Branstrom Park DGC reviews
14
0
Great course, but needs some TLC 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 31, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
Branstrom Park DGC is located in a large multi-use park of the same name in Fremont, MI. In most people's terms, Fremont is about an hour's drive north-northwest of Grand Rapids or a 30 minute drive northeast of Muskegon. In disc golfer terms, it's about a 30 minute drive southeast of Flip City.
I mentioned that this is a multi-use park, but during most of my round it didn't feel that way at all. Most of the holes here are wooded, and the lines are sometimes very tight. However, there are a few semi-open and a couple wide open holes mixed in. Good mix of left-turning and right-turning layouts as well. One hole has a V-shaped teepad and two completely separate fairways that run the 300' ish from tee to basket.
The course also makes great use of the elevation present in the park. Several holes play down steep valleys and back up. One hole is only 123' but slopes steeply uphill in tight woods. Hit a tree and your disc might roll all the way back to the teepad. Another hole (#13) is a 215' fairly open throw down a steep incline. You can reach this basket with your putter from the tee...but be careful of the lake behind it!
The baskets are old Chainstars but all are still in good shape. The tee pads are all cement and in good shape. There are plenty of trash cans and benches at tees. A couple tees are a little close to the previous basket, but overall it's not an issue.
I mentioned that this is a multi-use park, but during most of my round it didn't feel that way at all. Most of the holes here are wooded, and the lines are sometimes very tight. However, there are a few semi-open and a couple wide open holes mixed in. Good mix of left-turning and right-turning layouts as well. One hole has a V-shaped teepad and two completely separate fairways that run the 300' ish from tee to basket.
The course also makes great use of the elevation present in the park. Several holes play down steep valleys and back up. One hole is only 123' but slopes steeply uphill in tight woods. Hit a tree and your disc might roll all the way back to the teepad. Another hole (#13) is a 215' fairly open throw down a steep incline. You can reach this basket with your putter from the tee...but be careful of the lake behind it!
The baskets are old Chainstars but all are still in good shape. The tee pads are all cement and in good shape. There are plenty of trash cans and benches at tees. A couple tees are a little close to the previous basket, but overall it's not an issue.
Cons:
Some of the fairways here are seriously steep. A few of them have wooden logs that are meant to act as steps, but real steps would be a good safety improvement. Wear boots or shoes with good grip. Also, the downhill hole 13 doesn't have any steps and is one of the steepest grades on the course.
There are some hiking trails that run through the park, routing near several holes. Though this could potentially be a safety issue, more importantly it adds to the navigation issues.
Which brings me to the biggest con here...signage and navigation. There is a nice sign at the end of the parking lot pointing towards hole 1...unfortunately that turns out to be the best sign on the entire course. Many holes are missing tee signs. The tee signs that are present are wood boards painted blue with a rough sketch of the hole, hole number, distance, and par routered in. These look nice but even some of the ones that are present are on the ground.
There are no Next Tee signs, and they are badly needed in some spots. There is a kiosk structure at the front of the course, but it doesn't have a map on it. Use the map here to help with navigation, even though that map looks like it is from the Stone Age.
Holes 16 and 17 have crossing fairways. These are both wide open holes so it's more of an inconvenience than a serious safety issue. Another reviewer mentioned that the #16 basket was moved across 17's fairway to make way for sledding in the winter. It was Memorial Day when I played so I think this change might just be permanent at this point.
No practice basket.
Will be buggy in the summer months.
There are some hiking trails that run through the park, routing near several holes. Though this could potentially be a safety issue, more importantly it adds to the navigation issues.
Which brings me to the biggest con here...signage and navigation. There is a nice sign at the end of the parking lot pointing towards hole 1...unfortunately that turns out to be the best sign on the entire course. Many holes are missing tee signs. The tee signs that are present are wood boards painted blue with a rough sketch of the hole, hole number, distance, and par routered in. These look nice but even some of the ones that are present are on the ground.
There are no Next Tee signs, and they are badly needed in some spots. There is a kiosk structure at the front of the course, but it doesn't have a map on it. Use the map here to help with navigation, even though that map looks like it is from the Stone Age.
Holes 16 and 17 have crossing fairways. These are both wide open holes so it's more of an inconvenience than a serious safety issue. Another reviewer mentioned that the #16 basket was moved across 17's fairway to make way for sledding in the winter. It was Memorial Day when I played so I think this change might just be permanent at this point.
No practice basket.
Will be buggy in the summer months.
Other Thoughts:
With the tee signs in such bad shape, there is no easy way to really verify distances or pars. I think the distances listed on here are fairly accurate for most of the holes. The pars listed on here are appropriate for amateur DG'ers. Experienced players could shoot under this par on their first round, but again this may not be the actual course par.
This doesn't really affect how the course plays, but the hole numbering makes zero sense. All you really have to do is look at the map to understand why. Holes 1A-6A are interspersed into the other holes 1-18. The course layout is such that it would be impossible to skip any of the 1A-6A holes unless you literally just walk up their fairways. If you come here, plan on playing all 24 holes. Why not just number them 1-24?
