The Colony, TX

Bill Allen Memorial Park

3.785(based on 48 reviews)
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10 0
aclay
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 39.6 years 309 played 236 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Bill Allen

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 24, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-- Excellent land for disc golf, and it's well used. You've got a creek to play along (and throw over once). You've also got a 200-250 foot water carry over a pond. You've got plenty of mature trees, and you've got elevation.
-- Two tee pads per hole. The reds are concrete and plenty long; the blue are natural and marked by blue stones in the ground. Some are difficult to find.
-- Maintenance is good.
-- Good Innova baskets.
-- Excellent map at parking lot.
-- Port-o-potty.
-- Practice basket. It's old and not in great shape, but it is there.
-- Best holes are 4, 6, 11, 14 and 17. Four is 237 feet. You've got a big bush 50-60 feet in front of the tee, so you're basically forced to go right or left. The RHBH line likely takes you over an 8-foot tall OB fence and a creek in a deep ravine. Most of the fairway is open, but the basket is tucked into trees, so the approach line is tricky. Six is 367 feet slightly downhill over a pond and then uphill to the basket. The water carry is about 250 feet. The blue tee shortens those distances by about 75 feet. Eleven is a 376-foot tunnel shot. The fairway has a couple of gentle turns and a creek right of the fairway about 150 feet from the tee. Fourteen is a 177-foot ace run that requires you to hit a tight gap. Seventeen is 471 feet, downhill off the tee and fairly open. It flattens out, and about 100 feet from the basket you either hit a narrow gap to cross a creek or go a little deeper and take a hard right turn around trees.

Cons:

-- No water.
-- Navigation is iffy. The creek crossing on 3 is sketchy if you don't take a long walk around. Then the walk from 3 to 4 is long. After 9, you've got a long walk to 10. When you finish 11, you see a tee directly in front of you; that's No. 13. After 12, you've got a long walk to 13.
-- This is in no way a perfect course, but I have trouble coming up with cons.

Other Thoughts:

-- About half of the holes have new pin positions. Those are not alternate positions; the city apparently dug up the old poles and moved them. However, many of those positions only moved a few feet. Seems like a waste of effort.
-- Overall, this is a short course with three holes less than 200 feet and 10 shorter than 300. However, three holes are longer than 400 feet and one is longer than 500 feet, so you get some chances to show off a big arm.
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5 1
YNPveteran
Experience: 41 years 68 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 4, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good variety of long, short, left, right, up, down, narrow, open holes. Not crowded for a Sunday afternoon. Didn't catch up to group ahead until #15. No group caught us until #16. We had no map, nor someone in front of us to follow, yet navigation was very easy. There were signs on most holes with distance and par.

Cons:

Course runs through busy public park, look before you throw on some holes. 10, 11, 12, & 18 were muddy.

Other Thoughts:

We only had time for one round of golf while in the area, and we decided on this course from the many to choose from. We had a rookie playing his first round, and I'm from Michigan and hadn't gotten out yet this year. This course was perfect for us over 50 guys. With the variety of holes, I used every one of my 10 discs I brought. Not a real difficult course, we played every hole as a par 3, we didn't break par, but didn't hit double digits over either(rookie didn't keep score). During the rainy season I could see some of the holes being unplayable, the mosquitoes getting real bad when the nights warm up, and some of the rough on the back becoming a problem. At a leisurely pace, play time was less than 2 hours.
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3 0
RedbirdinTX
Experience: 18 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great course. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A well laid out course that incorporates every throw. Make sure you bring every type of disc with you, you will probably need use them all. Concrete pads at every hole. Carts are easy enough to use unless it is really wet. Well maintained by the excellent parks service.

Cons:

The baskets are functional but old, with some chain detachment. The course stays muddy for a week or so after moderate rains, and it can be quite cumbersome in the wooded area of the course, especially at hole 11.

Other Thoughts:

This course is definitely worth driving out of your way to play. Bring some sandals or something to drive home in as your shoes will likely be muddy at the end of the day.
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3 0
DonJuanDeLaNooch
Experience: 22.7 years 37 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Gooshy but GREAT. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 14, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great variety of shots
Well maintained beautiful park
Awesome tunnel shots
Great air it outs as well
Right turns
Left turns
It's all here.

