Cliff Stephens Park reviews
9
0
A bucket list must play course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 24, 2021
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
- Add Cliff Stephens to your must-play list because it's a one of a kind! The challenges are incredibly daunting at times, but if you can navigate them this will be a course you won't forget. And the 2019-2020 addition of an extra-long Gold layout with new tees and baskets just upped the ante on an already very challenging course.
Since there hasn't been a detailed update since the Gold layout was installed, I've decided to give it a detailed hole-by-hole breakdown. But first, some of the (numerous) pros of Cliff Stephens:
- Long concrete tees and new-ish Discatcher baskets on nearly every hole (just a couple old-style Discatchers on the 19-24 loop).
- Most holes have 2 baskets and 2 tee options, and some even have 3 tee options. That equates to a lot of ways to play your round, and it nicely accommodates groups of varied experience levels.
- There's a practice basket by the first tee.
- For those who care about such things, Cliff Stephens is the home course of Ken Climo, the all-time winningest champion of the PDGA World Championships (there's a sign commemorating him at the 16th tee).
Ok, now for hole by hole:
#1 - a long straight hole with 3 tees and 2 baskets, with the Gold layout (to the yellow basket) being a whopping 1,012ft par 5! Water to the right of the short basket and along most of the hole if you go to the yellow basket.
#2 - straight slight downhill into trees near the parking lot, with 2 tees and 2 baskets. Yellow basket is right next to the cars, so please don't go long.
#3 - a tough valley cross with 2 baskets that are both positioned at the top of a hill that steeply descends to the left down into a murky channel. You've got 3 tee options, with two wide trees directly in your way from the short tee, the channel to your left from the long tee, and a low ceiling of tree branches to add extra difficulty from the Gold tee. A signature hole guaranteed to strike fear, eat discs, and be fun.
#4 - 1 tee and 2 baskets. Playing to the short one is a straight layout with a steep dropoff into the water along the left side the entire way. The yellow basket is significantly further along the sidewalk to the right, still with water to the left the whole way. So, don't go left!
#5 - an open beginning from either of 2 tees, with 3 potential basket positions. Water to the left and long of the usual basket positions straight ahead of you, and position C places the basket in a wreath of low-hanging oak branches with water behind it. No matter the basket position, a controlled approach shot is essential.
#6 - 2 tees each play straight ahead to 2 potential basket positions, both down in the winding gully behind a row of palm trees. A lucky tee shot through the palms could present you with a birdie opportunity.
#7 - straight hole from the 1 tee to 2 potential basket positions, with a line of trees defining the right edge of the fairway. The slope drops immediately down to the pond behind the long basket position, so be careful to not go long.
#8 - from either of the 2 tees it's a a long water carry or left dogleg to the 1 basket with water all along the left. Potentially reachable basket from either tee for a birdie look if you dare to throw hard off the tee. A fun test of your nerve.
#9 - easiest hole on the course: a valley cross to 1 basket positioned just above a short wood wall. There's 3 tees, with the hole being reachable from the shorter two. The new Gold tee crosses over a pedestrian bridge and through a narrow woods tunnel into the valley to start. Beware that the valley can flood after heavy rains.
#10 - from all 3 tees you face a daunting, ~300ft water cross to 2 potential basket positions on the other side. From the shorter tees you could bail out right, but from the Gold tee your only option is a bomb over the pond. I still remember the first time I decided to go for it and successfully crossed the pond... the kind of moment you celebrate as you feel you've finally "made it" as a skilled disc golfer! In short, it's a test of your distance.
#11 - a slight right-turning hole with water at your far left, with the 1 basket positioned just on the far side of a narrow gully that's usually dry. 2 tee options.
#12 - the 2 tees and 2 baskets on this monster play very differently: from the short tee to the short basket would be a plain par 3 light woods hole with water behind the basket, but playing the Gold tee to the yellow basket par 4 makes for a nearly 700ft monster requiring a moderate water cross off the tee and then carrying over or skirting along the left side of another pond with your next couple throws. A low ceiling of trees in the fairway limits your height and distance to boot. Tough but fun.
#13 - again you have 2 tees and 2 baskets. The short basket is reachable either through a narrow tunnel under a large oak tree or by skying a high left-turning shot over the road to your right. The yellow basket is twice as far away, making for a modest length par 5 that crosses the road, with the terrain sloping down to the pond at the right and back sides of the basket. Control your approach landing well to keep it from rolling into the water.
