3+ years of design and build are complete, this course is already near perfect. The length and elevation change make this course unique, all while playing through, around and over two creeks and two hills. There are 3 downhill tee shots that make you want to empty your bag. The par four's are legitimate, there are birdies available but the risk/reward has serious consequences, but even with the difficulty the course plays fair.

The only cons are the somewhat unfinished areas and projects. 2 sets of stairs that need to be put in, one after the tee on hole 10, and back up the hill on 15. There are a few areas that need some drainage ditches, and fairways that need reseeding, but when considering the amount of work that has been completed the finishing touches will make this course a guaranteed destination for disc golfers everywhere.

Harmony Bend is stellar. It had been recommended to me while playing with a local at Indian Hills South in Marshall, and I am so glad I heeded this advice.

18 holes with 2 or 3 concrete tee pads on each. All tees have terrific new signs, giving you a great picture of what to expect and strategies showing best lines and landing zones. There are also long pin placements at every hole for the gold layout. I played the blue tees, but even from the shortest red tees it is lengthy and still pretty difficult.

The land Strawn Park sits on is really scenic and has a lot to offer with diverse, challenging terrain. Harmony Creek is in play on several holes, including 1 and 18. They would be long and technical with no water in play, but the stakes are raised by crossing the creek multiple times on each. On the back 9 you will also encounter Perche Creek, featured most prominently on hole 13.

Elevation changes are also fairly common, and can be drastic. There are places that are steep and sort of rocky sometimes. I love to see this on any course, and it is masterfully utilized here. Most of the holes on the front nine have this element, usually with significant rises or drops, and sometimes both.

I would have a very hard time selecting a favorite hole, there are so many great ones. The first and last holes are both pretty epic. The shortest holes 8 and 3 are very cool, with interesting contours and many trees. 4, 5, 7, and 10 have great elevation features, along with a few others. 9 is just a roller coaster ride.

Not repetitive from one hole to the next, and even the simpler holes are pretty good. If there are one or two average holes, I would say they are 6 and 14, but even they are pretty decent.

There were a few muddy patches when I made my trip to Columbia, but nothing too bad. Still very playable, just a little squishy here or there.

I would not take any newbies here to play. While it is not hard to appreciate the natural beauty, it is very long and easy to lose a disc or two if you have lack control. The water and trees could lead to a lot of frustration, even for more experienced players.

I lost my favorite driver on hole 7. I think it ricocheted to the right and nestled in the trees under leaves, but I didn't get a good spot on it. It is a champion Orc, neon yellow with a worn blue stamp, and my number was in the rim. I gave a reward to get it back once and would do it again.

I liked the way this course was set up. It did have a few narrow lanes at times, but usually the fairways were cut wide enough to at least offer a fair chance at a good drive or approach. Technical, but not do or die if you are slightly off line once in a while.

It is a par 68, nearly 9000' from the blue boxes. I ended the round at 72, with 5 birdies. I took penalties on two holes after losing discs, but I was able to find one of them after the round. Took a couple of double bogeys, as well as one triple bogey. Could have been under par if I were able to clean up those errors. I did shoot par on the back nine, which is a bit flatter and more open.

Mr. Houck has become very good at what he does, and I look forward to playing more of his designs in the near future. I would say Harmony Bends is my favorite of his so far, and also the best in Missouri out of the dozen or so I've been to.

If you have played WR Jackson at the IDGC, or Hobbs Farm Park in Carrolton GA, they compare nicely to this course. Par in the upper sixties, well thought out and fun to play, and generally awesome.

Of nearly 300 courses I have played, this one is probably top 5. Definitely top 5%. Truly worth a trip if you're way into disc golf. A must play.

Excellent course design that includes challenging elevation, enjoyable lines and tricky approaches.

The variety of holes is befitting of a championship-level course. Each hole features demanding challenges - each hole is not only different, but on many holes, there are multiple options of lines to choose en route to the basket. Choose wisely as accuracy is paramount to scoring well.

In addition, the amenities are incredible - each hole features beautiful signage at each of three enormous teepads. A detailed "Next Tee" sign is near each basket. A practice basket in a wide open area is available near the parking lot.

The attractive menagerie of streams, rocks and trees means the course is eye-catching regardless of the season.

Extremely muddy in spots. If rain or snow has fallen recently, you'll likely find your shoes caked with slippery, sticky mud as you traverse the course.

Hole 18 is a threat to ruin your round with its proximity to the creek. While I can appreciate a challenging hole, one stray branch can result in dunking your disc into the water, and with the slippery and steep banks, retrieving your disc will require some effort.

No trash cans on the course, but there are several at the parking lot, so be considerate and don't litter.

Harmony Bends features many qualities of a top-rated disc golf course in addition to many of the amenities that give disc golf courses that extra special quality.

I could tell immediately this course was brilliantly-designed. As I traveled the course, I searched for reasons to downgrade its impeccable ranking - but I couldn't find any.

Of the 70-plus courses I had played to date, only one merited a perfect rating - Idlewild in northern Kentucky.

I now add a second course to that list.

