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Burlington, KY

Idlewild

4.775(based on 201 reviews)
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35 7
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.1 years 383 played 318 reviews
5.00 star(s)

immaculate

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 9, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

-pretty much every challenge you could want in a DG course
-phenomenal course layout
-clean and beautiful park
-signature holes galore, a few island greens, long holes, and a couple of easy dueces
-fantastic use of the land, great elevation changes
-multiple tee locations and baskets on some holes and a trash can at every tee
-wonderfully maintained
-top notch amenities

Cons:

-such intense DG can be physically and mentally exhausting (and exhilarating)
-some people have said it can be gimmicky but i had fun the whole time! there is a middle ground between trying to bomb through each fairway and laying up with a putter every 200 feet. isn't course management about knowing when to be conservative and when to be aggressive?
-seems like most of the complaints stem from the course's reputation more than the course itself, first-time players who aren't familiar with navigation or OB lines, or those not equipped for the challenge

Other Thoughts:

***Update***
It has been 13 years since my first and only visit to Idlewild. I wanted to do a minor update just because I've watch this course evolve across the years on coverage. I've had my feelings and complaints about the course it the past and my rating has changed a couple times but at this point I don't know what there is to be critical of at Idlewild. It is a must-play and a right of passage for any serious disc golfer.
*****

There is not much to say that has not been said already. This is a must play course. I think it is worth a long trip to play this course alone (I stopped on the way between NY and TX). It's not for everyone and is probably few people's favorite course to play regularly but it is an epic experience.


**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
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16 8
thebuckeyeguy
Experience: 144 played 17 reviews
5.00 star(s)

The Mecca 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

There is a lot of elevation change, and a great variety of open and wooded holes...you will be tested in your forehand and backhand, as well as many "specialty" shots used for saves...great use of boundaries...well-kept course, mostly easy to follow

Cons:

The rough is ROUGH (but it's my fault for being there), but go there and you may lose your disc...occasionally it seemed like although there is a fairway, it is barely hittable (I know my place in disc golf, and I am no Jenkins, but I am not that bad either)...it is somewhat confusing your first time that there are not just alternate pin placements at some holes, but actually alternate baskets (instead of playing to A or B because one basket is in, you play to A or B because both baskets are in)

Other Thoughts:

Where to start...this is my favorite course hands down, although I never beat it!...since there are so many reviews, my only advice is to try to make time to play this course twice (with a break in between), because after almost every drive it seemed like I was, "I wish I would have placed it here instead"...on this course, it is a combo of placement AND power
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22 1
Daffron24
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18.6 years 156 played 25 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Well Worth The Trip 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 1, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Let me begin by saying this course will test your skills regardless of who you are. If you are a beginner this will be extremely hard and even if you are a pro you will be tested. Now I could critique every hole, but I won't. I think what would be more helpful is highlight the best parts of the course and its features. . This the course is absolutely stunning. The course begins with an air it out 600 ft which is nice to let loose on. Hole 2 offers a shot over a pond which is a nice start to the course. This is followed by a winding few holes which allow a player to use a variety of shots with a good amount of difficulty. Hole 5 can be difficult for a player who has never played this course. After shooting over the creek onto the grass area/drop area the hole is up the hill to the right (very difficult hole). Holes 7-14 are through the woods. This is my favorite part of the course. These holes cover every type of shot, hazard, and difficulty on every level. Shooting a good shot through this is area is imperative if you plan keeping your disc. After the winding and intricate holes you will come upon 15. 15 is a beast.....1000 ft. Don't let me discourage you though. An average player, like myself, can par this fairly easily. Then you are back in the woods for 16. This was my favorite hole, but also one I had trouble with. It is extremely beautiful with a creek winding through the fairway. The problem came with the trees and water hazard. Play this hole cautiously. Hole 17 is an easy par followed by 18 where it is very important to keep straight, because this is a long whole and if you get in stuck in the woods it will be hard to par.
Tee pads are amazing. Concrete pads are my favorite, and having extra long ones for the air-it-out holes are perfect.