#14 - long and straight with a deep channel all along the right from either of the 2 tees. There's 2 baskets, with the yellow one about 40ft past the foot bridge. The channel is a dangerous disc-eater in windy conditions.
#15 - basket used to be by the water (still an alternative placement there?), but now it's just a straight shot into the woods from the 1 tee to either of the 2 baskets.
#16 - one of the most intimidating signature holes anywhere! From the long tee you've got a double water carry to either of the 2 basket positions, and from the short tee you're faced with a steep slope down to the water all along the left side of the hole. Shortcut is to place your tee shot on the 'island' and then throw over the second channel from there. It's almost unplayable in the wind, and new players will likely skip it all together.
#17 - a straight hole paralleling the paved trail through the woods from either of the 2 tees to the 1 basket.
#18 - long and mostly open from any of the 3 tees, with water at your right as you approach the basket and dense brush on the left side of the railroad where discs often carry in the wind. Requires multiple bomb shots in a row.
#19 - a 15ft-wide flat tunnel with thick tall grass and a disc-eating stream along the entire left side of the hole. Worst hole of the entire course by far. 2 tees and 1 basket.
#20 - 1 tee and 1 basket, with dense undergrowth along the left of the fairway. Slightly right-turning dogleg.
#21 - a great short wooded hole from 1 tee to 1 basket with the basket just on the far side of a narrow creek. Best hole of the #19-24 loop.
#22 - a short wooded hole from 1 tee to 1 basket. A ridge and downed tree in the fairway provide subtle obstacles.
#23 - a right dogleg from the 1 tee to the 1 basket that parallels the highway next to it. A very standard par 3.
#24 - another straight wooded hole paralleling the paved trail. The 1 tee is still dirt, and it has an old-style basket.
#25 - hole A, supposedly with 2 tees. The long tee is a rubber mat in the woods just behind the 16th basket and the short is supposedly in the grass by the pond (it's unlabeled). Either way you play to the 1 basket on the "island" peninsula with water on all sides. Like #16, almost unplayable in the wind. A fun challenge that seriously tests your control.
Since there hasn't been a detailed update since the Gold layout was installed, I've decided to give it a detailed hole-by-hole breakdown. But first, some of the (numerous) pros of Cliff Stephens:
- Long concrete tees and new-ish Discatcher baskets on nearly every hole (just a couple old-style Discatchers on the 19-24 loop).
- Most holes have 2 baskets and 2 tee options, and some even have 3 tee options. That equates to a lot of ways to play your round, and it nicely accommodates groups of varied experience levels.
- There's a practice basket by the first tee.
- For those who care about such things, Cliff Stephens is the home course of Ken Climo, the all-time winningest champion of the PDGA World Championships (there's a sign commemorating him at the 16th tee).
Ok, now for hole by hole:
#1 - a long straight hole with 3 tees and 2 baskets, with the Gold layout (to the yellow basket) being a whopping 1,012ft par 5! Water to the right of the short basket and along most of the hole if you go to the yellow basket.
#2 - straight slight downhill into trees near the parking lot, with 2 tees and 2 baskets. Yellow basket is right next to the cars, so please don't go long.
#3 - a tough valley cross with 2 baskets that are both positioned at the top of a hill that steeply descends to the left down into a murky channel. You've got 3 tee options, with two wide trees directly in your way from the short tee, the channel to your left from the long tee, and a low ceiling of tree branches to add extra difficulty from the Gold tee. A signature hole guaranteed to strike fear, eat discs, and be fun.
#4 - 1 tee and 2 baskets. Playing to the short one is a straight layout with a steep dropoff into the water along the left side the entire way. The yellow basket is significantly further along the sidewalk to the right, still with water to the left the whole way. So, don't go left!
#5 - an open beginning from either of 2 tees, with 3 potential basket positions. Water to the left and long of the usual basket positions straight ahead of you, and position C places the basket in a wreath of low-hanging oak branches with water behind it. No matter the basket position, a controlled approach shot is essential.
#6 - 2 tees each play straight ahead to 2 potential basket positions, both down in the winding gully behind a row of palm trees. A lucky tee shot through the palms could present you with a birdie opportunity.