This course has all of the ingredients to be fantastic. If you don't mind the lack of signage and can hike up and down the steep hills, it is arguably already fantastic. With some of the upgrades above, it could become a near-destination level course.
This doesn't really affect how the course plays, but the hole numbering makes zero sense. All you really have to do is look at the map to understand why. Holes 1A-6A are interspersed into the other holes 1-18. The course layout is such that it would be impossible to skip any of the 1A-6A holes unless you literally just walk up their fairways. If you come here, plan on playing all 24 holes. Why not just number them 1-24?
This course has all of the ingredients to be fantastic. If you don't mind the lack of signage and can hike up and down the steep hills, it is arguably already fantastic. With some of the upgrades above, it could become a near-destination level course.
11
0
Good Bones but Somewhat Neglected 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 17, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
Branstrom begins from a small parking lot near a play structure in a park. It was pretty easy to find and parking was nice. It would probably fill up during a tournament it's more than adequate for typical usage. Right off the bat I was impressed because there was clear signage directing you to Tee 1 - a feature sorely lacking on the vast majority of courses I've played.
First tee brings you through a nice wooded hole. The brush here was my favorite sort - a clear delineation between fairway and rough but the rough is a scattering of low plants and forest debris that makes finding your disc simple and throwing a recovery shot plausible.
The next couple of holes went through the usual holes you find on good courses - nice fairways with a couple of lines to take and a few obstacles to avoid or turns to navigate. It was like a random restaurant pizza - the key features were all there and while maybe unremarkable, it lays the foundation for at least a pleasurable experience.
Then it hit - we came across one of those features that just makes a course pop. Hole 6 (I thought) involved throwing over a gulch or gully of some sort. That's what I'm looking for! What's at the bottom? Hell if I know - water, brush, chunks of pavement, broken glass and discarded needles - could have been anything based on my view from the tee. All I knew is that this was pretty sweet and I was going to throw over it. At least, that was my plan until I smacked one of the trees on the other side and watched my disc flutter down into the abyss. Oh well, guess I'll find out what's down there regardless. Wasn't going to have much choice because the path to the tee led down there anyway but the worry about what I was going to be fishing my disc out of as a punishment for the bad throw definitely kept me engaged.
The course was regularly spotted with these neat holes. The gully would come into play twice more - one more shot across it and then another hole that played next to it, promising that any flipped disc or bad kick was going to force you to drag your keister the 30 or 40 feet down that treacherous incline to retrieve your disc, throw an SOB of an upshot through trees to get back on course (if you play where it lay), and then scramble back up to finish the hole. Another hole punched through the woods and brought you to a bridge over a river of forest plants cutting through the dirt fairway - not ferns I think but something low and leafy. It may be wet during the spring but it was an interesting obstacle to avoid even as is. Another hole was a steep downhill toss with a lake behind it that I wouldn't quite classify as a dead putt but the margin of error was close enough that I imagine the water gobbles its fair share of plastic from those occasional long running downhill shots. Another was a sort of dead putt, but instead of water it was backed by tall meadow grass.
The vast majority of the course is played in the woods and the trees will have a habit of punishing you if you get anything but a gift kick. I would hesitate to call any hole a "Plinko" style though - there's pretty much always a decent fairway. Heck, a lot of the fairways are outright generous with only a few that demand truly precise lines. Occasionally you break into a small meadow or field that gives you a change of scenery. I would not call the course monotonous.
Cement pads present with an occasional bench. Benches seem like they got rarer the deeper into the course you got and there was some concern about my somewhat out of shape friend dying around hole 15 or so but we managed.
Bathrooms available at the parking lot.
First tee brings you through a nice wooded hole. The brush here was my favorite sort - a clear delineation between fairway and rough but the rough is a scattering of low plants and forest debris that makes finding your disc simple and throwing a recovery shot plausible.
The next couple of holes went through the usual holes you find on good courses - nice fairways with a couple of lines to take and a few obstacles to avoid or turns to navigate. It was like a random restaurant pizza - the key features were all there and while maybe unremarkable, it lays the foundation for at least a pleasurable experience.
Then it hit - we came across one of those features that just makes a course pop. Hole 6 (I thought) involved throwing over a gulch or gully of some sort. That's what I'm looking for! What's at the bottom? Hell if I know - water, brush, chunks of pavement, broken glass and discarded needles - could have been anything based on my view from the tee. All I knew is that this was pretty sweet and I was going to throw over it. At least, that was my plan until I smacked one of the trees on the other side and watched my disc flutter down into the abyss. Oh well, guess I'll find out what's down there regardless. Wasn't going to have much choice because the path to the tee led down there anyway but the worry about what I was going to be fishing my disc out of as a punishment for the bad throw definitely kept me engaged.
The course was regularly spotted with these neat holes. The gully would come into play twice more - one more shot across it and then another hole that played next to it, promising that any flipped disc or bad kick was going to force you to drag your keister the 30 or 40 feet down that treacherous incline to retrieve your disc, throw an SOB of an upshot through trees to get back on course (if you play where it lay), and then scramble back up to finish the hole. Another hole punched through the woods and brought you to a bridge over a river of forest plants cutting through the dirt fairway - not ferns I think but something low and leafy. It may be wet during the spring but it was an interesting obstacle to avoid even as is. Another hole was a steep downhill toss with a lake behind it that I wouldn't quite classify as a dead putt but the margin of error was close enough that I imagine the water gobbles its fair share of plastic from those occasional long running downhill shots. Another was a sort of dead putt, but instead of water it was backed by tall meadow grass.