Cons:

It's hard for me to put down cons, but no one is perfect and neither is a course. Since there pin placement changes you may need to walk to find the hole. Along with that navigating the course can be difficult for a first time player. I know putting restrooms and water fountains throughout the course would cost a lot of $, but maybe one pit stop would help.

Other Thoughts:

Pin placement is changed throughout the year which allow a different feel to the course each time. Very beautiful course where everyone is friendly and will gladly help you. Definitely bring water and bug spray, because this is will take around 2-3 hours and can be buggy. I would also suggest to play the pro-par as a 4 because of the difficulty level. Make sure to use the restrooms when you see them because once you are in the heart of the course it can be a long walk to the bathroom. I played this course over a weekend road trip, and I will say every dollar I spent getting to Idlewile was well spent. This is a must play in a disc golfers lifetime.
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7 12
wdjmstr
Experience: 31 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

ultimate so far 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 8, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Disc golf nirvana! Having the opportunity to experience Idlewild confirmed for me why Idlewild is acclaimed as one of the finest and most mentioned disc golf courses on players wish lists.Requiring every shot one can muster to navigate the challenges of 3,4,and 5 pars winding through the woods approaching some beautifully built greens.Varying hole lengths and elevational changes set in an area exclusively for disc golf ,this was truly the finest disc golf course I had played in 33 years.

Cons:

the word con does not apply

Other Thoughts:

It was obvious that the locals are very proud of their course evident by the absence of litter,well designed tee boxes and basket placements.I was amazed that the Cincy area was such a premier disc golf area.
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27 6
NatiBuckeye
Experience: 17 years 26 played 14 reviews
5.00 star(s)

A REC/INT players guide to Idlewild 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 7, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This review is based on the opinions of a REC/INT level players view and opinions of the course. As a guide to hopefully encourage other players of the same level who enjoy playing courses that are very challenging and somewhat above our skill level. As a note I throw 350' regularly and max out at about 400'. Also this guide can be helpful to players above my skill range please do not think that just because you are more skillful this will not help you understand the course.

Pros.
By definition a 5 disc course supposedly has nothing you would change about it. I dont believe this is ever truly possible. I rate this course the way I did because Idlewild is ever changing and something is always being done to make it better.
Forces you to practice and be confident playing hyzers, annhyzers, and straight shots, confidence in just one of these will not suffice for LH's and RH's.
This course is always well maintained.
Mando's , OB's and drop zones are normally very easy to follow if you choose to really test yourself.
The majority of holes on this course will give you an endorphin rush when you make the exact shot you were planning. Even if it is just 1/100 times.
This course will never disappoint in difficulty, some courses over time become boring not this one.
The course is changed year by year to keep it fresh and allow for local and all players to never encounter flashback syndrome.
The length of the course allows for you to unleash all your power on several holes.
There are several different approaches to each hole not just a hyzer/anny/thumber, many players have wowed crowds with their creativity.
The park the course is a part of is a great park itself, you can do a number of things while taking a break between rounds.
Many locals and pro's are happy to teach you the course and tutor... as well as show off.

Cons:

There are some cons:
*If your not 100% confident in your driver dont come here in the summer time. Hole 15 in the summer is lined with 4-6ft tall wildflowers that eat discs. This hole can also be windy so beware.
It is difficult for the first timer to navigate confidently and identify all the different pin positions and tee's without walking the hole then coming back.
There could be better bathrooms and water fountains. A course of this caliber with the tourism it attracts should warrant more than a porta-potty and broken water fountains.
Some will consider the many chances to lose a disc a con here. You just need to accept the fact that a bad tree kick can ruin the hole.
No more than 1-2 ace-runs for rec players, this is bad for us but challenges the true players of this course.
Some players who do not like challenging courses or long holes will not like this course. You must give up the idea of every hole being a 3 at this course until you are well schooled in your game.
Some pin positions are not open unless a tourney is approaching.

Other Thoughts:

*** Playing each hole as a 4 on this course as a NOV/REC player is perfectly fine and is respected by most players. It is also advised to play very relaxed OB rules during casual rounds. I also recommend this strategy for INT players until you really start to dominate. A hole by hole description will follow please stop now if you do not wish to read my thoughts on the holes.

