Camden County Park DGC reviews
11
0
The (For)Giving Tree 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 9, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
Ah, trees instead of chain baskets... Harkens back to the roots of the game (if you'll pardon the pun)… On the plus side, trees are more forgiving because all you have to do is knick the tree for your putt to count, which if it were a chain basket would be a glance off the outermost chain. You can also bail out to hit the tree at any height rather than between the 2 painted lines if you want to play it easier, which again wouldn't be a made putt on a chain basket. But hey, having those kinds of options can relieve some of the putting pressure on new players or if you're an experienced player and just want a break for something different! And man did playing here bring back memories of college when the small Montana town I was in didn't have any courses with actual baskets yet, and all you could do was make up your own object/tree course in the city park! Ok, enough philosophical thoughts, on to review content:
To sum things up: the back 9 is decently marked and definitely better than the front 9; #3 and #7 are essentially missing; as designed #7 through #9 are simply a joke/TERRIBLE/dangerous; and most holes are short and lightly wooded enough to offer high birdie potential even if you are an intermediate player. More details hole by hole below.
To sum things up: the back 9 is decently marked and definitely better than the front 9; #3 and #7 are essentially missing; as designed #7 through #9 are simply a joke/TERRIBLE/dangerous; and most holes are short and lightly wooded enough to offer high birdie potential even if you are an intermediate player. More details hole by hole below.
Cons:
See "Other Thoughts" below.
Other Thoughts:
Seems like this course hasn't been reviewed for a while and things continue to change here, so I'm going to walk through the holes 1-by-1 to give an update of their current status. I don't normally do this, but this course needs this update badly, especially because the diagrammatic course "map" is almost GARBAGE it's so inaccurate! Man is that frustrating!
Important Notes: where tees are marked, they have a small sign nailed about 10ft off the ground to a tree. If 'hole'/target trees are marked, they generally have 2 horizontal white lines across them and/or the next tee sign is attached to them (ex: #16 hole/17 tee).
Well, here it goes:
#1 - tee sign is gone, but basically tee off to the right of the course welcome board near the cannons. The slanted target tree is well marked with 2 horizontal white spray paint lines across it just to the right of a new paved walking path straight ahead of you. It's a flat hole requiring a slight left turn.
#2 - the tee tree is near the street to your right, and the target tree is marked. Your target is somewhat hidden by spindly brush and trees from the tee, but it's a slight left turn that's needed. Don't shank it right or you'll end up in the street (like I did), which is presumably out of bounds.
#3 - tee tree is again near the road, but I couldn't find the target tree. It may have been cut down to build the new paved path? Or, based on the old photos here, it may be the tree immediately to the left of the new path that is completely covered with ivy/vines? Don't know… I made up a target here…
#4 - tee sign is missing, so pick your favorite spot. The target tree is really well marked and just short of the street crossing perpendicularly in front of you. It's a slightly downhill hole.
#5 - unlike what the course map shows, the tee tree is actually on the other side of the street and on the other side of the creek, about where the #14 tee label is on the map diagram. Target tree is well marked downhill across the open grassy area just on the other side of the walking path in the distance.
#6 - tee is on the top of a set of concrete steps in the triangle of park land elevated to your left as you played #5. The big target tree has 2 very faint paint lines remaining and can be better identified from a distance by the hole 6 sign nailed to it. From the tee, you throw across the small street on a line almost parallel to that of #5. With the slight downhill and longer distance, it's a good chance to bomb one.
#7 - beginning of a really really bad three-hole stretch… Couldn't find either the tee sign nor target tree sign/paint lines. By old photos, it was apparently supposed to play along the trees immediately lining the street to your left (a TERRIBLE design idea that will end up with discs in the street and peoples' yards on the left!). Just make something up or skip it.
#8 - tee sign again missing, and as another reviewer said there's no target tree here but you actually get a chain basket. Only problem is that it is across the street to your left, requiring a street-crossing dogleg and throwing across part of someone's front yard to get to it! The map isn't even close on this one. Horrid hole design… make sure you don't hit their house or cars!!
#9 - the tee tree is in this same triangle of park as basket #8, and to find it walk farther in the same direction toward the far street. You're then required to throw back across the same street you crossed for #8, and the target tree is marked down by the creek to the left of the amphitheater (yes, in that narrow strip between the amphitheater and the street going down across the creek!). Who the hell designed this. Yeah the streets don't see much traffic, but it still counts as a HORRID hole design!
#10 - congrats, you survived the worst of it, the back 9 is much better! Tee tree is along the gravel path behind the amphitheater stage. Target tree is marked, and it's along the gravel path paralleling the creek. Probably the most legit hole design here as it has true rough on both sides, a narrower fairway, and a forced slight right turn to get toward the target tree.
