Harmony Bends is a gorgeous disc GOLF course with great variety that provides a difficult, yet fair challenge to ALL skill levels due to three well-conceived and implemented sets of tees.

The course terrain is optimal for disc golf with plenty of mature trees and elevation changes. The design makes excellent use of these resources to provide a very enjoyable walk through the woods and spot-on fair challenge.

The course is very well balanced in terms of scoring requirements. Course management wells heavily as does shot-shaping and controlled power. There are also quite a few holes where risk/reward "on the green" is greater than the typical course.

For a challenging wooded course the routes are not too tight, but are just right and fair. The older, wider trees are excellent, fair hazards are there are very few tiny "plinko" trees that take away from some wooded courses.

Some notable holes:
Hole 1 provides a moderately challenging par 5. It has a gorgeous look and really invites players in to a very special disc golf experience and challenge.

Hole 2 offers a fair challenge off the tee to set up a very picturesque second shot into this moderately long par 4. The basket is perched up a hill and nicely framed by a rock wall and steep drop-off. Depending on the quality of the drive, the second shot can vary from a scary "must-get" to a very scary risk/reward opportunity.

Hole 8 is a shortish par 3 up a steep hill with basket beautifully framed on a plateau near the steep drop-off. Putts from outside of the circle can really test player's nerves here. The basket location is very fair, however, in that it's flat in the five meter circle with little chance of unfair roll-aways.

Hole 10 is one of the signature holes. The par 5 offers two windows for the tee shot off a tall hill to two distinct routes. Players can execute really fun tee shots here or have their errant throws punished setting the stage for a memorable hole.

On a course with many options, hole 12 is unique in being a wickedly tight, straight 300ish footer. This shot is quite tough, while being fair and provides a nice change-up on the course as a mental challenge.

Hole 18 provides an epic finish to an epic course. A birdie 4 and even par 5 feel really good while 6's, 7's or worse await players who fail to execute and/or make strategic mistakes.

Very few.

The left-side fairway route on hole 10 could be carved out just a wider to make it a truly viable option on the hole.

Hole 15 could use a set of stairs built into the side of the hill leading up to the basket. I played a tournament round here and 3/4 of my group face-planted walking up the fairway here when the ground was a bit damp.

Hole 18 needs to have the creek OB marked up at the top. I witnessed a few players with discs at rest on the sides of the ravine that were dangerous/inaccessible and created some points of disagreement on rules interpretations.

I'd love to see two loops of nine holes implemented here.

Of the John Houck courses I've played, I'd consider this one to be neck and neck with W R Jackson for my favorite. I'll give Harmony Bends the nod due to the multiple sets of tees.

Is this the absolute #1 disc golf course? Maybe. I'd highly recommend that you make the trip to give it a play and decide for yourself.

+ A true destination course.
+ Subtle details make a huge difference in this course. Shorter holes are challenging and require execution. The longer hole require strategy and execution, choosing a landing zone and hitting it.
+ The longer holes contain a good mix of technical aspects. Some play like safari holes, with 2 or more distinct components.
+ It's very wooded, but the undergrowth has been cleared out well.
+ Great use of changing elevation and natural elements.
+ Good man-made elements (stairs, bridges, creek crossings, rock walls, etc.) to bring the course together.
+ Overall, signs and directions are really good.
+ This course will develop your game. It's very tough, but also fair. There's an emphasis on placement shots, accuracy, strategy, and versatility.

+ Updates: Signage was perfect for the Mid America Open and stairs have been added to holes 7 and 15!

- There's a large dead tree in the middle of the fairway on 6. I don't really understand why it wasn't removed when the course was built.
- There's a huge, leaning sycamore tree between hole 9's basket and hole 10's tee that looks like a safety concern. It's got the potential to come uprooted during high winds and wet conditions. Leaving it seems like a very unnecessary safety risk.
- The parking lot is too small for the number of players this course is going to attract. During dry conditions there is plenty of parking available in the grass, though.
- I wouldn't mind seeing a few more trash cans added throughout the course. (I only remember seeing 2, along with a few recycling bins.) I didn't see any litter or broken glass, but it's only a matter of time before people will get lazy.

* When I played this course initially, many of the leaves had already fallen and everything was fairly open. It's tighter during May-September, but not overwhelming.
* Some of the unmarked roads caused some confusion and misdirection for me the first time through. It would have been nice if they were shown on the course map to provide an additional level of clarity for first-time players.
* Big benefits to be able to throw both forehand and backhand.
* Holes 9 and 10 can completely destroy a round. They're long and require 3-4 really good shots to reach the pin, but also offer plenty of opportunity to get into trouble.
* I think hole 18 is the toughest on the course. There's a high-risk birdie route along the creek and a safe route around the back side at the bottom of the hill. However, the safe route is ill-defined. I think it would play a little better if that fairway were a little more open and obvious.
* I didn't get hit with a "wow" factor like what you might expect from a top level course, but there's not anything that leaves you feeling underwhelmed. Although, there are probably 6 holes here that would be signature holes almost anywhere else.
* I don't think you can get a great feel for the full experience from a single round. Each hole is so captivating on it's own, that it tends to overwrite the one before.

