Disc Side of Heaven - Rec. reviews
15
0
Fun and Challenging. Don't let the name fool you. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 25, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
Don't let the name fool you!
This place is heavenly. That part of the course name is perfect. The Recreation part of the name does not accurately describe this course. This is not some tiny pitch and putt "rec" course you play with your putter, this is a five disc experience providing plenty of challenge for players of all skill levels. I played this course as part of a six state disc golf road trip. The course was in top condition on my visit in late April.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.
Four sets of tees
Yes, there are four sets of tees! Ok, they are not concrete, but they all get the job done - fantastically. The Blue tees are the longest and offer the most challenge, the white tees are the largest and most developed and have the tee signs. The Red pads are forward of the white and often take the dog legs out of play. Further up the fairway are the Green tees, marked by green stakes.
Two Nines
Since Holes 1 and 10 start from the parking area, you can choose to play either nine first. Two nines provide the opportunity to use the facilities or grab extra water and snacks from your car during the round. I think this is a very smart design feature for all courses, but especially long, hilly courses like this. It is nice not having to carry everything I need for the entire round.
Tee Signs
The white tees have accurate tee signs with full color graphics. All four tees are shown on the sign as well as directions to the next tee. There are navigational signs where needed. Always greatly appreciate courses that invest in excellent signage and I think it is a must for private pay to play courses.
Plenty of Challenge for Experienced Players
Despite have the word Rec in the name, DSOH was one of the most beautiful and challenging disc golf courses I have ever played. It offers a variety of holes. Some are wooded while others are open. There is also a lot of elevation in play and it is smartly used. While the Blue tees provide plenty of challenge for experienced players, new players and youngsters can play from the forward tees. If you need to play something longer, there is a top rated Championship steps away from this one.
Great Trees and Great Beauty
While it is in the city limits, you feel miles away in the countryside. The property has amazingly large old growth trees throughout the course adding to the natural beauty of this private gem. Thanks to the owner for opening his private land for the enjoyment of disc golfers. I wish I had a course like this near where I lived.
Private Pay to Play Course
There is a small fee to play this fun yet challenging course. This helps to pay for gas for the mowers and portable restrooms for the players. There is a small pro shop on site which also had some custom stamped souvenir discs for sale. Please be polite and respectful and make proper arrangements for your visit. Owner is very friendly and accommodating.
Exclusively Disc Golf
One of the many benefits of playing a private disc golf course. This beautiful piece of heaven is reserved exclusively for disc golf. No need to worry about picnickers, joggers or dog walkers on the fairway. This makes for an enjoyable and relaxing round of disc golf.
This Course needs a new name
While this course is perfect for Recreational players, it is not what I would call a "Recreational" course. I would rename it the "Challenger Course" or the "Color Course". These names would pair with the Championship course on site and be a more accurate description of what to expect.
Solo rounds
I played the course by myself from the blue tees and didn't have any problems with navigation or lost discs. The excellent tee signs and navigation signs made it easy to follow. When I played the tees, signs and course were all in top condition. It was very clean and the grass was mowed.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
No to strollers and no to carts. There are too many elevation changes and rugged terrain to traverse while playing the course. It would be too much work to haul a cart up and down these hills. Kids and family can play along from the green tees. Kids will use a ton of energy climbing up and down these hills.
Restrooms
The course offers clean and well maintained portables in the parking area and pro shop. Easy to access from tees 1 and 10.
Pack it in - Pack it out
The course is very clean. I didn't see any trash or cigarette butts anywhere. Please be respectful and take your trash and butts with you. The owner has provided trash cans in the parking area next to the pro shop.
Bugs and Poison Ivy
Although there were no bugs or biting things when I played, players should bring repellent during bug season. I don't recall seeing any poison ivy.
Additional 18 Hole Championship Course on site
If the Rec course isn't long enough for your big arm, the Championship Course is steps away. I wish I could have played the Championship Course, but after playing this "Rec" course, I am convinced I played the best course for me on that day. I did get a peek at the Championship Course. You can step over and view the tee for Hole 18 Champ Course while you are on Tee 12 Rec course. Wow! That is definitely a long hole! It was easy to understand why I couldn't play this course on my visit as the grass on the Champ course was easily hip high. It would be very easy to lose discs playing in those conditions.
This place is heavenly. That part of the course name is perfect. The Recreation part of the name does not accurately describe this course. This is not some tiny pitch and putt "rec" course you play with your putter, this is a five disc experience providing plenty of challenge for players of all skill levels. I played this course as part of a six state disc golf road trip. The course was in top condition on my visit in late April.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.
Four sets of tees
Yes, there are four sets of tees! Ok, they are not concrete, but they all get the job done - fantastically. The Blue tees are the longest and offer the most challenge, the white tees are the largest and most developed and have the tee signs. The Red pads are forward of the white and often take the dog legs out of play. Further up the fairway are the Green tees, marked by green stakes.
Two Nines
Since Holes 1 and 10 start from the parking area, you can choose to play either nine first. Two nines provide the opportunity to use the facilities or grab extra water and snacks from your car during the round. I think this is a very smart design feature for all courses, but especially long, hilly courses like this. It is nice not having to carry everything I need for the entire round.
Tee Signs
The white tees have accurate tee signs with full color graphics. All four tees are shown on the sign as well as directions to the next tee. There are navigational signs where needed. Always greatly appreciate courses that invest in excellent signage and I think it is a must for private pay to play courses.
