Disc Golf Course Review

(3.013 Rating) A two tee, two basket niner in a Florida like setting.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Alligator Lake is bursting with a lot of positives for a nine hole course. Perhaps my favorite thing about the course was the natural setting. The park feels separated from built environment. There are big oaks draped in Spanish moss and lots of Florida-esque vegetation lining the fairways. The raised mound on (5) has some added pop to it and the course appears to be reasonably maintained.
- TWO BASKETS TWO TEES - Had Alligator Lake been a 1 tee, 1 basket course, I would not have rated the course this high. There is a lot a variety added due to this and it allows players to chose the difficulty right for them. Locals can also switch it up from time to time, thus the re-play value is much higher than the typical niner.
- HOLE VARIETY - Even though the course is very flat, the 4 layouts pack a lot of play-type diversity. Hole distances range from sub 150 feet to almost 600 feet. Breaks occur both ways and there are a couple dogleg par 4s. A couple holes have a parkstyle feel to them while a couple others feel like a jungle. I used most of the discs in my bag and I appreciated the mental mind games on how to attack each hole.
- CHALLENGE - The long tee to long basket configuration is listed at 3,693 feet long. MA1s should be tickled by the enhanced challenges from that layout. I personally threw the Short tees to Long basket and finished at even par as an MA2. The Short to Short will likely appeal to MA3s and MA4s.
- NAVIGATION AND SIGNAGE - Although I did not see a course map (I may have missed it in my haste), I had no issues getting around. Despite tee (1) being well separated from the parking area, attentive players will see tee (1) on the right as they are driving into the park. The tee signage is top notch with all the required info on them.

Nine fairways
- PARKING - I subtract very little score for this, but it's not ideal to have the parking separated 600 plus feet from tee (1) and Basket (9). Obviously not a deal breaker, or anything close to that. Probably just one of those things that stems from a Park requirement.
- TIME PLAY FOR A NINER - Not the typical 20 minute solo niner. More like 35 minutes, although that will depend on which of the four layouts is selected.
- BOGGY? - I'm not 100% certain this is the case, but the course has a lot of tell tail signs of not draining well. Most of the lowish swales were mushy during my appearance and it hadn't rained in a while to my knowledge. I'd recommend to the I75 bagger to pack muck boots just in case.

Among the nine fairway courses, I've thrown 230ish, this one is in my top 5. Everything I enjoy about the game is found here at Alligator Lakes… except for elevation change. If the course were to ever add nine more fairways designed by Hosfeld as well, I don't see how I don't up my rating to a 3.5, possibly a 4.0. Anyways, as is, a solid 3.0 to me and thus not designation worthy yet with just the nine fairways. A fantastic bonus course for those traveling along I75. It reminded me most of Airport Lakes near Orlando.

- very hilly
- terrain well incorporated on all holes
- unique locally made baskets catch well enough
- good amount of technical challenge
- more open fairways but with tree obstacles and elevation
- hole number cut into metal on baskets
- area is mostly devoted to disc golf
- undergrowth is fairly forgiving

- tee signs have no maps; seem durable but very basic
- a little on the short side
- most wooded area/ravine could have added to course quality
- concrete tees are extremely small
- street parking only; not immediately obvious where to go
- hole 7 throws through picnic area and near walking path
- weird navigation backtracking between holes 8 and 9, and fairways cross
- hole 9 ends far from start of course
- park maintenance is just ok; fairways are combination of grass and weeds

Peru State College is an interesting course. On the one hand, it's a fun enough round with some extreme elevation change and a lot of decent challenge for such a short nine hole. On the other, there are basic tee signs, tiny tees, weird layout and navigation, and some safety hazards. I didn't enjoy this course as much as I thought it would, and without fixing some of the cons I couldn't score it higher.

There are definitely some merits here; while I wish they had incorporated the heavily wooded ravine which would have made this a way cooler course, it still has intense elevation change and some unique shots. The baskets are about the beefiest I've ever played, and I was a few inches from acing a hole here but went off the side of the basket. There are definite opportunities for birdies and aces with several holes under 200 ft (and some downhill at that).

Navigation could have been more clear here, the weirdest part being backtracking from hole 8 to hole 9, and then realizing these two fairways cross and hole 9 ends facing a dead end at the woods nowhere near the parking lot.

You can park on Neal St. on the south side of Neal Park where the course is located. There are not many notable amenities here and I would watch out for other parkgoers. Some of the terrain is a bit strenuous, particularly holes where you have to walk along the sides of hills rather than up and down. This is a pretty quick round and should only take about 30 minutes solo.

