Brownsville, KY

Holler In The Hills

4.515(based on 77 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Holler In The Hills reviews

Filter
16 0
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.5 years 1165 played 745 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 22, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

Holler in the Hills is legendary course that's fallen on some rough times. I've only ever played it once but was encouraged by what I saw out there. It looks like someone is starting to reclaim the course from mother nature, which will not be an easy task. There was some brush clearing and apparently the trash situation was much better than it had been even a year or so ago. I'm going to base my rating entirely off of what I experienced out there on my lone visit.

The design is pretty fantastic. The first 8 holes start out pretty ho hum before you head up the hill. That's where things get good. That said, there's still some good holes at the beginning. There's a creek that runs right next to holes 1, 2 and 3. Hole is a par 4 695 brute that plays mostly open for the first 80 percent or so. The basket is tucked into some trees and precariously close to the creek. Very hard par 4 for the majority of players. Hole 5 has a water carry over the small pond and there's the classic school bus hole 6.

The real stuff is on the back half though. Extreme elevation on almost every hole and many holes with what are basically cliffsides just off the fairways. Accuracy is paramount on these holes. The rough is extremely thick if you end off of the fairway, not to mention the drop offs. Hole 15 is one of the most beautiful holes you'll see anywhere in the country with the basket tucked behind a massive rock wall. Then there's the tee pad perched atop a boulder essentially. Hole 17 is also fantastic with the cross valley shot. Words don't even do any of these holes justice.

The baskets are blue Prodigy's. These are very old models but they all catch great and are pretty easy to spot. I actually like these models better than the newer Prodigy baskets. One basket and pin position per hole.

The tee signs are basic but functional. And in surprisingly good condition still. They feature a generic hole map, hole #, par and distance. The maps show any present OB. There's also all kinds of wooden next tee arrows too. These are actually more helpful than the actual tee signs to be honest.

The flow of the course is pretty straightforward in most spots. With all the next tee signs it's actually fairly easy to navigate once you get oriented. I'd still absolutely recommend having a map available but you probably won't need it as much as you'd think.

Beautiful surroundings all around you once you can really see them up the hill. The course is so remote that you won't hear any other human activity most of the time it seems. Very peaceful place.

Cons:

The elephant in the room. The course hadn't been maintained in years it seems. That's the main issue out here. Despite it apparently being cleaner than it has been recently, there's still trash laying around throughout the course.

The stairs and bridges and basically anything made out of wood are rotting away and pretty sketchy. The stairs especially are in very bad shape. If you play here be very, very cautious when using any of them.

The grass was starting to get pretty long in the pasture on the first few holes. Playable for sure, but if it's not mowed soon and often it'll become unplayable in short order.

As I mentioned above, the rough is extremely gnarly off the fairway. I'm borderline shocked that none of our group of three lost a single disc, and it's not for a lack of trying.

The course is a hike. You need to be a good physical condition to take this one on. There's no turning back once you decide to go that hill on 9. In fact, once you finish hole 1 you will not be back near your vehicle until the round is over. Make sure you bring everything you are going to need from the start.

Other Thoughts:

I'm glad I got to play this course. I thought I'd missed my chance. Thankfully it appears that someone is taking it upon themselves to try and maintain this once great course. It's a huge task but from the way it was looking they're making some headway. How long this continues? Who knows. But the course is still open and can still be played. If this one has been on your bucket list I'd recommend getting there soon. Well worth a trip even in it's current condition. Not quite a must play anymore, but damn close based on a few of those still iconic holes alone.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
28 0
PastorofMuppets
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.3 years 184 played 131 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Forgotten Legend

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 14, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

1. Spectacular views, especially from the top holes on the backside of the course with multiple cliff and rock facings, boulders, distant views of the river and surrounding holler.

2. Great use of the property for creating fun and challenging holes. Evidence that this course used to top notch at one point.

3. The course is lightly wooded and mostly flat on the front 9, giving way to more densely wooded and severe elevation changes on the back 9 with only 1 hole I remember being over 400 ft.