The vast majority of the course is played in the woods and the trees will have a habit of punishing you if you get anything but a gift kick. I would hesitate to call any hole a "Plinko" style though - there's pretty much always a decent fairway. Heck, a lot of the fairways are outright generous with only a few that demand truly precise lines. Occasionally you break into a small meadow or field that gives you a change of scenery. I would not call the course monotonous.
Cement pads present with an occasional bench. Benches seem like they got rarer the deeper into the course you got and there was some concern about my somewhat out of shape friend dying around hole 15 or so but we managed.
Bathrooms available at the parking lot.
Cons:
If you have ever owned a fish tank, you understand how its maintenance and upkeep goes. There the recommended level which can at best be described as preventative maintenance - you change the water weekly or whatever even though it looks perfectly fine. A bunch of small tweaks to keep it perfect. I don't know too many folks with the slightly obsessive personality to do this. Then you have the "It's been a while and it's looking a bit rough" level. You know you've pushed its cleanup a while but it's due. I like to think most folks clean the tank at this point. Then there's the next level - "It looks like hell and I"m pretty sure there's fish in there but it doesn't smell bad yet" which is really just a precursor to putting it off long enough to the "Christ it smells like a dock in here, I better nuke it to the gravel and reset the whole mess" stage. Yeah, this park is really flirting with the third stage.
It's not trashy or anything like that, but there are some significant problems that have really been let go too long which to me is a warning that the course just isn't being taken care of.
The biggest problem is erosion and washout. Some of the tee pads were half-covered in sand and I don't mean an inconvenient dusting I mean "looks like an archaeologist just discovered this thing and is taking a lunch break before excavating it fully" type covered. Of bigger concern are the log "stairways" up and down the gulch that are similarly washed out. There's really more of the impression of stairs/steps than actual functional ones. This is not a great situation because the slopes are significant and you are clambering up and down them quite a bit.
The brush is really starting to intrude a bit as well. I get it - I played late summer and that's likely the height of brush season. The fairway having a bit of extra leaves and branches making the windows narrower is to be expected. Some of the later holes were outright difficult to navigate due to the overgrowth, however - a dramatic change from the earlier stuff that seemed downright manicured in comparison. One hole that sticks out requires a throw up through the woods and into a meadow. It's not super far, maybe 150'(or less) or so to the window, but it's uphill and somewhat narrow. I was in a large group with a mix of experienced and new players. 6 of the 7 shots did not clear that window and we ended up more or less single file on a trail as folks scrambled to find/retrieve their discs and throw out. There wasn't room to walk around so it became a rather excruciating wait and throw ordeal. Probably not a problem for small groups with decent players but I'd never before encountered this situation on a course.
The downhill hole is neat but that climb down is treacherous. One of our party managed to slip and fall as they were sliding down it and I was praying that my shoelaces weren't going to snap on the strain as I slowly poked my way down. It really needs some sort of trail or path down it (there may be one but we did not see it).
Signage was...mostly optional I think. This created a significant issue as the lettered holes are integrated right into the natural flow of the course. You literally have to go out of your way to skip them if you wish to play only the standard 18. I'm not even 100% sure there are trails allowing you to skip them or if you just have to walk down the fairways. Take a look at the available map if you're skeptical. It makes absolutely NO SENSE what has been labeled an alternate and what has been labeled a main hole short of maybe that was the order in which they were put in.
Speaking of trails, there are quite a few running through this area. It can be difficult to navigate without a map as some of them are hiking trails as opposed to paths to the next hole.
It's not trashy or anything like that, but there are some significant problems that have really been let go too long which to me is a warning that the course just isn't being taken care of.
The biggest problem is erosion and washout. Some of the tee pads were half-covered in sand and I don't mean an inconvenient dusting I mean "looks like an archaeologist just discovered this thing and is taking a lunch break before excavating it fully" type covered. Of bigger concern are the log "stairways" up and down the gulch that are similarly washed out. There's really more of the impression of stairs/steps than actual functional ones. This is not a great situation because the slopes are significant and you are clambering up and down them quite a bit.
The brush is really starting to intrude a bit as well. I get it - I played late summer and that's likely the height of brush season. The fairway having a bit of extra leaves and branches making the windows narrower is to be expected. Some of the later holes were outright difficult to navigate due to the overgrowth, however - a dramatic change from the earlier stuff that seemed downright manicured in comparison. One hole that sticks out requires a throw up through the woods and into a meadow. It's not super far, maybe 150'(or less) or so to the window, but it's uphill and somewhat narrow. I was in a large group with a mix of experienced and new players. 6 of the 7 shots did not clear that window and we ended up more or less single file on a trail as folks scrambled to find/retrieve their discs and throw out. There wasn't room to walk around so it became a rather excruciating wait and throw ordeal. Probably not a problem for small groups with decent players but I'd never before encountered this situation on a course.