#7 - straight hole from the 1 tee to 2 potential basket positions, with a line of trees defining the right edge of the fairway. The slope drops immediately down to the pond behind the long basket position, so be careful to not go long.
#8 - from either of the 2 tees it's a a long water carry or left dogleg to the 1 basket with water all along the left. Potentially reachable basket from either tee for a birdie look if you dare to throw hard off the tee. A fun test of your nerve.
#9 - easiest hole on the course: a valley cross to 1 basket positioned just above a short wood wall. There's 3 tees, with the hole being reachable from the shorter two. The new Gold tee crosses over a pedestrian bridge and through a narrow woods tunnel into the valley to start. Beware that the valley can flood after heavy rains.
#10 - from all 3 tees you face a daunting, ~300ft water cross to 2 potential basket positions on the other side. From the shorter tees you could bail out right, but from the Gold tee your only option is a bomb over the pond. I still remember the first time I decided to go for it and successfully crossed the pond... the kind of moment you celebrate as you feel you've finally "made it" as a skilled disc golfer! In short, it's a test of your distance.
#11 - a slight right-turning hole with water at your far left, with the 1 basket positioned just on the far side of a narrow gully that's usually dry. 2 tee options.
#12 - the 2 tees and 2 baskets on this monster play very differently: from the short tee to the short basket would be a plain par 3 light woods hole with water behind the basket, but playing the Gold tee to the yellow basket par 4 makes for a nearly 700ft monster requiring a moderate water cross off the tee and then carrying over or skirting along the left side of another pond with your next couple throws. A low ceiling of trees in the fairway limits your height and distance to boot. Tough but fun.
#13 - again you have 2 tees and 2 baskets. The short basket is reachable either through a narrow tunnel under a large oak tree or by skying a high left-turning shot over the road to your right. The yellow basket is twice as far away, making for a modest length par 5 that crosses the road, with the terrain sloping down to the pond at the right and back sides of the basket. Control your approach landing well to keep it from rolling into the water.
#14 - long and straight with a deep channel all along the right from either of the 2 tees. There's 2 baskets, with the yellow one about 40ft past the foot bridge. The channel is a dangerous disc-eater in windy conditions.
#15 - basket used to be by the water (still an alternative placement there?), but now it's just a straight shot into the woods from the 1 tee to either of the 2 baskets.
#16 - one of the most intimidating signature holes anywhere! From the long tee you've got a double water carry to either of the 2 basket positions, and from the short tee you're faced with a steep slope down to the water all along the left side of the hole. Shortcut is to place your tee shot on the 'island' and then throw over the second channel from there. It's almost unplayable in the wind, and new players will likely skip it all together.
#17 - a straight hole paralleling the paved trail through the woods from either of the 2 tees to the 1 basket.
#18 - long and mostly open from any of the 3 tees, with water at your right as you approach the basket and dense brush on the left side of the railroad where discs often carry in the wind. Requires multiple bomb shots in a row.
#19 - a 15ft-wide flat tunnel with thick tall grass and a disc-eating stream along the entire left side of the hole. Worst hole of the entire course by far. 2 tees and 1 basket.
#20 - 1 tee and 1 basket, with dense undergrowth along the left of the fairway. Slightly right-turning dogleg.
#21 - a great short wooded hole from 1 tee to 1 basket with the basket just on the far side of a narrow creek. Best hole of the #19-24 loop.
#22 - a short wooded hole from 1 tee to 1 basket. A ridge and downed tree in the fairway provide subtle obstacles.
#23 - a right dogleg from the 1 tee to the 1 basket that parallels the highway next to it. A very standard par 3.
#24 - another straight wooded hole paralleling the paved trail. The 1 tee is still dirt, and it has an old-style basket.
#25 - hole A, supposedly with 2 tees. The long tee is a rubber mat in the woods just behind the 16th basket and the short is supposedly in the grass by the pond (it's unlabeled). Either way you play to the 1 basket on the "island" peninsula with water on all sides. Like #16, almost unplayable in the wind. A fun challenge that seriously tests your control.
Cons:
It's not a perfect 5 start course for four reasons:
1 - Parking. Nowhere near enough of it in the little lot, and the yellow basket for #2 is way too close to the lot (like 15ft from parking spaces). Don't park near that basket unless you like dented door panels. Many people now pull over the curb to park in the grass flat between the paved lot and Fairwood Ave. and no one seems to care, but not all cars can handle the curb.
