Girdwood DGC exists in the midst of stately old growth forrest. Fairways that don't seem any longer than these trees are tall. The mountains stand on the horizons behind the trees helping to frame this marvelous landscape. I was there on a Wednesday morning, and was practically the only one there other than the park host and one other visitor. Even in August, the morning shade of the huge trees was pretty chilly. I had to stay moving to prevent shivers and chattering teeth. Bring a sweat shirt if you are getting there early, or have trouble keeping warm.

The course is fun, and has good DISCatcher baskets. 18 holes that are all par 3, and mostly short to medium length. The fairways slip between the trunks of giant trees. As long as you can place drives near the center of the fairly generous windows, dropping in a few birdie putts should be achievable. Plays fast and easy just as long as you don't have to search for the next hole for too long.

The grounds are pretty much completely flat, and no water lurking to swallow up errant throws. The rough is not as thick as most of the other courses I visited in Alaska. The park is pretty cool, and has several other recreational activities like baseball and volleyball.

The layout is a little funky. Definitely make sure you have the course map handy. There are not tee signs marking the start of several holes. Natural tee boxes are decent, but concrete, rubber or turf would be nice. Several of the fairways play across trails, or other parts of the park that may be full of people on nice weekend days or holidays. While the throws are fun and traverse terrific scenery, the course isn't incredibly challenging.

Reading the directions is a bit confusing, and Google Maps didn't make it obvious I was heading to the right place. It really is pretty easy to find though and the directions make sense when you find you destination. The intersection does have the two street signs that are indicated, though the streets aren't obvious. Quirky but it worked for me.

I liked Girdwood DGC a lot. Seeing the sunrise over the mountains as I drove alongside the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet is one of the most beautiful sights that I have witnessed in my lifetime. Maybe it was the haze from wildfire smoke, or just good timing, but the blazing pink sky reflecting off of the water managed to make the mountains look even more majestic.

The course isn't an all time favorite. It doesn't have any holes I would remember as signature shots. Still, it is a very special place, and worth taking a short trip to see if you have the opportunity. A great course for the player that is new to the game and learning the basics.

I was one shot under par on my only round played at Girdwood. Four birdies and three bogies. If you are balling out you could easily go bogey free and post a really nice score on this one.