The downhill hole is neat but that climb down is treacherous. One of our party managed to slip and fall as they were sliding down it and I was praying that my shoelaces weren't going to snap on the strain as I slowly poked my way down. It really needs some sort of trail or path down it (there may be one but we did not see it).
Signage was...mostly optional I think. This created a significant issue as the lettered holes are integrated right into the natural flow of the course. You literally have to go out of your way to skip them if you wish to play only the standard 18. I'm not even 100% sure there are trails allowing you to skip them or if you just have to walk down the fairways. Take a look at the available map if you're skeptical. It makes absolutely NO SENSE what has been labeled an alternate and what has been labeled a main hole short of maybe that was the order in which they were put in.
Speaking of trails, there are quite a few running through this area. It can be difficult to navigate without a map as some of them are hiking trails as opposed to paths to the next hole.
Other Thoughts:
The course took us a very long time to play. I think we clocked in at about 3 hours. Now granted, we were in a large group that included a few kids so that's somewhat to be expected. We had planned, however, only doing the main 18 and skipping the extra holes. Given that we were sort of roped into the extra it made for a very long round and we were all pretty bushed by the end.
One hole had two teepads available, apparently one for a left line and one for a right line. It was very odd and I'd never seen anything quite like it before. Not sure what happened with the design here. It's not necessarily bad, just difficult to understand unless you just have a guy who really likes laying cement.
I had a very difficult time deciding what to score this. There has been some references to this being comparable to Flip City and initially I was startled to think this course could even bring it to mind. On reflection though, I think I understand. Branstrom has perhaps a half dozen holes that have unique enough features to be considered "signature" holes. It's challenging, it's interesting, and it is certainly worth a trip out to play it.
What Branstrom doesn't have is Flip's polish. It's missing that bit of care and work that make it the whole package. Given a year of serious work and I think it could get there, but from a first glance type of opinions I'm concerned it's sliding in the other direction.
I think I"d like to see it take a page from Whitehall's playbook. Add 3 holes to make it 27 and relabel/adjust the holes for 3 sets of 9. If that's not possible than an 18 + a bonus 9. If that's not possible just relabel the blasted holes 1-24 instead of this lettered nonsense. One guy with a router and some log discs for hole signs and next tee signs could fix one of the biggest problems of the course.
Leave the cart at home and bring sturdy boots/shoes.
It's a good course, I recommend you you out and play it. You'll certainly find some memorable holes here. If the right group of guys and gals get together and put some time and resources into it I think it could move up into "Great Course" territory.
One hole had two teepads available, apparently one for a left line and one for a right line. It was very odd and I'd never seen anything quite like it before. Not sure what happened with the design here. It's not necessarily bad, just difficult to understand unless you just have a guy who really likes laying cement.
I had a very difficult time deciding what to score this. There has been some references to this being comparable to Flip City and initially I was startled to think this course could even bring it to mind. On reflection though, I think I understand. Branstrom has perhaps a half dozen holes that have unique enough features to be considered "signature" holes. It's challenging, it's interesting, and it is certainly worth a trip out to play it.
What Branstrom doesn't have is Flip's polish. It's missing that bit of care and work that make it the whole package. Given a year of serious work and I think it could get there, but from a first glance type of opinions I'm concerned it's sliding in the other direction.
I think I"d like to see it take a page from Whitehall's playbook. Add 3 holes to make it 27 and relabel/adjust the holes for 3 sets of 9. If that's not possible than an 18 + a bonus 9. If that's not possible just relabel the blasted holes 1-24 instead of this lettered nonsense. One guy with a router and some log discs for hole signs and next tee signs could fix one of the biggest problems of the course.
Leave the cart at home and bring sturdy boots/shoes.
It's a good course, I recommend you you out and play it. You'll certainly find some memorable holes here. If the right group of guys and gals get together and put some time and resources into it I think it could move up into "Great Course" territory.
13
0
Bell Bottom Blues 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 15, 2010
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course has you feeling like a mouse on a mogul course. The terrain is a constantly changing set of small hills that give ample elevation variations within the holes.
The trees' low ceiling allows for significant ground growth, and contributes to a very secluded feel between the holes. Trails are beaten in within the trees aiding navigation (for the main 18).
From the course kiosk, you are immediately in the woods. The holes alternate well between Left and Right, before opening up a bit with some wider fairways and fewer trees as you finish the round. Great risk/reward factor on some holes.
Wonderful course feel and atmosphere. Thin creeks can be found among and through the holes. One of the small bridges was the project of an area Eagle Scout.
Personally, this is the kind of land I think of when someone says "perfect for disc golf."
The trees' low ceiling allows for significant ground growth, and contributes to a very secluded feel between the holes. Trails are beaten in within the trees aiding navigation (for the main 18).
From the course kiosk, you are immediately in the woods. The holes alternate well between Left and Right, before opening up a bit with some wider fairways and fewer trees as you finish the round. Great risk/reward factor on some holes.
Wonderful course feel and atmosphere. Thin creeks can be found among and through the holes. One of the small bridges was the project of an area Eagle Scout.