2 - Always busy. Cliff Stephens is deservedly popular, but that means no matter what day of the week or time you go you're bound to find at least half a dozen groups playing here. And it's a very long course (nearly 2 miles just for the hole lengths if you play the Gold layout!) which has many holes paralleling and crossing sidewalks and the Bay To Shore Trail, so if you're looking for a quick play or a fast solo round this course will not suit you. Even if there are no other disc golfers on the course, you will still end up waiting for pedestrians and bicyclists a couple times.
3 - Tee signs. A lot of the sign panels on the back 9 have decayed away, and even where they're present they're all years out of date. For example, none of the new Gold hole layouts are shown on the tee signs. New tee signs are desperately needed, even if just one set is installed at the normal 'long' (non-Gold) tees. In this same vein, there's no up-to-date course map out there anywhere that I can find. It would be awesome if a new map could be installed on the covered sign by the practice basket.
4 - Disc risk. How many 25-hole courses only have 6 holes WITHOUT water hazards?!?! Cliff Stephens will teach you to not rely on a single disc, force you to learn how to break in new discs, and you'll learn how to 'know' your discs' flight paths so you know how to throw them to avoid hazards. So, maybe this "con" is actually a "pro", depending on your perspective. At any rate, so many discs go in the water here that I consistently see people swimming in the ponds for discs every Monday morning...
- Also, hole #19 is the only truly bad hole of the whole course. It's clearly a filler that was needed to connect the main 18 to the rest of the woods loop holes 20-24.
1 - Parking. Nowhere near enough of it in the little lot, and the yellow basket for #2 is way too close to the lot (like 15ft from parking spaces). Don't park near that basket unless you like dented door panels. Many people now pull over the curb to park in the grass flat between the paved lot and Fairwood Ave. and no one seems to care, but not all cars can handle the curb.
2 - Always busy. Cliff Stephens is deservedly popular, but that means no matter what day of the week or time you go you're bound to find at least half a dozen groups playing here. And it's a very long course (nearly 2 miles just for the hole lengths if you play the Gold layout!) which has many holes paralleling and crossing sidewalks and the Bay To Shore Trail, so if you're looking for a quick play or a fast solo round this course will not suit you. Even if there are no other disc golfers on the course, you will still end up waiting for pedestrians and bicyclists a couple times.
3 - Tee signs. A lot of the sign panels on the back 9 have decayed away, and even where they're present they're all years out of date. For example, none of the new Gold hole layouts are shown on the tee signs. New tee signs are desperately needed, even if just one set is installed at the normal 'long' (non-Gold) tees. In this same vein, there's no up-to-date course map out there anywhere that I can find. It would be awesome if a new map could be installed on the covered sign by the practice basket.
4 - Disc risk. How many 25-hole courses only have 6 holes WITHOUT water hazards?!?! Cliff Stephens will teach you to not rely on a single disc, force you to learn how to break in new discs, and you'll learn how to 'know' your discs' flight paths so you know how to throw them to avoid hazards. So, maybe this "con" is actually a "pro", depending on your perspective. At any rate, so many discs go in the water here that I consistently see people swimming in the ponds for discs every Monday morning...
- Also, hole #19 is the only truly bad hole of the whole course. It's clearly a filler that was needed to connect the main 18 to the rest of the woods loop holes 20-24.
Other Thoughts:
- My opinions might be a bit biased as this is my home course where I learned the game, but believe me when I say from more than 20 years playing here that Cliff Stephens just keeps getting better and better over time.
- Most holes in the #19-24 and hole A loop don't really add much to your round, so most players just skip them. Hole A is an awesome, and daunting, island hole worth the extra walking though!
- Even after playing dozens of other courses across the nation it remains obvious how uniquely fun, beautiful, and challenging this course is. It's THE quintessential, classic Florida course that really brings the 'golf' aspect to disc golf. PLAY IT!!
- Most holes in the #19-24 and hole A loop don't really add much to your round, so most players just skip them. Hole A is an awesome, and daunting, island hole worth the extra walking though!
- Even after playing dozens of other courses across the nation it remains obvious how uniquely fun, beautiful, and challenging this course is. It's THE quintessential, classic Florida course that really brings the 'golf' aspect to disc golf. PLAY IT!!