Peru State College is only a bit off the highway up to Omaha and looked more interesting than the nearby Ariens DGC. I wouldn't recommend going out of the way for it, but if you are passing by and like to break up those longer courses with a quick 9, I think it's worth bagging.

- high level of challenge with tight, technical fairways
- some variety in hole length, though all on the shorter side
-practice basket
- ample parking
- plenty of benches and garbage cans
- amazing scenery and tight fairways wrapping around the sides of elevation
- baskets are serviceable though showing their age
- limited undergrowth makes finding discs easy in most places
- tight lines force a variety of shots and skill with shaping
- one of the most unique courses you will play
- some intense elevation change incorporated
- even flat holes "feel" steep in places due to dropoffs
- lots of birdie opportunities

- not very clear where Down Under course starts
- some may feel holes are too short
- natural tees are short and rather precarious in places
- tee signs are some of the worst, just numbers on trees
- discs can get very chewed up on this rock/dirt type course
- heavy road traffic noise takes away from mystique of this course
- hole 18 ends kind of randomly and its unclear how to exit woods

It pained me giving Rosedale Down Under a 3.5, which objectively I felt like was the right score, because I loved this place. Tight, technical disc golf with high rolloff/dropoff risk - you almost feel like you're playing on the side of a mountain - in Kansas!

At times, I felt like this course could use some built-in stairs in steep spots. I'm not sure I want them though. Part of what makes this course so cool is that rugged, rough around the edges style. Dare I say natural tees make sense here? Some quarried stone might play better, but it's not like you need huge run ups on these sub-250 ft holes. While the equipment is just ok and this course is definitely a bit haggard in places, the feel, scenery, and mystique of this place cannot be overstated. On hole 6, I almost felt like I was on the side of a Colorado mountain with the rocky terrain and evergreens about.

Besides the equipment, I think one of my biggest cons here is navigation - not so much during the course, which mostly flowed ok - it's just getting there and getting out! The start of the course is hard to find, you have to follow the directions laid out clearly. A sign near the parking lot would help immensely. Then the course ends more or less in the middle of the woods and it's totally unclear how to get out and back to the parking lot. It was just weird, really.

This course is scored very well but I could definitely see some people not enjoying it. The disc golf is very technical, there are almost no long holes, and it is kind of dirty/dusty and strenuous. I love courses like this, but some will not. If you don't have good shot control you will struggle here. Being able to throw both backhand and forehand helps to not fall victim to the sheer dropoffs. If you can't do a forehand, an anhyzer may substitute ok. This course feels for awhile like it's just wrapping around a mountainside (ok, hillside I guess) so there is always that "oh crap" opportunity, though thankfully I avoided ever losing one off the edge.

You won't really see grass on this course, but you won't see a really open hole either. Most are heavily wooded though a few have a bit more space. Honestly, anything over a 4 seems generous; this course is rough and it feels like maintenance might not be the best, but I still loved it. This feels like an older style of disc golf before longer holes and it's just a ton of fun. If you are in the KC area I highly recommend checking this course out. It's probably my favorite course in the KC metro, I had more fun here than Water Works. Clover Cliff to the west is even better, but in the KC area this is one I wouldn't miss.

I played this one at first in the rain and then again the next day in better weather when it became obvious I wouldn't make it to any more far flung destinations.

The park is huge and very busy, walking paths soccer fields the dog park and people generally picnicking and lounging everywhere which can make some throws more high tension than would be ideal. It made me kind of glad I got to play it in mild rain to see what it would be like totally unimpeded.

The course plays around the lake at first including hole 3 that has about a 250-300ft water carry on it's 600ft length if you want to go for birdie.

After hole 4 you cross the street by the soccer field and play several low curling pushing shots that are a totally different vibe and shot shapes.

After hole 9 that is kind of a filler hole near the bathrooms you cross that parking lot and play some longer shaping shots and deal with the little bit of elevation that exists on the course and then one little shorty hole before finishing once again crossing the street by the parking lot.

16-21 are in that area and in a way might be the most interesting as they are for the most part 250-350 and require a mix of shot types that are score able but not easy. I'm not usually one to break out a roller, but to reach the pin on 17 I did and was able to birdie.

The pads are concrete and in the dry they were good, and the tee signs are very nice and show the line well.

Baskets are traditional yellow banded Innova baskets and in good shape.

I think the mix of shot types make it a pretty fun course and I could se ethos being a good league track.

