Beatty Park DGC reviews
12
0
Course Is Kind Of Beattyful 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 11, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
Steubenville is a quiet city that features Beatty Park , a scenic park that has a section that looks almost to be cut out for disc golfers and walkers . There is a small basketball court just beyond the basket for hole #1 . There is a small parking lot just beyond the entrance to the park . A pretty good bathroom sits next to the tee pad at #8 . There is a kiosk near the parking lot , with a little disc golf information , but no course map . There are benches next too it .
THE EQUIPMENT -- The kiosk is worn , but nice . It needs a map , though . There is a practice basket lined up in the fairway of hole #1 ( I'll address in Cons ) . The tee pads are a mixed bag . Some are cement , others are carpet , a couple are natural . The signs are nice and informative ( and needed ) . The baskets are older Chainstars . Most are in decent condition . There are red arrows on the bottom of the baskets to direct you to the next tee , along with yellow and green arrows on trees . Some railings on a few of the holes are a big help . You would fall if it was muddy , otherwise
THE LANDSCAPE -- I checked out some of the previous reviews and concur with them . The park is on one scenic piece of property . The disc golf course takes up most of it . The course sits in a valley , with the course playing in the middle and on the sides of it . There are a good amount of trees present that are going to force you to shape your shots . There is a main creek that runs down the center of the park , and will come into play several times . There is also a side creek on a couple of the holes to the right of the course . The creek is shallow , and you won't lose any discs in them . I think that the park doesn't cut back branches or cut some grassy areas is to make some holes more of an obstacle . There is some nice amounts of elevation here , from elevated tee pads , to baskets on hillsides , throwing off of sloping hills . Even if you aren't overly impressed with the layout , you will enjoy the walk .
THE HIGHLIGHTS -- There are a couple of holes that will interest you .
#7 , only 191' ( seemed longer ) , to a raised basket sitting near the hillside on the left .
#8 Worth mentioning , because there is a shelter next to the tee pad that has a cool stone mural worth checking out .
#9 Tee pad is on the bridge and throws straight up a hill on the left . It is only 258' , but it plays more like 320 + . If you don't clear the green or hillside and end up short or cut the hill too soon , your disc will either roll down the hill ( like mine did ) , or you will end up in heavy brush .
#14 , 413' . The longest hole runs alongside the slope and has a tight fairway . Expect a ricochet and you disc sloping left and sliding downhill some .
#18 is a nice ending hole . Another tight fairway with heavy trees , which doglegs left and downhill ( 396' )
SIGNATURE HOLE -- The signature hole for me was #10 289' . Running up to a plateau and leveling off , the basket is placed in a tight area to the left . Many might prefer the next hole ( #11 ) because of it's length ( 396' ) and the older structure near the basket . The quiet of this area and the remnants of the building might remind you of the Blair Witch Project .
THE TIME -- The course isn't overly long at just over 5000' , but there are time consuming walks over creeks , and between holes , besides looking for discs on hillsides . It took me 75 minutes to play solo . Group of 4 will take just over 2 hours , maybe 2:15 .
You may have the course to yourself , like I did this Saturday morning ( 9 o'clock ) . Enjoy the sounds of nature , and your walk .
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and use bug spray . The insects can be bad around creek beds , and you will sweat going up and downhill so much .
THE EQUIPMENT -- The kiosk is worn , but nice . It needs a map , though . There is a practice basket lined up in the fairway of hole #1 ( I'll address in Cons ) . The tee pads are a mixed bag . Some are cement , others are carpet , a couple are natural . The signs are nice and informative ( and needed ) . The baskets are older Chainstars . Most are in decent condition . There are red arrows on the bottom of the baskets to direct you to the next tee , along with yellow and green arrows on trees . Some railings on a few of the holes are a big help . You would fall if it was muddy , otherwise
THE LANDSCAPE -- I checked out some of the previous reviews and concur with them . The park is on one scenic piece of property . The disc golf course takes up most of it . The course sits in a valley , with the course playing in the middle and on the sides of it . There are a good amount of trees present that are going to force you to shape your shots . There is a main creek that runs down the center of the park , and will come into play several times . There is also a side creek on a couple of the holes to the right of the course . The creek is shallow , and you won't lose any discs in them . I think that the park doesn't cut back branches or cut some grassy areas is to make some holes more of an obstacle . There is some nice amounts of elevation here , from elevated tee pads , to baskets on hillsides , throwing off of sloping hills . Even if you aren't overly impressed with the layout , you will enjoy the walk .