5
3
LeftyRob
Experience:
24.4 years
46 played
16 reviews
TOP GULF COAST COURSE 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 9, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
The holes flowed nicely from one to the next. No really long walks from basket to next tee. A couple of true bomber holes that also needed shape on the shot, mixed in with some intricate shorter holes. The scenery was beautiful, and many holes had tree cover, which was a welcome break in the heat of August !!
Cons:
Nothing course related at all. As a Canadian playing on his 2nd day in Florida, the heat was a little hard to get used to.Should have come back to play later in my trip; by day 4 I was more used to it. Lucky not to come across any snakes, but did see a gator, so a disc close to or in the water may be one you want to consider leaving where it lays!
Other Thoughts:
I don't think this would be a course a beginner would want to take on, what with a fair bit of water in play, but for those with a little more experience it will be well worth the trip. I'll be back!
6
0
EWSdiscgolf
Experience:
10.7 years
89 played
28 reviews
One of the best I've played in Florida 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Feb 19, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Course is located in a beautiful park
- Signage isn't a problem, great tee signs and nice, long tee pads
- The baskets were old, but they were decent.
- There was more than one tee position for most holes and 2 tee boxes per hole
- Great use of land and water, no holes are guaranteed disc losing holes
- Playing this course from the short pads is like a completely different course, unlike most courses.
- Many times you will go back to the parking lot while playing
- 25 holes makes it so if you have a couple of bad holes, you can make up for them on the later holes.
- The Clearwater Disc Golf Store is very close to the course
- Signage isn't a problem, great tee signs and nice, long tee pads
- The baskets were old, but they were decent.
- There was more than one tee position for most holes and 2 tee boxes per hole
- Great use of land and water, no holes are guaranteed disc losing holes
- Playing this course from the short pads is like a completely different course, unlike most courses.
- Many times you will go back to the parking lot while playing
- 25 holes makes it so if you have a couple of bad holes, you can make up for them on the later holes.
- The Clearwater Disc Golf Store is very close to the course
Cons:
- On the last 5 or 6 holes, it was confusing because the tee signs were wrong
- Sometimes the course can be super packed
- There are lots of pedestrians, so watch out for them
- There's a real risk of losing a disc here
- For a popular course, there is limited parking, so some people will have to go farther away to park because there isn't a parking spot
- Sometimes the course can be super packed
- There are lots of pedestrians, so watch out for them
- There's a real risk of losing a disc here
- For a popular course, there is limited parking, so some people will have to go farther away to park because there isn't a parking spot
Other Thoughts:
It was really close to NE Coachman, so it would make a nice 43 hole run. Out of the 4 courses I played in Florida, this might be my favorite.
1
5
ngramly
Experience:
11.9 years
60 played
2 reviews
My Favorite in Florida So Far 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 27, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
A good mixture of technical/open, short/long, and risk/reward holes. You have to consider each hole individually and plan your shot accordingly. The landscape is beautiful and makes for a very enjoyable time on the course.
Cons:
It is a popular multi-use park and there area a lot of non-DG park-goers around. You will likely have to wait for traffic to clear on several holes.
Other Thoughts:
I played the Fun N Sun tournament this past weekend which was my first time at this course and I was thoroughly impressed! You truly have to bring a complete game to finish well here.
13
2
The Champs Course! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 14, 2013
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
- Course is located in a beautiful park in the even more beautiful city of Clearwater Florida.
- Tee-pads are all perfect length and in great condition.
- Baskets are all "older" baskets but are still in great shape.
- Tee-Signs are top notch; investment was made before tournament earlier this year to put in all brand new tee-signs. very colorful and accurate.
- Multiple pin placements for most of the holes.
- Descent amount of water hazards; nothing that guarantees a lost disc, but the aggressive players are rewarded for great shots.
- Am pads on most longer holes and holes that have hazards. Playing this course from the short pads creates an entirely new experience than playing from the long pads.
- Flow from hole to hole is great and leads from the parking lot, to the parking lot.
- Course offers a variety of shot choices with multiple lines to the basket on each hole.
- Course has a very strong hole diversity; it is tough to find two holes where you throw the same shot.
- A clear true signature hole; hole #16. This hole plays at its shortest 450' across a portion of Moccasin Lake. This is by far one of the hardest single holes you will play in Florida.
