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Holloway Park DGC reviews
10
0
Holloway puts Lakeland on the map for "Best small DG Town"
Reviewed:
Played on:Feb 20, 2023
Played the course:once
Pros:
Very varied terrain, wooded holes and open holes with great grass. There is also a surprising amount of elevation change, great use of the land available.
The Prodigy baskets are all in good shape, still like new.
With such a long course, the turf tees were great to have. Most all holes require a long runup and good footing, these tees handled that well.
Excellent tee signs with the hole layout, next tee arrow and elevation change. They are only at the long tees.
Primarily a DG only section of the park, it is open for walkers and one did surprise me at the back of the course, but that was the only person I saw during my round.
As mentioned in a previous review, the majority of the time, its just you and the course, very good to focus and work on your game.
The Prodigy baskets are all in good shape, still like new.
With such a long course, the turf tees were great to have. Most all holes require a long runup and good footing, these tees handled that well.
Excellent tee signs with the hole layout, next tee arrow and elevation change. They are only at the long tees.
Primarily a DG only section of the park, it is open for walkers and one did surprise me at the back of the course, but that was the only person I saw during my round.
As mentioned in a previous review, the majority of the time, its just you and the course, very good to focus and work on your game.
Cons:
The rough is pretty thick on many holes, especially in the back section, #10 to about #14. It only affected me on #12, after a horrible drive deep into the brush, but I was able to dig it out. The area to the left of #13 looked like "lost disc" territory, so I was careful not miss on that side.
#4 also looked like a potential disc and time losing hole, the fairway follows a walking path on a tight ridgeline, bordered by trees all the way. As I walked the hole, there have been areas cleared on both of the drop offs, so managed pretty well.
Holloway starts out tame enough, #1 is mostly flat, with a slight hyzer finish. Unfortunately, it also ends pretty tame, not what you want to see for a finishing hole. After a lot of challenging holes, including two Par 5s, the finisher is flat, and just a few trees to beat to access the green. There is a stream a little further to the left of #18, it would be nice to see that come into play, to add a little danger coming down the stretch. The park is used for hiking and cross country, so maybe this area is used for access to those trails.
#4 also looked like a potential disc and time losing hole, the fairway follows a walking path on a tight ridgeline, bordered by trees all the way. As I walked the hole, there have been areas cleared on both of the drop offs, so managed pretty well.
Holloway starts out tame enough, #1 is mostly flat, with a slight hyzer finish. Unfortunately, it also ends pretty tame, not what you want to see for a finishing hole. After a lot of challenging holes, including two Par 5s, the finisher is flat, and just a few trees to beat to access the green. There is a stream a little further to the left of #18, it would be nice to see that come into play, to add a little danger coming down the stretch. The park is used for hiking and cross country, so maybe this area is used for access to those trails.
Other Thoughts:
Holloway could best be described as a Championship level course, with 6500' from the Whites and nearly 8000' from the Golds, the distance is there. There is also a nice mixture of wooded holes, in fact, by my count, an even mix of 9 open holes and 9 wooded holes. While the majority of the holes are mostly flat, the ones with any significant change (2,5,7 and 16) are done very well, especially the basket positions on 2 and 7.
With the distance here, you want to get as much distance off the tee as you can, but with the natural feel of the course, you have to keep it in the fairway, or you will be in woods, or knee high grass. After the opener, #2 has a sharp dogleg left soon off the tee, cut it short and you are using a shot to get back out. Then further up this 380' foot hole to a 15' rise to the guarded basket.
#9 provides a challenge, even though it is flat and mostly open. The long tee requires a tunnel drive of about 200' past the short tee, then shot shaping all the way on this 900' Par 5.
Holes 5,6 and 7 play through a wooded valley that all require a straight drive. #7 finishes pretty cool, right about 45 degrees at the end of the fairway, then up 20' to the basket.
#11 is one of the cooler flat holes you will play, kind of tight off the tee, with a hidden pond down the right side about 250' out that almost got me, then the approach has to go in low, under low hanging branches of a huge guardian tree.
#16 is the shortest hole on the course, 250' and downhill about 20' it plays much shorter, the basket is in the open, so the perfect ace run hole.
#17 is the other Par 5 on the course and a whopping 1000' in length. The first half of the hole is open, with long grass bordering the fairway then the trees take over, thick in spots, to the basket guarded by a single tree.