4. Several very memorable holes, so many in-fact, it's hard to remember which hole number they were despite playing the course multiple times over the years. From baskets atop gigantic boulders, to throwing off elevated platform tees, to a basket tucked back in a sort of cave opening, there is guaranteed to be a memorable hole for those come here.

5. While the distances are not super demanding, there are several holes that require precision lines and power control that punishes poorly thrown shots. This creates excellent score separation.

6. There is plenty of evidence that a ton of work and thought went into this course at some point, from all the woodwork creating stairs, bridges, platforms, etc. I'm guessing this course was a bucket list location once upon a time.

7. There is a river to the right of holes #1, #2, and #3 and a small pond that is thrown over on hole #5. The river flows and meanders alongside you and is a welcome calming view as you begin your adventure.

8. There are a few ace runs on this course, however missing them can result in huge roll aways and even lost discs. It is a risk/reward with a large downside. Again, great for tournament play.

9. The front 9 is pretty soft skill wise compared to a brutal back 9. The first 8 holes can be played by most any skill level with the water hazards being the only real danger. I recommend only the hardcore head up the hill on hole 9.

10. I'm told the local area disc golf club is putting together volunteers and raising funds to bring this course back to its former glory and I'm excited to see the outcome.

Cons:

1. Currently initial impressions from the parking lot are that the course appears abandoned. Wooden stairs and walkways are broken/rotting. Tee signs are sometimes missing or lay on the ground nearby. The course is not mowed and mid shin deep. There is piles of trash, old burn piles, a collapsing building, empty beer cans and the feeling time has forgotten this course.

2. It has a similar feel to playing an abandoned camp ground. There are no facilities available, no drinking water, bathrooms and definitely feels deserted. Cell service is also spotty at best and may be hard to navigate if you are using U-Disc and unfamiliar with the layout.

3. Major potential for lost discs. Between the river, pond, high grass, and deep thick rough for the last 10 holes you will spend a large majority of your round searching for discs. There are multiple elevated and blind shots that also make this worse.

4. The first 8 holes fool you with their very slight elevation changes, the last 10 are extremely steep up and down. As this course is not routinely maintained there are tons of loose rocks, washouts and hazards. It is very physically demanding and two members of our group called it quits early as a result.

5. I first played this course roughly 4 years ago when the Prodigy baskets were first installed. The course was rough then, but in much better shape then than it is now. The levy around the pond on #5 is completely washed out and there's a pile of degrading pallets stacked up in the wash out so that you can even get around the pond to the green on #5.

6. It is disheartening to see the state of disrepair this course is currently in after reading/hearing so much about this course. I can definitely see what the course was at one point, but that seems likes ages ago compared to what currently exists there. I really am hopeful that the local club saves this course and returns it to near its former glory.

Other Thoughts:

For its current condition I will give this course a 2.0 as I cannot in good faith recommend anyone go out of there way to play this course, while still giving Holler the respect for its potential rebirth in the future. I will gladly update my review if the course improves in the future. Holler sits pretty close to some pretty solid Bowling Green courses in one direction and Owensboro courses in the other. I would recommend passing this one over for some of the other choices when visiting the area, at least in its current form.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
31 0
Cerealman
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.3 years 660 played 186 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Too much squalor at the Holler

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 14, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

The modern-day version of Holler in the Hills hints at previous disc golf greatness worthy of bucket lists and destination trips. But while the past plethora of 5.0 reviews tell the story of an incredible layout from years long ago, the current condition of this Brownsville course may prompt visitors to holler and hope that this former masterpiece returns to its glory days.

For the record, a "holler" is a small, sheltered valley that usually includes a body of water. At Holler in the Hills, Holes #2 and #3 border the Beaverdam Creek, while Hole #5 incorporates throwing over a small pond. After that, the holes depart from the water's edge and are hillier in nature.

And if elevation is your cup of tea, the second half of the course is for you. The elevation kicks off by climbing a steep hill on Hole #9 and there's not much flat ground after that. There are several difficult uphill holes followed by the exuberance of throwing downhill lines.