* Update: Since stairs were added to 7 and 15, I've changed my rating from a 4.5 to a 5.0. (The shots didn't get any easier, though.) The City of Columbia and CDGC has done a tremendous job not only maintaining this course, but improving it.

-teepads are large and each hole has 2-3
-innova disccatchers
-tee signs
-course design
-great property
-practice basket
-bathroom

-play is affected by rain
-some signage could help with flow
-trash cans are for the most part absent
-small parking lot

Harmony bends is the best course i have ever played. It will likely remain the best course u will ever play.

Every hole you can see the process the course designer went through, making each hole challenging and a pleasure to play.

The property is fantastic, elevation, terraces and great use of natural features.

The high rating on dgcr has a had a massive effect on the time and money the local council is putting into the course.

Go play this course.

Three giant teepads per hole with normal and gold positions give the course tons of variation. If you're a rec player, you can play a more casual but still really great, challenging round. Or if you're Paul McBeth, you can play the long pads and still be challenged.
The city has done a great job maintaining the course and it looks great.
Most of the longer and wooded holes have different fairway options so if you're a big side arm or backhand thrower, you'll usually have some sort or route.

The cons are are hard to list and the overall course makes this feel nit picky, but: it needs a bigger parking lot, it needs more trash cans, and it does have potential to flood.

Lots of elevation and multiple tee pads. You will use every shot in your arsenal and disc in your bag to complete this course!

Beautiful views and a great hike!

Pro or joes will have a good time here.

Disc golf only, not a lot of other foot traffic.

Great signage!

Soggy for a few days after rain, it's on a 100 year flood plain.

Some of the signs have been stolen, not the courses fault.

A must play course!!

The first hole sets it all up of what you will face the remainder of the day. Accurate lines and we'll placed shot making is rewarded, through very scenic wooded terrain.
Some may consider the length a con, even myself as a moderate beginner level, but I find it more fun as I have more opportunity to practice while playing longer shots.

Wait 2-3 after any rain event, otherwise you find lots of wet spots in landing areas... especially on the back nine. Larger rain eventa will flood the course and may take a week to dry out.

Multiple tee pads for each hole caters to Pros and Beginnner/Intermediate alike. Great use of elevation and creeks throughout. Beautiful groves of mature trees and great mix of both short and long holes veering both right and left. Plays very fair. This course benefits the "smart" player who chooses position over sheer distance, but that said, a crusher can kill it here if they are on their game. I just can't say enough great things about this course.

The signage between 8 and 9 as well as 17 and 18 needs improvement, but this feels an easy fix. You can't play after rain as the course tends to retain water more than other courses. Mosquitoes... Although you can't really blame the course for this, bring bug spray.

It truly is one of the best courses anywhere I've seen.

Warning: If you play this course, you will never be able to play another course again because this will put the rest of them to shame!

This course is perfect!

3 Huge teepads on every hole. I mean you can put patio furniture on them and entertain several guests they are that big.
Excellent signage showing where the next hole and teepad are.
Mix of very long holes with some short "must get" duece holes.
This will require you to use every disc in your bag.
Great use of elevation.

I feel bad about having cons because this is such a good course but...
There were a couple times where I had to look around for a little bit to find the next teepad (8-9 and 12-13) not too bad though.
The only other small complaint was that I sometimes didn't know what tee pad I was on (blue, white or red). Unless you can see all three, there is no marking on the sign to show what pad you're on.

This course is great. Even with my small picky complaints there was no way I would rate this less than 5 stars. I will be driving out of my way to play this course again!

Holes 1,2,5,7,8,9,10,13,15, and 18 could easily be signature holes at any other course. Water, elevation, multiple tee pads. Easy to appreciate no matter what your skill level is. So many holes and views that are breath taking. Although some holes reward a big arm, there is more reward for landing with a good lie and playing smart. This course is a true test of skill. Very replayable since there is different tee pads. You can play with friends of different skill levels and let them throw from closer pads and still be very competitive. Great course for doubles as well. Usually very clean. Most people at the park are playing disc golf but there are occasional walkers. Signage is very good, easy to navigate.

Small parking lot. Not a good course to play after a rain. Only a few trash cans at the beginning of the course. It's a workout and rounds can take close to 4 hours sometimes. There is deep vegetation along the creeks and some deep water to lose discs. Hole 14 and 16 are not very impressive. Sometimes mosquitos and ticks can be bad here. No running water.

Bring extra water and bug spray. Bring a camera. I travel a lot and have played in over 7 different states. This is the best course I have ever played.

