I like reading all the responses.

Here's the same list arranged highest rating to lowest, instead of alphabetically by state:

1. Missouri: Harmony Bends DGC (4.90)
2. Texas: Selah Ranch - Lakeside (4.85)
3. Michigan: Flip City Disc Golf Park (4.84)
4. Wisconsin: Rollin Ridge (4.79)
5. Colorado: Bucksnort DGC (4.77)
6. Kentucky: Idlewild (4.76)
7. Tennessee: Harmon Hills (4.73)
8. Virginia: Hawk Hollow - Plentiful Creek (4.73)
9. Massachusetts: 501 Disc Golf (4.71)
10. Minnesota: Blue Ribbon Pines DGC (4.71)
11. Maine: Sabattus Disc Golf- Eagle (4.70)
12. Pennsylvania: Muddy Run DGC (4.67)
13. Georgia: Hobbs Farm Park (4.66)
14. California: Birds of Paradise (4.65)
15. Iowa: Wildcat Bluff (4.64)
16. Vermont: Smugglers Notch - Brewster Ridge (4.63)
17. Oregon: Riverbend DGC (4.62)
18. Illinois: Fairfield Park (4.59)
19. Louisiana: Lake Claiborne SP- Whitetail (4.59)
20. South Carolina: Langley Pond DiscGolfPark (4.57)
21. South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf (4.57)
22. New York: Brakewell Steel / Warwick Park (4.56)
23. Utah: Base Camp Adventure Lodge DGC (4.53)
24. Oklahoma: The Lodge - Island Course (4.50)
25. North Carolina: Ashe County Park (4.47)
26. Indiana: Prides Creek State Park (4.45)
27. Washington: Shelton Springs (4.44)
28. West Virginia: Whippin' Post (4.41)
29. New Mexico: Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort (4.38)
30. Florida: Picnic Island DGC (4.36)
31. Alabama: The Admiral (4.32)
32. Alaska: Kincaid Park (4.31)
33. Nevada: Zephyr Cove Park (4.31)
34. Arkansas: Old Post DGC (4.30)
35. Delaware: Iron Hill (4.29)
36. Maryland: Seneca Creek State Park (4.26)
37. New Jersey: Stafford Woods (4.22)
38. Kansas: Jones Park- West (4.21)
39. Connecticut: Wickham Park (4.20)
40. Idaho: Lake Walcott State Park (4.17)
41. Ohio: Deis Hill Park (4.13)
42. Montana: Blue Mountain (4.12)
43. Mississippi: Ross Barnett Reservoir - The Rez (4.10)
44. New Hampshire: Salmon Falls (4.08)
45. Nebraska: Cottonmill DGC (4.06)
46. Arizona: Arizona Snowbowl (3.88)
47. North Dakota: General Sibley Park (3.77)
48. Wyoming: Casper DGC (3.77)
49. Rhode Island: Willow Valley (3.54)
50. Hawaii: Kahului DGC (2.97)

Kinda fun to look at. Some states surprise me with how highly rated the top course is, others for the other reason. I'm surprised to see North Carolina relatively low. Maybe it's just because of stricter reviewers who require more to give out high ratings? Maybe no clear consensus on the number one course?