- A true finishing hole; hole #18 is home to a 700' bomb that runs a good portion of the length of the back 9. Hole sits in a little valley bellow street level allowing spectators to watch an incoming group bomb out drives as they head back to the parking lot.
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- Aboundance of wildlife; plenty of photo opportunities of all sorts of interesting Florida animals.
- Tee-pads are all perfect length and in great condition.
- Baskets are all "older" baskets but are still in great shape.
- Tee-Signs are top notch; investment was made before tournament earlier this year to put in all brand new tee-signs. very colorful and accurate.
- Multiple pin placements for most of the holes.
- Descent amount of water hazards; nothing that guarantees a lost disc, but the aggressive players are rewarded for great shots.
- Am pads on most longer holes and holes that have hazards. Playing this course from the short pads creates an entirely new experience than playing from the long pads.
- Flow from hole to hole is great and leads from the parking lot, to the parking lot.
- Course offers a variety of shot choices with multiple lines to the basket on each hole.
- Course has a very strong hole diversity; it is tough to find two holes where you throw the same shot.
- A clear true signature hole; hole #16. This hole plays at its shortest 450' across a portion of Moccasin Lake. This is by far one of the hardest single holes you will play in Florida.
- A true finishing hole; hole #18 is home to a 700' bomb that runs a good portion of the length of the back 9. Hole sits in a little valley bellow street level allowing spectators to watch an incoming group bomb out drives as they head back to the parking lot.
-
- Aboundance of wildlife; plenty of photo opportunities of all sorts of interesting Florida animals.
Cons:
- Parking lot is pretty small.
- Holes A,B,C can be difficult to find for players who haven't played the course before.
- Holes A,B,C can be difficult to find for players who haven't played the course before.
Other Thoughts:
- This course is in my Top 3 favorites and Top 5 in difficulty.
- It is not uncommon to see any of the local professionals playing here, some of the greatest in the world are from Clearwater.
- I would take a day trip from China to play this course. You could make 3 days out of this course or a whole week out of Pinellas County Disc Golf.
- It is not uncommon to see any of the local professionals playing here, some of the greatest in the world are from Clearwater.
- I would take a day trip from China to play this course. You could make 3 days out of this course or a whole week out of Pinellas County Disc Golf.
0
8
Rufio601
Experience:
14.9 years
5 played
3 reviews
Must Play Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 28, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
1. course was very well mapped.
2. Locals were very friendly.
3. lots of wide open fairways. great for new players.
4. For and advanced player lots of great bomb shots and water holes.
2. Locals were very friendly.
3. lots of wide open fairways. great for new players.
4. For and advanced player lots of great bomb shots and water holes.
Cons:
1. if you are new to disc golf even the AM pads are pretty difficult. make sure u bring extra disc for water holes.
2. There was a lot of trash in the streams and ponds. made it look a bit trashy.(needs more trash cans on holes)
2. There was a lot of trash in the streams and ponds. made it look a bit trashy.(needs more trash cans on holes)
Other Thoughts:
For me it was an all around great course. Lots of friendly ppl and gorgeous course. kinda feels like stepping back in time to old Seminole era.
definitely recommend playing this course to everyone.
definitely recommend playing this course to everyone.
2
4
manikwest
Experience:
13.9 years
7 played
2 reviews
Go big, or go home! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 18, 2011
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Alternate t pads, great baskets, elevation, alternate pin locations, home course of the champ. Exciting lay out. It has a little of everything! Forces you to take your shot management very seriously, and stretch out your arm. The course also builds up very nicely, few open and low ceiling shots in the first 9, and by hole 10 you are in a nice groove and ready to crush it over the water at the basket. The back half of the course plays much longer then the front half, almost like a completely different course.
Cons:
Heavily played, and worn course. Really needs some tlc. Many of the t signs are non existent, and the ones available are non-informative, and outdated. The practic basket sure could use some mulch around it. Last several times I played there there is a 10 foot circle if water around the basket.
Other Thoughts:
This course really needs an overhaul, not in terms of placement, or design. New signage, new pads, more benches, bag racks ect. Would really help this course live up to its legacy. My rating is given mainly due to.the awesome layout, and the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
2
2
Jones
Experience:
15.3 years
3 played
3 reviews
Bring you driver 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 17, 2009
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
My favorite disc store is only 2 miles away! - CLEARWATER DISC GOLF - This course has distance to say the least. I love the challenging water shots, especially #8. Each hole is interesting. Tee box's are long and wide.