The variety is excellent here. There's a good mix of open holes and tightly wooded holes. The only hole over 400 feet is a par 4 and its lightly wooded. Several of the longest holes are downhill. Accuracy is definitely valued here over distance. The fairways are cleared and fair on nearly every hole.

The sights are fantastic, and none are better than the view from the Hole #14 teepad, where you can see the hilltops all around. Hole #15 is probably the signature hole with the basket located at the shadowed base of several rock outcrops.

The concrete teepads are in good shape, though several of them are rutted. The teepads are long enough and I had no issues with the footing.

Judging by the older DGCR photos, several of the holes appear to have fewer trees now compared to the original version of the course.

Cons:

The course is playable but is an eyesore in spots as garbage is strewn about and signs of abandonment are everywhere. The stairs in between holes are broken, empty beverage cans and bottles are easily spotted, and the previously-used tee signs are discarded in the mud. Paper plates float on the surface of the murky pond. The course feels like a trashy, neglected ghost town.

The traversability is tough on a few holes. Several of the front nine holes are in a field with unmowed grass. A few of the back nine holes include climbing steep inclines, and Holes #16 to #18 are especially demanding for navigating some precipitous hills. There are a couple holes where retrieving an errant throw will be challenging due to tenuous footing on the slopes. The teepad for Hole #14 is on a raised platform several feet off the ground that will require climbing a couple large rocks. The teepad is short with a steep drop too, which could prompt disc golfers with knee issues to skip throwing from the teepad.

For first-time visitors, a fair number of baskets aren't visible from the teepad, so my group was continually wandering down the fairway before throwing our drives.

The baskets are Prodigy T3 with just a single layer of chains.

Hole #8 includes a mando to keep drives from the parallel Hole #7 fairway, but the removal of the RHFH line makes the hole more challenging.

Other Thoughts:

Follow the instructions in DGCR, not the address, to find the course. The gravel entry road is directly across from the intersection for Oak Grove Church Road. The parking lot and stairs to the first hole are on the right side. The money box is near the teepad of Hole #18 with a suggested donation of $5.

Apparently, there are or were five bonus holes (#A to #E) after Hole #15. I wasn't aware of this and didn't see any indication those holes are still in operation.

Holler in the Hills was a mainstay on the DGCR Top 25 course list for many years. It dropped off several years ago due to its UNPLAYABLE status but reclaimed a spot after its recently reemergence and playability. However, even if the trash was cleaned up and the messiness omitted, the nearly 15-year-old course has been passed by other new courses. Holler in the Hills is still an enjoyable play which merits a visit but isn't worthy of a Top 25 designation anymore.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 12
Tim Johnson
Experience: 17.5 years 26 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

great drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 20, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

loved it all. it is for top golfers. I have to rate it a 5. It's only $5 to play. best course around

Cons:

Lots of elevation.

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course. I play it all the time. Definitely a must play in the BG area
Was this review helpful? Yes No
15 3
BFish
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Bring a bush hog 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Pictures do the course justice but are 11 years old. Currently unrecognizable compared to its former glory. The potential for this course is very high.

Cons:

Grass is mowed (still above the knee in some spots) on the bottom 5 holes. After hole 9, the fairway grass is over 5 feet tall and up to 8 feet tall in a few spots. No joke.

Other Thoughts:

If you want a 5 star course out here bring your work gloves when you come. It can be brought back to life. I'd like to go out in this winter a few times and really shape it up for a glorious return in 2021. Chainsaws, lumber and machetes needed. This place needs a GoFundMe account ASAP.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 4
parbuster54
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Breath taking course. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 25, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Beautiful golf holes. The holes up among the cliffs are breath taking. Fun throws and challenging throws. Well maintained. Good signs and tee pads. A great test of anyones game.

Cons:

So hilly it is not for everybody. If you are not in fair shape you better not try it. Very little con to this course.