Definitely a challenging course that requires a good amount of distance, but also control to keep it in the fairways. I'm glad I played this one in the morning, even in February, it was good to get all those throws, and the long walks in, before it got too hot. Bring your A game to score well here.
With the distance here, you want to get as much distance off the tee as you can, but with the natural feel of the course, you have to keep it in the fairway, or you will be in woods, or knee high grass. After the opener, #2 has a sharp dogleg left soon off the tee, cut it short and you are using a shot to get back out. Then further up this 380' foot hole to a 15' rise to the guarded basket.
#9 provides a challenge, even though it is flat and mostly open. The long tee requires a tunnel drive of about 200' past the short tee, then shot shaping all the way on this 900' Par 5.
Holes 5,6 and 7 play through a wooded valley that all require a straight drive. #7 finishes pretty cool, right about 45 degrees at the end of the fairway, then up 20' to the basket.
#11 is one of the cooler flat holes you will play, kind of tight off the tee, with a hidden pond down the right side about 250' out that almost got me, then the approach has to go in low, under low hanging branches of a huge guardian tree.
#16 is the shortest hole on the course, 250' and downhill about 20' it plays much shorter, the basket is in the open, so the perfect ace run hole.
#17 is the other Par 5 on the course and a whopping 1000' in length. The first half of the hole is open, with long grass bordering the fairway then the trees take over, thick in spots, to the basket guarded by a single tree.
Definitely a challenging course that requires a good amount of distance, but also control to keep it in the fairways. I'm glad I played this one in the morning, even in February, it was good to get all those throws, and the long walks in, before it got too hot. Bring your A game to score well here.
13
0
Another nice course for Lakeland 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 20, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
Holloway was easy to find since it is located on a major highway (US-98) which can be accessed from either I-4 or Polk Parkway. There is a Practice basket right at the entrance which is a safe distance from the #1 tee. The course is well maintained and is definitely cart friendly but you do need to watch what you are doing on a couple of holes going down some hills. Although the course is challenging, I didn't have to play it too safe and was able to find all of my bad throws. In the summer it could be harder with a thicker rough. The navigation wasn't too difficult but I do suggest you print out the map. There are lots of nice tunnels with high ceilings as well as more open holes. I thought all of the holes were varied and required a good selection of discs.
The foliage is typical Florida with tall southern pines and both Live and Laurel oaks on the tunnel holes; and with mostly saw grass and Brazilian peppers along the open fairways.
Holes #2, #4 through #8, and #15 are protected from the wind while the others are more out in the open and discs can be easily carried into the rough if it is breezy.
Hole #2 plays with a quick left bend for a hyzer shot and then the basket is up and over a hill.
Hole #4 is located down a 20 feet wide ridge path with shallow gullies on both sides. I played in November when the rough wasn't too dense and a missed shot was easy to find.
To find #5, continue along the trail just a little and then on the left there is a worn path that goes straight down to the tee. But if you miss it, make the hairpin turn on the left when you come to the dirt path.
You'll find the #7 basket up on a ridge about 15 feet above ground.
Hole #14 borders the cypress swamp and there are park information signs indicating eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey nearby. From the #14 tee pad spot the #7 basket up on the hill to the left as a landmark to guide you to hole #15. For me to find #15, I headed towards the back of #7 basket and then took that trail for about 150 feet. Hole #15 plays as a nice wide tunnel but there is a steep drop off on the right.
I thought hole #16 was fun even though it is short but it is on an elevated tee and you can watch your disc glide down.
Hole #17 is long (1005 feet) and narrow hole that bears along the far-left trail. The grass and rough is just deep enough to easily lose a disc if you don't watch it closely. This was the only hole I didn't feel comfortable throwing long and just eased down with a putter.
I had to look a little to find #18. After #17 head towards the canal and there is a little path on the right that goes down the brush and parallels the canal. Follow that to left side to find #18. If you go to the canal, come back about 40 feet or find a cut on the right back into the woods.
The foliage is typical Florida with tall southern pines and both Live and Laurel oaks on the tunnel holes; and with mostly saw grass and Brazilian peppers along the open fairways.
Holes #2, #4 through #8, and #15 are protected from the wind while the others are more out in the open and discs can be easily carried into the rough if it is breezy.
