I was in the area of the new course today and decided to give a look. I took 4 discs with me (Rhyno, Buzzz, Whippet, Teebird) and braved the mid-day heat.

Upon arriving at the park, there were no baskets to be seen. I didn't see a sign pointing the way to the course, so I decided to follow the trail and see where it lead me. After a good walk along a freshly poured concrete path, I saw my first basket. There was a family there, inspecting and scratching their heads. I said hello, and showed them what the baskets were all about. They hung around and watched me throw my first tee shot, then went on their way.

I played a quick round, then decided to play again: this time taking notes and scores. Keep in mind, these are my biased opinions, and the course was in no way complete, but here's the rundown:

Hole 1 - 365ft - par 4(3)

My first thought was the tee was a long way from parking, but these were nice tees and tee signs. This hole seemed to play a little shorter than I expected, but maybe I was having a good day. I also noticed the basket seemed awfully close to Hole 2's tee. Could be dangerous, especially with a blind dog-leg. Score: 3

Hole 2 - 188ft - par 3(2?)

The "fairway" was a bit overgrown, but that didn't really matter - the hole is <200 ft with a clear view to the basket. Where are all the trees? Score: 2

Hole 3 - 243 ft - par 4(3)

Par 4? Even for beginners, this seems inflated. When I stepped on the tee, I wondered if the basket was in the right spot...I walked it off and came up with 42 steps - tee to pole. @ 3ft/step, it was about right, but no trees really throws off depth perception: I overthrew the basket. Score: 3

Hole 4 - 544ft - par 5(3)

Finally some distance. I had to wait a bit while the tractors hauled...call them extra large twigs...across the fairway. Once the take root, I'm sure they will fill out. This hole seemed to play a little shorter than posted distance: Drive Teebird, approach Rhyno, Putt. Score: 3

Hole 5 - 110ft - par 3(2!)

Wow. 110 ft. This hole did not play shorter than posted distance. I had to empty my bag at this one, but nothing hit. All were in birdie range though. Although the basket seemed a little close to 6's teebox, since the hole is so short, I don't think it will be much of a problem. Score: 2

Hole 6 - 322ft - par 4(3)

This hole seemed shorter as well, but then I remembered what a huge arm I have. I tried to play it as it will be with the trees: turned my teebird over and watched it float under the basket. When getting closer, I noticed the basket had been installed incorrectly, and the chains were crossed at the bottom. I wondered if this was the only one, but didn't remember seeing this on any other baskets. This basket too, seemed a little close to the next tee. Score: 2

Hole 7 - 375ft - par 4(3)

There's no way this hole is this long. I rushed my drive to beat the tractors, and lofted my teebird much too high. Shank. Walking up, I was way closer than I should have been, but missed a long putt. Trees will definately help this one. Score: 3

Hole 8 - 209ft - par 3(2?)

For a hyzer, this basket seemed to close to 9's tee. Again, more trees will help - maybe one to block the big, dangerous hyzer shot and force a control shot instead. Score: 2

Hole 9 - 354ft - par4 (3)

The final hole again, played shorter than the marked distance, and again, I think trees will help. Missed my birdie putt, but it was hot and I was ready to go. Score: 3

Overall, this course has definite potential. I will check it out again in a while when the trees are set (and it cools off a little - **** it was hot out there with no shade). Once trees get put in, I can see a couple of throws being added to scores, but not much. More of a headgame kind of thing.

I think if more of the park could be used, and just a little fine tuning of what's there, this will be a great course. Already I can see family's and beginners being introduced to disc golf by means of this course.

Time to play: <30 min
Score: 23(-4)
Fun factor: 6/10 (add trees, this will go up)

Thanks Geoff, for that very impressive description of this course. It changed my mind, I think Jimmy and I will wait till it's done before we go out there. :cool:

Thanks again..... ;) Good shooting! :D

BTW, there is another 9 hole course not too far from there if you want to check it out. It's off of IH-10 West & Ralph Fair Road (sp?) Anyway it is a birdie course with teeth.... But fun and shady..... :D

That about sums it up.....

And the other 9 holer that Laura mentioned is Fair Oaks Ranch Disc Golf course.(I think that's the one she's talking about) That is a great 9 holer! I've been there a bunch of times. Just keep an out for those Fair Oaks Cops. They will give you the 3rd degree any chance they get. But it's worth it. :DJust leave the "evidence" at home /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Yup Jody, that is the one I am talking about.

If you anybody is interested in playing it Jimmy and I might be going out there tomorrow morning.... :cool:

Yes, do be careful if you go to Fair Oaks and play. It is a private course put in by the Neighborhood Association. I have played it and was asked to leave, thank goodness I have a friend out there and I gave the police his name and he vouched for me. THe police out there are not as friendly as you would think. If the local neighbors are out there, go out of your way to be polite and give them the right of way. After the incident that I had I found out that a dg'er had been rude to a local and they were on a witch hunt. FOund out the dg'er was from out of town and visiting a cousin there in Fair Oaks. Keep your private stuff at home, not even in your car when you go there. When you get out there you will be on private property and they have the right to search you or your vehicle if they want to.

The second time I played it it was a great time and even talked to several ball golfers on their way home from the course and let them throw a couple of discs. Had a good conversation with them about the game.

Have fun when you go out there.


ps..more trees were planted yesterday at Nani Falcone. Went by there on my way home from league. It will be a couple of years from now before you start seeing any shade on the course though, most of the trees are only about 8 feet tall.

Finally! Finally! I believe I am the first to leave a disc behind. Typical, grip-locked (severely, even by my own standards) the drive on #9 and my Crush is atop a tree. Would like to get it back though.

For Sale :

Disc : Crush
Color : Red
Weight : 166
Run : First
Found : Top of tree
Price Negotiable :p

Reason for Sale : Previous owner abandonment...charges to be filed for cruelty and grip lock. :D:D

For the safe return of the wayward Crush, how about a full year of FREE green fees (excluding tournaments) at Quercus virginiana?

SOLD :D:D

Give me a call and I will get it back to you one evening this week.

10-4!

RT,

Some lady found your yellow firebird on the course and gave it to me. I'll get it back to you at the next mini I go to.

nice to know I am in good company :D