Other Thoughts:

This course is like a drug. It physicaly punishes you to play it but you love it so much you keep coming back. Howie does a great job of keeping it in great shape. This is a must play course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
18 1
dad_of_dg_junkies
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.3 years 50 played 22 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Holy Holler Batman... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 17, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

1) The course sits on private property and it was very well kept.
2)The tee pad were very grippy. We even played in a small amount of snow in the morning round.
3) The course has a very good mix of flat and VERY hilly holes.
4)The best thing that I can say about this course is that I never felt forced to play a certain shot. Sure there are some tight holes but I seemed to have options on every one.
5) Holes 14-18 were the most enjoyable closing holes that I can remember.
6) The pin placements are a big pro on this course. Some are raised, some have steep fall-offs, You almost never have a putt that you can just run. (Risk/Reward)
7) The course does an outstanding job of using the natural terrain to create a masterpiece.
The use of elevation creates some really nice holes. I have looked at the pictures on here, but trust me when I tell you that that real thing is MUCH steeper than it looks.
8) This is a pay for play course and we saw the donation box on hole 5. The standard donation I believe is $5. That is a steal.
9) Navigation on this course isn't a problem at all. The course flows very well and there are next tee signs in the locations that aren't obvious.
10) There is course information (including OB's) as you head to the 1st tee from the parking lot.
11) This course isn't an easy walk. It has lots of cross slopes and some very steep hills to walk up and down.
I will say that the owner has done very well at providing some help to get up and down. He is to be commended for this. I GREATLY appreciated it.
12) Every place has a signature hole. I choose #3, #9, #14, #15 and #17. Seriously they are that good.
13) Don't forget to play the letter holes. They are a little more gentle than the numbered holes. Lots of deuces are possible, while still be very pleasing to the eye!

Cons:

I had a lack of tee signs here... New tee signs were up on my trip to this course in May 2015

Other Thoughts:

I have now played 2 private courses, (Harmon Hills being the other) and they have a different vibe to them. I can't express the what a great time we had at Holler in the Hills. You will need to sign a waiver to play since it is on private property but it was not big deal. Bring something to hydrate and be prepared for some high quality disc golf. Don't expect to race around this place. It does take some time to play this place. This course goes right near the TOP of my list. Make the trip... You won't regret it.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
Topper_34_1
Experience: 16.4 years 14 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Wow. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 24, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

I played Holler for the first time yesterday and all I could say was, "Wow." There are many signature shots on this course but it is not for the faint of heart. When I was driving to the course I saw a sign a mile from the course that said that Mammoth Cave National Park was 5 miles away and you could really tell you were in cave country with some of the holes. I haven't seen many people comment on the "extra holes" (a-e), but I thought they were some of the most fun and challenging shots on the course. This was the first pay-to-play course I have ever been to, and I definitely feel like $5 was a reasonable donation for a course of this caliber.

Cons:

This course, as other people have said is definitely in a holler as the name suggests. I tried to play the course in under an hour in a half and I regret that. There are huge elevation changes which may be hard on someone if they are out of shape (like I am.) I don't think the tee pads were as much of a con as some of the tee signs were. Since I was playing the course for the first time I was trusting the tee signs for the blind tee shots. There were a few tee signs that didn't show the exact direction and that caused a few shots that I thought were parked by the tee sign, but come to find out were 50 ft. to the right of the basket.

Other Thoughts:

Definitely a must play in the BG area. It was nice to get away from the same courses I play in BG. I will definitely go back to Holler. Howie is great, and I got to talk to some of his family who were on the course working. Thanks for a great experience Howie!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
The Abacus
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Holler in the Hills 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Pros of playing this course are too many to list but here are a few:
1) This course has some of the neatest holes I've ever played. Sick basket placements and views.
2) It only cost 5 BUCKS! I honestly felt like I had ripped them off.
3) The folks that run and apparently maintain the course are super friendly and have done some really amazing things. I mean, they've put concrete tee pads on a mountain! Cmon!
4) I'm not sure how often this happens and it could have been because we played it on a Monday, but we had the whole course to ourselves and couldn't resist taking multiple shots from some of the more amazing tee pads.
5) There are FIVE bonus holes that are probably the coolest holes on the course!
6) there are many holes that could be aced and we're talking about holes where you throw from an elevated tee pad at a basket sitting on too of a boulder type holes!
7) I could go on and on about each neat thing about playing this course but I'd rather dare you to go play it yourself. That's right, I DARE you. It's well worth it.