THE HIGHLIGHTS -- There are a couple of holes that will interest you .
#7 , only 191' ( seemed longer ) , to a raised basket sitting near the hillside on the left .
#8 Worth mentioning , because there is a shelter next to the tee pad that has a cool stone mural worth checking out .
#9 Tee pad is on the bridge and throws straight up a hill on the left . It is only 258' , but it plays more like 320 + . If you don't clear the green or hillside and end up short or cut the hill too soon , your disc will either roll down the hill ( like mine did ) , or you will end up in heavy brush .
#14 , 413' . The longest hole runs alongside the slope and has a tight fairway . Expect a ricochet and you disc sloping left and sliding downhill some .
#18 is a nice ending hole . Another tight fairway with heavy trees , which doglegs left and downhill ( 396' )
SIGNATURE HOLE -- The signature hole for me was #10 289' . Running up to a plateau and leveling off , the basket is placed in a tight area to the left . Many might prefer the next hole ( #11 ) because of it's length ( 396' ) and the older structure near the basket . The quiet of this area and the remnants of the building might remind you of the Blair Witch Project .
THE TIME -- The course isn't overly long at just over 5000' , but there are time consuming walks over creeks , and between holes , besides looking for discs on hillsides . It took me 75 minutes to play solo . Group of 4 will take just over 2 hours , maybe 2:15 .
You may have the course to yourself , like I did this Saturday morning ( 9 o'clock ) . Enjoy the sounds of nature , and your walk .
Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and use bug spray . The insects can be bad around creek beds , and you will sweat going up and downhill so much .
Cons:
#1 SAFETY -- Yikes ! The practice basket sits in the flight path to the #1 basket . What an oddity . How would you like to get drilled by someone teeing off while you walk to grab your putter out of the basket . You also tee off on #4 and go right over the fairway to #1 . Scary , if you have a family on #4 or a newbie , and you are heading up toward your initial drive on 1 . There are some treacherous walks , crossing creeks without bridges , retrieving discs down hard sloping creeks and hillsides . Make sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes if you have them . The footing is bad at the creek .
#2 EQUIPMENT -- I can understand not wanting to lug concrete up some of these places , but the carpet tees are worn and there needs to be some consistency concerning tee pads . The raised basket on #7 is bent at the top , along with a couple of other baskets in need of repair or straightening . Steps , cement , wood or cut into the ground , would help on several of the holes .
#3 DISC RISK -- There is no risk of losing your disk to water , but since the trees can force ricochets , the holes can be deceptively long , it would be easy for your disc to slide under some leaves on a hillside . The grass is high in spots , like hole #10's fairway . Thickets and high weeds will claim your disc , too . If you have lighter colored discs , use the on this course .
#4 CHALLENGE -- Some may not like the challenge , here . Several of the holes play short with easier lanes , some fairways are just downright hard . I am not sure who the target audience is . Very tough for the new or occasional player , but if you are avid , or skilled , you may want to explore somewhere else .
#5 THE ELEMENTS -- It would be almost impossible to play this course with a light snow , or after a good rainfall . Elevation , or just getting to from tee pads would be tough , including crossing the creeks if the overflow .
Expect some long walks to some of the tee pads . 8-9 and 9-10 come to mind right away .
#2 EQUIPMENT -- I can understand not wanting to lug concrete up some of these places , but the carpet tees are worn and there needs to be some consistency concerning tee pads . The raised basket on #7 is bent at the top , along with a couple of other baskets in need of repair or straightening . Steps , cement , wood or cut into the ground , would help on several of the holes .