Hole 1. Most of the time this hole is 640' downhill shot that does not discriminate against anyone. Feel free to let your longest driver rip, flying by the basket will lead to a long uphill putt.
Hole 2. 380' or 526' over a pond. I choose to not risk the pond during most of my rounds because the short pin is difficult enough for most players.
Hole 3. 432'/561'. Feel free to challenge yourself from the long pin and try to make it past the mando. Upshots can be very difficult through the trees and landing it on the island green in 2 can really jump start your round.
Hole 4. 235' and an easy mid for a LH or a good chance to practice your turnover for RH, take your (-1) 3 and be glad you did later.
Hole 5. 510' each shot during this hole is as important as the drive. If you land your drive in the advisable area your second shot is uphill long and very tight which continues until you reach the basket.
Hole 6. 588' This hole is extremely tight the entire length and requires laser like straight drives. Chances are you are going to give back that birdie you earned on 4 because this hole will challenge players of all skills.
Hole 7. 261' short but very tight, let the adrenaline flow if you make it through the initial fairway. The basket is very protected and may require some creativity.
Hole 8. 336' and very tight again, this hole can frustrate all players and requires extreme confidence. No clear route to the basket is available to players.
Hole 9. 192' this hole plays across a small ravine of sorts and allows for your first true ace run. This is another great chance to pick up a shot or two you just lost.
Hole 10. 609'/672' This hole requires you to play placement instead of really flexing out your arm. The basket is located behind a group of small trees on most days.
Hole 11. 441' the Kentucky gap hole is one you will remember. You can either bomb a drive through the Y tree and go nuts when you have a chance for a low score or you can play the target area and play the hole like a surgeon. Be careful not land in the creek off the tee or on second shots. An OB created island green is present for those of you wanting a real challenge.
Hole 12. 142' of ace run. This hole can be disappointing to top level players but gives others the chance to once again get the adrenaline pumping.
Hole 13.462'586' Don't play the first basket. Challenge yourself with the longer one and once again remember strategy will help you more than anything else. This is a blind shot with a nice landing area and the reward of great confidence when you crest the hill and find your disc in perfect position after making it through the tight drive alley.
Hole 14. 477' most of the time and one of the hardest holes for all players. You have to use pin point placement up hill and avoid many trees, this will make you really think and most likely get creative.
Hole 15. 1001' and feared as much as loved. Personally I love this hole because the tee is huge and all players can earn the longest drive of their career. The fairway is very large even for newer players and plays downhill after your first or most likely second drive. Another island type green awaits through a lot of tree trunks.
Hole 16. 297'/360' several clear routes are available to the player of all levels and you can really show off if you are the only one to avoid the trees. The short basket is a good way to get rid of a stroke but the longer basket is playable for the REC/INT with confidence.
Hole 17. 222' a straight shot through a lot of trees.
Hole 18. 651' and a great finishing hole that encourages several target zones. If you manage to park your last shot avoiding the large pine trees to finish your round you will remember it for a long time.

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10 13
tbird888
Experience: 19.2 years 226 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Mecca? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 20, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

To me, Idlewild is sacred ground.
It will test every shot in your bag with a good mix of wooded and open holes, wide ranges of distances, multiple pin positions, and elevation changes. Not all distance comes in wide open fields either, requiring you to emphasize accuracy while still forcing you to throw for distance.
It is unlike any course I've ever played - not that I've strayed too far from home! - and made me change the way I approach the game (it forced me to accept the mental challenge of the game as well as safe play over hero shots, instantly knocking throws off my scores at other courses).
This crazy course has been constantly evolving in the four years I've known it as well. If you've played it, you need to play it again. If you haven't, what are you waiting for?

Cons:

Due to it's level of difficulty, it can be both mentally and physically devastating.