Harmony Bends is an incredible physical and mental challenge, and this Missouri mammoth of a course delivers on its "destination" description and deserves a 5.0 rating.

True Championship Course
Must play golf the whole round and strategize where to land and how to approach.
Tough, but FAIR lines
I have not had the pleasure of playing many of the top courses around the world, so for now, this is the best course I have played.
It felt like every hole would be a "signature" hole on an average course
Unbelievable amount of excavating and work went into each tee pad, green, etc. The course was just put in the summer of 2016 and it did not feel that way with the bridges, giant boulders to prevent erosion, signage, etc. This was designed with a real budget from the City of Columbia I suppose.
I played the longs and it shot 69 - 1 over course par of 68. This is not an easy course to play blind, and my round was mediocre for my playing ability, but it's a true par 68 and it's not a 10 down kind of 68.
Since the area is not a multiuse park it feels like a dedicated piece of pristine disc golf property with the winding creek, elevation and beautiful old growth Midwestern forest.

If I had to pick one I would say the course looses some luster when you get down in the "bottoms". It just did not have the same majestic feel and it would certainly be damp after a rain, but a previous reviewer cited a 24 hour drainage period. With that said, the holes are great, I just think there is about 5 or 6 holes that don't "feel" as majestic. The holes themselves are fantastic - as is every hole.

Hole 18 is really hard. It may be the only hole I felt was a little lucky, but again, I played blind and in retrospect played it incorrectly. the creek winds through the whole fairway and there are multiple lines to throw - I'm just not sure which one to take. I wish I would have known about the secret disc retriever in the tree as a previous reviewer pointed out. The walls to the creek in some areas are about 10 feet of vertical mud. My brother had to dig a large branch into the creek bottom while I scaled the mud wall barefoot holding on to the stick to get my disc. Good news is I landed in the shallows, but it sucked to retrieve - if you have a retriever or if you find the secret one - it will be very handy here.

This course is right off of !-70 so if your traveling by stop and play it. I have traveled a bit and am from St. Louis which has some really good courses, but this one is far and away the best I've played. There are others like it in the country I have yet (hopefully) to play, but I think it will make most peoples top 5, or at lest top 10 for the most well traveled.

Mr. Houck really knows what he is doing.

This is a PDGA pro tour championship level course.

Just to re-iterate this course is the real deal. This is not your typical course that's tucked in the middle of a community park. Harmony Bends is scenic, challenging and offers the full variety of shots.

The location is great, it's just far enough off the beaten path for you to feel like you're on a small hike, or nature walk. While still being close enough to not be a hassle!

Exponential replay value. Blue/White tee's are typically similar shots.However playing a round from the short red tee's is almost like playing a new course with 18 new tee shots.

The majority of water is very shallow (inches deep) and you can easily retrieve your discs. ***Disclaimer*** there are random deep spots that are 5-10ft+ deep.

Variety is the spice of life: you will use every shot in your arsenal before you leave.

Columbia Disc Golf Club / locals are very friendly & healthy disc golf community.

Show Me Disc Sports is a dedicated disc golf store that is less then a 10 minute drive on i-70 from the course.

This course has the intangibles.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a few deep spots of water.

18 is a hole where if you throw some average shots, you can end up in the water 3 times easily. It's very very tough. It can put a damper on a otherwise fun game.

If you're a player who is exceptionally prone to frustration or "tilt" then be mentally prepared. There's nothing wrong with that, at times I can be myself. I only bring it up because, you should know going in, its VERY easy to get slapped around by the course. Particularly from the Blue tee's.

It's a relatively clean course. But there is a small amount of trash that shows up. Irks me to death because its such a nice course.

***Posion Ivy & Stinging Nettles***

Holes 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 will be covered in these evil plants in mid summer. As a local, let me tell you.

It's. A. Bad. Time.

There's a makeshift disc retriever in the big tree by the basket on 18!

Copperheads in fall

This is a dedicated DG park. It is a refreshing change compared to most parks with oblivious walkers loitering in fairways and dog walkers leaving feces everywhere. Walkers still pop up sometimes, but it's rare. There is no mulituse path, no tennis courts, nothing to interfere with the game! Very welcomed change compared to other local courses Oakland top course and Indian HIlls.


Easy to get to from the highway or town.

Extremely few instances where other groups will interfere with your throw. The course is designed with plenty of buffer and woods between holes, poor throws don't have much chance of getting into adjoining fairways. On the same subject, a game can be played without seeing anybody else. This gives the course a fantastic private feel, even when busy.

Multiple teepads offer a fresh game without waiting for the club to move baskets. Nice concrete pads that are level and large. No off camber pads , even though the course is rarely flat play.

Absolutely stellar use of the terrain, trees, creeks, and pin locations. Many pins located where you MUST play smart or face OB and rollaway / lost discs.

Massive old trees abound, the majority of the course is fully shaded. Some huge cottonwood and sycamore groves in the floodplains. Fairways 1, 7, 10, 12, and 15 get full sun at high noon, but most have shade on the edges for staying cool.

Variety of short and long shots from all pads. It does not play monotonous like many courses that repeat the same shot and distance on every hole. The play switches between right, left, and straight shots constantly.