#11 - tee tree has its sign, and is again adjacent to the gravel walking path. Target tree is well marked and immediately next to the stream. Short ace run hole, at least if you don't mind how going even 8ft long or left will put you in the small creek. It's shallow enough to not really matter much at least.
#12 - tee tree has its sign, again positioned right on the gravel path. Target tree is marked. It's positioned uphill just short of the street, across the shallow valley you went across on #5, in a cluster of a few other similarly-sized trees.
#13 - tee off from the same steps you did on #6, and the target tree is right back close to tee #5. It's well marked as the right trunk of a forked tree right next to the street going down across the creek. Short downhill hole, but watch for oncoming cars or pedestrians on the paved path behind the target tree.
#14 - tee tree is the same one from tee #5, but you tee off from the paved path and have to throw literally about a foot over the street rising right in front of you to the marked target tree in a patch of ivy. It's a bizarre straight-shot challenge that works best if you ignore the street in front of you and just gun it straight at it anyway.
#15 - this tee tree is marked by a white T and 15 spray painted onto instead of by a sign. It's down next to the paved path by the creek. The target tree is also marked with a white spray painted "15" rather than horizontal white lines. Flat but with a somewhat narrow flight line, high birdie potential.
#16 - tee tree has its sign, and it's along the gravel path again. Target tree doesn't have white lines but it does have the tee sign for #17 nailed to it, near the brush to the right of the gravel path. A flat, lightly wooded hole.
#17 - tee is #16's target tree. Target tree is marked: it's on the right side of the open field up next to the stone stairs/platform, somewhat hidden from your tee position by the other trees along that line. Slightly uphill and open hole.
#18 - tee off from the arced stone platform right beside the #17 target tree, and the target tree is marked downhill right near the cannons memorial. Your shot is forced to parallel the street to the right, so don't shank it into traffic. You're also forced to throw kind of a low dart due to overhanging branches.
Additional thoughts:
- Beautiful park setting in a ritzy neighborhood, with surprising elevation shifts in some holes.
- Seems like a course that will never be busy with other players/potentially quick play.
- Really no disc loss potential to speak of.
- The welcome board (see uploaded photo) now lists the pars for each hole and that the course is par 56 not 54, so I updated that accordingly here.
- If you play on an imperfect weather weekday like I did, then there aren't that many cars or pedestrians in your way. This is probably a dangerous and slow nightmare on beautiful weekend days though.
- Someone direly needs to revise the course map to be more accurate. Sorry I'm not digitally skilled enough to do it…
- Well mowed and maintained with next to no true rough.
- Add in actual baskets and it would be a typical 3 star course with only a few problem-child holes.
Give at least the back 9 a try if you've never played an object/tree course!
Important Notes: where tees are marked, they have a small sign nailed about 10ft off the ground to a tree. If 'hole'/target trees are marked, they generally have 2 horizontal white lines across them and/or the next tee sign is attached to them (ex: #16 hole/17 tee).
Well, here it goes:
#1 - tee sign is gone, but basically tee off to the right of the course welcome board near the cannons. The slanted target tree is well marked with 2 horizontal white spray paint lines across it just to the right of a new paved walking path straight ahead of you. It's a flat hole requiring a slight left turn.
#2 - the tee tree is near the street to your right, and the target tree is marked. Your target is somewhat hidden by spindly brush and trees from the tee, but it's a slight left turn that's needed. Don't shank it right or you'll end up in the street (like I did), which is presumably out of bounds.
#3 - tee tree is again near the road, but I couldn't find the target tree. It may have been cut down to build the new paved path? Or, based on the old photos here, it may be the tree immediately to the left of the new path that is completely covered with ivy/vines? Don't know… I made up a target here…
#4 - tee sign is missing, so pick your favorite spot. The target tree is really well marked and just short of the street crossing perpendicularly in front of you. It's a slightly downhill hole.
#5 - unlike what the course map shows, the tee tree is actually on the other side of the street and on the other side of the creek, about where the #14 tee label is on the map diagram. Target tree is well marked downhill across the open grassy area just on the other side of the walking path in the distance.
#6 - tee is on the top of a set of concrete steps in the triangle of park land elevated to your left as you played #5. The big target tree has 2 very faint paint lines remaining and can be better identified from a distance by the hole 6 sign nailed to it. From the tee, you throw across the small street on a line almost parallel to that of #5. With the slight downhill and longer distance, it's a good chance to bomb one.