#3 DISC RISK -- There is no risk of losing your disk to water , but since the trees can force ricochets , the holes can be deceptively long , it would be easy for your disc to slide under some leaves on a hillside . The grass is high in spots , like hole #10's fairway . Thickets and high weeds will claim your disc , too . If you have lighter colored discs , use the on this course .
#4 CHALLENGE -- Some may not like the challenge , here . Several of the holes play short with easier lanes , some fairways are just downright hard . I am not sure who the target audience is . Very tough for the new or occasional player , but if you are avid , or skilled , you may want to explore somewhere else .
#5 THE ELEMENTS -- It would be almost impossible to play this course with a light snow , or after a good rainfall . Elevation , or just getting to from tee pads would be tough , including crossing the creeks if the overflow .
Expect some long walks to some of the tee pads . 8-9 and 9-10 come to mind right away .
Other Thoughts:
As far as sheer beauty , this course ranks high . Sitting between 2 hillsides , it offers 18 holes of pleasurable disc golf .
This is a place that you could buy or pack a lunch , and eat it at the nice stone pavilion next to tee pad 8 . There are just a couple of holes that I would throw out or redesign . This is the type of course that you would grow up on and learn from .
As much as I think there is more potential here , I just don't know how you would fit it in the area that is here . Maybe some equipment upgrades ? a couple of bridges , steps and more railings could be a good start .
MY RECOMMENDATION -- The terrain might be a little testy for the family or the newbie ( unless the newer player wants to turn around at #10 ) . This is a solid local course for the Steubenville players to hang out . Even high schoolers to gather after school or on weekends . The main thing that intermediates and up will take away from this course is its natural beauty . This stop might be a little extreme for the traveler to use as a leg stretch when coming off of Rt 22 . The Course Collector will like that Beatty Park sits conveniently between Thompson , Chester and Tomlinson Parks to the north , and Bud Billiard , Wheeling Island , Memorial and Lynn Hunkler to the south . I wouldn't go terribly out of my way to play here , but if I was going through the area , this is a nice town with a gorgeous park . If it's dry , TRY IT !
This is a place that you could buy or pack a lunch , and eat it at the nice stone pavilion next to tee pad 8 . There are just a couple of holes that I would throw out or redesign . This is the type of course that you would grow up on and learn from .
As much as I think there is more potential here , I just don't know how you would fit it in the area that is here . Maybe some equipment upgrades ? a couple of bridges , steps and more railings could be a good start .
MY RECOMMENDATION -- The terrain might be a little testy for the family or the newbie ( unless the newer player wants to turn around at #10 ) . This is a solid local course for the Steubenville players to hang out . Even high schoolers to gather after school or on weekends . The main thing that intermediates and up will take away from this course is its natural beauty . This stop might be a little extreme for the traveler to use as a leg stretch when coming off of Rt 22 . The Course Collector will like that Beatty Park sits conveniently between Thompson , Chester and Tomlinson Parks to the north , and Bud Billiard , Wheeling Island , Memorial and Lynn Hunkler to the south . I wouldn't go terribly out of my way to play here , but if I was going through the area , this is a nice town with a gorgeous park . If it's dry , TRY IT !
10
0
Beatty's Batty Beauty 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 11, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
+ More than half of the tee pads are filled cement within wooden frames. They are sturdy and flat.
+ What tee signs exist are well illustrated and reliable.
+ Orange road cones atop each basket help to see them.
+ Bright red 'next hole' arrows suspended from the bottom of most baskets guide the player along. Green arrows attached the trees occasionally appear to help between long walks.
+ The whole course plays within a peaceful valley forested park. From start to finish, the player is surrounded by rocky cliffs, dense trees and a central stream.
+ What tee signs exist are well illustrated and reliable.
+ Orange road cones atop each basket help to see them.