The biggest cons here are the fact that other park goers commonly pass through many of the holes and can create an uncomfortable environment for the disc golfers. I never want to throw near kids so I'm my second round I ended up skipping a few green with kids near a basket.

Navigation is kind of a mess as it seems like there have been a few versions of the course and many of the cues are not accurate.

There are also some lines where the trees have grown so low you either need a crazy over the top line or a very indirect one.

It's also a small nitpick but some signs are really far from the tee and you may see them way before the pad.

The concrete pads have significant wear and in the wet I could barely keep on my feet.

Overall it's a fun course that I enjoyed but probably wouldn't try to play it in peak after work hours again, the traffic here is just too high.

Wow this place is absolutely beautiful. It really does offer a little for every skill of disc golfer. The beginner course is truly a pitch and putt course. The intermediate has some memorable holes. It offers a decent challenge. The back 9(advanced) has some teeth! Some very unique shot shapes. Which I appreciate. A little trash on the back 9. Some poison ivy. I'm sure the church does everything they can. They provide an AMAZING property for us to use. If anyone from the church reads this, I speak on behalf of the disc golf community in thanking you for providing us the amazing opportunity. I truly hope the local community does all it can to keep the church happy.

A bit overgrown on the advanced course. A bit of trash. Hard to find intermediate course after playing beginner.

I'm from the Tampa area of Florida. This is my first and only time playing here. I truly hope this course will be here for years to come!

In this huge beautiful park tucked into the back is a long multi layout disc golf course with one concrete pad and two natural for most holes and two baskets for many holes.

I played concrete pads to the long tees and it was a meandering journey under large trees and some interesting features that make land that looks like an abandoned golf course into something more interesting.

The longer tees are gold disccatchers and the shorter ones have blue bands. They all catch well and I only saw one with any damage. Hole 17 has a very elevated basket with a step structure to get your disc out.

For the most part the lines are fairly simple even on the very long holes. It's generally a pushing hyzer or flex with a couple of huge trees you need to miss and with hole lengths mainly in between 350-600ft getting some distance on those lines is a big deal.

On the back there are a couple of shorter holes that have low ceiling tunnel shots and they even have a USDGC esque gate triple mando that is draped in honeysuckle which is a cool touch.

The main detractors here is that the course is a little repetitive, but with the nature of the land that is bound to happen some and the final 5 holes do switch it up pretty well.

Honestly it's pretty good, but for whatever reason the vibe was just off to me. Maybe since I was playing it just after rain and there was a decent amount of standing water and opportunities to slip. I fall often while playing and don't enjoy it so when those chances are elevated it can effect my enjoyment.

There are also long walks between the long baskets and next tees, especially on the front. Take a pic of the map with you for sure.

It's a pretty good course by all definitions and i fee like I could enjoy it a lot. I didn't that much at the time but couldn't really tell you why. Maybe playing a course this long after a long work day and already playing 21 holes is the reason…

For all the open field courses I've played, Riverstone Park surprisingly makes a decent layout. That's impressive when you realize you're throw back and forth across the field the whole time.
- Course is broken into two sections. Holes #1 – 4 plus 5's tee are in a smaller field. The other eight and a half holes are in the larger field.
- #3 is easily the most enjoyable hole. The longest hole on the course – 429 feet – with woods hugging the left side of the fairway and eventually surrounding the entire green. On the left, you have #4's tee and a mound, making this a blind tee shot. This would be a solid hole at any of the local courses (Park Circle, NWS, Four Poles, etc.).
- #5 is the only wooded hole as you're throwing through the narrow line of trees going from one field to the other. You need to be somewhat accurate off the tee.
- Great course for practicing your mid-range game. The 13 holes average 261 feet, with 10 holes ranging between 218 – 303 feet.
- With a lack of obstacles, some of the baskets get tucked into tight spots. When I played in November '23, #7's basket was missing. I's sleeve was on the edge of the tree line. #6 has a same pin placement. #8 then has the basket tucked behind several small trees. As they grow, this will become a harder basket.
- There are several small rolling mounds throughout the course. Feels like you're playing on an old golf course.
- Despite being in fields, course is easy to navigate. Dark wooden stakes mark the hole numbers. The only potentially confusing layout would be standing on #9's tee. Both #9 & 11's baskets are across the field in the same general direction. First timer may throw to the wrong one.

