Gordon Barnett Park - North reviews
1
2
knightmare0101
Experience:
11.9 years
14 played
4 reviews
Tricky course with novel shots 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 21, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
Tricky and plenty long from the back tees. Some tee shots require odd angles or touch, especially number 8 and number 18.
Cons:
Take plenty of water because it can get brutally hot in the summer. Also, sometimes it's difficult to find the next tee box. Grab a map at the pro shop.
12
0
Decent Community Park Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 29, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
Gordon Barnett Park was very easy to get to and sits in a well maintained community park. There are a vairety of fairways available at this course, from open holes, to fairways dotted with trees, to tighter holes surrounded by dense vegetation. Where available, this course makes good use of elevation and water OB and forces some thought regarding your throw. The fairways at the North course feature many different playing surfaces including sand, grass, and combinations in between. Hole #15 is one standout as it features a gradually inclining fairway with a sparse wall of trees midway through the hole. The trees aren't so close as to make it impossible to get a throw through, but the head game played by these trees is much more challenging. The real piece de resistance is hole #18. This hole requires a precision drive across a pond to a true island green, surrounded by water OB on all sides. It's both a beautiful hole and quite challenging.
Another way that variety is factored into this course is with multiple tees and a moving basket. The multiple tees give you different playing options each time you play and the moving pin position gives you entirely different playing options over time.
The hand-crafted tee signs were helpful in seeing the fairway shape, expected lines, distance, and par.
Other park ammenities are available onsite (bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.).
Another way that variety is factored into this course is with multiple tees and a moving basket. The multiple tees give you different playing options each time you play and the moving pin position gives you entirely different playing options over time.
The hand-crafted tee signs were helpful in seeing the fairway shape, expected lines, distance, and par.
Other park ammenities are available onsite (bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.).
Cons:
Saftey is a concern in heavily-used parks and this course plays close to several other public areas, increasing the chances of an innocent bystander being injured by an "off" throw.
Despite having multiple tees, there wasn't much variation in hole length and no indicator to show which position the basket was in. Additionally, there were a few blind baskets where the entire length of the fairway would need to be traversed to determine the basket location/position. Hole #8 didn't make much sense as there was no real fairway or direct line to the basket. Even an "up and over" shot was limited due to long-hanging branches. Hole #6 is tricky as the fairway borders a fence. A turned over drive on this hole spells trouble as there are risks and dangers involved with hopping a fence to get your disc.
Navigation was a little off at times. In one instance, a long walk around a football field was required to get to the next tee. In other instances, the next tee isn't too obvious and a confusing walk can ensue.
Holes on the fringes of the park weren't all that well maintained and had high grass and other dense foliage surrounding the fairway.
Despite having multiple tees, there wasn't much variation in hole length and no indicator to show which position the basket was in. Additionally, there were a few blind baskets where the entire length of the fairway would need to be traversed to determine the basket location/position. Hole #8 didn't make much sense as there was no real fairway or direct line to the basket. Even an "up and over" shot was limited due to long-hanging branches. Hole #6 is tricky as the fairway borders a fence. A turned over drive on this hole spells trouble as there are risks and dangers involved with hopping a fence to get your disc.
Navigation was a little off at times. In one instance, a long walk around a football field was required to get to the next tee. In other instances, the next tee isn't too obvious and a confusing walk can ensue.
Holes on the fringes of the park weren't all that well maintained and had high grass and other dense foliage surrounding the fairway.
Other Thoughts:
As parks go, the complex at Gordon Barnett Park is amazing and includes BMX, paintball (yeah, paintball), playgrounds, a gym, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, golf greens, and on and on. Given all these ammenities, it's no surprise that you'd find not one, but two disc golf courses on site.
The other course onsite (Parkside) seemed to be a slight notch above the North course with the North course rating hovering juat above 3.25. That said, there just doesn't seem to be enough noteworthy holes or course attributes to pull the North course up to 3.5, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I would still recommend this course to anyone that is in the Orlando area and is looking for a place to throw. Granted, the Turkey Lake courses aren't too far down the road, but with two decent courses in one spot Gordon Barnett Park is an option to consider while in central FL.