Cons:

Not too many cons but I do have some advice: you'll need twice as much hydration as you think you'll need and you're going to have to carry it on you. You won't reach your vehicle again until you've shot the final hole. Also, be ready to climb some hills. This course plays around a lot of steep areas. Last, you may not have phone service and you need to allot a good portion of your day. The course takes time.

Other Thoughts:

My final thoughts on Holler in the Hills: go play it and take a camera! It's SO worth it!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 0
HarvatronB
Experience: 21.4 years 14 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

More than a Course, An Experience 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

(1) Out of the 23 holes we played, I'd describe 12-15 of them as absolute jaw-droppers. Unbelievable pin placements on top of boulders; tee pads situated in the mouths of open caves. It's like an amusement park for disc golfers. It's more than a course; it's a destination.

(2) The course was well maintained. Grass was cut and weeds were trimmed.

(3) Course owner and his family were more than hospitable. We first ran into them on the second tee (they were doing some grounds keeping work), and they could not have been more friendly and welcoming. Once we made it to 18's tee (which is basically in their front yard), they all came out to chat and ask about our thoughts as first-timers at Holler In The Hills. Super cool people.

(4) It's only $5 to play this incredible course. After I'd finished my round, I felt like this was a heck of a bargain. It's well worth the price of admission.

Cons:

I'm hesitant to call this a con, because the name of the course is Holler In The Hills after all, but give yourself plenty of time and/or make sure you're in good shape before you try to tackle this course. I cannot emphasize enough how steep it can get -- after Hole 9, it felt like virtually every hole was uphill.

Other Thoughts:

As a Nashville-area disc golfer, Holler In The Hills is one of those courses you hear about over and over again. Earlier this week, some friends and I made the 1.5-hour drive to Brownsville and -- after playing 18 + 5 bonus holes -- I don't know why we waited so long. I've seen Holler In The Hills referred to as a "bucket list" course, and I could not agree more. If you live within 200 miles, go. Just go. It will be more than worth it. If it's warm outside, be sure to bring about twice as much water as you think you'll need. Once you leave the parking lot, you won't see your car again until you've finished the course. There's no opportunity to stop and re-up on beverages. Also, be sure to mark your discs. We felt very fortunate to make it through an entire round without leaving a disc behind -- I would imagine this is a rarity. Luckily, the course owners seem rather committed to making sure lost discs are reunited with their rightful owners.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 2
SimonCarr
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.5 years 116 played 57 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Epic Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 12, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

The drive is worth it.

Great elevation change on this course - its a real hike, but totally worth it. The course makes use of a lot of natural hazards (creek, pond, streams, rock walls, school bus). Every shot is interesting.

This is one of the top places I've played at just because its so unique. Near the top of the holler - the throw from on top of a boulder is perfectly setup. Maybe my favorite was #17 throwing back across the holler. Epic disc golf shot.

Not a course for someone wanting to knock out a round quickly - but if you are making a day trip, this is a very worthy choice!

I have to rate it a 5. It has some minor flaws, which are forgivable - playing this one again when I can get the time.

Cons:

It is not closer to Nashville.

Other Thoughts:

Get your birdies on the first 6 before going up the hill!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 3
DavidHood
Experience: 32.9 years 35 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Howie is the epitome of hospitality. He does a good job manicuring the course and a great job of making you feel welcome.
The "bonus" five holes are quality! The rock formations around Mammoth Cave make for great disc golf target placement.

Cons:

Tee pads are slippery when wet. Might I suggest FiveTen (they specialize in climbing shoes) Stealth rubber soles? It rained the last time we played and my friends with Vibram rubber soles were complaining (they were sliding all over the place) about the slick tee pads. I felt much more sure footed in my FiveTen shoes. In Howie's defense, we all agreed that concrete pads would be overkill (and hard to relocate) and the rubber mats were the best option.