Cons:
Some holes have benches, I wished they all did.
Other Thoughts:
Water is in play on several holes. There are a few bonus holes back by #16, but I haven't played them.
10
0
cocopop
Experience:
19.5 years
37 played
9 reviews
The alltime best got started here! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jan 10, 2009
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Well to mention the obvious, Ken Climo calls this course home! The biggest reward of playing here is the possability of playing a round with the MASTER. There isn't a better test of your skill than to go head to head with KC.
The course is well laid out and extremely well maintained. Long tees and tricky basket placement will challenge even the biggest arms. The front 9 plays on one side of the street and the back is on the other. Navigating the course is easy and the flow from basket to basket feels right. There are many wide open, long holes so you will find the opportunity to really unleash that new big arm driver without worry.
Locals really love the sport and they take pride in their course. Pick-up games are never a problem to find.
Oh Ya, one of the best disc golf stores in Florida is very close, They have any disc in any plastic you have ever heard of. Ask someone on the course for directions, it's less than 2 miles away.
The course is well laid out and extremely well maintained. Long tees and tricky basket placement will challenge even the biggest arms. The front 9 plays on one side of the street and the back is on the other. Navigating the course is easy and the flow from basket to basket feels right. There are many wide open, long holes so you will find the opportunity to really unleash that new big arm driver without worry.
Locals really love the sport and they take pride in their course. Pick-up games are never a problem to find.
Oh Ya, one of the best disc golf stores in Florida is very close, They have any disc in any plastic you have ever heard of. Ask someone on the course for directions, it's less than 2 miles away.
Cons:
Some of the holes back track on each other and overlap, so be aware of whats going on down your fairway. No facilities. It does have a porta potty and water fountain. My Gf Used the porta potty and made a comment about how clean it was, and THAT is a big compliment for her!! You can loose plastic here, but only if your throw gets away from you.
The only other thing is a minor one, there are very few short challenging holes. I'd like to see a couple to feed my Buzzz, but that's why you play Coachman.
There are gators here but no gaint man eaters, I've only seen a couple and they were less than 6ft long.
The only other thing is a minor one, there are very few short challenging holes. I'd like to see a couple to feed my Buzzz, but that's why you play Coachman.
There are gators here but no gaint man eaters, I've only seen a couple and they were less than 6ft long.
Other Thoughts:
The signature hole is 18. It measures out around 700ft. Me personally, I like 16 the most. It is a straight 500+ft shot across the lake. It feels great to pop one 350-400ft across to the fairway and is probably the most gratifying birdie you will ever get.
If you have a day to spend, checkout Coachman, it's right next door. It is a smaller more technical course, but a great challenge. Between the 2 courses, you will find a reason to use every disc and shot in your arsenal.
You simply cannot go to the Tampa area and not play this course!
If you have a day to spend, checkout Coachman, it's right next door. It is a smaller more technical course, but a great challenge. Between the 2 courses, you will find a reason to use every disc and shot in your arsenal.
You simply cannot go to the Tampa area and not play this course!
7
0
Marv Vega
Experience:
20.9 years
35 played
9 reviews
Great Pinellas Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jul 29, 2008
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Challenging water hazards require control on some holes and power on others, some holes require both. Good variety of holes both distance wise and placement wise. A couple of real long holes if you want to really air it out. Some holes have moderate foliage, others are wide open. Well groomed and taken care of. There's a portable toilet by the first hole.
Cons:
Challenging water hazards, make sure to bring a floater and a couple of spare drivers. A good degree of control and/or power is required to stay out the water on some of the holes, not real beginner friendly. Can be crowded and I did witness a fight there once, but overall everyone's nice and friendly. Easy place to lose a disc or two.
Other Thoughts:
A great course in Pinellas county. Water in play on most holes. Hole 10 goes right over the water, launch it if you have the arm, you can go around it otherwise. Hole 16 requires some strategy it's long at 500-600 ft. and you either have to shoot over a lake to get to the shoreline then follow it up or shoot over the lake to a peninsula and then shoot again over the lake to get near the basket. If you need to pick up a disc beforehand or wish to replace a donated one afterward,The Clearwater Disc Golf Store is located about a mile or 2 away on the north-east corner of Hwy 19 and Sunset Point Road. Take Hwy 19 north to the Sunset point road exit and it's in the stripmall, they have thousands of discs available at great prices.