Cons:

I really could t find any. It was wet when I played but that's just the way it goes sometimes.

Other Thoughts:

I would up at this course as a plan B from Lewisville. There was a tourney going on at Lewisville.
I turned out to be thankful for that because this course was really cool and I wouldn't have likely played it otherwise. If you are out that way in the Colony it is worth a round or two for sure. Excellent course. LOVED the elevated tee box air outs!!
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2 6
34blast
Experience: 26.9 years 50 played 31 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 11, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great Variety
Lot's of great challenge
Lot's of shade

Cons:

A bit difficult if you are a beginner
Can be really muddy after a big rain

Other Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite courses. There is alot of variety of long and short holes along with some very tight and challenging holes.
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1 1
tankmlee
Experience: 8.7 years 19 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 20, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well laid out
Good variety of holes
Very nice neighborhood
well maintained
good views
not many other people in park

Cons:

Tee signs are not good
course map needs to be updated
Layout can be confusing if you have never played it.

Other Thoughts:

overall a wonderful course, i will play it again soon.
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4 1
jrrttmrgn
Experience: 19.9 years 128 played 13 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Big Ballin’ Bill 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Bill Allen has many of the things that make a course go from adequate to great. A sense of mystery as to what adventure the next hole will have waiting for you. Big bombs from off hilltops, tight tunnel shots over flowing creeks, technical short drives followed by carefully placed long approaches, Risk/ Reward birdies and holes with multiple lines off the tee pad all make for a round of golf that makes you want to start over and play it again. Baskets are in good shape and course foliage and fairways are conscientiously maintained. There are adequate tables and trash cans which also aid in creating a good experience.

Cons:

The cons of the course are few but need mentioning. The tee pads in the middle portion of the course are gravel and can cause slips or falls. Also, a few holes come dangerously close to parking lots and streets. Signs could use some updating as well.
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2 1
JeremyKShort
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.3 years 80 played 33 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Bill Allen 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of unique shots. Holes are all a challenging distance without becoming overly long. Good flow and navigation. Easy to traverse. Nice 30' circles around the baskets. Holes are separated from each other, so you never seem to be throwing onto other players.

Cons:

The gravel tee pads are a bit troublesome for players with a big run up. Hole 13 is very close to a parking lot. You don't throw directly over it, but it's fairly easy for a bh shot to get pushed by the wind into it.
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1 5
BigGAC1
Experience: 14.7 years 39 played 29 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Bill Allen 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 24, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

wide variety of shots
good baskets
challenging placements
utilizes existing terrain well

Cons:

lack of concrete pads
I ended up with poison ivy from here

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed playing this course, its layed out well, and is fun to play. Definitely worth playing if you're in the area.
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2 2
chalos13
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 35 played 35 reviews
4.00 star(s)

great variety 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 21, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Impressive variety of shots. This course is the definition of using everything you have to work with. Long shots, short shots, tight approaches, this one will test your game.

Cons:

Weaves in and out of the park, so there a few places that can get crowded. Some areas that look like they could be very bad for anyone alergic to poison ivy. The pond was almost dry when we played, but it looks like it could be a real swamp.

Other Thoughts:

Great course, play it at an off time. People complain about no concrete tees but I can live without them at a park this great. Play this one for sure if you're in the area.
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4 1
jumbo
Experience: 12.9 years 39 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Variety on the course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 27, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

I really like this course because it does give you the opportunity to try alot of different shots as most of the holes have pretty interesting lines.

-Good Variety
-A few challenging holes.
-Side-arm Friendly

Cons:

-11 is a really tight hole that can backup..
-Some of the water is no-mans land if your disc gets wet.
-The course can get crowded if the weather is nice.

Other Thoughts:

Great course that will always stay pretty high on my list.
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2 4
JeffWC15
Experience: 4 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Love it! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 2, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I have only been playing for about 3 months now but I absolutely LOVE this course. The front 9 is much easier than the back 9. I average about 2 over on the front but about 10 over on the back. #11 eats my lunch everytime but it is nice to have a beastly hole on each course you play. Good variety of holes on this course and it is soooo much fun playing. I consider this my home course!