Personally, this is the kind of land I think of when someone says "perfect for disc golf."
Cons:
I have only 2, and they are significant.
Next tee signs:
It is easy to find the main 18 holes, but you wouldn't have any indication that alternate holes existed without a map, or in my case, a DGCR scorecard. I had to hunt for each one, and I still missed one.
....And believe me when I say, you don't want to miss any of these holes. Once, while I was searching for one of the alternates, I saw the basket first. It was surrounded by shade, with one bright ray of sunlight directly on it. I felt like I should cue the harp and choir to accompany it. It was that kind of course.
Tee pads:
I cannot, for the life of me, imagine a situation where a brilliant course of this design was implemented, but when it came to the tees, they said "carpet tees are a good idea." It's like painting the Mona Lisa and deciding to frame it in feces.
A non-defined dirt tee is infinitely superior to these 70's Shag disasters. Was Huggy Bear a course designer? Call a Teamster and get some cement!
Fix these two issues, and it will not be just be proximity that will have Branstrom and Flip being placed in the same sentence.
Next tee signs:
It is easy to find the main 18 holes, but you wouldn't have any indication that alternate holes existed without a map, or in my case, a DGCR scorecard. I had to hunt for each one, and I still missed one.
....And believe me when I say, you don't want to miss any of these holes. Once, while I was searching for one of the alternates, I saw the basket first. It was surrounded by shade, with one bright ray of sunlight directly on it. I felt like I should cue the harp and choir to accompany it. It was that kind of course.
Tee pads:
I cannot, for the life of me, imagine a situation where a brilliant course of this design was implemented, but when it came to the tees, they said "carpet tees are a good idea." It's like painting the Mona Lisa and deciding to frame it in feces.
A non-defined dirt tee is infinitely superior to these 70's Shag disasters. Was Huggy Bear a course designer? Call a Teamster and get some cement!
Fix these two issues, and it will not be just be proximity that will have Branstrom and Flip being placed in the same sentence.
Other Thoughts:
This was the first course I hit on the way to my second trip to Flip City. That I was "going to play Flip in 40 minutes" is the *only* reason I did not go to my car, swap out my water, and walk right back in and play it again. I was floored by the fun factor of this course, and writing this review is making me salivate.
There is no way that I can give this course 4 Discs with the carpet tees. The fact effort was made to put something in that absolutely makes the round more dangerous is a deal killer. This course with dirt tees is a 4 Disc, however.
I loved the unintentional hilarity of having the hole (#13, and my favorite) with the most dangerous grade to climb up/down, sponsored by an insurance company. Just perfect.
I am not unhappy that this course is so far away from me, but that is only because it is so close to Flip. You can bet your butt I will be back.
There is no way that I can give this course 4 Discs with the carpet tees. The fact effort was made to put something in that absolutely makes the round more dangerous is a deal killer. This course with dirt tees is a 4 Disc, however.
I loved the unintentional hilarity of having the hole (#13, and my favorite) with the most dangerous grade to climb up/down, sponsored by an insurance company. Just perfect.
I am not unhappy that this course is so far away from me, but that is only because it is so close to Flip. You can bet your butt I will be back.
6
1
Branstrom 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 25, 2015
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Very scenic course. while walking to the next tee i actually scared up a pheasant. Great course that makes you work on your shot placement and selection. Lots of elevation changes. You get a workout even if you walk the course and don't throw a disc. Love the fact that hole 16 down the sledding hill is so open that you can just let one fly and see how far it can go. concrete tee pads are nice. 13 is short but you are throwing downhill so no real problem there.
Cons:
navigation was fine till i started towards hole six. saw the sign for 1A decided not to play it due to steep ravine and wet conditions at the time. tried to follow the guide signs to hole six stumble across hole 2A on my way to six played that hole finally found hole six. again had trouble finding my way to hole 8. as i was approaching the tee pad for hole 8 i noticed the basket for hole 4A. backtracked it to the tee. while at the tee for 4A i saw the basket for 3A. didn't feel like backtracking again so i skipped 3A. so apparently i missed the signs directing me to those alternate holes.
some of the descents down the slopes can be really tricky especially on wet ground.
some of the descents down the slopes can be really tricky especially on wet ground.
Other Thoughts:
I was getting a little flustered trying to navigate the course until i joined another group who has played the course before. then it started to get fun again. I like the downhill shot on 13. it is a challenging course. course starts out like a nice gentle course at first then starts to show its teeth when you get deeper into the woods near the end it opens up and lets you wind down with some nice open grip it and rip it holes.
3
0
Barnstorming at Branstrom 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jun 23, 2010
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
This course will challenge your skills and force you to use all of your shots. A variety of ups and downs and rights and lefts through a fairly scenic piece of forest land make this course an intersting walk.