Other Thoughts:

Lots of elevation. Two rounds on this course never fails to remind me that disc golf at this level is a young man's game.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 5
Declarkus
Experience: 21.4 years 287 played 16 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Love this course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 12, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun -- I know everybody says this, but this course has unique holes that keep you loving it the whole way through, Challenging but fair. Good flow, well maintained, benches and brooms at a bunch of holes, plenty of shade.

Cons:

Lots of elevation so not for the fat. Some of the tee boxes have this black rubber stuff thats scary slippery when wet. No signage on A-E (I know, its picky)

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course. I live in Nashville, and I have now made 3 trips up there in the last 3 months. I love the variety, challenge, and relaxing escape from the crowds.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 8
robthky
Experience: 11.5 years 56 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Fun ..Fun..Fun even for the rec disc golfer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 14, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is the absolute funnest course i have played in SWC KY. Most challenging course near BGKY.

Read the provided "Tips Sheet"

Cons:

None. Read the tips and FOLLOW THE TIPS! I did not and slipped and lost a disc on the "Pond Shot"
:)

Other Thoughts:

FOLLOW THE TIPS! Seriously, follow the tips on the advice sheet provided on the info board.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
RollingStone
Experience: 32.5 years 9 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fun, fun, frustrating, and fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 30, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

All basics are covered here. Parking, good tees, etc. Bonus items include significant elevation and water coming into play occasionally.

Every hole will challenge you to bring your "A" game. There are easier holes, but no truly easy holes on this course. Teebird

Cons:

Non-matching teepads. While all pads are in good condition due to the phenomenal maintenance done at this course, some picky people may be thrown off by throwing from different surfaces.

This course could be off-putting to newer players. It seems like a set of short tees would be do-able in order to cater to a wider audience.

Other Thoughts:

As you can see from my cons, I really had to get nitpicky to find anything to pick on about Holler. This is a course that will challenge you, and therefore it's not a course to bring anything but the discs you have complete and utter confidence in. This seems self-explanatory to older players, but might not be to everyone.

Regardless, the natural beauty of the land Holler is on, and the designer's vision in using that land are among the best I've ever played on. Even though my first round was absolutely brutal, I enjoyed my time as the scenery was worth playing slow and taking in. I will be back in Bowling Green the week after the 4th, and can't wait to get back out to the Holler.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
JC AceHole
Experience: 23.5 years 545 played 6 reviews
5.00 star(s)

One of the best! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 6, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is disc golf at its finest. Located in a true Kentucky holler. As we played this course, I continually kept thinking how there wasn't a single bad hole on this course. The real fun starts when you get on the hill though...

We were lucky enough to play the 24 hole layout as howie had it all set up. This course has a wide variety of shots that will challenge most players. Flat holes, water holes, more open, heavily wooded and ones with extreme elevation. You really get a feeling of seclusion here as you are away from most of the world in this hollar and when we played we were the only group out there. The extra holes set up are shorter however are very technical and extremely fun. You get to tee off from inside a cave opening on one of them and the basket is on a large rock formation way below at the bottom of the hollar. Truly breathtaking.

Cons:

If I had to pick somthing I would say a small bridge to cross the creek by hole i believe its 3 or 4 would be nice. I threw a roc down in there and it got to the other side of that creek and I couldn't find a way to cross at all. I don't neccessarly know if this is a con... Mabye I just need to learn not to throw my discs into water...

Other Thoughts:

Out of the bowling green are courses, this is by far the best in that area. I have played many of the top ranked courses in the country and i think this is up there with the best of the best. I really could go on for a while about this magical place but words can't describe how wonderful this course is. I would recomend going for yourself to really experience this gem in the Kentucky hills.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 1
Brokensaint
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17 years 344 played 31 reviews
5.00 star(s)

This is my 100th course played, ranked in my top 5 so far 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 12, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Practically everything about this course is a "pro". We arrived about 7am, the morning after a day of torrential rains. The creek was very high and moving. There was ground water seeping up, forming myriad rivulets of water along the many slopes of the course. Just an absolutely beautiful environment to start the day.
Each hole, whether it threw flat with water on the side or behind, or the many up and down holes throughout, not one of them was a gimme or throw-away hole. Howie has great signage everywhere, so navigation was not a problem at all.
Several unique "signature" holes, notably the bonus holes that use a natural bluff as environment, and hole 14, where both tee and pin are atop separate boulders jutting from the hillside.