The other course onsite (Parkside) seemed to be a slight notch above the North course with the North course rating hovering juat above 3.25. That said, there just doesn't seem to be enough noteworthy holes or course attributes to pull the North course up to 3.5, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I would still recommend this course to anyone that is in the Orlando area and is looking for a place to throw. Granted, the Turkey Lake courses aren't too far down the road, but with two decent courses in one spot Gordon Barnett Park is an option to consider while in central FL.
9
0
discRabbit
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
24.9 years
1136 played
136 reviews
Big Brother 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jan 23, 2011
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
he North course is the bigger, slightly badder brother of the two full eighteens at Gordon Barnett. While Parkside might have a little more maintenance and beauty, the North course makes up for this with more punishing rough, tighter lines, more elevation, and a really scary finishing water hole.
Replay-ability: Like Parkside, the North course ranks high on the replay meter largely because there is a second eighteen hole course on site meaning that you'll probably only be playing half of your rounds here when you visit. Multiple pins also help add to a solid replay score.
Challenge: As mentioned above, the North course offers a nice bump in challenge compared with Parkside. The rough on many of the back holes consists of very thick shrubs, low palm bushes, and small trees - all of these mean that you'll have to think about how safe your proposed shot is or risk landing in a zone where par is nearly impossible. This is in sharp contrast to the Parkside course where even bad drives can easily escape via relatively easy approach shots for pars. This isn't the course for the newer player but I think would likely make for a better place for the up-and-coming player to really challenge their game. When you throw a poor shot, you'll get feedback from the course and will have to make improvements - you'll also have to hit tighter windows if you want birdies.
The other 'pro's' of this course are again a contrast to most of those on the Parkside course. The North course is a little less traveled by non-disc golfers on the front side, but does get a little busy near the end. Also, there is a bit more thinking off the tee due to some increased risk on some of the tee shots. There are a few areas, especially for the first-timer, where you might be thinking a layup and easy par might be yield better overall scores than trying to gamble for a birdie.
Replay-ability: Like Parkside, the North course ranks high on the replay meter largely because there is a second eighteen hole course on site meaning that you'll probably only be playing half of your rounds here when you visit. Multiple pins also help add to a solid replay score.
Challenge: As mentioned above, the North course offers a nice bump in challenge compared with Parkside. The rough on many of the back holes consists of very thick shrubs, low palm bushes, and small trees - all of these mean that you'll have to think about how safe your proposed shot is or risk landing in a zone where par is nearly impossible. This is in sharp contrast to the Parkside course where even bad drives can easily escape via relatively easy approach shots for pars. This isn't the course for the newer player but I think would likely make for a better place for the up-and-coming player to really challenge their game. When you throw a poor shot, you'll get feedback from the course and will have to make improvements - you'll also have to hit tighter windows if you want birdies.
The other 'pro's' of this course are again a contrast to most of those on the Parkside course. The North course is a little less traveled by non-disc golfers on the front side, but does get a little busy near the end. Also, there is a bit more thinking off the tee due to some increased risk on some of the tee shots. There are a few areas, especially for the first-timer, where you might be thinking a layup and easy par might be yield better overall scores than trying to gamble for a birdie.
Cons:
Navigation: As several others have mentioned, this course can be quite a bit more tricky to navigate. Especially in the middle portion of the course, you'll likely need to walk around a bit to figure out where the next tees are and to figure out where several of the blind baskets are located.
Other than that, it would be nice to see a few multiple-shot par four (or five) holes interspersed in this layout but it seems like space constraints would make this quite difficult. The designers have done a really nice job creating a course with lots of variety so this is really to explain my rating more than detract from the course.