Other Thoughts:

This course is an icon. It has constantly been changing since I've been playing it and continually getting better. It always gets the better of me, but always gives me a few great holes to keep me coming back for more. Don't take any good fortune for granted - this course has no mercy and will take it away. I feel truly lucky to have this course so close but don't play it enough.
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9 12
Rudy W
Experience: 16.1 years 6 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

THE disc golf destination 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 1, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course will blow you away at the first hole. This is the first course I've played where I felt like I was playing a golf course instead of a disc course. It's a truly amazing experience. The holes definitely reward distance throwers. The meandering streams offer water hazards without the fear of lost discs (shallow streams). The landscaped basket areas and bridges are a nice touch that adds a lot of character to the course. It's clear a lot of people spend a lot of time keeping this course what it is which encourages appreciation.

Cons:

Again, this is a distance thrower's course, and with that being said some baskets don't even become visible until your 2nd or 3rd throw. This is as much a warning to non-pro players than it is a con against the course. Honestly, I don't have a legitimate con for this course.

Other Thoughts:

Wow! Review visitors are real sticklers on this course! :) Do not play this course if you are not serious about your disc golf. I would consider myself an average amateur player and this course kicked my butt, but I loved every moment of it. If you appreciate this sport then you should take a day to come visit this course. A group of 3 players can expect a round of 18 holes to take approx 2-3 hours. A larger group may take longer.
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15 11
bdamcat
Experience: 15.6 years 24 played 12 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Best Course I've Played. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Speechless..... I drove 3 hours to play this course and I wish I could go back every weekend. This course did not disappoint and lived up to all the hype it has received from discgolfers everywhere.

Cons:

Not a negative thing will come out of my mouth about this course. Or nothing that was the course's fault. Sure I could gripe about the narrow fairways, or the trees placed in the path of every disc that I threw, or the 1001 ft. hole that took 3 drives to reach the basket. But that's what I expected from one of the hardest discgolf courses around.

Other Thoughts:

Wish I lived closer so I could play this course on a regular basis, because if you get good playing this course you should be hold your own on any course in the land. It was the best 3 hours I've spent playing discgolf to date.
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3 15
Ace1
Experience: 32.2 years 45 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Top caliber course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 9, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is the ultimate in disc golf. This course is beautiful as well as challenging from novice to pro. The course is long as well as tight. It is well marked. Some holes have either a secondary basket location or a longer tee pad.

Cons:

A novice player may find this course a bit intimidating. I recommend novice players play holes as par 5's, then as they improve play them as par 4's.

Other Thoughts:

This course should be played to be appreciated! It is one of the top in the nation.
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4 21
CincyDiscGolf
Experience: 15.8 years 22 played 10 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Easily top 10 in the world 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 6, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Everything. This place has it all. I think the guy below said it best when he said your wasting time reading these reviews. This is time that would be better spent getting down to this course!

Cons:

Hard for a bargainer, or someone that hasn't played in a long time.

Other Thoughts:

I've only been playing about a year so I get owned playing Idlewild, and I still love it! This course is so beautiful that you could hike around it just to enjoy the nature.
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3 17
GaryBlevins
Experience: 22.1 years 38 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

What you'll need. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 1, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Bring your "A" game, extra patience and a lunch. This is the best course I have ever played. Enjoy.

Cons:

The length and terrain of this course are not for the faint of heart. Don't bring your beginner friends and expect them to have any fun.

Other Thoughts:

It doesn't get much better than this.
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4 19
Hunt
Experience: 19.6 years 132 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Wow 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 30, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Absolutley wonderful course! Long Long oh and did I mention it is long. Kudos to the developer it is a world class course and will change the word ''Golf'' in Disc Golf. The future is here for true par 4's and 5's even for the pros.
This course is a must play for everyone who loves disc golf.

Cons:

Nothing comes to mind.

Other Thoughts:

The 1001 foot hole was 4'ed by a buddy of mine with a 250+ fairway ace through the trees. Was wonderful to watch.
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8 15
Dizz
Experience: 21.1 years 30 played 6 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Breathtaking 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

I had read all the reviews about this course before I went and played it yesterday with a good friend of mine. Everything that everyone said is true. This course is phenomenal, just absolutely amazing, If you love disc golf you have to go play this course. Just know that its a Pro Course and that it will make you want to quit Disc Golf, especially if your a beginner, wouldn't recommend this course for a beginner. I had a great time and had some really nice shots and memories that I will carry with me till I go and play it again. Wish I had more to say but all the reviews before me say it all.