Hole #2 plays with a quick left bend for a hyzer shot and then the basket is up and over a hill.
Hole #4 is located down a 20 feet wide ridge path with shallow gullies on both sides. I played in November when the rough wasn't too dense and a missed shot was easy to find.
To find #5, continue along the trail just a little and then on the left there is a worn path that goes straight down to the tee. But if you miss it, make the hairpin turn on the left when you come to the dirt path.
You'll find the #7 basket up on a ridge about 15 feet above ground.
Hole #14 borders the cypress swamp and there are park information signs indicating eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey nearby. From the #14 tee pad spot the #7 basket up on the hill to the left as a landmark to guide you to hole #15. For me to find #15, I headed towards the back of #7 basket and then took that trail for about 150 feet. Hole #15 plays as a nice wide tunnel but there is a steep drop off on the right.
I thought hole #16 was fun even though it is short but it is on an elevated tee and you can watch your disc glide down.
Hole #17 is long (1005 feet) and narrow hole that bears along the far-left trail. The grass and rough is just deep enough to easily lose a disc if you don't watch it closely. This was the only hole I didn't feel comfortable throwing long and just eased down with a putter.
I had to look a little to find #18. After #17 head towards the canal and there is a little path on the right that goes down the brush and parallels the canal. Follow that to left side to find #18. If you go to the canal, come back about 40 feet or find a cut on the right back into the woods.
Cons:
Not so much a con but just an FYI. I played in November and the Caesar weed, which have pretty little lavender flowers in the summer, had little Velcro seeds that stick all over your clothes, shoes and towels when retrieving a disc from rough (you can use a regular comb to scrap them off). Be careful in the rough about halfway down # 9 through #12 because of the small thorny weeds (Rubus or blackberry). If you get hooked move slowly to remove or you'll get a good cut that will bleed.
Other Thoughts:
The light green baskets a little hard to find the first time through and there were still no Next Tee signs for navigation, however, the next basket direction is indicated on the Tee pad signs. The Prodigy baskets held the disc great which is a little different than the ones at Hidden Oaks that spits them out.
The course is really pretty and quite peaceful except for hole #9 which runs along a major highway.
Holloway is a great pairing with Hidden Oaks and makes the traffic on I-4 worthwhile and a fun trip to Lakeland.
The course is really pretty and quite peaceful except for hole #9 which runs along a major highway.
Holloway is a great pairing with Hidden Oaks and makes the traffic on I-4 worthwhile and a fun trip to Lakeland.
18
0
The Ups And Downs Of Discing In Lakeland 2+ years
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 3, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
First: The Ups.
Lakeland gets it's second course, and it's a beauty. When you first pull into the park and see the terrain you just know right away that you are in for an awesome DG experience. A nice variety of trees and foliage and wildlife plus some mid-Florida hills. Elevation is a relative thing. In florida we would say that this course has pretty good elevation changes. Folks in hilly to mountainous areas might consider the course pretty flat. We'll take what we can get down here. The course had holes that reminded me of other Florida courses (in a good way) such as Medard and Greenway and even shades of GA and TN courses.
There are nice turf tees from the longs (my favorite type) great informative tee signs (at the longs) and wonderfull new prodigy baskets (also my favorite type, when new). The red/white(?) tees are marked with red flags and a small strip of carpet and chop some 50 to 100 feet off of the length of each hole. There is a good mix of hole lengths and types but the course leans to the long side with one hole over 1000'. The course offers some cool looks and a few clench moments, like the hole on a ridge with a narrow fairway and with perilous drop-offs down to ravines on both sides of the fairway.
The fairways were mowed short (where appropriate) and the course seemed well maintained.
Lakeland gets it's second course, and it's a beauty. When you first pull into the park and see the terrain you just know right away that you are in for an awesome DG experience. A nice variety of trees and foliage and wildlife plus some mid-Florida hills. Elevation is a relative thing. In florida we would say that this course has pretty good elevation changes. Folks in hilly to mountainous areas might consider the course pretty flat. We'll take what we can get down here. The course had holes that reminded me of other Florida courses (in a good way) such as Medard and Greenway and even shades of GA and TN courses.