Cons:

The only cons that I see on this course is that some of the tee boxes need new gravel on them. Especially #3 and #10! Other than that I see nothing wrong with the layout of this course.
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5 0
DiffikultD
Experience: 16.1 years 20 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Almost Perfect 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

In a part of Texas where it's hard to find great scenery, this is one of the most beautiful courses in the area. It's in a great neighborhood, and although it's in a mixed-use park, you rarely find yourself encroaching on someone else's good time, and vice versa.

While most courses might have one "signature" hole, this track has at least three. If disc golf was a televised sport, the return from commercials would show hole six (especially when the reeds are at their full height), fifteen, or seventeen.

It's worth repeating what most of the reviewers have said: This course demands, and rewards, a variety of shots. Don't be intimidated by the long holes if, like me, you don't have the biggest arm. As long as you stay out of trouble, you can post a decent score here.

It's rarely crowded here, compared to some of the popular courses in the area. Even when the smallish parking lot is overflowing, the layout prevents stack-ups between holes. (Speaking of the parking lot, if it's full you can park at a much bigger gravel lot right next to the 14th tee. You'll finish 13 right back at the same spot.)

Cons:

I only have one major complaint about this course, and (surprise!) it has to do with the tee boxes. It's not just that they don't provide good footing, or that they can be downright dangerous if you slip too close to the end. It's the fact that so much time and effort went into building them that way. I throw from the grass whenever I can. I happen to like the way my feet are attached to my legs.

The only hole layouts I have a problem with are #11 and #12. I have no issue whatsoever with a hole that is difficult by design, but #11 is ridiculous. Even a very good throw can be disastrous, especially since they designated this hole as a par 3, while the par 4 #12 - even with its double dog leg - is a full 80' shorter and actually more likely to be reached in 3. Still, you have to consistently hit a gap approximately three feet wide. With all the trees that were removed for these holes, they could have easily taken out four more, and both holes would STILL be difficult pars.

No, there aren't any bathrooms, but I'm a guy and there's plenty of secluded, wooded areas, so that's not a big deal to me.

Snakes, numerous locust trees. Warning: those locust tree spines will go right through your shoe if you step on a fallen branch. If you lose a disc in the pond on #6, it belongs to the copperheads, water moccasins, and the gigantic snapping turtles.

Other Thoughts:

This is my home course, so I might be a little biased in its favor. I've been playing it since it was a nine hole, and it was a GREAT nine hole course (with concrete pads). The first time I went there after the expansion to eighteen holes I hated it. This was where our group came after work to drink a few beers and play for a dollar a stroke. For the third round you could only use one disc. Anyway, since it's the closest course to me, I kept going back, and each time it's gotten better and better. Now, it's my second favorite course in the DFW Metroplex, behind Harry Myers in Rockwall.

Yes, the tees are frustrating, and yes, it's challenging, but after a round or two you will know that you just experienced pretty much everything that this great game has to offer.
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4 1
lajoie24
Experience: 12.8 years 30 played 18 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 4, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is my favorite course in the area. It has an incredible combination of holes. You have ace runs on 3, 9, and 14 while praying to get pars on 10, 11 and 12. You'll have drives in the open, over trees and ponds, creek side, through forests, uphill and downhill. It never seems to be too crowded. The course is well maintained.

Cons:

Tee boxes. Put some concrete in those tee boxes. They're currently some sort of decomposed granite/sand mix. Rolled an ankle on one of the holes. Since then, I'll drive off to the side of a few of the tee boxes because of the compromised footing

Other Thoughts:

I would easily up my rating if they installed some concrete. Get out there anyways. You'll love it!
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5 2
mike_james
Experience: 16 years 54 played 19 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Nicely done 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 2, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Youll use every shot in your bag, which makes it fun. Nice variety of distances for big arms and finesse players. Great use of the whole park. A windy day won't kill you here.

Cons:

Long. Takes a while to play a round. The walk to play holes 4-9 is a death march in the heat. Watch for snakes, and I was attacked by bees here.