Cons:

It's not close enough to my house.

Other Thoughts:

This course will wear you out. Allow at least 2 hours to play. The terrain is very hilly and very long so pack your coolers, your gonna need it. Good Luck!
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15 22
tdortch
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17 years 84 played 34 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 12, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

PLAY.....................................................................................

Cons:

THIS.......................................................................................

Other Thoughts:

COURSE!

Seriously, if you love disc golf and you haven't played here yet, you owe it to yourself to come here and play. I played it on a Sunday. There was one other car (i was shocked!), and it took about 2 hours. Loved it. I even took my time, taking pics of the cool signs, the island greens, etc. Just a whole DG experience. I usually try hard to give good reviews, but this course is legendary and you shouldn't even have to read this. Just drive here, park and enjoy, brother! Bring your camera.

*edit* Well, apparently, people aren't liking my review. Too bad. Seriously, if you have to come here and read about this course, you're wasting time that you should be spending in your car to get here. Bash away!
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34 3
discNDav
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 38 years 437 played 91 reviews
5.00 star(s)

great course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 24, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Updated: 8/9/11
One of the best manicured courses that I have seen. The work done on this piece of land is simply outstanding...cement tees, great tee signs, wood chips, numerous bridges over the creek, gravel pathways and multiple baskets on holes 2 and 16 in a clean well maintained city park.

#1 635 ft with the fairway sloping left and right on each side, one of the more open holes. A great par 4!

#2 left to right, down and then uphill through a well defined tree lined fairway.

Play the alternate basket over a park road and a pond. Great hole!

A-F then back to #3.

A - mostly downhill and slightly left, fun hole

B - beautiful uphill hole

D - large left to right hole

E - sloping hole towards water on your left

#3 open down hill chuck which tightens up as it approaches and goes over a creek

the path to #4

#5 down hill, OB on right, then a tight uphill shot

#7 tight short downhill tee shot

#8 precise tee shot required

#9 tight straight tee shot, get your birdie here, you'll need it here to score well

#10 235 ft placement tee shot to a GREAT downhill 2nd shot which would be a drive on most courses

#11 my favorite hole at Idlewood - tight downhill shot which opens up then leads to a wooded approach shot and a basket over the creek with OB surrounding it making it play like an island hole; the drop zone putt is over the creek!

#13B if available

#14B a reachable left to right shot slightly uphill

#15 1001 ft very open 600 ft slightly uphill
and then 400 ft down hill to a basket placed over a creek with an extremely manicured putting area. Can be very windy here.

#16 straight shot through many small trees crossing the winding creek 4+ times with a short and long basket

#18 straight wooded fairway for several hundred feet which opens up to 200 ft
of open field before being guarded by two large cedar trees. A good hole but not for my game.

Cons:

The course is missing a sign to indicate the start of the course. Tee sign one is the first indication a disc golf course is here.

#4 a short left to right shot, it's really just an approach shot from the tee. The long basket is much better. Back track to tee 5

F- straight shot simply not cut well enough, a strong chance you will loose a disc in the tall grass and briars.

#6 the long position IMHO is just to tight and long, it is not fun to play even after 2 good shots.

#7 basket is too protected by two cedar trees, a 20 ft foot shot can almost be impossible to make, a larger putting area would be better

#8 another uphill left to right approach shot. A few small trees very close to the basket block several angles to the basket

#13A was in the 234 ft position with a
homemade frame on top of the basket;
another left to right shot. I've never seen the long basket here during my 4 rds here so far.

#12 143 ft stupid short wooded hole, I simply skipped it the 2nd of 3 times through

Where is 14A? Only 14B was on the tee sign.

#17 another uphill left to right drive and approach
just like #14

Other Thoughts:

A few more next tee signs would be helpful to the 1st time visitor. After hole 1... plus after #16 it is too easy to walk up to #11's tee by mistake.

I can see why most people think of this as a 5 star course. As a park and destination, I agree but when considering the golf shots and how many left to right shots required and a few baskets positions being too well guarded I'm knocking down to 4.5 stars.