Cons:
Unfortunately this course is a bit heavy on the negatives for me. Right off the bat: carpet tee pads? Didn't appreciate them in a few places where they were more of a hindrance than a help. I would have rather thrown from straight dirt. Also more importantly, it seems like there are quite a few luck dependant "stupid holes" where there are no true paths to take even with a well controlled shot. I spent much of the time wondering how it was possible that there were trees everywhere my disc was. I am a big fan of having fun and I have to say at times out in Fremont fun was the farthest thing from what I was experiencing. Also I didn't find the course very easy to navigate. Had it not been for a local regular that served as our guide, I would likely still be out there trying to find my way out. The alternates need some work. The bathroom was so hard to find. I walked for a mile in search of an outhouse before finding out that I needed to go back to the beginning to find a station that was fairly well hidden along the treeline. If you get a call of nature, you had better have it at the beginning or else keep some tp in your bag because this course is a long hike. Biting flies! My word, you had better bring the deet!
Other Thoughts:
I want to like this course but I just want to punch it in the eye right now. I am going to give it another go and hopefully edit my review and give it a bit more sunshine. Hope it was just a really bad day. There were far too many holes that were stupid and luck based for my liking. It just wasn't fun. Fun is what I am all about. It felt more like a chore to finish this round. I really enjoyed myself on the last three holes though. The rest of the way was bloody murder. But this a very good course.
2
1
mklahre
Experience:
18.8 years
7 played
7 reviews
Nice Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 19, 2010
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Nice variety of holes. Short Ones, Long Ones
Left Curves Right Curves. etc.
Tough but not too tough. (This may be wrong because I play on this course more then any other.)
Well marked. (again, this may be wrong)
Left Curves Right Curves. etc.
Tough but not too tough. (This may be wrong because I play on this course more then any other.)
Well marked. (again, this may be wrong)
Cons:
No concreate tee pads.
The carpet tee pads are sometimes covered with dirt.
After rain the ground will sometimes be boggy.
Not many trash cans along the course.
There are only two restrooms in the park and the only good one is closed most of the time.
The carpet tee pads are sometimes covered with dirt.
After rain the ground will sometimes be boggy.
Not many trash cans along the course.
There are only two restrooms in the park and the only good one is closed most of the time.
Other Thoughts:
When you go there the will be a scorecard mailbox. Often it is empty. I have a couple of them and I can xerox them at request.
By the way for those of you who missed the 16th basket there is a reason why.
During the winter kids like to sled down that hill so they remove it so they don't get hurt.
By the way for those of you who missed the 16th basket there is a reason why.
During the winter kids like to sled down that hill so they remove it so they don't get hurt.
5
0
Feeling Lucky? 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 23, 2010
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
- Great variety (Wooded, uphill, downhill, technical, long, open field shots)
- Some nice elevation shots
- Carpet covered tee pads. Different yet for the most part effective.
- High risk/reward with tight fairways and thick rough.
- Most tee signs were adequate with distance, a small picture and par.
- Wooded holes were very scenic and secluded.
-Very Challenging
- Baskets were in solid condition
- Some nice elevation shots
- Carpet covered tee pads. Different yet for the most part effective.
- High risk/reward with tight fairways and thick rough.
- Most tee signs were adequate with distance, a small picture and par.
- Wooded holes were very scenic and secluded.
-Very Challenging
- Baskets were in solid condition
Cons:
- Lack of birdie opportunities
- Too much "Huck and pray"
- The rough is very unforgiving
- Can get muddy and sloppy after rainfall.
- On some of the tee pads the carpet was pulling up and the pad was lumpy.
- Bugs were bad.
- No water or bathrooms on site.
- Too much "Huck and pray"
- The rough is very unforgiving
- Can get muddy and sloppy after rainfall.
- On some of the tee pads the carpet was pulling up and the pad was lumpy.
- Bugs were bad.
- No water or bathrooms on site.
Other Thoughts:
Branstrom is a very challenging course that plays through a variety of terrains. You start in light woods and progress to deeper woods, and finally finish the round with some open field shots. It is very scenic and beautiful and can be a rather strenuous hike in some parts. Branstrom mainly tests your ability to throw 300 ft shots on tight wooded fairways with a few technical holes thrown into the mix. My biggest problem with Branstrom is the lack of birdie opportunities. Most holes were a stretch to get a 3 and the shorter more birdie-able holes were guarded by what some refer to a "jail bars" and birdies were likely results of luck. If you are new to the game or simply can't hit 4 ft wide gaps 200 ft down the fairway luck will have a lot to do with how you finish out a given hole. Please understand that some may look at these ridiculously tight "fairways" and enjoy the challenge, but that is not me and I have rated Branstrom with that in mind.
Overall, it is a course worth playing if you are in the area for Flip City or a different course, but it is not a destination course and can get extremely frustrating. If you do chose to play it, go in with an open mind and a carefree attitude or your round can go sour very quickly.
Overall, it is a course worth playing if you are in the area for Flip City or a different course, but it is not a destination course and can get extremely frustrating. If you do chose to play it, go in with an open mind and a carefree attitude or your round can go sour very quickly.
5
0
Pat G
Experience:
7 played
1 reviews
Great Course! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 14, 2010
Played the course:once
Pros:
The layout is exceptional. This time of year the water level is still down quite a bit, so no challenge crossing any streams. No bugs either. A chipmunk did try to mug me for some sunflower seeds, though. I can see why some reviewers complained about the rough, but once again this time of year there is no undergrowth. A brightly colored disc helps out alot, too. Hole 8 I thought was going to be real difficult, but I nearly aced it. Skipped off the top of the pine next to the hole and fell like 2 feet short. Pure luck, but I digress.