There are nice turf tees from the longs (my favorite type) great informative tee signs (at the longs) and wonderfull new prodigy baskets (also my favorite type, when new). The red/white(?) tees are marked with red flags and a small strip of carpet and chop some 50 to 100 feet off of the length of each hole. There is a good mix of hole lengths and types but the course leans to the long side with one hole over 1000'. The course offers some cool looks and a few clench moments, like the hole on a ridge with a narrow fairway and with perilous drop-offs down to ravines on both sides of the fairway.
The fairways were mowed short (where appropriate) and the course seemed well maintained.
Cons:
And now for the downs:
The water hazards here are pretty much limited to the ditches and ravines on the edges of some fairways, and the "Bog Of Stench" that is hard to discern from the tee on one of the later holes. Several holes had mud bogs and/or standing water on them, but none of the holes were under water or flooded out. Not bad. You are going to want to wear long pants and boots anyway. The mosquito's were frequent and the hike was a long way around. There is a long unmarked walk between hole 14 and hole 15. Head up the hill on the center path. You're welcome. So here is the thing with the navigation. It's not horrible, but when we started there were next tee signs, but as we played on, there was someone out there removing the next tee signs. WTF dude? He got passed us, pulled the next tee signs and left us doing a little walkabout to find the tees we had left to play. Also, there were a lot of baskets not visible from the tees.
There are real cool plants all over the course. Some of them are dense and thick and have thorns, really sharp thorns all over them. Keep a close eye on your discs and try to stay in the mostly generous fairways.
The course intersects several hiking/biking trails so be on the lookout for randoms. More of an FYI than a con: The local police use this park to train their dogs.
The water hazards here are pretty much limited to the ditches and ravines on the edges of some fairways, and the "Bog Of Stench" that is hard to discern from the tee on one of the later holes. Several holes had mud bogs and/or standing water on them, but none of the holes were under water or flooded out. Not bad. You are going to want to wear long pants and boots anyway. The mosquito's were frequent and the hike was a long way around. There is a long unmarked walk between hole 14 and hole 15. Head up the hill on the center path. You're welcome. So here is the thing with the navigation. It's not horrible, but when we started there were next tee signs, but as we played on, there was someone out there removing the next tee signs. WTF dude? He got passed us, pulled the next tee signs and left us doing a little walkabout to find the tees we had left to play. Also, there were a lot of baskets not visible from the tees.
There are real cool plants all over the course. Some of them are dense and thick and have thorns, really sharp thorns all over them. Keep a close eye on your discs and try to stay in the mostly generous fairways.
The course intersects several hiking/biking trails so be on the lookout for randoms. More of an FYI than a con: The local police use this park to train their dogs.
Other Thoughts:
This is a scenic fun course but I would caution rec players and those with weak constitutions, especially in the summertime as this course is long and has some elevation changes. Anyway bring plenty of water and bug spray. If this course doesn't kill you, Lakeland has another course nearby that is also pretty nice. Enjoy!
2
4
Milogoestocollege
Experience:
2 played
1 reviews
Uncut gem 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 22, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
Very solid new course. A wide array of shots required, built for the scratch golfer. There's turnover shots, uphill placement shots, wooded fairway shots, and two big par 5s. Baskets are great too. The property is well maintained. One of the top courses in Florida.
Cons:
The course is brand new, so it's still coming together. It's tough to say "negatives" when a course is still in its infancy--we'll see how it develops. My primary advice is to bring all the cold water and snacks you can handle, since it's a long course and can be draining.
Other Thoughts:
Another central Florida gem. Stay in the fairway and throw em straight.
11
0
Go play this course! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 22, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Turf tee pads from the longs which are fantastic for grip even after a rain like I played in today
-Prodigy baskets that will catch anything
-Even without tee signs pretty easy to navigate on your own (with a few exceptions)
-The wooded holes are mostly fair off the tee despite having tight lines
-You'll throw most of the discs in your bag
-A great test of skill even for the advanced to open level player
-Lots of blind shots. This is NOT a pitch and putt course
-Recently manicured, likely for the upcoming tournament, but it's picturesque
-ELEVATION! IN FLORIDA!!! I mean it's not mind altering but they did a fantastic job of adding in elevation change to add to the complexity of the course.
-Prodigy baskets that will catch anything
-Even without tee signs pretty easy to navigate on your own (with a few exceptions)
-The wooded holes are mostly fair off the tee despite having tight lines
-You'll throw most of the discs in your bag
-A great test of skill even for the advanced to open level player
-Lots of blind shots. This is NOT a pitch and putt course
-Recently manicured, likely for the upcoming tournament, but it's picturesque
-ELEVATION! IN FLORIDA!!! I mean it's not mind altering but they did a fantastic job of adding in elevation change to add to the complexity of the course.