Other than that, it would be nice to see a few multiple-shot par four (or five) holes interspersed in this layout but it seems like space constraints would make this quite difficult. The designers have done a really nice job creating a course with lots of variety so this is really to explain my rating more than detract from the course.
Other Thoughts:
While I really enjoyed Parkside as a more 'complete' course, I found a few of my favorite holes on the North course. There are a few really excellent tight woodsy holes that are quite challenging and of course, a heart-thumping water hole finish. Overall, if you are bringing the family or newer players, take on the Parkside course first but if you are in the mood for more of a challenge, try out the North course from the longs and hit up Parkside for a cool-down round.
If you need to make a stop at the pro shop, make sure to hit it up while you are on the Parkside course because once you start on the North, you likely won't be back until you hit the finishing eighteenth (which is perfect because after playing 18, you might need new plastic!).
If you need to make a stop at the pro shop, make sure to hit it up while you are on the Parkside course because once you start on the North, you likely won't be back until you hit the finishing eighteenth (which is perfect because after playing 18, you might need new plastic!).
14
1
Not as good as Parkside 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 15, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
As stated in my review of the Parkside course there is something here for everyone at any age to do. Below is a list of the amenities.
BMX track
Paintball
Multiple covered playgrounds
Lake for fishing
Gymnasium
Skate Park
Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Basketball
Boat ramp
Dog park
Golf practice area
Baseball and Softball fields
All of this plus two disc golf courses and it's all FREE!! There is a well stocked pro shop with pretty decent prices and uber clean bathrooms. There is also a bamboo retrieval device by the bathrooms which could easily come in handy when playing the signature island hole 18. There are several benches and trash cans scattered throughout; although there are more on the Parkside course. Multiple pin positions on every hole with some have two sets of tee pads. Yellow painted wingnuts mark the current pin positions. There is a good amount of water that comes into play. OB is also utilized quite well. The concrete tees are good sized and in good shape. A good mix of shots/hole and elevation change makes up for the huge lack of signage. There are no Next Tee arrows painted on the poles like there was on the other course. The baskets are color coded and numbered which helps as sever holes have close or crossing fairways. Away from most park activities.
BMX track
Paintball
Multiple covered playgrounds
Lake for fishing
Gymnasium
Skate Park
Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Basketball
Boat ramp
Dog park
Golf practice area
Baseball and Softball fields
All of this plus two disc golf courses and it's all FREE!! There is a well stocked pro shop with pretty decent prices and uber clean bathrooms. There is also a bamboo retrieval device by the bathrooms which could easily come in handy when playing the signature island hole 18. There are several benches and trash cans scattered throughout; although there are more on the Parkside course. Multiple pin positions on every hole with some have two sets of tee pads. Yellow painted wingnuts mark the current pin positions. There is a good amount of water that comes into play. OB is also utilized quite well. The concrete tees are good sized and in good shape. A good mix of shots/hole and elevation change makes up for the huge lack of signage. There are no Next Tee arrows painted on the poles like there was on the other course. The baskets are color coded and numbered which helps as sever holes have close or crossing fairways. Away from most park activities.
Cons:
Even with a map it is easy to get turned around or lost. There are several very close or crossing fairways. As with the Parkside course there are a ton of ant hills. The signs were bent/rusting on at least half of the holes. The walks in between the holes aren't marked well and get quite narrow at times. The layout looks like it was mushed in to areas where they couldn't put anything else. Hole eight for an example has the basket tucked into a bunch of trees and palms with no real path to it (I know a lot of other reviewers liked it, but I just felt as if it was a filler hole). Multiple holes are close to fields and/or roads and would make playing on a busy day tricky.
Other Thoughts:
All in all a good course, but it wasn't as much fun for me as Parkside.
8
0
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Mar 8, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
This course had several very fun holes. There is a Pro Shop with a nice selection of discs and maps are available as well. Elevation was used where it was available. The terrain changes from dirt, to grass, to sand often.