My next time thru Idlewild on 8/2011 with 6 more baskets, I'm upgrading it to 5 stars!

The chance of OB throughout the course are numerous, you can play them
casually or under tournament conditions, this either a pro or con depending on your
style of play.

I'm glad to have played this course in April before some of the windows become tighter with leaves on the trees on the many wooded holes here.

I hope to play here anytime I'm in the Cincinnati area. It is better than Banklink or My Airy.






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37 2
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.2 years 831 played 777 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Fantastic Course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 21, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is one of the most challenging and interesting courses I've played. The layout makes the most of hills, streams, woods, and fields. Every shot you have in your bag (and some you don't!) will come into play here, no matter your skill level. I loved the mix of very tight fairways and some open bombs. Great use of the natural terrain to provide unique challenges on every single hole.

The course was very well marked, no questions about where to find the next tee or where to aim. Very nice concrete tee pads, and beautiful signs. Clearly an enormous amount of maintenance goes into the grounds, retaining walls, bridges, and paths, and this makes the course that much more enjoyable. At many courses, you have to jump over creeks or find other ways to get across, but here they have built a large number of bridges over the winding creeks that come into play on many holes.

There were some very creative uses of OB on this course, both along fairways, and in the creation of pseudo island greens. I liked the risk/reward decisions that these force you to make. It's great to go throw 75+ throws on a course and still feel like you had a good round, a nice contrast to many pitch n putt courses.

Cons:

The only minor thing I would have liked to see was a way to mark which one of multiple pin placements was in use, especially on a couple blind holes. Maybe even just a bolt/wingnut in the sign post? Also, I wish I would have known that some of the holes have baskets in the long and short positions before playing to the basket I could see (short), then finding out later that I missed out on a cool hole. Oh well, I'll just have to go back and play it again!

Other Thoughts:

Lots of fun to play (even in a hail storm...), and a great walk through the woods and hills. The creative OB zones and 'island' greens are fun innovations that add challenge to many holes, but can be ignored for inexperienced players to make the course a little more accessible.. I love a course where I end up using every disc in my bag, and this was definitely in this category.
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32 1
Greg Layton
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 143 played 27 reviews
5.00 star(s)

The Best of the Best 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 18, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Bench, trash bucket, and a nice map at each hole.
- Holes are laid out in an intuitive fashion so that even if you forget to look at the map at the beginning of the hole for the next tee, or see the little red "next hole" signs nailed to trees, you'll be able to get where you're going easily
- Out of bounds clearly marked with signs and paint. It obviously adds to the challenge and makes you really think about where you're going to drive to instead of just gripping and ripping.
- Elaborate grounds keeping. The path from hole three to hole four sticks out in my mind. So many little touches show all of the hard work put in by the folks that maintain this course.
- Speaking of maintaining, there was literally no graffiti or trash anywhere on the course. This fact speaks volumes about the aforementioned course maintenance folks and also the respect that players show for this course.
- Memorials to PDGAers are nearly everywhere you look. This is a really nice touch; a tip of the cap to disc golf's history.
- Bridges and stonework are second to none.
- Getting a four on most holes really feels like an accomplishment to an intermediate player like me.

Cons:

- I would not change anything back this course. The hole variety, elevation changes, maintenance, amenities, and overall vibe of the course are first rate.

Other Thoughts:

- Watch for the hill at the end of 10. Your disc will quickly roll away from you if you misplay it.
- My jaw hit the ground when I walked up to 15. 1001' feet I won't soon forget. It takes three drives, a perfect approach that doesn't go into the OB or the water, and then a clutch putt to score a 5 here.
- I talked to a couple of older gentlemen who were here for the first time with their two dogs and two ultimate lids. I showed them my discs and the differences between them and then recommended this website to them to find other places to play. If you happen to read this, I wish you both the best of luck. There aren't many folks who can claim that they played at Idlewild their first time.
- As someone who has played at both places (and at a number of other world class courses) I can definitely say that Idlewild is a better course than Flip City. This course is a true masterpiece and should be required playing for every disc golfer at least once in their career.
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25 1
AdamE
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.6 years 267 played 148 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 11, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The most phenomenal, challenging, picturesque, amazing, well kept course I've played. It's like one signature hole after another and is definitely up there with the best of the best.

