Pros:
- private course you will generally have all to yourself
- very well maintained course with no notable upkeep issues
- 3 tees per hole, more so for shot variety than major differences in skill level
- Innova DISCatcher baskets in great shape
- excellent use of next tee signs throughout course (one of the best I've seen)
- benches at some holes
- course map at beginning of course
- cabin available for rent on property
- front 9 has some good technical challenge, while back 9 has more length
- some decent elevation change on front 9, and some truly great elevation change on back 9
- great all around use of the land available
- lots of cool exposed rocks add to the "dinosaur valley" feel and unique attributes of course
- small creek on back 9 adds a water hazard, although it was dry in December
- dedicated disc golf space with virtually no safety hazards
- very forgiving undergrowth makes it easy to find discs
- more improvements to come in the future
Cons:
- natural tees, some of which can be uneven
- tee signs are pretty primitive and only show number and distance
- in the middle of nowhere (aren't a lot of the best courses?)
- some players may consider the front 9 too short
Other Thoughts:
I made arrangements with Sean (owner) in advance to play Dinosaur Valley when I drove through Oklahoma, and I'm so glad I did. This course is a hidden gem not many people have played. This is such a cool, unique course and you wouldn't even know it's there. The front 9 is short, but has enough technical challenge that I really enjoyed it (and it was nice after already playing 45 holes earlier in the day). The back 9 really cranks up the challenge with longer holes and major elevation change in places. It's a great use of the available space.
I really don't have many cons here. The natural tees aren't ideal, but given it's a private course it's understandable. Holes 12, 14, and 17 had concrete tees, so there may be more in the future. As long as you can deal with some rougher, uneven tees, it's worth it for the fun of this course. It's pretty isolated, but I find so many of the good courses are, so you just have to be willing to make the journey.
There are small dinosaurs interspersed throughout the course, as well as a large metal sculpture of one near the middle. There's also a lot of Texas-themed decoration. The course is in Oklahoma, but I have to wonder if the owner is a Texan. Look for the Texas armadillo.
The one safety hazard I noted was that the walk to hole 18 crosses the hole 11 fairway. Given how limited the course use is, it's a very minor issue, but something to pay attention to. I really enjoyed hole 16, while is a shot crisscrossing over a creek with lots of OB water hazards and a pseudo-island landing by the basket.
I loved all of the elevation change, the exclusivity of the opportunity to play the course, and how quiet everything was. The fairways are well maintained and the next tee signs are next level. I've never seen a course in over 100 played that had the navigation documented as well as this one, which is really appreciated on a course you've never played.
Amenities were a little lacking, which you'd kind of expect given what this course is - not much in the way of garbage cans, no restrooms (unless you're renting the cabin), etc. Just something to be aware of.
This may be my favorite course I played on my trip to Texas and Oklahoma. While Selah Ranch is way more well known and revered, I think I had the most fun at Dinosaur Valley. It's clear Sean has put a lot of effort and passion into this course and it's undoubtedly produced enjoyment for many people. Sean did also hint to me that he's acquired more land and there may be another course on this property in the future - making the cabin rental onsite even more appealing if you're so inclined. Dinosaur Valley is definitely worth the trip.