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Burlington, KY

Idlewild

4.775(based on 201 reviews)
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20 6
El Oso Peligroso
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24 years 27 played 17 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Developers take note- this is how you make a course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is always challenging, always fair, and always fun. It's a thinking man's course, almost always requiring you to think a shot ahead, and punishing you if you don't. Numerous par 4s and 5s that definitely earn those extra strokes, and yet still can give you opportunities for birdies.

The course itself is absolutely beautiful, and has the greatest water hazards I've ever played. No. 3 and 16 have creeks that zigzag across the fairways and surround the greens, making for tricky upshots where you have to choose to play it safe or go for it. On top of that, the creeks are lined with tiles that keep the water clear, even on rainy days. This makes retrieving discs a breeze, so taking that risk becomes a little easier.

Cons:

I really can't think of any. This course is definitely not for beginners, but that's not really a con. It's tough and it doesn't try to pretend otherwise and I appreciate that. I've been playing nearly a decade and this course beat me down. On hole #6 I scored +5. I haven't had more than a triple bogey in years! That said, it was a fair hole, and I did it to myself by getting into a bad situation instead of thinking about my shots.

Other Thoughts:

We played in the rain and still had a blast. Tons of effort went into every hole and it shows. My next vacation is going to be up to Idlewild. Of course it doesn't hurt that it's so close to Mt. Airy, but I want several days with this course.
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31 4
bilemshious
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17 years 27 played 17 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Play it. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Certainly a must-play course. The course is wonderfully treacherous. This course is most definitely NOT for beginners. It takes a at least a semi-skilled player to have even a hint of fun here. Unless you're a beginner who enjoys hitting trees and throwing six times to reach the basket. However, it does not take a long arm to play this course. You will need to navigate your disc through and around many obstacles. Baskets are placed very well to make every hole completely unique. There is not a single hole that mimics the same shot from another hole here.

Set in the rolling hills and woods of Kentucky, this course is amazingly beautiful. If there was not a disc golf course on this land, I am convinced there would be hiking trails instead. I found myself taking pictures of not only the interesting island hole placements and fairway foliage, but also the walk from the previous basket to the next tee. The well-constructed, simple bridges and stone lined walkways, were indicative of a course that was very much made for disc golf. I couldn't help but appreciate the subtleties. Benches on nearly every hole, provide for a nice rest throughout your hike through the disc golf woods. Everything else is top-notch - baskets and concrete tee pads are in great condition. The tee signs are very detailed with basket placement. Also, they tell you how far out a dogleg or distinctive tree part way down the fairway is.

Cons:

This course keeps you on your toes and is extremely difficult. This is great, but it's almost to the point of mental exhaustion. But do you call this a "con"? If this is your first time through, it is tough to navigate. Some holes are blind. Get the skinny guy in your group to run ahead to check out where to throw. But it was my first time to the course, and I made it through without any headaches. There isn't much to count as a negative against this course. I mean, this course will punish poorly thrown shots. You'll be looking for your disc often. There are no trash cans or restrooms anywhere. Those are common complaints, but I can't bring myself to count that against this course to make it anything less than a 5 star course.

Other Thoughts:

This is exactly what you want a challenging disc golf course to be. Hole #11 has to be my favorite hole. You must throw through a Y-shaped tree over a creek ~250ft to an open, grassy hill. Then turn 90 degrees left and throw back over the creek another 200ft through some trees to an island green all the while taking in the incredible surroundings. Hardly a review goes by without mentioning hole #15. Easily the longest hole I've thrown, but it was very fun and interesting. I think they added that extra foot so that they could say they have a hole over 1,000ft.

My two buddies and I waited for a group of three to tee off and finish hole #1 before we started. We never saw them again. In fact we didn't see another soul for the rest of the round (except for the man mowing the grass back in the woods who stopped mowing so we could continue). This wasn't because there wasn't anyone playing (the parking lot was full before and after). It's because the course is on such a huge expanse of land. A few of the holes in the back, you are in the middle of nowhere!

This course is not perfect. It is the best course I have ever played. It must be considered one of the "best of the best." It is not a course I would want to play everyday. I would hate myself. But it is definitely worth a trip to check out this amazing disc golf course. If you care enough about disc golf to be checking out reviews of courses, you care enough that you should check this course out before the world ends. Let me know when you do, because I may come meet you there.