-Variety of terrain
-Use of elevation
-Lots of "natural OB"
-Multiple tees on every hole

This course is truly awesome. Living in Columbia I've gotten to watch Harmony Bends be hewn out of the dense forest and transformed into a course that is almost surreal and getting better every time I play it. The Parks Department has been keeping it as well maintained as they can with half of the course being too sloppy for mowing equipment after any rain storm. They've put in a much needed set of stairs on hole 10 making it much safer to walk down from the tees to the fairway. Hopefully they put another set on 15 between the fairway and the top of the hill where the basket is.

Nit picking here really, the course is nearly perfect.

-Parking lot is too small
-Could use a second sign between hole 8 and nine(currently an arrow made of medium sized stones points to which trail to take to 9)
-Needs stairs up to the basket from the fairway on hole 15

Definitely worth a trip to play, but be sure to check the weather. Course can become unplayable after a sustained rain spell. There are some great photos on our club's Facebook page of two club members canoeing past hole 1's basket earlier this spring after a very rainy week.

*Epic opening and closing holes. They really are great bookends to this course. Harmony puts a great taste in your mouth initially with hole 1...and leaves you on a high with hole 18 that leaves you wanting to come back for more. Both of them are very reminiscent of Idlewild with a creek that comes into play multiple times on the same hole. Really makes for some great risk/reward shots with a variety of ways to attack them.

*The gathering area at hole one with a very well done map and circle of benches is a great place to start your round of disc golf. Many holes had benches to rest on (which you will need on this course, trust me).

*Easy to navigate with not a whole lot of unnecessary walking between holes. Very spacious concrete teepads (2-3 per hole)

*ABSOLUTELY took full advantage of the hilly terrain of the Ozarks. So many shots where you are throwing towering shots off of cliffs and likewise so many throwing back up to the top to baskets treacherously placed near the peak (death putt anyone?) Also a great mix of working in and out of the woods for some tight technical shots and some long par 5s. Harmony is an absolutely beautiful course to play...showcases the best of Missouri.

I really didn't go away from Harmony Bends with any negatives in my mind it was so good...but if I had to come up with a couple...

*Water can definitely be an issue if it rains. There are some areas that look like they can really hold some water when rain comes. Columbia had just had 2 inches of rain the night before and there was a couple places that were a bit soupy.
*While there wasn't a lot of littering on the course I am surprised that the only place there was a trashcan was hole 1. Would be nice to see a couple more (especially on such a challenging course physically where water and gatorades are a must)

*The grass was on the long side. It is a park on the outskirts of town that isn't used for anything but disc golf (to my knowledge) so it is understandable that it doesn't get as much attention as other parks...but keeping the fairways a little more manicured would be helpful.

*Not really a con (because I know the intent is to put more in and it's a new course) but there are a couple of the holes that still don't have stairs in a couple of areas where stairs really should be. I know that this will be addressed and this will no longer be a concern.

Again...I can't stress how good of a course Harmony Bends is. I have played some of the finest courses in the country. Flip, Idlewild, Selah, Rolling Ridge, etc...and this course holds it's own with all of them. John Houck has done a great job of taking a piece of land and maximizes it's potential for an incredible disc golf experience. Can't wait to see it continue to improve as they add more to this already great course. Can't wait to make the drive again to play this course.

Harmony Bends is an outsized version of an already-awesome disc golf course. Everything is exaggerated: elevation changes, tree cover density, tree cover variation, design, it's all a bit thicker, a bit longer, a bit tighter, a bit more off-center, a bit quirkier, a bit more dramatic than is seen even on great courses. The result sits atop the most consistent, engaging, challenging, and enjoyable courses I have ever played. So if you're comfortable with technical (but not brutal!) courses and a bit of a hike, feel free to consider Harmony Bends a must-play, full stop.

The elevation changes are what really make the course for me. Short technical par 3s like hole 3 become daunting tasks when played along a cliffside and approached with a steep drop-off waiting to punish long putts. Landing zones reached through tight lanes become much harder to hit when you have to navigate elevation shifts fifty plus feet in length. The natural elevation changes here are harnessed to maximize their impact on already-technical play, leading to many risk-versus-reward decisions and unique solutions no matter how experienced and capable your game is.

The terrain here is supremely varied. The front half of the course plays into thick woods as it moves up a hillside. The back half plays off this wooded hill with a dramatic downhill shot and things open up a bit; there's even a bomber hole. Tree lanes converge and widen many times, mixing up the level of technicality as the course works its way back to the parking lot. You encounter a creek a few times throughout: sometimes it's a minor consideration and sometimes it's hair-raising. While the overall level of woodedness is on the heavy side it is mixed up so much within and between holes that the course escapes feeling oppressive. Distances and par lengths are similarly well-orchestrated to keep things fresh.