+ Bright red 'next hole' arrows suspended from the bottom of most baskets guide the player along. Green arrows attached the trees occasionally appear to help between long walks.
+ The whole course plays within a peaceful valley forested park. From start to finish, the player is surrounded by rocky cliffs, dense trees and a central stream.
Cons:
- The other tee pads are ragged carpet or just missing altogether. Holes 7, 10, 16-18 are a few examples of those.
- Some of the tee signs are badly damaged or non-existent. Holes 11 - 13 especially suffer from this.
- Why is the practice basket right in the middle of hole 1's fairway?!
- No lost disc box. I understand that this course may not have a dedicated team to regularly check up on it, but lost discs are a real possibility here.
- Many of the baskets are mis-numbered.
- Some navigation issues. I had a real problem going from 6 to 7 and all throughout 10 - 13. In a forest setting, it is crucial to have redundant signage to minimize people getting lost.
- It appears a bit run down. Not much maintenance here. The info board looked vandalized, too.
- Some of the tee signs are badly damaged or non-existent. Holes 11 - 13 especially suffer from this.
- Why is the practice basket right in the middle of hole 1's fairway?!
- No lost disc box. I understand that this course may not have a dedicated team to regularly check up on it, but lost discs are a real possibility here.
- Many of the baskets are mis-numbered.
- Some navigation issues. I had a real problem going from 6 to 7 and all throughout 10 - 13. In a forest setting, it is crucial to have redundant signage to minimize people getting lost.
- It appears a bit run down. Not much maintenance here. The info board looked vandalized, too.
Other Thoughts:
My favorite hole to play here was hole 12. I love downhill throws, and that one certainly scratched that itch as it flew down a nearly endless tunnel. My favorite hole to look at was hole 11. Alongside a burned down pavilion, the player throws up a dark steep tunnel for a few hundred feet to a basket that's right next to a mysterious crumbling long-since abandoned building. I can only guess that it was someone's house or inn at some point in the past, judging by the old stone steps in front. Moments like these make me glad that I play disc golf!
My least favorite hole to play AND to look at was hole 8. The tee pad was right next to an outhouse, and 80% of the fairway was a parking lot. That's just gross.
As for the course as a whole, Beatty is a scary pretty course. This course has so much going for it in terms of atmosphere. As it is nestled in the crease of a valley, there are so very few man-made sounds to interfere with your session. It's just you, the trees, rock faces and various wildlife. It's quiet... maybe too quiet?
Not only that, but at a certain point, the venue takes on a completely different vibe. Once you cross the closed-off bridge, the course feels like it plays within an abandoned park for the next few holes. It's okay to be scared. Just keep your eyes on your disc at all times. There are so many ditches and piles of leaves here that discs can easily be lost.
The disc golf itself is just fine. Tunnels, tree-dodgers and high tee-offs abound. There were some showpieces like 11 and 12 as I mentioned earlier, but everything else seems garden variety and not much else really leaves a mark on the player. For some, that may not be worth it. For some, the trees in all directions may not be worth it. If you have bad balance or are unsteady on your feet, this course won't be worth it.
But if you enjoy a bit of adventure in your disc golf and enjoy a healthy walk, then come give Beatty Park a try.
My least favorite hole to play AND to look at was hole 8. The tee pad was right next to an outhouse, and 80% of the fairway was a parking lot. That's just gross.
As for the course as a whole, Beatty is a scary pretty course. This course has so much going for it in terms of atmosphere. As it is nestled in the crease of a valley, there are so very few man-made sounds to interfere with your session. It's just you, the trees, rock faces and various wildlife. It's quiet... maybe too quiet?
Not only that, but at a certain point, the venue takes on a completely different vibe. Once you cross the closed-off bridge, the course feels like it plays within an abandoned park for the next few holes. It's okay to be scared. Just keep your eyes on your disc at all times. There are so many ditches and piles of leaves here that discs can easily be lost.