Cons:

This is not a county park, so restrooms, drinking fountains, etc are missing. It's a Kentucky holler. There are bugs, ticks, and nature. That's why you go there.

Other Thoughts:

A private course that deftly illustrates what nature golf and true love of the sport means. I highly recommend taking the time to make your way to Holler in the Hills. You will not be disappointed.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 0
go18under
Experience: 29.5 years 3 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Diamond in the Holler 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 14, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

If you like Disc Golf.....you will love Holler.
Plenty of parking and info about the course.
Obviously well maintained, you start noticing the details right away.
Hole 1 (elevated basket), 2, 3 plays along the creek in the bottom of the holler. Hole 3 is a very smart designed par 5, lots of risk/reward. You better not relax! Hole 6 is unique, cool old school bus that you must hyzer around. Hole 9 is where it really starts.....better catch your breath. All the fairways are well defined, with multiple opportunities for 2's with good, smart drives. Make sure you take a few minutes to think about life as you retrieve your disc from Hole 12 basket. Think about how blessed we are to be able to climb a mountain, think about Howie and how he maintains this gem for us. Hole 14, you get to throw from a large boulder on the side of the hill, to another boulder on the side of a hill with a basket on it!! Hole 15 is the top of the holler, check out the cave hangouts over the next few holes:) The 5 new holes after 15 are a nice additions, and super cool. I have played over 100 courses, and there are shots at holler that I don't get to throw anywhere else. Hole 16...wow...throw a beat up putter with a lil anhyzer, and watch it sail down a perfect pipe....but be careful...5 feet past the basket is another valley that you could keep sailing down:) Hole 17 is my favorite....you better be able to throw a roc or mako on a straight 315' straight rope, or else you will be about 100' feet down in the bottom of the ravine. Hole 18 is a great finishing hole featuring an elevated basket on a downhill slope with OB behind it. Then you get to sit by the lake, catch your breath (literally), and probably talk with Howie about how much fun you just had. There are NO unknown elements, you just have to be aware, and play smart. There are benches and good signage on every hole, plenty of cool hangout spots....very quiet, and peaceful. Playing this course will make you a better golfer, and a better person if you let it.

Cons:

My con would be for beginners that might get frustrated, but Howie was nice enough to add AM pads for some of the holes. If I had to pick another con, it would be the teepads. I guess the tics are a con, but the course is in a holler, what do you expect? I rate this course a 5.5, so I will knock it down to 5 to be fair:) PS: Give it a few days after a big rain, THIS IS A KY HOLLER:), it does hold water in the bottoms where the first 4 holes are located.

Other Thoughts:

Thanks Howie Baird!! I know how much work you put in out there. Yes, your disc might roll off the side of the mountain, or you might have to go for a swim, but a day on the holler is good for the soul. It literally humbles me in more ways than one while I'm there. Thank you!!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 6
MikusRighteous
Experience: 16.4 years 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

one of the best courses ever made 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 20, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Layout of each hole is sweet. He just added in some new holes which go along with the course very well. The scenery is phenomenal, near mammoth cave national park. Takes very skilled shots to reach the basket. Definitely a course to improve your game.

Cons:

Other than some of the teepads being rubber, not that it bothers me any, there's nothing else that i could see being a factor.

Other Thoughts:

Very much a course to put in your "bucket" list
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 8
xrayskid
Experience: 10 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Yeeee Haaawww! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 4, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Amazing use of space on a beautiful mountainside location. Very imaginative tee and pin placements. I was really Jonesing to play this course and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
GO PLAY THIS COURSE!

Cons:

The main drawbacks to the course are the very short tees and the fact that the design tremendously favors right handed golfers. I believe there were only 2 holes that faded to the right.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top