Check out the local burger place just outside of the park called The Dug Out. HUGE, cheap burgers with whatever you want on it. Definitely recommend their signature burger (aptly named the Dug Out).
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24 2
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.9 years 115 played 89 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 25, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Small but steep and grassy Kentucky hills perfect for disc golf. Excellent, class leading signs and oversized cement tee pads. Lots of bridges make it easy to cross creeks, and water hazards aren't so deep that you can't retrieve your disc after errant throws. Favorite holes include a long (600 feet), and straight mowed grass fairway with trees and moderate slopes on each side (Hole 1), a terrific downhill forest hole with a basket at the bottom across a creek (Hole 13), and the signature Hole 11 with wishbone tree and island basket. Many holes feature grassy, wooded fairways through winding creek areas (2, 3, 11, 16), and others have narrow but defined sloped fairways in wooded areas (7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17). Hole 15 is a monster 1000 foot meadow hole with a downhill approach that could be a signature hole by itself.

Cons:

Some holes are a little too long and tight and have difficult, luck dependent drives (Holes 5, 6 and 16 are the best examples). Course design could be changed to create more holes by splitting up 5, 6, 10 and 15 into smaller holes (15 from the 400 foot mark would be outstanding). Includes a few too many very narrow uphill drives (4, 5, 6, 12, 18) and a relative lack of wide open or overhead shots. Few if any ace opportunities. A couple of navigation hiccups (Holes 4/5 and 11/12 interchanges) but decent overall.

Other Thoughts:

Unparalleled challenge (the most difficult course I've ever seen, bar none). Does this make it a better course? You be the judge. Beginners would be discouraged playing here, but that may be an advantage to others. In my opinion, most would have more fun playing the Lincoln Ridge course a few miles away. That's what it's all about, right?
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17 6
dr.chainslove
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25 years 335 played 42 reviews
5.00 star(s)

the DG taj mahal 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 1, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

As just about everyone else has already stated, this course is phenomenal in every way. I'll focus on a few of the things that amaze me whenever I play this course.
Hole 11 is about as beautiful of a tee shot as a course can have (see the pic in photos section!). I jokingly think this course was designed around the Y-shaped tree in the middle of the downhill fairway. shoot through the Y downhill though the narrow fairway and hope to avoid the creek. After a 60 degree dogleg left, the hole finishes on a tiny man-made green with OB lurking everywhere.
The crazy amount of MONEY and EFFORT thrown into this park is unbelieveable! there must be a lawn crew out there weekly mowing and trimming around thousands and thousands of trees throughout hilly terrain. You might cross 50 (many unique) bridges while navigating the course. Probably 6 holes have greens placed in bends of the winding creek to make a moat-like boundary around the baskets. Round wooden or concrete shafts tightly hammered together make good looking borders for these "moats." This place has the longest concrete tees I've ever seen and the signs are amazing.

Cons:

I actually get excited about shooting 18+ (playing everything as a 3). Idlewild does not allow many birdies. That's all I got for negatives

Other Thoughts:

After the most fulfilling day of disc golf that you can have is done, you get to empty your bag shooting 360ft across a soccer field to the soccer goals on the way back to the car (I know I'm not the only one who does this!)--a great way to make sure that you've effectively destroyed yourself for the day. ahhh, can't wait to play it again!!
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11 19
Bikinimower
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.7 years 174 played 67 reviews
4.50 star(s)

one of the best courses I've ever palyed 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 26, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Gigantic
Challenging
Beautiful
Really Fun
Lots of elevation changes
Well Kept
Lots of Man made little bridges and islands
Well groomed
Incredibly well designed
Every hole is different
1000 foot hole!!

Cons:

Not for beginners

Other Thoughts:

I played this course for the first time and stopped keeping score at +9. My score was terrible but I was having so much fun I didn't really care. Frisbee Golf Nirvana!
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24 3
kmrynders
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.9 years 104 played 11 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Premier Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 10, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Pros: By far the most challenging course I've ever played. You'll need your full arsenal of discs and throws to truly master this course.

Great tees, and great baskets. Some holes actually have both the short and long pins in place at the same time - allowing you to choose which one you want to play, I've never seen that anywhere else.

Great flow, no big hikes between holes, and you will easily find your way even if you are playing alone for the first time at the course - great signage that really adds to the feel of the entire course.

One of the most well groomed courses I've ever played. Nothing looked out of place and each tree seemed to show you what disc lines were intended.

The man-made additions to the course add so much. There are many additions that add islands, OB, steps, bridges, benches at every hole, and so on. If you haven't played a course with these visually pleasing areas you'll be blown away.