Cons:
The cut logs and brush that have not been removed were tough to navigate through. The walk to #6 could be improved with a few more encouraging signs. Or you could play the alt holes, and you will end up right on track 
. 16 was still missing the basket, so I played to the post on 17's tee. The descent on hole 13 was quite treacherous, a few strategically placed steps might do the trick.
. 16 was still missing the basket, so I played to the post on 17's tee. The descent on hole 13 was quite treacherous, a few strategically placed steps might do the trick.Other Thoughts:
A great forest setting with several 'lucky shot' holes. I have not really played that long, but I am a fast learner, and I like to think I have good taste. I gave it a 3.5 because of the unkempt rough in the second half of the course, and the missing basket. The elevation changes and the tight fairways mean you must have some semblance of disc control. This was my first time of many for this course, as I just moved to this town. I got a +12 with one birdie, and 4 par shots
8
0
SPOTTERS A MUST! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 17, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
-SO MUCH VARIETY
-challenging and technical holes
-perfect use of the available terrain
-interesting carpeted/sand bag tees (great traction)
-cool blue plastic tee signs that stand out
-in a very well maintained park
-right down the street from the quaint downtown of Fremont
-challenging and technical holes
-perfect use of the available terrain
-interesting carpeted/sand bag tees (great traction)
-cool blue plastic tee signs that stand out
-in a very well maintained park
-right down the street from the quaint downtown of Fremont
Cons:
-THE ROUGH. UNFORGIVING. NUMERO UNO CON
-course layout super confusing without map
-next hole signs small and miss-able
-course layout super confusing without map
-next hole signs small and miss-able
Other Thoughts:
This course is a super tough one to rate. One major pro, and super major con. But lets have at it.
This course is right down the road from downtown Fremont. Easy to find with signs that point the way. The park is well maintained and has bathrooms, picnic places, and a playground. Tee one is easy to find...but there are no maps and this will matter once you hit tee 6 and the alternates start.
VARIETY. Man, more than I have ever played. Through the woods, over creeks, over valleys, down hills, through an open field, around trees, by swamps. This course takes full advantage of the entire park. I could have just walked this course for it's uniqueness...well maybe, ok, no way could I walk by a basket without playing. Lengths range from short to long with well placed baskets. The course designers did this course proud. Word is that Flip City's Bill McKenzie had a hand in designing it.
Ok now, the MAJOR CON. The rough. Thick bushes, cattails by water, fern...every imaginable worst case rough scenario for a course. It's so bad that when I got to tee 3 I had to take a whiz, took five steps off the tee into the ferns, and stepped on a pink orc! It had mud on it so it must have been sitting there for awhile. Hole 7 I helped a kid (also playing alone) look for his tye-dye disc he lost in the brush...
***INTERUPT FOR A DG WARNING-DO NOT USE TYE-DYE IN DEEP ROUGH COURSES-DUH***
...needless to say I was not having a good time because I had never played the course and I was alone. Every other hole I was afraid I would lose a disc on a blind shot. It would take a lot of work to clear the rough but it would make this course an incredible course.
SUMMARY. Such a very cool course worth a visit. It's a short distance from Flip City and would compliment a play if you are in the area. Is it a destination stop like Flip is? no. Is it a course worth considering, indeed it is...and it is only a little elbow grease away from making it a 4 star course.
This course is right down the road from downtown Fremont. Easy to find with signs that point the way. The park is well maintained and has bathrooms, picnic places, and a playground. Tee one is easy to find...but there are no maps and this will matter once you hit tee 6 and the alternates start.
VARIETY. Man, more than I have ever played. Through the woods, over creeks, over valleys, down hills, through an open field, around trees, by swamps. This course takes full advantage of the entire park. I could have just walked this course for it's uniqueness...well maybe, ok, no way could I walk by a basket without playing. Lengths range from short to long with well placed baskets. The course designers did this course proud. Word is that Flip City's Bill McKenzie had a hand in designing it.
Ok now, the MAJOR CON. The rough. Thick bushes, cattails by water, fern...every imaginable worst case rough scenario for a course. It's so bad that when I got to tee 3 I had to take a whiz, took five steps off the tee into the ferns, and stepped on a pink orc! It had mud on it so it must have been sitting there for awhile. Hole 7 I helped a kid (also playing alone) look for his tye-dye disc he lost in the brush...
***INTERUPT FOR A DG WARNING-DO NOT USE TYE-DYE IN DEEP ROUGH COURSES-DUH***
...needless to say I was not having a good time because I had never played the course and I was alone. Every other hole I was afraid I would lose a disc on a blind shot. It would take a lot of work to clear the rough but it would make this course an incredible course.
SUMMARY. Such a very cool course worth a visit. It's a short distance from Flip City and would compliment a play if you are in the area. Is it a destination stop like Flip is? no. Is it a course worth considering, indeed it is...and it is only a little elbow grease away from making it a 4 star course.