#7 - beginning of a really really bad three-hole stretch… Couldn't find either the tee sign nor target tree sign/paint lines. By old photos, it was apparently supposed to play along the trees immediately lining the street to your left (a TERRIBLE design idea that will end up with discs in the street and peoples' yards on the left!). Just make something up or skip it.
#8 - tee sign again missing, and as another reviewer said there's no target tree here but you actually get a chain basket. Only problem is that it is across the street to your left, requiring a street-crossing dogleg and throwing across part of someone's front yard to get to it! The map isn't even close on this one. Horrid hole design… make sure you don't hit their house or cars!!
#9 - the tee tree is in this same triangle of park as basket #8, and to find it walk farther in the same direction toward the far street. You're then required to throw back across the same street you crossed for #8, and the target tree is marked down by the creek to the left of the amphitheater (yes, in that narrow strip between the amphitheater and the street going down across the creek!). Who the hell designed this. Yeah the streets don't see much traffic, but it still counts as a HORRID hole design!
#10 - congrats, you survived the worst of it, the back 9 is much better! Tee tree is along the gravel path behind the amphitheater stage. Target tree is marked, and it's along the gravel path paralleling the creek. Probably the most legit hole design here as it has true rough on both sides, a narrower fairway, and a forced slight right turn to get toward the target tree.
#11 - tee tree has its sign, and is again adjacent to the gravel walking path. Target tree is well marked and immediately next to the stream. Short ace run hole, at least if you don't mind how going even 8ft long or left will put you in the small creek. It's shallow enough to not really matter much at least.
#12 - tee tree has its sign, again positioned right on the gravel path. Target tree is marked. It's positioned uphill just short of the street, across the shallow valley you went across on #5, in a cluster of a few other similarly-sized trees.
#13 - tee off from the same steps you did on #6, and the target tree is right back close to tee #5. It's well marked as the right trunk of a forked tree right next to the street going down across the creek. Short downhill hole, but watch for oncoming cars or pedestrians on the paved path behind the target tree.
#14 - tee tree is the same one from tee #5, but you tee off from the paved path and have to throw literally about a foot over the street rising right in front of you to the marked target tree in a patch of ivy. It's a bizarre straight-shot challenge that works best if you ignore the street in front of you and just gun it straight at it anyway.
#15 - this tee tree is marked by a white T and 15 spray painted onto instead of by a sign. It's down next to the paved path by the creek. The target tree is also marked with a white spray painted "15" rather than horizontal white lines. Flat but with a somewhat narrow flight line, high birdie potential.
#16 - tee tree has its sign, and it's along the gravel path again. Target tree doesn't have white lines but it does have the tee sign for #17 nailed to it, near the brush to the right of the gravel path. A flat, lightly wooded hole.
#17 - tee is #16's target tree. Target tree is marked: it's on the right side of the open field up next to the stone stairs/platform, somewhat hidden from your tee position by the other trees along that line. Slightly uphill and open hole.
#18 - tee off from the arced stone platform right beside the #17 target tree, and the target tree is marked downhill right near the cannons memorial. Your shot is forced to parallel the street to the right, so don't shank it into traffic. You're also forced to throw kind of a low dart due to overhanging branches.
Additional thoughts:
- Beautiful park setting in a ritzy neighborhood, with surprising elevation shifts in some holes.
- Seems like a course that will never be busy with other players/potentially quick play.
- Really no disc loss potential to speak of.
- The welcome board (see uploaded photo) now lists the pars for each hole and that the course is par 56 not 54, so I updated that accordingly here.
- If you play on an imperfect weather weekday like I did, then there aren't that many cars or pedestrians in your way. This is probably a dangerous and slow nightmare on beautiful weekend days though.
- Someone direly needs to revise the course map to be more accurate. Sorry I'm not digitally skilled enough to do it…
- Well mowed and maintained with next to no true rough.
- Add in actual baskets and it would be a typical 3 star course with only a few problem-child holes.
Give at least the back 9 a try if you've never played an object/tree course!