Cons:
-No tee signs or "next tee" signs (yet)
-A couple of long walks between holes. 14-15 comes to mind especially
-Short pads only marked by spray paint (they're having a tournament in a couple weeks as a fundraiser to add these in!)
-The rough is SUPER rough. If you go in it just go ahead and pull up your favorite disc retailer on your phone and order a new one, cause it's gone.
-A few of the super short holes like 16 could be replaced with much better options as this land appears to be wide open
-No bathrooms that I saw
-It's Florida so... it's hot, bring water. Consider an umbrella if you're sun sensitive.
-Because of the tough rough, the blind shots make it really easy to lose discs. Highly recommend a spotter or if you're playing by yourself just don't take crazy chances. Throwing a few extra shots today I lost 2 discs.
-A couple of long walks between holes. 14-15 comes to mind especially
-Short pads only marked by spray paint (they're having a tournament in a couple weeks as a fundraiser to add these in!)
-The rough is SUPER rough. If you go in it just go ahead and pull up your favorite disc retailer on your phone and order a new one, cause it's gone.
-A few of the super short holes like 16 could be replaced with much better options as this land appears to be wide open
-No bathrooms that I saw
-It's Florida so... it's hot, bring water. Consider an umbrella if you're sun sensitive.
-Because of the tough rough, the blind shots make it really easy to lose discs. Highly recommend a spotter or if you're playing by yourself just don't take crazy chances. Throwing a few extra shots today I lost 2 discs.
Other Thoughts:
This course is pretty damn good for having just been installed. It does technically share some ground with a hiking trail. I have no idea how much traffic it gets because I played an early afternoon round midweek, but that's something to be cognizant of as it does appear a few of the holes traverse or go along this trail. As stated in the "cons" section there are a few opportunities to utilize more of the area for some better or more challenging holes. Don't get me wrong, this course is TOUGH, but a hole like 16 which is a pretty open 200-ish down hill putter shot almost feels like it was installed just because they needed a transition from 15 (good hole) to 17 (fantastic hole). This is a course in progress and because I see the potential I'm giving it a slightly higher rating than it probably deserves right now. If this were a seasoned course I would probably give it a 3.5, but I see where it's going. And with additional tweaks this could easily reach 4.5-5 level rating. With some nice tee signs, some permanent short pads, and a few minor hole adjustments this course could be one of the best in Florida hands down. If you're in the area DEFINITELY check out this course, but bring a buddy for spotting and LOTS of water.
P.S. If you're seeing this in time there is an upcoming tournament build as a fundraiser for the short tees. I'll be there and I hope a lot of others show up to help them out because they've done a fantastic job with this property. I really can't say enough.
P.S. If you're seeing this in time there is an upcoming tournament build as a fundraiser for the short tees. I'll be there and I hope a lot of others show up to help them out because they've done a fantastic job with this property. I really can't say enough.
3
0
zaach21
Experience:
9.9 years
184 played
3 reviews
Potential to be one of the best in Florida 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 17, 2020
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
-Tons of different shot selections
-Tests out your game in so many ways
-Amazing terrain, especially for Florida
-Maintained beautifully
-Mostly single-use area. Hikers present, but not many
-Turf tee pads
-Tests out your game in so many ways
-Amazing terrain, especially for Florida
-Maintained beautifully
-Mostly single-use area. Hikers present, but not many
-Turf tee pads
Cons:
-Some forced holes
-Better holes are visibly present (like throwing over the gulley)
-One big loop & some long walks between holes
-The rough is very tough to find discs on some holes
-Pretty darn hot in the summer, bring your water!
-Better holes are visibly present (like throwing over the gulley)
-One big loop & some long walks between holes
-The rough is very tough to find discs on some holes
-Pretty darn hot in the summer, bring your water!
Other Thoughts:
This course has the potential to be THE BEST course in Florida with a few small hole changes. Looking forward to seeing the progression of this course in the next 2-3 years. The course is truly designed to be difficult to achieve par... even for the professionals. It's almost more like a ball golf course in that shooting par is for the professionals and many amateurs are easily +10 or more.
