Serene woods setting

Elk Creek is a long woods course. Only two of the 18 holes play in the open; the other 16 are in thick woods. And 15 of these 16 fairways are what my hiking guidebook would describe as "single track;" only wide enough to walk single file. Yet many are 350 feet plus, and on the back nine several holes feature long doglegs. So this course is good for those seeking remote arboreal serenity, and who like that extra bit of punishment in their disc golf experience.

While the course starts off in the open with nice concrete teepads and a good sign, hole #2 goes in the woods and you don't come back out until #16. All of the holes except #1 have natural tee pads (pro and am, some with three tees) and many of the holes do not have signs either. I suppose this course is still a bit of a work in progress. Following the course is easy though; just follow the only trail away from the basket, and while you can't see the basket from many of the tees, just throw in the only direction that seems even remotely feasible. The course takes full advantage of the many gullies and hills, and features several holes where the fairway (such as it is) traverses a deep declivity with the basket placed out of sight and over the rise on the far side.

Like many Virginia woods courses, Elk Creek demands a solid control game, and unless you can throw it straight and far the sound and pinball effect of your drives hitting wood will plague your round here. But it's far from a pitch and putt, and adds the challenge of needing control on downhill and uphill holes too. This course will challenge even the best players.

Favorite Hole - #11, Steep downhill shot across deep streambed and back up to protected basket.