Chester State Park - Advanced reviews
3
5
Nlicare18
Experience:
24.7 years
37 played
3 reviews
very nice, wooded course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 31, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
Great course in a South Carolina State Park. Very mature trees. Grass filled fairways provide a nice visual appeal. Some tough par 3s, 4s and 5s- providing a good mixture.
Cons:
what the other reviews mentioned- trash cans and benches would be ideal. Not much else to complain about.
Other Thoughts:
It is pay to play- but Ill gladly pay for the pleasure of Chester State Park. Worth every cent!
10
0
DannyM
Experience:
23.9 years
153 played
5 reviews
Great tougher course! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 19, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Tee pads are fantastic...concrete, and are both wide and long. Those holes with shorter tees are marked in red on the corners, and longer ones are marked with blue.
-course is easy to navigate, each basket has a next tee arrow, and for holes that have short and long pins, the arrows point to them.
-the layout is such that hole #9 ends up at the kiosk where you start at, so that if you just want to play 9 holes, you would finish up at the parking area. Hole #18 also finishes up there.
-unlike Craig's review, our group found that there was elevation on a majority of the holes, some more than others. Some were just rolling hills, while others were a downhill or uphill shot right off the tee. They are not severe hills as in Richmond Hill in Asheville, but still more elevation than many other courses.
-Picnic area right at the entrance to the course. Our group was at the "Grand Opening" festivities, and since there was a good bit going on, we started on Hole #10 to get away from the crowd. We played through #18, came in and had lunch, then played the front 9.
-Winter rye was planted on most of the fairways, so for the Grand opening it looked fantastic. How well it will look once it gets to the warmer months will remain to be seen.
-Short and long tees on many holes on the front 9.
-course is easy to navigate, each basket has a next tee arrow, and for holes that have short and long pins, the arrows point to them.
-the layout is such that hole #9 ends up at the kiosk where you start at, so that if you just want to play 9 holes, you would finish up at the parking area. Hole #18 also finishes up there.
-unlike Craig's review, our group found that there was elevation on a majority of the holes, some more than others. Some were just rolling hills, while others were a downhill or uphill shot right off the tee. They are not severe hills as in Richmond Hill in Asheville, but still more elevation than many other courses.
-Picnic area right at the entrance to the course. Our group was at the "Grand Opening" festivities, and since there was a good bit going on, we started on Hole #10 to get away from the crowd. We played through #18, came in and had lunch, then played the front 9.
-Winter rye was planted on most of the fairways, so for the Grand opening it looked fantastic. How well it will look once it gets to the warmer months will remain to be seen.
-Short and long tees on many holes on the front 9.
Cons:
-No trash cans at the kiosk/picnic area.
-No shorter tees on the back 9.
-Back 9 is geared more for advanced players, and not as friendly for beginners.
-not many benches on the course
-no trash cans on the course
-No shorter tees on the back 9.
-Back 9 is geared more for advanced players, and not as friendly for beginners.
-not many benches on the course
-no trash cans on the course
Other Thoughts:
-There is also a shorter 9 hole course just beside the 18 hole course that is more "family friendly", however, these are also VERY tight fairways on most holes. There is a more "Kid friendly" set of tees on those which makes it better for them.
-although this course is brand new, it is not nearly as rough as many other courses that I have played. Don't get me wrong, you catch a tree and go way off the fairway, you will be in rough, which is the nature of the game, however, it's not nearly as thick as many other courses I've been to.
-This course WILL make you throw accurately, or suffer the wrath. You will need to have several different shots to do well here (forehand/backhand/thumber). Also, you need to have some experience with good midrange discs.
-The longer par 5 holes are just that...true par 5's. The 816' hole (cannot remember which one) on the front 9 is one that can be done in 5, but you need to make great shots accurately.
- I really love this course, it is punishing, yes, but it makes you HAVE to throw accurate shots to score well. You have to plan where you want to land, to set up best and make your next shot. It is NOT a "grip-it and rip-it" course. Everyone who has played it so far has commented on how many trees are in the fairway, however, it's the same for everyone, so the person who makes the most accurate throws will do better. It's not all about distance on this course!
-although this course is brand new, it is not nearly as rough as many other courses that I have played. Don't get me wrong, you catch a tree and go way off the fairway, you will be in rough, which is the nature of the game, however, it's not nearly as thick as many other courses I've been to.
-This course WILL make you throw accurately, or suffer the wrath. You will need to have several different shots to do well here (forehand/backhand/thumber). Also, you need to have some experience with good midrange discs.
-The longer par 5 holes are just that...true par 5's. The 816' hole (cannot remember which one) on the front 9 is one that can be done in 5, but you need to make great shots accurately.