15
0
Throwing at Trees - on Purpose 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 1, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
+ An out-and-back loop threading through a narrow park. The flow is pretty intuitive, although you're crossing a few roads and looking for tee areas marked by small wooden signs - and you're throwing at marked trees instead of baskets. The target trees are painted with two circling bands, at roughly the same height as the cage and top band of a standard basket
+ One section (holes 5 & 6 on the way out, and 12 & 13 on the way in) plays through a section featuring rolling hills and mature oak trees. There's a challenge of elevation and finding the right lines
+ Hole #11 is really short (161'), but the tree/basket is just feet from a small stream on the left and behind. The slightest overthrown RHBH hyzer is wet
+ One section (holes 5 & 6 on the way out, and 12 & 13 on the way in) plays through a section featuring rolling hills and mature oak trees. There's a challenge of elevation and finding the right lines
+ Hole #11 is really short (161'), but the tree/basket is just feet from a small stream on the left and behind. The slightest overthrown RHBH hyzer is wet
Cons:
- Lots of interference with walkers, especially on the final holes, where you play through a narrow section of the park never far off the main walking path
- A few tees are hard to find (because you're looking for small wooden signs nailed 8' - 10' up on trees), but only tee #8 was impossible to find
- uDisc makes this much easier to navigate, but it turns out that Hole #8 is not straight, but actually a left dogleg that carries downhill and across the street (watch for traffic - this is not a safe hole). There are two baskets (baskets??) in what appear to be a neighbor's side yard - but they're actually on a finger of park land
- Tee #9 throws across the road into a tight landing area bordering an outdoor amphitheater. These two holes (#8 and #9) are where the layout is most compromised by traffic and people. You probably shouldn't even think of playing them if there's any activity
- A few tees are hard to find (because you're looking for small wooden signs nailed 8' - 10' up on trees), but only tee #8 was impossible to find
- uDisc makes this much easier to navigate, but it turns out that Hole #8 is not straight, but actually a left dogleg that carries downhill and across the street (watch for traffic - this is not a safe hole). There are two baskets (baskets??) in what appear to be a neighbor's side yard - but they're actually on a finger of park land
- Tee #9 throws across the road into a tight landing area bordering an outdoor amphitheater. These two holes (#8 and #9) are where the layout is most compromised by traffic and people. You probably shouldn't even think of playing them if there's any activity
Other Thoughts:
~ This is not a disc golf "course" (no baskets or tees), but it's playable on a quiet day, it's in a pretty park - and it's a fun way to throw discs for an hour or so. More than half the holes feel and look like "real" disc golf, as long as you're willing to play without catch baskets
~ And if you're using uDisc make sure to enjoy the various reviews that complain they couldn't find the baskets. In fact, the current status on uDisc is "it's closed no baskets"
RECOMMENDED COMBINATIONS:
Camden County isn't a destination -it's more of an interesting diversion. Spice up a day where you're playing nearby Stafford or Sedgley.
~ And if you're using uDisc make sure to enjoy the various reviews that complain they couldn't find the baskets. In fact, the current status on uDisc is "it's closed no baskets"
RECOMMENDED COMBINATIONS:
Camden County isn't a destination -it's more of an interesting diversion. Spice up a day where you're playing nearby Stafford or Sedgley.
10
0
Trying to be Objective in Jersey. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 12, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
I set out today looking to knock off another unplayed Jersey course off my short list, bringing myself closer to the day when I'll never have to go into the state again except of course for the prestigious Glowville on the River. With a few new discs in hand I was expecting nothing more than trying out some new plastic and wandering around the park looking for holes that may appear to have natural left-turning RHBH shots but force you through jug-handle mandos.
To my delight Camden County DGC has gone through an overhaul in the past year. A new much more detailed map greets players at the start of the course accompanied by hole distances. And even better, the course itself is now marked! Each tee area and tree object had a clearly visible sign on it indicating hole number, distance and direction of next tee. Course navigation was a breeze, I only had to consult the map 2 or 3 times.
The park itself was pretty and very well groomed. A small stream comes into play on a few holes. Park has elevation change and the hole certainly had shot variety. I also appreciated the layout. For the size of the park hole distances were very appropriate, the designer didn't try to cram to much into the land provided. Layout was beginner friendly, yet offered some challenging holes and short game work for the seasoned player.
To my delight Camden County DGC has gone through an overhaul in the past year. A new much more detailed map greets players at the start of the course accompanied by hole distances. And even better, the course itself is now marked! Each tee area and tree object had a clearly visible sign on it indicating hole number, distance and direction of next tee. Course navigation was a breeze, I only had to consult the map 2 or 3 times.
The park itself was pretty and very well groomed. A small stream comes into play on a few holes. Park has elevation change and the hole certainly had shot variety. I also appreciated the layout. For the size of the park hole distances were very appropriate, the designer didn't try to cram to much into the land provided. Layout was beginner friendly, yet offered some challenging holes and short game work for the seasoned player.
Cons:
Its an object course, so take it for what it is. If you don't think you can enjoy putting at marked areas on trees, don't bother. Some holes also play right alongside roads and private property (I put a drive into someone's front yard)
Other Thoughts:
Applause for whom ever updated this course and made it much more playable. They even had the foresight to put the signage high on the trees and out of the reach of vandals. It is now a prime example of how to put in a course with a very low budget. Great use of the land available, maybe one day it'll have baskets.