Other Thoughts:

Strong, challenging course. Big boy course. Wish they would have just kept the old front 9 and put 9 more in the back. Love this place though.
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1 6
Lorider680
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 20, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Great shot selection
-variety
-seclusion
-course map is perfect

Cons:

-kind of hard to find
-the pond shot is meaty

Other Thoughts:

This course is great. A disc golfer of any talent level will have fun on this course. Precision is needed on a few holes but possible. Everyone hates the tree on 1
F
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9 0
sidewinding
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 81 played 68 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 22, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

EXCELLENT shot variety. From short to long, lefty, righty, straight, very tight, very open, and everything in between. This course has them all.

The fun factor is high on this course due to the variety.

Water is a factor on many of the holes which adds to the pucker factor.

Good Tee signs.

Large framed and packed crushed granite tee pads. Concrete is coming soon but in the mean time being these are better than a muddy hole.

Good flow that starts and finishes at the parking area.

The shot over the pond is one of the longer water carries I've ever played. You can either go for the birdie if you can throw at least 320' or you can lay up short and then throw over it for a pretty easy three either way. Good risk vs reward hole.

The thorny rough is such that it really rewards accuracy and punishes errant shots. Most throws that are not in the fairway will cost you at least a stroke.

Cons:

No concrete teepads (but rumor has it they're coming soon). Not that big of a con since I'm from Austin where all our teepads are dirt.

After hole #11 you have to turn right to get to hole #12. If you go straight down the trail instead of going right you will come to #13's tee, so it feels like #12 was added as an after thought. Then you have a long walk back from #12's basket to the #13 tee.

No restrooms.

The water and rough may make this course a little frustrating for newer players. I played it in the dead of winter and it was pretty brutal. I can only imagine what it's like with leaves on the trees.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course when it was an easy little nine holer and am pleasantly suprised by the redesign. Whoever was responsible really got this one right. I might just kick it up to 4.5 after it gets concrete.
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2 4
TYVEK
Experience: 6 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

nicely laid out course, good variety of shots, nice area and little to no litter.

Cons:

deffinately needs concrete tee pads. it looks like the baskets were not assembled correctly because alot of them had the lower chain ring resting on the bottom of the basket instead of hanging freely like it should.

it also looks like the baskets are not all installed at the same height. it would be nice to see more brush removal.

Other Thoughts:

all in all, i had a great time playing this course. since it is a new course it has some kinks to be worked out but all courses do. in a couple years i think this will be a fantastic course to play.
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7 0
riffraffrasta
Experience: 13.6 years 25 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Something for everyone 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 7, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Just like other reviewers said, big variety. Tunnels, Wide open, long short, dog legs, obstacles and hazards.
-Challenge vs. reward is good. Good use of land.
-Good signs, detailed and not vandalized.
-Fairly easy to navigate
-Trash cans
-Crushed rock/dirt tee pads.

Cons:

-Tee pads are going to need maintenance soon.
-No restrooms (at least that I saw)
-I'm sure it can get pretty bad after a hard rain
-Drainage areas smell
-Kind of trashy (which is sad because there are A LOT of trash cans.
-The scorecards and maps were gone
-The tree on #1 (dumb)

Other Thoughts:

Great course in a neighborhood park. Great place to work on your all around game. Distance, accuracy, finesse and shot choice. Windy days could be frustrating but it was not an issue the day I played. I live in Dallas so the drive is a little far and it is tucked back in a neighborhood pretty far from any major highways. I will definitely play this course again and hopefully soon. Well worth your time if your in the area or close by.
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2 2
memphisrider93
Experience: 15.1 years 16 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great signage!!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 5, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

I loved the layout of the course incorporating a nice creek a couple little ditches and some water. The signage is AMAZING!!! Every other turn you would have a sign pointing to the next tee. The tee signs are very good also with having the next tee box on it and having good accurate representation of the hole layout.

Cons:

Some of the holes have real poor routes such as 11 and especially 12 that has a very wide S as the route that is near impossible to get through. There are a few nasty spots on the course where I encountered some snakes.

Other Thoughts:

I would really like to see a Tournamet held out here. I would love to see some good scores out here.
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