- I really love this course, it is punishing, yes, but it makes you HAVE to throw accurate shots to score well. You have to plan where you want to land, to set up best and make your next shot. It is NOT a "grip-it and rip-it" course. Everyone who has played it so far has commented on how many trees are in the fairway, however, it's the same for everyone, so the person who makes the most accurate throws will do better. It's not all about distance on this course!
23
1
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
19.9 years
588 played
543 reviews
Hidden Gem Dulled by Charlotte's Shadow
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Nov 8, 2013
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Chester State Park is a wonderful addition to the South Carolina disc golf scene. Being less than an hour from Charlotte, it gets lost in the shadow of the region's more-known courses.
- This is a Carolina classic: Wooded. Long. Challenging.
- I first played here right when it opened. It had that new course smell when I played. Now, in 2018, it's been beechwood aged to give it better flavor.
- I was impressed that the course is still in great condition. There's always a worry that courses, especially out-of-the-way ones, slowly go downhill and get less attention over time. Everything was in perfect condition. The designers and the park itself seem to have put lots of resources into making this a top of the line course.
- There isn't a true open hole. The most open hole is the final third of #18. Otherwise, enjoy the small patches of grass you may see on several holes.
- Course has a fantastic flow to it. You're going through mini-cycles of harder holes following, or preceding, easy ones. In my round I had 3 bogey-birdie (or vice versa) scores back-to-back on my card. Just when you get a chance to catch your breath, a beast is next. Just after a tough hole, you get a chance to make up the stroke.
- That said, there is a lot of variety in length and layouts. From the longs, holes range from 234 - 819 feet. The shorts, even have one hole at 153 feet - #6, a quasi-island layout. Course also offers slight hills on several holes, enough to impact distances just enough.
- Course excels in its longer holes - par 4s and 5s. I loved #8. At 819 feet, it's the longest hole. It's a dogleg left mid-hole with the basket still two good shots away. With several long throws required, you're upping the chances of missing your line and ending up in the woods. If you've played the IDGC, this hole is akin to #8 at Jackson.
- #10 is a slight uphill, dogleg left par four. Whereas the front nine starts with a sweet, simple par 3, the back nine starts with a tougher hole. If there was any doubt the back nine plays tougher, the answer is revealed on the tee pad.
- #18 is a long, albeit somewhat unspectacular closing hole. At 804 feet, you may choose to play it safe with fairway drivers and mid-ranges to simply stay out of trouble. The challenge hear is the dogleg right is more substantial than what appears on the tee.
- The tee signs are great. Very descriptive with pictures of the layout, which is important with so many blind layouts. The tee pads are also nice and big. I love that the baskets have next arrow signs on them, especially when the long and short tees for the next hole are in different directions.
- I thought the short tees on the front nine offered a nice change of pace for casual players and locals. It would really be nice to see short tees added to the back nine. This course has a chance to target a lot of new, local players, and I'd hate to see them overwhelmed by the challenging back nine.
- There is some great scenery throughout the course, and the park itself. Several holes on the front nine offer great views of the lake. Add in the nice drive through the park, and the course really has that great nature feel to it.
- This is a Carolina classic: Wooded. Long. Challenging.
- I first played here right when it opened. It had that new course smell when I played. Now, in 2018, it's been beechwood aged to give it better flavor.
- I was impressed that the course is still in great condition. There's always a worry that courses, especially out-of-the-way ones, slowly go downhill and get less attention over time. Everything was in perfect condition. The designers and the park itself seem to have put lots of resources into making this a top of the line course.
- There isn't a true open hole. The most open hole is the final third of #18. Otherwise, enjoy the small patches of grass you may see on several holes.
- Course has a fantastic flow to it. You're going through mini-cycles of harder holes following, or preceding, easy ones. In my round I had 3 bogey-birdie (or vice versa) scores back-to-back on my card. Just when you get a chance to catch your breath, a beast is next. Just after a tough hole, you get a chance to make up the stroke.
- That said, there is a lot of variety in length and layouts. From the longs, holes range from 234 - 819 feet. The shorts, even have one hole at 153 feet - #6, a quasi-island layout. Course also offers slight hills on several holes, enough to impact distances just enough.
- Course excels in its longer holes - par 4s and 5s. I loved #8. At 819 feet, it's the longest hole. It's a dogleg left mid-hole with the basket still two good shots away. With several long throws required, you're upping the chances of missing your line and ending up in the woods. If you've played the IDGC, this hole is akin to #8 at Jackson.
- #10 is a slight uphill, dogleg left par four. Whereas the front nine starts with a sweet, simple par 3, the back nine starts with a tougher hole. If there was any doubt the back nine plays tougher, the answer is revealed on the tee pad.
- #18 is a long, albeit somewhat unspectacular closing hole. At 804 feet, you may choose to play it safe with fairway drivers and mid-ranges to simply stay out of trouble. The challenge hear is the dogleg right is more substantial than what appears on the tee.