The intensity of the technical play is somewhat alleviated by the three sets of tees. Though this is far from a beginner course, there are many shots here that don't punish new players. This coupled with the beautiful environment makes the course a worthwhile visit for inexperienced players even if it isn't accessible to them in its entirety.

The concrete tees are awesome. Grooming is immaculate, so much so that the chances of losing a disc to rough are very minimized. Parking is ample. Much of the course plays through the shade, providing relief even on hot summer days. Navigation is easy.

Although I am a big fan of designer John Houck's complicated par 4s and 5s I have come to accept that that feeling is not universal. If you prefer a par 54-style course emphasizing different manners of par 3s in which you're always throwing for the basket off the tee then this course may not be your thing (although it's done well enough and beautiful enough that perhaps it will convince you).

The generally technical play can certainly be a deterrent: there are lots of tight lines here, and daunting shots that require a higher-than-normal level of shot variety to attempt even from the short tees. This course can frustrate and punish, no question; I find it to be more challenging than the other Houck courses I've played at Selah and Trey ranches. My intermediate-level game didn't find it a beatdown, however.

The hillside terrain means you are in for a hike. It can be hard to match the high level of play necessary to fully engage the course as you progress through your round even if you're in good shape. This shouldn't deter anyone, but be ready to take your time and have some short breaks. Especially because there is no opportunity to refill your water or use the bathroom in the midst of your round.

As a relatively new addition to the elite disc golf courses out there I was curious how Harmony Bends would compare to the other great courses I've played like Moraine State Park, Sugaree, Selah Ranch, and Harmon Hills. Personally I thought it compares and then some: the front nine is the best stretch of nine I've ever played, scratching my very particular itch for technical and unique holes that can be played through in a variety of ways, and the full 18 count as the most consistently-awesome set of holes I have ever played. There are no throwaway holes here, nothing to just ferry you along: every hole makes an individualized contribution to the course's overall awesomeness. Exaggerated design and bold terrain make for one heck of a memorable disc golf course. Who knew?

What an incredible joy it was to experience Harmony Bends for the first time. This course is a dream come true when it comes to course design.

The course is located on a very spacious and secluded (but only just off the interstate) park that appears to be wholly dedicated to disc golf which is a huge plus for me. There is no fear of drilling a random pedestrian John Houck made incredible use of the space that was available to him. With one well-marked exception, you never feel like you are encroaching on another hole with your throws.
The layout is so varied and unique that each hole constitutes a new challenge and adventure. There truly was never a moment where I felt bored or the course felt repetitive. Houck really made tremendous use of a couple creeks. I read a few reviews before I played and couldn't understand how you could lose discs in a "few creeks" but I definitely understand now. The creeks are massive and quite intimidating. They can truly wreck your score on a hole quickly....particularly on 1 and 18.
From an amenities standpoint, the tee pads were perfect and aplenty. Large concrete tees with multiple boxes (usually 3 but sometimes 2) at each hole. The different tees present you with unique challenges depending on where you choose to tee off from. Incredible thought seemed to go into each location.
There were occasionally decent walks between holes but the signage was such, that you never felt lost or confused which is a big deal to me when I play a course for the first time.
The tee signs were flawless in that they were accurate with the distances and foliage, but also very clear and easy to get a feel of the hole without ever having to walk ahead.
The baskets were in great shape and grabbed the discs really well.
The course is a real workout due to its wildly varied terrain from hole to hole. HB really makes great use of the land they have showcasing every type of shot imaginable but also taking you up huge will and down steep drops but still allowing some great but technical bomber opportunities. I needed to be able to use every throw I have and then some to navigate the endless shot possibilities and challenges each hole posses.
An earlier review mentioned the fact that the course can be fun for almost every skill level and I found that to be very true. I am a recreational player and while there were times that my butt was kicked by it, I never stopped having a blast. I will say that being out of shape and it being 95 degrees didn't do me any favors, but that isn't the courses fault.
IT'S FREE!!! This truly feels like one of those special private courses that someone pours their heart and soul into....but its a city park. Pretty awesome.

I am going to be nit picky, and these obviously didn't affect my score but I have a few things to note:

The only trashcan/restroom options are at the parking lot so plan accordingly.
It didn't seem like hole 9 finished near the parking lot so be ready to play 18 if you are out there (I reserve the right to be wrong about this because I really didn't explore after 9 to be sure)
A few times the walking conditions were dicey. Columbia had been dumped on the night before which made it quite slippery and one hole (I think 17) has a STEEP incline which was tough to traverse with the slippery mud and my out of shape carcass.
The grass clearly hadn't been mowed in a while, but it is a massive course and I would guess that maintenance of the grass will always be hit and miss. That being said, I was in the weeds/woods plenty, but didn't get a single tick.