4
5
DiscGolfCenter.com
Experience:
27.7 years
112 played
5 reviews
Alligators and Sharks(Pros)! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jul 29, 2008
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Lots of variety with plenty of water. Rewards shot making and good decision making. Parts of the course are in the woods and others are out in the open. Water comes into play on many holes. One of the very best courses in Florida.
Cons:
Look out for alligators!
Other Thoughts:
A must play, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Disney/Orlando.
16
0
Water, Water Everywhere! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 29, 2007
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Landscape, design, flora and fauna, water, water, water.
Cons:
Some people would say water, water, water.
Other Thoughts:
Although this course is not as challenging as DeLaveaga or Patapsco, and lacks any elevation change at all, it's definitely one of my favorites - every time I play it is great. The water and accompanying bird and animal life, the great collection of live oak trees, the layout and space, the fact that it's very well maintained, the variety of challenges, and the nice long teepads all make this course one I can't wait to play again.
Cliff Stephens features well-marked pro and amateur teepads. In a complete reversal from the local custom here in Richmond, locals seemed to play almost exclusively from the pro tees here, making the course much longer. I first played from the amateur tees, however, making the course a solid par-3 course. Playing from the pro tees makes this a somewhat long, tough course, though not extraordinarily so.
This course is easy to follow and plays mostly in the open, though trees factor on nearly every hole. Most holes feature multiple basket placements that vary the course just a bit, but not extensively. This course is laid out much like a ball golf course, with a front nine coming back to the parking lot and the back nine on the opposite side of the road, but also ending up back near the parking lot. This course is also laid out over a fair amount of space, considering the three lakes/canals that are within the park, but is not particularly long.
But the big thing about Cliff Stephens is the water. Water comes directly into play on at least eight holes (and can take a severely errant drive or unlucky putt on a few others), and it's easy to lose your disc. A couple of holes require drives of good length to stay out of the water (though the amateur tees offer more forgiving options), and a few others require you to hold your line to stay out of the water. I think playing among the lakes is beautiful and challenging, but not everybody likes the water obstacles, and it makes Cliff Stephens a tough course for beginning players (but the area offers several courses perfect for beginners, so...). I believe the water makes this course one of the most interesting and beautiful I've played, and the lost discs are well worth the price of admission (though I have lost some good ones out there).
Cliff Stephens is a great course, definitely the best in the Tampa Bay area. The setting should dazzle anyone and playing from the pro tees will challenge anyone.
Favorite Hole - #10 - 90% of fairway is over a beautiful lake, with basket just on the other side.
Cliff Stephens features well-marked pro and amateur teepads. In a complete reversal from the local custom here in Richmond, locals seemed to play almost exclusively from the pro tees here, making the course much longer. I first played from the amateur tees, however, making the course a solid par-3 course. Playing from the pro tees makes this a somewhat long, tough course, though not extraordinarily so.
This course is easy to follow and plays mostly in the open, though trees factor on nearly every hole. Most holes feature multiple basket placements that vary the course just a bit, but not extensively. This course is laid out much like a ball golf course, with a front nine coming back to the parking lot and the back nine on the opposite side of the road, but also ending up back near the parking lot. This course is also laid out over a fair amount of space, considering the three lakes/canals that are within the park, but is not particularly long.
But the big thing about Cliff Stephens is the water. Water comes directly into play on at least eight holes (and can take a severely errant drive or unlucky putt on a few others), and it's easy to lose your disc. A couple of holes require drives of good length to stay out of the water (though the amateur tees offer more forgiving options), and a few others require you to hold your line to stay out of the water. I think playing among the lakes is beautiful and challenging, but not everybody likes the water obstacles, and it makes Cliff Stephens a tough course for beginning players (but the area offers several courses perfect for beginners, so...). I believe the water makes this course one of the most interesting and beautiful I've played, and the lost discs are well worth the price of admission (though I have lost some good ones out there).
Cliff Stephens is a great course, definitely the best in the Tampa Bay area. The setting should dazzle anyone and playing from the pro tees will challenge anyone.
Favorite Hole - #10 - 90% of fairway is over a beautiful lake, with basket just on the other side.