- The tee signs are great. Very descriptive with pictures of the layout, which is important with so many blind layouts. The tee pads are also nice and big. I love that the baskets have next arrow signs on them, especially when the long and short tees for the next hole are in different directions.
- I thought the short tees on the front nine offered a nice change of pace for casual players and locals. It would really be nice to see short tees added to the back nine. This course has a chance to target a lot of new, local players, and I'd hate to see them overwhelmed by the challenging back nine.
- There is some great scenery throughout the course, and the park itself. Several holes on the front nine offer great views of the lake. Add in the nice drive through the park, and the course really has that great nature feel to it.
Cons:
Very little to complain about here. Only a couple small things that could be improved.
- The course, especially the back nine, is not beginner-friendly. The front nine offers dual tee options. Back nine is all long positions. This gives players the options of playing a beginner friendly 9-hole course, or an 800-foot hole.
- Signage could be improved. There are a lot of crossing paths throughout the course, so more signs between holes, especially on the longer transitions, would be appreciated.
- A little more thinning along the fairways is needed. There are piles of branches along many holes. The rough is very thick with thorns at points. On #13, my tee shot hit a tree and kicked into the thorns. Even on a cold winter day, wearing multiple layers, the thorns were an issue.
- There was a lack of benches and trash cans throughout the course. I didn't notice any on the course. Benches would be nice on hot days, or simply, just to enjoy some of the great views the course offers.
- I don't know where else to put this, so I'll throw it in here. The pay booth is an honor system, stand only. I nearly passed it because a truck was parked in front of it. I don't mind the $2 to get in, I do mind the potential risk of having a park ranger nab you because one could drive right past the pay locale without knowing it.
- The course, especially the back nine, is not beginner-friendly. The front nine offers dual tee options. Back nine is all long positions. This gives players the options of playing a beginner friendly 9-hole course, or an 800-foot hole.
- Signage could be improved. There are a lot of crossing paths throughout the course, so more signs between holes, especially on the longer transitions, would be appreciated.
- A little more thinning along the fairways is needed. There are piles of branches along many holes. The rough is very thick with thorns at points. On #13, my tee shot hit a tree and kicked into the thorns. Even on a cold winter day, wearing multiple layers, the thorns were an issue.
- There was a lack of benches and trash cans throughout the course. I didn't notice any on the course. Benches would be nice on hot days, or simply, just to enjoy some of the great views the course offers.
- I don't know where else to put this, so I'll throw it in here. The pay booth is an honor system, stand only. I nearly passed it because a truck was parked in front of it. I don't mind the $2 to get in, I do mind the potential risk of having a park ranger nab you because one could drive right past the pay locale without knowing it.
Other Thoughts:
The first time I played Chester was in its first month of existence. My second go-round was a little more than four years later. Chester was just as good, if not better, in January 2018. That's a sign this course is getting plenty of attention and upkeep. It deserves to be hosting tourneys, if only to draw more attention.
- Think of this course as Nevin with regular-sized fairways. Your tee shots don't have to be perfect, simply good. You're not spending your round pitching out of the rough. As such, the course allows players to be more aggressive while rewarding good shot making.
- I love the idea of this course being in a state park. If all goes well here, this could open the market for more courses in state parks. Imagine the possibilities.
- There's so much to like about the course. The 9-holer is a fun, bonus. The biggest hindrance is that it's so far out of the way. I've lived in Charlotte more than 30 years. Chester is only 50 minutes from my house. Before this course, I had never gone to Chester, only driven through it. I'm hopeful the town will get something else to attract disc golfers - good restaurants, a brewery, art scene - to make the trip more appealing.
- All of that said, the course is fantastic. It's oh-so-close to being a 4.5-rated course. If it were in Charlotte, this would be one of our signature courses. It's currently in South Carolina's top 5, and deservedly so.
- Think of this course as Nevin with regular-sized fairways. Your tee shots don't have to be perfect, simply good. You're not spending your round pitching out of the rough. As such, the course allows players to be more aggressive while rewarding good shot making.
- I love the idea of this course being in a state park. If all goes well here, this could open the market for more courses in state parks. Imagine the possibilities.
- There's so much to like about the course. The 9-holer is a fun, bonus. The biggest hindrance is that it's so far out of the way. I've lived in Charlotte more than 30 years. Chester is only 50 minutes from my house. Before this course, I had never gone to Chester, only driven through it. I'm hopeful the town will get something else to attract disc golfers - good restaurants, a brewery, art scene - to make the trip more appealing.
- All of that said, the course is fantastic. It's oh-so-close to being a 4.5-rated course. If it were in Charlotte, this would be one of our signature courses. It's currently in South Carolina's top 5, and deservedly so.