It really makes me proud that Missouri has a course it can really hang it's hat on. Something that is truly special for people to travel to. This really is a destination course that is not to be missed if you are anywhere close to here. As the course continues to be developed with additional bridges and other amenities it will only get that much better. As it stands, it is a phenomenal course that should be experienced by any and all DGers.

B E A Utiful scenery. Ace holes as well as some tough par 5's. You will need discs that roll, discs that skip, discs that float, and discs you can thread a needle with. You will walk away asking if you have time to give it another go so you can continue the fun.

This being a designer's dream come true, that other courses aren't as fun to play. Still in the developing phases, as the City is on schedule to add more steps, another course, and probably restrooms.

It's a long hike, so bring the essentials, especially if there is moisture in the forecast. Played before grooming, it can be thick, so just throw where you wont lose a disc. After groomed, like before or after a tournament, majestic. Always bring tick repellent as this course is in the wilderness, and no one wants a parasite on them. If you aren't throwing aerobie, you may want to bring a disc grabber as there are several holes with water hazards. My personal favorite is to come out before sun up, no waiting, see the animals wake up, so beautiful. God's glory to be shared!

• Variety: This course is complete. Never have I played a course that offers the range of distances Harmony Bends does... from the red tees alone. Some holes are pretty well wooded, some are fairly open, and all of them give you something to think about. All sorts of fairway shapes. Several holes have complex shapes requiring one or more shots to hit landing spots to set up a good look at the pin. Thirteen holes have a longer, "gold" pin placement, but they weren't in when I played. Pretty sure they're available for tourneys at the TD's discretion.

• Challenge: I can't stress this point enough; SUPERBLY DESIGNED TO APPROPRIATELY CHALLENGE ALL SKILL LEVELS from REC to PRO. That said, I don't think this course is well -suited to the truly novice player.
No fairways present one specific line and dare you to execute it. Rather, they present a few different lines, and test your ability to select a specific line, commit to that line, and then pull off that shot. While many holes are long, they're not simply about how far you can throw. You need to hit landing spots to set up the next shot if you want to be in position for a good approach or a clean putt. Every single hole presents lines that are challenging, yet completely fair. Doles out punishment for missing shots without doing so harshly. There's nothing you shouldn't be able to execute... the only question is, "Will you?"
Fairways with water in play require good decision making and proper execution... but that's the point, isn't it?

• Elevation: Tons of it. Expertly used in every conceiveable way; uphill, downhill, rollaways, gulleys. Many holes play much longer/shorter than posted.

• Use of Natural Elements: HB brings the property's natural elements into play better than any other course I've played. Water in play on several holes (multiple times on some holes). Deeper in some spots than others, the water doesn't always present a risk of disc loss, but certainly can. Elevation comes into play on the majority of holes. Wonderfully wooded, but not overwhelmingly so... never feels pinball-like. Wind shouldn't be a factor on most holes, but there are definitely a few where it can make or break you if rears its head.

• Aesthethics: Absolutely gorgeous. The most naturally beautiful course of the 200+ I've played to date. The kind of setting you wish for on a DG road trip.

• Equipment: Top notch all the way around. Grippy, concrete tees are large enough to park a car on. Tee signs at every pad show all tee locations and distances, along with multiple routes to the pin and direction to the next tee to get you headed to the next hole. Next Tee signs where necessary. There's even a sign warning you that you're about to cross #14's fairway as you walk from #12 to #13. Yellow DisCatchers catch well and scream "I'm over here!"

• Memorable/Signature holes: Where do I start?

#1: One of the best opening holes anywhere; beautiful, challenging, inviting. Lets you know right off the bat that you're in for a real treat.

#10: If you don't smile from ear to ear when you look out from this tee, my condolences. Perhaps the best hole I've ever played. You really need to stand at all 3 tees to appreciate just what Mr. Houck has done here. The red tee would be a signature hole by itself. Go back to the white, and it's even better. Go to the blue and it brings and entirely new line into play, while still allowing the same line available from the red & white tees. If you only throw one disc from these tees, please sell your bag to someone who appreciates this sport. But the hole requires more than a great tee shot - you need to be well-positioned at the far end of the fairway for a good approach shot if you want a clean putt.

#18: Another stunner with inviting lines from all 3 tees. Brings the winding creek into play on multiple shots. A magnificent finishing hole, where a 2 stroke lead isn't necessarily safe.

Many of the front 9 would stand out on other courses, but the three above struck me as truly spectacular.

• Appears to be disc golf exclusive (that said, I couldn't blame hikers for taking a stroll through this place... it's that pretty).

• Fun Factor: My Fun-O-Meter was pegged most of the front 9, then overloaded at #10.

• Reasonably well shaded on a hot day. Still it's a long trek, so bring water and snacks as you would for any long course.

• Maintenance-everything was wonderful for my round, but I imagine HB needs frequent mowing, and can hide even good shots if it hasn't been done in a while.

Only my last con speaks to the DG itself, the rest are info for travelling players.