Other Pros:
- multiple tees
- variety (turns, distances, obstacles/ open)
- water hazards (lake and gullies)
- 2 courses on 1 park
- challenging: fairways can be tough but fair
- easy to navigate with next tee signs when needed
Other Pros:
- multiple tees
- variety (turns, distances, obstacles/ open)
- water hazards (lake and gullies)
- 2 courses on 1 park
- challenging: fairways can be tough but fair
- easy to navigate with next tee signs when needed
Cons:
It is a busy park with many other activities going on.
Other Cons:
- almost stepped on a snake
- rough areas are thick and pointy
Other Cons:
- almost stepped on a snake
- rough areas are thick and pointy
Other Thoughts:
My favorite holes were 8 and 18. 8 has a 90 degree turn into a beautiful area tucked in the woods, and 18 is the island shot.
We got a little confused pulling into the park, the GPS brought us to the backside of the park where there was no parking. Here is the phone number on the map I got so you might find it easier: 321-276-3681. Park hours are 8am- 8pm. I hope to play here again.
We got a little confused pulling into the park, the GPS brought us to the backside of the park where there was no parking. Here is the phone number on the map I got so you might find it easier: 321-276-3681. Park hours are 8am- 8pm. I hope to play here again.
0
5
slavedriverx2
Experience:
17.2 years
14 played
3 reviews
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 13, 2010
Played the course:once
Pros:
nice and open but not to open i really like the curves you have to take to get to the tees
Cons:
the courses are together and not real clearly marked
Other Thoughts:
i like how the tress are kept kind of thined out so that you can find the disk when they do go in
15
0
Something for Every DG Taste in Orlando 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Mar 3, 2007
Played the course:once
Pros:
Well maintained course, layout and design, varied trees.
Other Thoughts:
Set in in well maintained city park, Gordon Barnett Park is a worthwhile disc golf experience in a typical Florida setting. Barnett Park has two distinct 18-hole courses, both par 3 for the most part. Overall, both courses feature nice, open, well mown fairways with a good collection of oaks, pines, and palmetto to make most holes sufficiently challenging. A canal running through the park comes into play on a few holes also. The North Course adds the challenge of some unforgiving Florida woods holes, and finishes with a classic water hole.
North Course - the second 18 at Barnett is a little more diverse and challenging than the older Parkside Course, but is also still a bit of a work in progress. The first three holes and the last four or five are perfectly picturesque disc golf holes, with nice signs and concrete teepads, playing over and around a perfectly manicured hill (rare in Florida), and long enough to be interesting. The rest of the holes on this course, however, have been carved out of a stand of Florida woods, so thick with trees, undergrowth, and salt bush, and unforgiving. It's easy to lose a disc on this part of the course, and errors are much more difficult to recover from. The finishing hole on the North Course is a Florida classic, a 300 ft. drive to an island green. Many people lose their discs here I'm sure, but it's worth a try.
Overall, the Parkside Course is better for beginners, and for those that prefer to grip and rip rather than play a bit of a control game. But the North Course is a little more varied and challenging, and does feature four or five just picture perfect disc golf holes. Something for everybody at Barnett Park.
North Course - the second 18 at Barnett is a little more diverse and challenging than the older Parkside Course, but is also still a bit of a work in progress. The first three holes and the last four or five are perfectly picturesque disc golf holes, with nice signs and concrete teepads, playing over and around a perfectly manicured hill (rare in Florida), and long enough to be interesting. The rest of the holes on this course, however, have been carved out of a stand of Florida woods, so thick with trees, undergrowth, and salt bush, and unforgiving. It's easy to lose a disc on this part of the course, and errors are much more difficult to recover from. The finishing hole on the North Course is a Florida classic, a 300 ft. drive to an island green. Many people lose their discs here I'm sure, but it's worth a try.
Overall, the Parkside Course is better for beginners, and for those that prefer to grip and rip rather than play a bit of a control game. But the North Course is a little more varied and challenging, and does feature four or five just picture perfect disc golf holes. Something for everybody at Barnett Park.