For a simple neighborhood course, it's hard to find much fault.
- Course is listed as private, for residents only. Keep that in mind when you're here. Don't expect any amenities because you can (in reality) walk back to your house if you need anything.
- Missing baskets when I played. They're in the ground now.
- Low lying course means expect poor drainage in areas after rain.
- Not a destination course. Not a lot of challenges. Again, it's a neighborhood course that you're probably trespassing onto to play. The more you wander around, the more you might draw attention from neighbors.
- On #12 & 13, you feel like you're about to walk into people's backyards.

Generally, Riverstone is a nice, neighborhood course. It's a far better version of Spring Grove Planation's neighborhood course 15 minutes away.
- You could easily make your own safari layout here. Or use the field for some serious field work.
- Crosswinds may be an issue from time to time. Open fields + low country course close to the ocean = winds can be a factor. Take advantage of that for practice.
- It would be nice to see 5 wooded holes to make this a full 18. There seems to be room so maybe one day. For us OCD people, 13 holes just seems weird.
- I carried 3 discs here: putter, mid, and fairway driver. Unless you're trying to bag an ace or are practicing, that's all that's needed here.
- #13, with it's feel of playing on an old putting green, is a decent closing hole. The slight undulations are slightly different from everything else.
- Nice for what it is. I prefer this over some of the other nine-holers in the area. Just proceed with caution.

Great Kiosk map.
Good tee signs
Cement tee pads
New discatcher baskets
Good mix of holes

Main parking area closes, if you are playing in the evening, park in the circle.
Only 9 holes

What is it with Houston and good church courses.

I really had no expectations when i went to play this course. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed my round.

You star off with a nice little RHBH short shot in the woods that have been cleared for these holes.

hole 2 is mostly straight with a few trees in the fairway to navigate.

Hole 3 is a dogleg left to right and is probably the hardest hole on the course.

Hole 4 throws straight down a clearing with trees on both our left and right.

Hole 5 is another shot though thick tree's on both side but a much narrower fairway. The basket is in a small clearing to the right. You can't see the basket from the tee. I big skip is not recommended as the pond is just past the basket.

Hole 6 and 7 are the most open holes, however hole 6 has OB roads and the basket is on a large pyramid cake type of thing. Think miniature Eagle Crossings. Hole 7 plays as an island hole with a ravine in front of the basket and a drop off behind the basket.

Hole 8 is the signature hole in my opinion. From the long, it's over the pond to a basket that has a built up level tee with guardian evergreens around to the left and right. It's a fun hole to throw for sure.

Then one last hole in the wooded area. This hole was more of a thread the needle than the other wooded holes.

I played this course on a Thursday evening and there were several others out playing the course. Not something you usually see a day after some heavy rain and at a church course.

Would I play here again? YES, I would love another crack at this course now that I know where the baskets are located. It's a fun rec/advanced course.

Basics:
- high quality Dynamic Discs baskets, a Kansas staple
- excellent full color tee signs with maps
- long concrete tees, a little narrow
- beautifully maintained property with incredible scenery

Amenities/Extras:
- really cool cable bridges to cross creeks/ravines
- ample parking
- flags on top of baskets

Course Design/General Thoughts:
- good incorporation of elevation change
- leans more open but also has a few good wooded fairways
- good incorporation of creek as water hazard
- rocky hills make for challenging shots and strenuous terrain
- good variety of hole distances on the longer side
- breathtaking views of Flint Hills region away from civilization
- good incorporation of some low tree ceilings to add variety
- logical flow with variety of shot types necessary

Difficulty/Uniqueness:
- one of the most unique courses I have ever played
- bison are a huge highlight as is the rocky terrain of Flint Hills
- on the longer side with a lot of accurate distance needed
- feeling of this experience is incomparable to any other course
- multiple instances of baskets perched on the edge of dropoffs

- bison pies! (I found this endearing but maybe I'm just a weirdo)
- interacting with bison has some obvious safety hazards
- may be too challenging for some players, with only a few holes under 300 ft.
- fairly fixed course with no multiple tees or pin positions
- no practice basket, no garbage cans, benches on the course
- could be extremely tricky on a windy day

THIS is the experience I came to Kansas for. I believe every state has something to offer, and once thought Kansas was one of the most boring, flat states it was possible to visit. I looked for something that spoke to me, and found Clover Cliff Ranch. Flat this course is not. This was one of the highlights of my trip and maybe my 2nd favorite course ever, with over 250 played.

I should mention I love animals so I just about died of delight when I saw bison roaming ON the course. If you don't like animals this may not be the place for you. The bison have tons of land to roam so I felt very fortunate they were in the middle of the course when I arrived a bit before sunrise. This spawned a new experience for me, "hole unplayable due to bison." On hole 3, the herd was blocking the entire fairway. When it became clear the bison were not going to yield the ground to me, I moved off to play hole 13 through the end and came back to hole 3, by which time the herd had moved off.