• Not the easiest to traverse: Beautiful as HB is, it's not for everyone. This course requires you to be more sure-footed than most. Most of the creek crossings consist of boulders and large rocks. A few fairways are very steep (and particularly slippery when wet)... at least one going uphill, and another going down.

• It's a hike. HB's a big, sprawling course that takes time to get around and can't be rushed (but why would you want to)? Factor in the terrain and it's probably not the best choice for your 2nd or 3rd round of the day. Besides, you'll want it to be your 1st!

• Cart friendly: Decidely not. It's simply not feasible with this terrain - can't imagine even trying it. See 1st con.

• Flooding/Drainage: HB lies in a flood plain. This two edged sword gives the course much of its character, but also means it's going to be swampy for a day or two after it rains. If playing through a swamp isn't for you, don't come shortly after a heavy rain. That said, it does seem to drain better than other courses I've seen in flood plains (see other thoughts).

• Obviously, mosquitos are likely to be an issue in a flood plain ...plan accordingly.

• Tee markers don't indicate the color tee you're at. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes it's not... had to check to see where we were a few times.

• Long holes mean walking a few fairways to figure out what you want to do off some tees.

• A few of the back 9 seem rather ordinary. Not bad holes, per se, but they simply don't meet the bar set by #'s 1- 11, hence they stand out as particularly lame in contrast because of how strong the rest of the course "brings it."

Playing this course was a complete a joy. Can't tell you how many times my son & I looked out from the tee and uttered some exclamation or simply smiled like a kid opening a present. So many things gone right here that it's easy to forgive/forget a few imperfections. The outstanding holes are both, phenomenal and numerous enough to more than compensate for the few that aren't.

We probably played this course in about the worst conditions it's likely to be in. The previous day, there was a tourney where the 2nd round was cancelled due to a storm. My son and I literally played in knee high rubber galoshes... no one complained.

Located just minutes from I-70 and very close to plenty of motels and restaurants, Harmony Bends is a must play if you're going to be anywhere near Columbia with a half day to spare.

Free??? Are you kidding me??! I feel like I stole something.

Not every hole features 3 tees (some only have two). To Mr. Houck's credit, if it didn't yield a different look or line, he didn't force fit one in simply to have "3 complete sets of tees."

Let the debate begin as to whether Harmony Bends should rank in the top 10, top 5, top 25... whatever. Some will say it's the best course out there, some will say it isn't. What I can't see is how you can have that conversation without mentioning it. Not every hole is a home run (#'s 12 & 14 seem pretty ordinary), but several are Grand Slams, and Mr. Houck hit for the cycle on this one.

By the time I'd reached #9, I'd have given this course a 4.0, because I'd rather play the Front 9 at Harmony Bends than pretty much any other course I've rated 4.0.

All I know is this course had me smiling like hardly any other, and that's why I play... hence my 5.0. Maybe I'm smitten... but don't you wanna play a course that makes you feel that way?

Excellent signage. There is an overall map at the park entrance, and detailed maps at each tee box on each hole.

Spacious concrete tee pads. 3 at most holes, at least 2 at every hole.

Course is plenty long, and has lots of wonderful elevation changes. (4 holes where you launch your disc off good sized hills, always fun)

2 creeks on course well integrated into course design. Adds plenty of challenge especially on holes 1, 13, and definitely 18.

Multiple legitimate lines to the basket as marked on tee box signs. Fun to experiment playing a number of the holes a different way, keeps course fresh.

Course plays fair. accurate shots almost invariably rewarded, mediocre to poor shots punished accordingly.

Picturesque course, encompasses much of what makes Missouri scenic, (woods, winding creeks, variety of trees etc.)

Wonderful construction on course. a lot of resources put into course, ( i.e. steps on 18, benches on each hole made from re-purposed wood, tiered landing areas on hillside on hole 5, large boulders brought in to create 'natural creek crossings' (great money saving idea over more expensive bridges) etc.

Public course that has private feel. Park is on edge of town. walking paths rarely used. Can play a full round without seeing another non-disc golf person.

Simply a brilliant course design on a wonderful piece of land.

Course flooding. Heavy sustained rains results in course flooding. measurable rains results in soggy conditions, especially on low part of back 9 and fairway leading to basket on hole 2 which is basically then a pond.

Mowing challenges. course wetness and sheer scope of course make this part of upkeep a challenge. Can be hard to find your disc in middle of fairway on hole 13 when not mowed regularly.

Parking lot is too small, (believe plans are in place to expand parking lot)

Holes 10 and 15 could use some steps for the steep hills.

Erosion challenges.

No trash cans on course. Although I understand why, makeshift trash areas pop up on course anyway, might as well at consider placing a few receptacles in strategic locations.