Most of the course is moderately to heavily wooded with only a couple open holes. There is well marked OB on a little less than half the holes, primarily in the form of water hazards.

Although there are a few shorter holes, the majority of the course is long and will challenge the best of players. There are winding fairways, placement shots, doglegs, elevation changes and some punishing rough if you stray off the fairways.

Accuracy is essential here, much more so than distance. Many of the fairways are tight requiring a good skilled shot and approach to get par. Keep in mind, this is not your typical par 3 course, many of these holes are pro par 4 or 5. With that in mind there are birdie opportunities here, but only for controlled, skillful shots.

New tee signs have just been installed and look amazing! The tee pads and baskets are in excellent condition. Benches and trash cans (5 gallon buckets) are at every tee pad. The fairways are well manicured and the many bridges are in good shape. This course is taken care of extremely well and it shows!

Cons:

It wouldn't hurt to add signs pointing you to the next tee in between a couple of the holes, but I wouldn't say navigation is difficult.

This is a personal preference more than a con, but I think there is OB extremely close to the pin in a couple places, particularly the hole 11 long position. It has an island green that's sufficiently wide, but only 5-6 feet deep. That means missed putts and fall outs can easily go OB. Of course this is a championship caliber course so that's part of the challenge.

Other Thoughts:

There's a lot of hype about Idlewild, but I assure you, it lives up to it!

This is easily one of the top courses in the country and a must play for any disc golfer. Because of the level of difficulty, I would recommend new golfers wait until they have some experience before playing here.

Lincoln Ridge (formerly Banklick) is close by and another top course worth visiting. These two courses make for an outstanding day of golf.
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27 1
DirtyMittenDG
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.1 years 112 played 55 reviews
5.00 star(s)

A Top Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 8, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Hole Variety/Course Layout-
The hole variety is really good here. Like a few other great courses i've played, you will use most of the discs in your bag! The course is layed out on a moderately hilly terrain and utilizes its woods, fields, creeks and ponds very well. For the most part the holes are pretty long and favor "big arms", but there's enough "thread the needle" shots and ace run holes to keep a "tech" player happy. The layout flows from hole to hole pretty well (there's only one time you have to cross a faiway to get to the next tee). Also elevation is a factor on most/every hole.

Course Maintenance-
From what I saw there's awsome maintenance here. As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, we saw employees driving a couple trucks full of branches out of the park. Every hole has long concrete tee pads and tee signs. To add to the dedication here, a few of the baskets have their own "green" around them. Also the numerous bridges over the creeks are great (even saved me from a water stroke once).

Course Atmosphere-
The course is in a very nice, scenic park with rolling hills. All the golfers here seemed to be both friendly and experienced players (No new jacks).

Cons:

Course Navigation-
When I was here there were no tee signs (but I hear the new ones should be really nice). Also if you don't have a map you might get confused on where the next hole is a couple times. ("Next hole" signs would be nice in a few spots)

-This isnt really a big deal but a couple of the heavily wooded holes seem a bit long for how wooded they are (score breaker holes).

Other Thoughts:

-When you step up to the hole #1 tee, you feel like your at a county club "ball" golf course. Then you play a couple holes and start to relize, this is exactly what a country club "disc" golf course is supposed to look like!!

-I will go on a limb here and say I like Flip City better (mainly because it has 6 more holes), But by no means does that take away from Idlewild being a 5 star course!!!!
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11 8
OldAL
Experience: 20.9 years 6 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 23, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Mulch has been spread around baskets and gravel on paths look great. A couple of baskets #1,3,5,6,8,10,long 13 have been moved temporarily moved up so grass seed that was planted will take hold. The amount of work that was done on the course over the winter has made this course even better.

Cons:

Tee signs were pulled but will be replaced shortly with new signs.

Other Thoughts:

Been very fortunate to have played this course many times and I never tire of the butt-kicking I receive each time.
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