As others have said, the initial views here are breathtaking, and I strongly encourage arriving right at sunrise for great views and a course to yourself. Note, as this is private and pay to play, it is closed many weekends for weddings, etc. Check in advance before driving out into the middle of nowhere. That said, I can't imagine this course getting very busy given where it is. Despite what I expect is low revenue, the land is very well maintained, and appeared to have recently gone through a controlled burn which made for a cool mix of rocky outcroppings, charred black grass, and fresh green grass. You can't see this just anywhere. Views of the surrounding Flint Hills are amazing and give a true taste of eastern Kansas.

The course itself is so unique, with wobbly bridges over all the creeks/ravines, gates you open and close yourself to keep the bison in, and a ton of good terrain change. The course isn't as steep and hilly as others I played on the trip, but it is deceiving and you will be huffing and puffing a bit on some of the rocky uphill holes. There are trees on several of the holes that give light to moderately wooded shots, plus the water hazard of the creek. The course is challenging but not punishing... on a calm day. I'm glad I wasn't here a day earlier when Kansas had 20 mph winds or this could have been a very frustrating experience.

The equipment here is all top notch. Not much in the way of special amenities, but this course is so unique and such an incredible experience I felt it warranted a perfect 5. Most of my cons are very minor. There ARE bison pies literally everywhere. They probably have 100 of the things and, well, they poop a lot. Do watch where you're stepping as a fresh one of these would envelop your entire foot. Mostly the bison seem to want to mind their own business but obviously keep your distance, disc golfer vs. bison = you lose.

I loved climbing up and down the rocks here and making the high risk throws to baskets perched on the edges of rock outcroppings. You go from feeling like you're in a wooded area to the great plains to rocky mountain foothills all in the matter of a few holes.

While there is no practice basket, I expect most people use hole 18's basket for warmup which is easy enough if the course isn't busy. I felt the course flowed pretty well and was mostly intuitive, though I did consult my map a few times. The addition of some navigation aids wouldn't hurt.

The holes here are longer, with most 300 ft plus, and a few very long. You will need some distance to your game and several holes require multiple drives and are beyond par 3. Some of the par 3s are very challenging as well. You'll need some uphill and downhill control as well as the ability to shape shots around obstacles. In addition, you'll have to contend with dropoffs and rollaway hazards. There are more difficult courses out there but this one does require a fairly complete game.

All said, I can't think of a single negative thought I had during my round here. This course is spectacular and way, way underappreciated due to its location. I drove an extra 3 hours out and back off my main route for this and it was absolutely the right decision. Play this course if at all possible; I haven't found anything in the continental US that compares to it.

GREAT meeting area at hole 1.
Good Tee signs
Cement tee pads
Like new DD Vet basket
Bomber shots and Wooded Technical shots

The open holes are VERY open
Houston flat course that tends to hold water after a rain

What a great memorial for Eric Paddy.

Hole 1 starts next to the parking lot and has a great kiosk with shaded benches where you can watch and wait for your party to show up. The hole itself is a long hyzer around some trees with the parking are to your right.

Then a couple of pond shots. Hole 2 has the pond just past the basket. The pond may have been high when i took these pictures. it was a do or die putt for the 2 on this one. Hole 3 was just as close but you had to throw over the edge of the pond.

Then you have some more open shots with some distance with holes 4 and 5.

I do have a problem with hole 6, the tee for hole 7 is right next to it. So you throw hole 6, walk back to the tee and tee off on hole 7.

Hole 7 has a triple mando near the basket. You have to hit this and the basket is just into the wooded area.

holes 9 to 14 are all technical shots of different lenths. Several of them have OB lines to keep you on your fairway as these holes are pretty close together.

Hole 15 is mostly open but ends in the woods.

16 is a more open wooded hole.

17 has a mando keeping you from throwing a big open turnover and it also has an OB rough area between you and the basket.

18 is the longest hole on the course with OB cement on the left and I guess lots of casual water on the right. This one played tough trying to stay out of the water.

Then a long walk back to hole 1.

As a whole, this course has a little bit of everything. You want water, it has it. You want technical, it has it. You want long bombers, it has it.

On top of that, a LOT of love has gone into building this course. The Benches that are installed are all well made.

Would I play here again? Yes I would. While I am not a fan of the long open holes, the tight wooded area makes up for it. I look forward to playing this course again someday. For a church course, it's worth swinging by to play.