Pros:
Buck Forest is a fun, short, backyard course. For the confines this layout faces, this is an excellent play.
- Course is better than it seemingly should be. 20 holes, 10 baskets, less than 3 acres to work with, and yet there are some quality holes.
- Not surprisingly, course primarily consists of mid-range and shorter holes. The tree open holes that play on or alongside the road (#1, 10, & 11) come in at 299, 417, and 420 feet respectively. The remaining 17 holes are all under 250 feet. Needless to say, I was throw the same several discs for the majority of tee shots.
- Great use of the land. Slight elevation factors on a series of holes. Three baskets are located close to the creek, making for some high risk/reward tee shots and putts.
- And, most notably, two baskets/three holes (#8, 12, and 20) play alongside the barn. In my round playing with Rob, we had shots hit the side of the barn, and the wire, fence alongside it. #20 begs you to ricochet your tee shot off the barn wall to get to the basket.
- I felt there was a lot of variety in terms of layouts and tee shots. Plenty of straight shots, doglegs, extremely tight lines, and perhaps most importantly, holes with multiple lines to the basket. On several holes, I had to debate which of the lines I should throw. If it was a good shot, of course I picked the correct line. A bad tee shot meant I picked the wrong line, never accounting for user error on those shots.
- A high risk/reward element on the creekside layouts. #5 - 7 have tight lines that can lead to easy birdie 2s, or bogey 4s with a slight misthrow or unfortunate bounce. On one of the holes, I've got a 15 foot birdie putt, but I'm blocked by a large tree because the disc went 3 feet too far. An aggressive putt brings the water in play. So, I'm forced to lay up and two putt rather than risking the penalty.
- One of the best things to say about this course is that as soon as I finished, I wanted to play again. There were holes I know I should have birdied but threw a bad tee shot, bad putt, or had an unfortunate bounce.
- This is a fantastic course for an ace race or simply for someone looking for an ace, consequences be dammed. 20 aggressive tee shots will lead to several runs at the basket. You'll also have several bad scores. If a handful of bogeys and double bogeys is worth an ace, then have at it.
Cons:
Natural tee pads. Just watch your footing if you need longer run ups on some holes.
- Confusing layout, especially for new players. That said, you need permission to play. Most likely your initial round with will be with Rob or another club member.
- Several holes play on the road. If you're against having discs land on pavement, you may not enjoy watching your disc land and scrape along the top of the surface.
- Course is tight and overlaps. If there are multiple groups, be prepared for slower rounds than to be expected. Rob and I had the course to ourselves and it still took 1:45 to play.
- Lack of amenities. To be expected for a backyard course. And you're only 5 - 10 minutes from gas stations, restaurants, and what not. So not a major issue.
- No signage: tee signs, next arrow signs, hole numbers on baskets. May cause for slight confusion at times as you'll see multiple baskets at times.
Other Thoughts:
Buck Forest is fun. It's not a world class design. It's your hole-in-the-wall burger or bbq joint that you choose to visit rather than the prestigious steakhouse.
- I'm glad I got to final play this course. Rob was a gracious, friendly host. It was a pleasure getting to spend time with him and hear his insights into the course design.
- The more you play here, the more you'll be familiar with the best lines to the basket. There were several holes where I had honors on the tee pad, picked a route to throw, then saw the course owner Rob throw a different, and in turn, better line. When lots of birdies can be had, any chances to pick up a stroke or three will be beneficial.
- #18 was the best overall hole in terms of quality and challenge. A slight downhill, dogleg left hole, there are several lines to the basket depending on how much of a sweeping shot you want to throw. The straightest line is the tightest; the one to the furthest right is the widest line. A good tee shot ensures an easy par. A great tee shot puts you in birdie range. Compared to many holes on this course, you do need to throw an excellent tee shot to see a birdie putt.
- #19 is another solid layout. A slight downhill hole to one of the baskets along the bank of the creek. An aggressive shot is going OB in or past the creek. Without the water, a lot of us are parking are tee shots for easy birdies. With the water, I'm landing my disc 25 feet short.
- As for the closing hole, this is a gimmick layout, but it works. Earlier in the round, I asked Rob what was the most aced hole on the course, and he mentioned the last one. We're on the tee, he mentions most aces are from a ricochet off the side of the barn. I proceed to throw, hit the side of the barn, ricochet off of it, hit the chains, and.....have it fall out for a 12 inch birdie putt. So, so close to a great end to the round.
- All told, I'm giving this course a 2.5 rating. It gets much higher marks for the fun-factor and appeal. Worth a play.