Favorable drives for backhand or forehand on most holes. Plenty of right fading shots keep it challenging for skilled players.

Variety! Elevated teepads, downhill drives, uphill drives, flat holes, short holes, really long holes. Variety like no other! No two holes play the same.

It's difficult. Seriously difficult. But that is why it is excellent! Between the variety and superb design, and lots of challenge in risk/reward situation, it won't lose luster for a long time.

The hiking can be difficult. This is not a good course for a cart in some areas, but maybe this is just poor cart design. Lighter carts would be advantageous. Has some rocky sections (nature!). Holes 8 and 15 have steep sections that cannot be avoided, and could not be steeper and stay usable. They are not easy to navigate with any moisture, yet I've done it plenty with no issue. I expect some erosion or addition of stairs in certain locations. Stairs have been built on 10 and 15 to help.

Walking from 12 to 13 red pad crosses over 14s fairway. Use caution! There is a sign there to remind you, but you know how people pay attention...

Some of the course will flood out. There will be 9 holes at all times though. It takes 24 hours to fully drain from flood unless the missouri river is also flooded. If you don't like playing when it's wet or muddy, the course is really no worse than any other. It seems to be playable faster than other local courses because of the sandy and well drained topography. The city has been working to fix low points that hold water.

Because of the lower sections, there are mosquitoes. A towel works excellent to swat them away. 2018 was bad, 2019 had very few. Your mileage may vary.


Heavily wooded also means easy to loose discs. Less skilled groups will need to use spotters or throw very carefully . I can't stress enough that this course will be very difficult for beginners. But this downfall is also what creates the fantastic private feel and interesting play, more skilled players will not find this a problem.

Im a local and live closest to this course. I play this course (typically red pads) at least once a week, body willing. 1-8 and 18 make a great "front 9" loop. 1-9 and 16-18 is another good loop. 9s basket is very close to 16s tees.

Bring lots of water! It is a long hike. I generally drink 16 to 24 ounces of water each round in the summer.

Bring a disc retriever. I lost 3 in 3 days of play at first, being too aggressive with shots near water. Totally my fault for making risky shots. As I play the course over the years, I rarely lose a disc with more strategic throws and better disc selection.

Play with a skilled group of two to four is about 2.5 hours. One person can play in 1.5 hours with a brisk walk to cover ground. A more relaxed round can easily take 3 to 4 hours. Groups above 8, I would recommend splitting into two groups if time is a concern.

I have met players from many states in just a few days, and they are absolutely fanatic about the course! A few comments have been made about it being the best course they have played. I agree.



Par from the Red pads is too generous IMO. As a beginner I finished below par the first time playing reds. The locals have started playing these as par 54, a game I find very fun. It would be fair to play par about 58 strokes too, because 900 foot holes are a bit too much for par 3!

Update after a few more years of playing: this course is still rad! The more I play other courses, the more i value having such an excellent course just a few miles away. Dont miss this course if you are passing through!

2 to 3 teepads offer fun/challenge for anyone that wants it. Or mix up all 3. Various lines from pretty much any teepad you want. Make sure to play your drives to set up your approach (or next fairway drive on the bookend par 5s, 1/9/10/18) This course is long but very technical and demands that you have good placement and putting to score well.

Gold pin positions look to offer some serious challenges. Lots of landing zones around the greens will really make you focus on laying up and not just running baskets with impunity.

The course rewards smart play that is executed well. It punishes sloppy or overly aggressive play, at least at my level.

Some of the trees that were cut on the fairways were repurposed into benches - one at every hole, but not every teepad unfortunately.

Tough to pick at the bad of this course. Lots of the rough spots are because it was just finished last week. Some spots have heavy hay laid down and there are lots of areas with no grass cover (heavy equipment + no rain = lack of grass obviously)

There are a few steep hills that are challenging to get up and down, and could be quite treacherous if it's wet.

Course is in a creek watershed, so if there's been heavy rain don't expect to be able to play it much if at all.

One of my friends said 'It's a hike where you also get to play disc golf', and that's no joke. Bring your hiking shoes, lots and lots of water, and some snacks. Also, you're going to want deep woods off in the summer months, especially since we've affectionately nicknamed the back 9 "Zika Valley"

An amazing landscape that is home to the finest disc golf course I've ever played. If you're a hardcore disc golfer, you owe it to yourself to try and play this course.

Feels like real golf mentally and physically. Its hard to quantify these hole designs with words, but each shot requires a strategy in the same way a ball golfer plays the game.
No two shots, exclung drives ever feel the same.
Wide variety of holes.
Tons of elevation. Up to 100ft between two holes.
Fair fairways.
Touch gold pin placements
2-3 tee pads per hole
The course is truly unlike anything I've ever seen b4.
Benches on almost every hole.
Tee signs at each tee pad.
Next tee guiding signs between holes.

18 gets a little tight after your drive, and it would been nice to have a non ob eagle approach.
-I'm really not picking. This course is amazing

Play the tees to your abilities....if you can't throw 400ft accuratly, then play white tees (middle tees). If you can't throw 250ft accurately, play the red (forward tees).
Bring lots of water.