The disc golf itself is just fine. Tunnels, tree-dodgers and high tee-offs abound. There were some showpieces like 11 and 12 as I mentioned earlier, but everything else seems garden variety and not much else really leaves a mark on the player. For some, that may not be worth it. For some, the trees in all directions may not be worth it. If you have bad balance or are unsteady on your feet, this course won't be worth it.
But if you enjoy a bit of adventure in your disc golf and enjoy a healthy walk, then come give Beatty Park a try.
6
0
Ned v. Warren 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 14, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
Variation of elevation changes, ranging from flat to somewhat extreme, but mostly mild/moderate.
Nice new signs and other navigational aids - relatively easy to navigate, even for a first-time visitor sans map.
Nice new signs and other navigational aids - relatively easy to navigate, even for a first-time visitor sans map.
Cons:
The access road serves as a tee and/or fairway on a few occasions.
A few bridges to assist with the stream crossing would be nice.
A few bridges to assist with the stream crossing would be nice.
Other Thoughts:
Course plays up, down, across, and along two wooded ridges, separated by an access road and a shallow, paralleling stream. The stream crosses some fairways, or lurks near some baskets, but is quite shallow, so could add strokes, but should not steal discs.
Fairways range from open (the access road) to moderate (former access drives) to somewhat tight (wide walking paths), but nothing too tight. Some holes are open throughout, and a few play from/to open to/from woods, but about half are wooded in their entirety. You'll need a variety of shot shapes - straight, lefts, rights, and a few S-shapes. A few holes offer shape choices - pick your preference.
Front nine (longest hole < 280') is definitely easier than the back nine (six holes > 280', three near 400'). The more interesting holes, like up-slope, twisting, to basket-in-front-of-cabin-ruin #11, steep downhill through trees with stream just behind #12, and up-n-over wooded ridge, battling right-to-left slope while doing so, #18, are all on the back.
Tee signs are good. Some holes appear to have an alternate (longer/blue) tee location. Most tees are natural, but if a hard surface was available, it was used. Evidently, a hole was inserted near the midpoint, as the basket numbers start being off by one, but the number on the signs are correct.
Quite an enjoyable course, worth a visit if nearby.
Fairways range from open (the access road) to moderate (former access drives) to somewhat tight (wide walking paths), but nothing too tight. Some holes are open throughout, and a few play from/to open to/from woods, but about half are wooded in their entirety. You'll need a variety of shot shapes - straight, lefts, rights, and a few S-shapes. A few holes offer shape choices - pick your preference.
Front nine (longest hole < 280') is definitely easier than the back nine (six holes > 280', three near 400'). The more interesting holes, like up-slope, twisting, to basket-in-front-of-cabin-ruin #11, steep downhill through trees with stream just behind #12, and up-n-over wooded ridge, battling right-to-left slope while doing so, #18, are all on the back.
Tee signs are good. Some holes appear to have an alternate (longer/blue) tee location. Most tees are natural, but if a hard surface was available, it was used. Evidently, a hole was inserted near the midpoint, as the basket numbers start being off by one, but the number on the signs are correct.
Quite an enjoyable course, worth a visit if nearby.
9
0
Hikin' 'n Discin' 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 11, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
+Nice baskets: including a practice basket
+Nice scenery and a pretty rugged hike through this little valley.
+Good signs: tee signs are pretty good and there are plenty of signs to get you to the next tee.
+Amenities: benches at many holes, garbage cans easily accessible, port-a-john and restrooms, and picnic tables
+Nice scenery and a pretty rugged hike through this little valley.
+Good signs: tee signs are pretty good and there are plenty of signs to get you to the next tee.
+Amenities: benches at many holes, garbage cans easily accessible, port-a-john and restrooms, and picnic tables
Cons:
-Tee pads/areas are a little rough or poorly defined on many holes.
-Layout: front nine a bit cramped, a park road runs through the front nine, several stream crossings and no foot bridges.
-Layout: front nine a bit cramped, a park road runs through the front nine, several stream crossings and no foot bridges.