Hole 18 could be considered either a pro or a con depending on how you view it. It encompasses everything you could ask for in a hole: a launch off an elevated position. length, water that comes into play, eagle opportunity (not for me), scenic etc
At the same time, the hole can be ruthless. Can lose multiple discs on the same hole, end up with a huge score. Many seem frustrated that you can't play down the left side of the creek. I wonder if this is because of walking path to the left (hardly used by anyone) . At any rate, I still like the hole, and the course was intended to test the best (not me). I simply make it a point to throw a disc I don't mind losing.

Incredible that so much time and resources were put into a public course. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with pay to play. Played my first one in Minnesota and thoroughly enjoyed it. But there is something to be said for being able to pop over to this course any day and time to play a quick round. I like to play holes 1 though 8 and then come back to parking lot on 18 when I don't have much time.

Great fall course. Bugs disappear, less rainy part of year so course tends to be dry, hike not so exhausting when air is cool.

Brilliant course designer + great piece of land + commitment of necessary resources = True Destination Course.

This course is by far the prettiest and most fun in Columbia, MO. There is a lot of tree coverage throughout the course and lots of elevations changes. It keeps you honest when throwing every throw since there are hazards right around the corner if you miss your mark by a few feet. By no means is it an extremely difficult course but if you make a bad throw or two, the course will make you pay. The baskets have bright yellow tops and are easy to see even at dusk. Also, this park is made for disc golf only and there isn't many random people wandering the course in the way.

UPDATE - The city has built stairs on hole 10 with the really steep hill. This is really helpful with getting down to the fairway. Hopefully they will be building a set of stairs on hole 15 as well when you go back up the hill.


The creator of this course really took time to think out how this course should flow and it couldn't be better. The back 9 is definitely harder than the front 9... which makes it sort of difficult to keep making great shots all through 18 but continues to challenge you on each throw.

I love that there are multiple tee pads at every hole, and multiple basket placements. There are also very detailed signs showing what is up ahead and also directions to the next hole at every basket.

Recently In Columbia, MO news there has been talk of the creator of harmony bends (John Houck) is going to return and create another 18 hole disc golf course with the remaining unused land. The city of Columbia will also be building a much larger parking lot (as it is needed badly) and legit bathrooms with drinking fountains. Course expansion is set for 2020.

THE BACK 9 FLOODS ALL THE TIME!!! This is definitely the worst part about this course. Since it is so close to Perche Creek (large creek/small river) around hole 11-14, if Columbia gets more than an inch of rain the back 9 is pretty much unplayable. Unless it hasn't rained for 1 week most of those holes will be swampy.

The mowing maintenence on this course is crazy and super demanding. Usually the back 9 doesn't get mowed often due to flooding/wetness issues during the spring time. Once summer hits, things start to get maintained weekly. The swampy problem gets solved somewhat during the middle of summer when it rarely rains. Hole 2 and hole 7 also have swamp problems when it rains because of their lack of grass in the fairways. The city has been working on growing grass in these areas to create less mud pits.

I love the amount of water hazards there are on this course and yet most of the water hazards allow easy disc retrieval (besides Perche Creek, never getting that one back...) Also, beware of hole 18 as I see people attempting to retrieve discs from that water hazard all the time (myself included, I've lost 3 discs there).

This isn't a course that you're going to fly through with friends, so block out a decent chunk of time to play all 18. If you play by yourself at a good pace you can get through all 18 in a little more than an hour.

This is by far the most enjoyable disc golf course that I've ever played and I'm beyond excited for the expansion to come in 2020.

-amazing property, beautiful scenery, great topography
-pronounced elevation features, woods, wide and narrow alleys, 2 creeks
-3 layouts, at least 2 concrete tees on each hole, signs at each tee
-very detailed tee signs plus directional signage throughout the course
-new discatchers in great condition
-great design, course flows well, legit par 4 and 5 holes
-the multi-shot holes are well-designed with fair landing zones and multiple routes to the basket
-great greens that incorporate the creeks and elevation
-a great challenge for any player at the appropriate tee

-the path from hole 12 to hole 13 crosses by the green for hole 14 but if you take the proper path from hole 12 you should be beyond the basket for 14
-on hole 18 the fairway on the right side of the creek is super tight, i felt like you have to go across the water. is it overly punitive for the left side of the creek to be OB?
-the parking lot is too small
-this long course can be a workout with all the steep hillsides and a round can take awhile to finish, especially if you find yourself off the fairway
-i was only here for a weekend and played the course twice after recent rain and snow. i didn't find it to be too muddy but there were lots of leaves on the ground to soak it up. the grass had been mowed fairly recently throughout the course, though other reviewers have noted long grass as an issue. maybe a local reviewer can comment.

This course is something special. I'm a big fan of John Houck's courses in general but this one is probably my favorite of the ones I've played. The piece of land the course occupies is full of all the features you want on a great disc golf course: winding creeks, steep elevation, tight woods, open meadows, and long, wide alleys. Houck crafts an exciting disc golf experience that exploits all these areas and the challenges they present, with all the usual finishing touches you would expect from a HouckDesign course.