1
1
edwellerii
Experience:
15.2 years
4 played
1 reviews
Does anyone have a map???? 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 31, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
This place is beautiful, with many challenging holes, tons of terrain diversity and setting changes. Tight fairways or crazy doglegs make each hole challenge and loads of fun.
Cons:
Navigation between holes and the lack of a map!!!!! The distance (approx 1/4 mile) and lack of trail markers between #5 & #6 is enough to make a novice give up looking and go home. I never could find hole 6a
Other Thoughts:
Overall I loved this course and cant wait to play again Please post a map!!!!!
4
0
2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jul 5, 2009
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Holes 2-7 have challenging, Oshtemo-style narrow fairways in deciduous woods in the 250-350 foot range, and also have some of the better tee pads on the course (carpet lined cement, unusual but effective).
Hole 8 is a unique short drive over a ravine in dense woods.
Holes 16 through 18 offer a much needed contrast to the forest holes with drives over short grass.
Hole 16 is a highlight of the course, a grip-and-rip 350 footer from the top of a hill. Hole 18 is by far the longest at 637 feet.
Most baskets in good shape, though one was missing a chain. 24 total holes offer a full two-plus hours of play.
Good signs for all holes with the exception of the alternates. Free admission.
Hole 8 is a unique short drive over a ravine in dense woods.
Holes 16 through 18 offer a much needed contrast to the forest holes with drives over short grass.
Hole 16 is a highlight of the course, a grip-and-rip 350 footer from the top of a hill. Hole 18 is by far the longest at 637 feet.
Most baskets in good shape, though one was missing a chain. 24 total holes offer a full two-plus hours of play.
Good signs for all holes with the exception of the alternates. Free admission.
Cons:
Lots of thick undergrowth bordering fairways that swallows discs (lost a disc on hole 5).
Navigation is difficult despite the signage.
Many tee pads are dirt, including all of the alternate holes. Holes 8 through 15 are as tightly wooded as Whitehall, but are slightly wetter and muddier. Some of the bluffs along the creek would likely be difficult to traverse in winter.
Course is easier to navigate if you play the alternates, but some holes are difficult to find anyway (8 and 14).
Not many benches after Hole 9. Some locals picnicking on Hole 18 caused some grief and didn't allow a play-through.
Navigation is difficult despite the signage.
Many tee pads are dirt, including all of the alternate holes. Holes 8 through 15 are as tightly wooded as Whitehall, but are slightly wetter and muddier. Some of the bluffs along the creek would likely be difficult to traverse in winter.
Course is easier to navigate if you play the alternates, but some holes are difficult to find anyway (8 and 14).
Not many benches after Hole 9. Some locals picnicking on Hole 18 caused some grief and didn't allow a play-through.
Other Thoughts:
A nice course worth checking out, and could be first rate with trimming and updated tee pads.
Technical, accurate play offers an advantage. Lots of mosquitos, don't forget the bug spray.
Technical, accurate play offers an advantage. Lots of mosquitos, don't forget the bug spray.
3
1
Andrew
Experience:
17.7 years
7 played
7 reviews
Freemont 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 1, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
Wide mixture of paths. Well laid out course except for a few holes.
Cons:
Plan on walking Branstrom is huge. Ohh and there are lots of bugs. Swampy in some areas.
Other Thoughts:
Confusing layout needs to have better markers.
3
3
DAN E.
Experience:
3 played
3 reviews
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 7, 2008
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Hard course.I played with experianced players that got into tree problems and I par'd.Good equilizer holes into the course.Love the gully holes.good work out.My son and I tied with a 16 over, Dominating our partners that night.We were happy.
Cons:
Better direction to next hole.We missed a hole last spring.Not complaining but cement T pads would be good.
Other Thoughts:
Not for beginners,But if it's a learning place and a home course for a beginner,Watch Out!
7
1
dandther
Experience:
48.9 years
47 played
18 reviews
Tough hiking, rewarding course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 15, 2008
Played the course:once
Pros:
Some of the holes are beautifully laid out, with outstanding use of elevation changes, narrow fairways with excellent curves. One of the holes (8 I think) is one of the most beautifully designed holes I've ever played. You tee off on one side of a ravine trying to hit the basket on the other side. However, that hole, like many others on the first 18 we played, is uncomfortably tight in dense woods. See cons below...
Cons:
The previous review has it right. You'll wish you had hiking boots for this course. There is almost a quarter mile hike up a steep ridge between holes 5 and 6. Many of the other holes have very long walks through narrow and steep trails to find the next tee. You'll get lost out there if you miss the small signs pointing you to the next tee (but the 18 we played are all marked). Most of the holes are in dense woods, rewarding lucky shots rather than intelligently crafted curves. The downhill "path" on 13 is suicidally dangerous, don't slip. 18 is insanely long for a par 3, well over 600 feet.
Other Thoughts:
I really liked the course, despite my complaints about the terrain and the dense woods. I wouldn't go out of my way to play it again (this was a 50+ mile round trip for me) but my son and I really enjoyed our game today. We stopped at Spanky's Pizza on N. Main afterwards, great food! (Turn R on M-82 at Darling after you leave the park, Spanky's is in a strip mall on your right about a mile after you get on M-82/N. Main).