Other Thoughts:
The park is in a pretty narrow valley and this contributes to some of the challenges and some of the downsides of this course.
The front nine are a bit more open than the back and played a little easier. Hole 4 stood out for me on the front nine. It is a downhill shot that throws over the creek to a small flat. The back nine pick up the challenge a bit and offer a little bit more distance. Notable holes include 12, a big downhill shot to the basket tucked just feet from the creek. Hole 18 is another nice hole consisting of an uphill throw to a dogleg and then downhill approach shot to a green on a little flat just above the creek.
I think that there is some really good use of land with a very good mix of uphill and downhill shots. There is also pretty good pin placement. Many holes, particularly on the back nine, require a pretty well placed tee shot to set up a good approach or birdie chance. One of the biggest gripes is the lack of footbridges. Just two would make navigating holes 4 through 8 a bit easier.
Overall, I think it is a pretty good course, it definitely challenged mine and the pups hiking legs. I don't know that I'd drive from Pittsburgh again just to play it alone, but I wouldn't hesitate to include it in a future road trip through the area.
The front nine are a bit more open than the back and played a little easier. Hole 4 stood out for me on the front nine. It is a downhill shot that throws over the creek to a small flat. The back nine pick up the challenge a bit and offer a little bit more distance. Notable holes include 12, a big downhill shot to the basket tucked just feet from the creek. Hole 18 is another nice hole consisting of an uphill throw to a dogleg and then downhill approach shot to a green on a little flat just above the creek.
I think that there is some really good use of land with a very good mix of uphill and downhill shots. There is also pretty good pin placement. Many holes, particularly on the back nine, require a pretty well placed tee shot to set up a good approach or birdie chance. One of the biggest gripes is the lack of footbridges. Just two would make navigating holes 4 through 8 a bit easier.
Overall, I think it is a pretty good course, it definitely challenged mine and the pups hiking legs. I don't know that I'd drive from Pittsburgh again just to play it alone, but I wouldn't hesitate to include it in a future road trip through the area.
9
0
Swizscenic 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 13, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
~Very technical w/ lots of elevation change
~Some holes have numerous different paths to the basket
~Serene wilderness within the city limits
~Great signage & good baskets
~Lots of rustic items "built" into the landscape
~Many different shots are required
~Some of the holes utilize pavement for the tee pad
~Some holes have numerous different paths to the basket
~Serene wilderness within the city limits
~Great signage & good baskets
~Lots of rustic items "built" into the landscape
~Many different shots are required
~Some of the holes utilize pavement for the tee pad
Cons:
~Lots of overgrowth throughout the course
~A few areas where the holes cross or are close to it
~Around half of the tee pads are loose and uneven
~No holes for big ol' drives (I like at least a few)
~Favors right hand back hand (I'm a lefty)
~A few areas where the holes cross or are close to it
~Around half of the tee pads are loose and uneven
~No holes for big ol' drives (I like at least a few)
~Favors right hand back hand (I'm a lefty)
Other Thoughts:
Played while down in Steubenville for work, and this heavily wooded 18 gave me a tremendous work out. Constant elevation change coupled with tight wooded holes made for lots of hiking around. Much of the course could use some bottom clearing along with bringing down a small tree here and there, but aside from that it plays real nice. Pavement is utilized as tee pads on some holes while the rest are natural creating some difficulty for a good tee shot. Mid ranges and putters were the only discs to come out of my bag the entire time, and it was great to shape lines and weave your way to basket instead of trying to throw big distances. Navigation got easier after the first handful of holes thanks to helpful tee signs and arrows on trees throughout. The creek was all but dried up for me so tossing into the water was never an issue. The deeper into the park you play the more beautiful and inspiring it becomes. Old stone structures, stairs, and tables are built into the landscape which create a really cool vibe. The course has plenty of modern benches placed throughout for catching your breath, for which I was grateful. Aside from the need for some clearing and the lack of firm/level tee pads I was pleased overall with my experience. Very cool place for a tight technical round.