The course features three layouts and there are at least two concrete tees on each hole. Five holes have a shared white and blue tee. Thirteen of the eighteen holes have a gold pin position for tournaments. There are detailed HouckDesign signs at each tee and there are navigational signs throughout the course as well. The discatchers are in great condition and there is a great course map at the kiosk next to the parking lot. Unfortunately, that parking lot is too small. The only other thing this course is missing is steps of some kind down the hill after the tee on hole 10 and perhaps on hole 15 going up the hill to the green. The creek crossings are manageable so long as the water level doesn't dramatically rise.

Each tee provides an appropriate challenge for its intended level. I played the red tees and the white tees (AM2 player) and enjoyed but was challenged both rounds. The par 4's and par 5's have clear and fair landing zones and usually multiple routes to the basket. They also have fair chances at birdie or even eagle on the par 5's. The design utilizes the creeks winding through fairways or next to greens, elevation off the tee and on the green, tight woods with well-defined tunnels, and long, wide tunnels (holes 11 and 12 remind me of Roy G in Austin). Hole 9 is a beast with long narrow tunnels through the woods and big elevation changes up and down along the way. Holes 3, 4, 7, and 8 are fun, shorter shots with pronounced elevation. The monster hole 18 combines the elevation, the creek, tight woods, and 870' from the blue tee for an arduous finish to the course. The tight woods on the right of the creek on the second shot really tempts you to go over the creek but it's OB on the left side of the creek so you've got to finish to the right. Makes for a really tough hole and I was just happy to finish with all my plastic.

I would drive a long way to play this course again. I drove a long way to play it the first time since I had a good friend temporarily living in Columbia but I could justify a trip back to central Missouri to come here and also hit Ozark Mountain. This course is a complete challenge and a true destination course. It has what I consider the perfect combination of my favorite elements on a disc golf course and deserves the 5 rating.


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Harmony Bends was never on my radar of must plays until I researched some of the courses on my travel route for a work trip. After researching the course and after talking to some locals in St. Louis, I was excited to see if the course lived up to the hype.

This is hands down one of the top 5 best courses I have ever played. I played the long tees and was incredibly impressed with the fair but challenging nature of every hole. Not a single hole was easy or a gimme but every hole was birdieable with precise throws.

The tee pads and tee sigs are probably the best I have ever seen. Between 2 and 5 per hole which gave a lot of options for players of various skill levels.

The fairways were well cut and didn't have too much or too little underbrush off the fairway...it really was manicured perfectly minus a few limbs I would like to have seen taken out (20 to 35 feet off the ground which makes them hard to remove).

Baskets were all level and in great shape. Greens were fair but treacherous on a few holes to add some pucker factor.

The use of rocks along holes like 1 and 18 was masterfully done. I have never seen a course that brought in so much rock for the use of transitions and aesthetics. Fantastic!

I really can't say enough about the pros of this course.

This course demands A TON of upkeep. Grass and trimming is a major undertaking. That being said, the front 9 was almost perfect. The back 9 however desperately needed mowing and trimming in several places. I threw a great tee shot on 15 that was in the middle of the fairway in 2 feet of grass that took me 20 minutes to find. Im sure the course crew has it in their schedule to get things cleaned up but it was pretty bad on several holes.

The transition that connects hole 12s basket to 13s tee pad crosses 14's fairway which is a design flaw. Holes 13 and 14 play too close to each other but they are both very pretty and solid par 3's. Its unfortunate that they basically fall on top of each other. Directional signage and yardage markers would be very helpful. Some of the par 4's and 5's are pretty long and markers every 100 feet or so would be an easy and helpful addition. The transition to hole 18 was a little confusing to a first time player.

The parking lot is very small but it looks like they can use the field for overflow/tournament parking which is great. I had to park my RV a few miles away because there was not enough room on site.

This course is a must play. It is obvious how much hard work, planning, and money went into this course to make it what it is. My hats off to the course designer and crew who designed this beast.

If you want a true measure of skill this course will challenge darn near everything you have.

This is a long course with a high par but is playable fairly quickly. I finished in under 1.5 hours playing by myself and spent over 20 minutes looking for a disc. Just over an hour for a par 68 is not too bad.

This course was thought out very well. First time through and it seems well played for years.
Multiple Tee pads lets anyone challenge the course. Well defined and fair fairways that ups the ante with risk reward. Pin placements that gut check you every time. and not to mention you have to cross the creeks several times.

On 18 one of the few marked OB. I think the hole would play better if both sides of the creek are considered in bounds especially since you finish on the left side of the creek. Trash cans.

This course is a must if you are in the Mid-Missouri area. It is gorgeous. You will be mentally and physically challenged as this is a very tough terrain par 68