Plenty of Challenge for Experienced Players
Despite have the word Rec in the name, DSOH was one of the most beautiful and challenging disc golf courses I have ever played. It offers a variety of holes. Some are wooded while others are open. There is also a lot of elevation in play and it is smartly used. While the Blue tees provide plenty of challenge for experienced players, new players and youngsters can play from the forward tees. If you need to play something longer, there is a top rated Championship steps away from this one.
Great Trees and Great Beauty
While it is in the city limits, you feel miles away in the countryside. The property has amazingly large old growth trees throughout the course adding to the natural beauty of this private gem. Thanks to the owner for opening his private land for the enjoyment of disc golfers. I wish I had a course like this near where I lived.
Private Pay to Play Course
There is a small fee to play this fun yet challenging course. This helps to pay for gas for the mowers and portable restrooms for the players. There is a small pro shop on site which also had some custom stamped souvenir discs for sale. Please be polite and respectful and make proper arrangements for your visit. Owner is very friendly and accommodating.
Exclusively Disc Golf
One of the many benefits of playing a private disc golf course. This beautiful piece of heaven is reserved exclusively for disc golf. No need to worry about picnickers, joggers or dog walkers on the fairway. This makes for an enjoyable and relaxing round of disc golf.
This Course needs a new name
While this course is perfect for Recreational players, it is not what I would call a "Recreational" course. I would rename it the "Challenger Course" or the "Color Course". These names would pair with the Championship course on site and be a more accurate description of what to expect.
Solo rounds
I played the course by myself from the blue tees and didn't have any problems with navigation or lost discs. The excellent tee signs and navigation signs made it easy to follow. When I played the tees, signs and course were all in top condition. It was very clean and the grass was mowed.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
No to strollers and no to carts. There are too many elevation changes and rugged terrain to traverse while playing the course. It would be too much work to haul a cart up and down these hills. Kids and family can play along from the green tees. Kids will use a ton of energy climbing up and down these hills.
Restrooms
The course offers clean and well maintained portables in the parking area and pro shop. Easy to access from tees 1 and 10.
Pack it in - Pack it out
The course is very clean. I didn't see any trash or cigarette butts anywhere. Please be respectful and take your trash and butts with you. The owner has provided trash cans in the parking area next to the pro shop.
Bugs and Poison Ivy
Although there were no bugs or biting things when I played, players should bring repellent during bug season. I don't recall seeing any poison ivy.
Additional 18 Hole Championship Course on site
If the Rec course isn't long enough for your big arm, the Championship Course is steps away. I wish I could have played the Championship Course, but after playing this "Rec" course, I am convinced I played the best course for me on that day. I did get a peek at the Championship Course. You can step over and view the tee for Hole 18 Champ Course while you are on Tee 12 Rec course. Wow! That is definitely a long hole! It was easy to understand why I couldn't play this course on my visit as the grass on the Champ course was easily hip high. It would be very easy to lose discs playing in those conditions.
Cons:
Needs a New Name
This is not a "Rec" course. This course should be renamed the Challenger Course or the Colors Course to pair with the Championship Course on site and be a more accurate description of what players can expect.
This is not a "Rec" course. This course should be renamed the Challenger Course or the Colors Course to pair with the Championship Course on site and be a more accurate description of what players can expect.
Other Thoughts:
Private Property
Please be mindful this course is located private property. Remember that a fellow disc golfer has opened his property for your enjoyment. Please be polite and respectful and make proper arrangements for your visit. Owner is very friendly and accommodating.
Traveling through Arkansas
I stopped in Jonesboro on a road trip covering 6 states. On this day I drove from Mississippi through Arkansas to Branson, Missouri. This was a very scenic route through Arkansas. I was surprised how beautiful it was. I enjoyed the drive as well as my visit to DSOH..
Five discs by any other name
I have to rate this "Rec" course a five. It has all the amenities I would expect from a five disc course. It rates a definite five for fun, challenge and variety. It offers extreme elevation changes, demands a wide variety of shots and includes four sets of tees. It offers appropriate challenges for all skill levels. It has accurate signs and it is easy to navigate. Throw in the natural Arkansas beauty and the incredible large growth trees and it really is Disc Side of Heaven. Other than the name, I honestly can't think of anything that could be done to improve this course, so it should get the highest rating possible.
Please be mindful this course is located private property. Remember that a fellow disc golfer has opened his property for your enjoyment. Please be polite and respectful and make proper arrangements for your visit. Owner is very friendly and accommodating.
Traveling through Arkansas
I stopped in Jonesboro on a road trip covering 6 states. On this day I drove from Mississippi through Arkansas to Branson, Missouri. This was a very scenic route through Arkansas. I was surprised how beautiful it was. I enjoyed the drive as well as my visit to DSOH..
Five discs by any other name
I have to rate this "Rec" course a five. It has all the amenities I would expect from a five disc course. It rates a definite five for fun, challenge and variety. It offers extreme elevation changes, demands a wide variety of shots and includes four sets of tees. It offers appropriate challenges for all skill levels. It has accurate signs and it is easy to navigate. Throw in the natural Arkansas beauty and the incredible large growth trees and it really is Disc Side of Heaven. Other than the name, I honestly can't think of anything that could be done to improve this course, so it should get the highest rating possible.