Speaking of OB - You may have what looks like a great shot, but the OB on this course adds a whole new dimension to the game. Most amateurs may not want to play this course with the OB on their first time through...trust me it'll be challenging and fun just playing the course.

My top 'pro' of the course is that you need strategize your shots. There are true par 4 holes that make you pay for not planning the your next shot. This is something that most courses can't do because they are lacking the land and/or lack of design. Par 4 holes are rare to find and this course has plenty, almost making the game take a new shape.

there is a 1001 foot hole...

I don't think you could ever get bored here.

Cons:

Some times the strategy element is taken a bit too far. When you need to play your next 3 shots to have a chance at 'par' it gets a bit over the top. You might get agitated if you are playing for the first time without people to guide you.

Other Thoughts:

Great course - a must play just for the incredible new disc golf experience

It is fun as hell to play, and I'd play it all the time if I lived in the area
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6 10
Corkscrew
Experience: 40 years 11 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Idlewild 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 12, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

DISC GOLF HEAVEN ON EARTH!!
Very challenging and scenic, empty there was no one there. Very well kept, No trash anywhere. If you get the chance to play it do it. One you get there you will not have any regrets. It will improve your game.

Cons:

The basket locations were hard to figure from tee unless you could see them from tee. Even with map it was confusing to understand which basket you would be throwing to until you saw it.

Other Thoughts:

Practice throwing your straight plastic before you visit this course. It will save you some strokes. Make sure that you carry plenty of water with you. Suck it up and use the porta-potty if you need to before the round, you will thank yourself later.
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12 17
discRabbit
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25 years 1136 played 136 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Fantastic 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 10, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Idlewild stands out as THE most creative disc golf course design that I have played in nearly 500 total courses. Not only is the course blessed with great terrain features, but the locals are individuals who have put in massive amounts of effort to make this one of the best courses out there. Off the tee, players will find a massive variety of shots, distances, elevation, real risk/reward and several multishot holes which challenge a player to not only make a great drive but evaluate landing areas and make a great approach/putt for birdie '3' or '4'.

Cons:

Both a 'pro' and a 'con', the presence of a couple of extremely short and straightforward holes add and takeaway from the course. On the positive side, these holes help make the course more accessible to a wider variety of skill levels who have the opportunity to match higher skilled players (by carding the same 'birdie') and to get perhaps a much needed ego boost to counter the largely beatdown nature of Idlewild. At the same time, I feel these holes detract from the experience of higher level players to whom these holes are practically gimme's and offer no ability to separate scoring based on differential skill levels.

Other Thoughts:

As of 2011, Idlewild maintains a spot on the top 10 list and for good reason I think. The course has something to offer everyone from the seasoned professional to the weekend warrior or DGCR course-bagger. Competitive golfers will appreciate the challenging layout and opportunities to make decisions on the course about how aggressively or safely to play. Course-baggers will appreciate the utter uniqueness of holes and creativity which went into the design.
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18 3
TheTennesseeFireman
Experience: 22 years 13 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

A deserving five star course. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Where to begin? Let's start with the course itself. Amazing. Many top-rated courses are rated highly because they are in the middle of a well-funded park and are moderate in difficulty, therefore appealing to all. Idlewild is not one of these. You have to love the game and have supreme technical skill to succeed here. The course doesn't just pummel you with length; every shot needs to be shaped just right to navigate the often tight (but always well-defined) fairways. Hole 2 is a tight anhyzer tee shot followed by a lake carry; hole 11 goes down through a y-shaped tree before making a 90-degree left turn into the woods before crossing a creek onto a virtual island green, hole 14 is a brutal 450 feet uphill through encroaching woods; hole 15 is 1020 feet down a wildflower-lined meadow and over the creek; hole 16 has 6 forced carries over that same creek. I could go on and on. Even the easier holes are extremely exciting; they give a rare opporitunity to take a chunk out of your score, but they are not afraid to knock overambitious shots deep into the woods.

The land itself is beautiful. I have never seen a more peaceful place on a disc golf course than the shady green of #11 (and it's only about a quarter mile from the neighborhoods of Northern Kentucky). The "walk of fame" is a great tribute to all those who helped make disc golf what it is today. As for the park itself, disc golfers couldn't ask for more. Everything else in the park is out of the way of the course, and you won't find anyone who doesn't recognize that on the course, disc golf has priority. For a course of this caliber, it's surprisingly uncrowded, even on saturday afternoons in late summer. There's never any need to worry about getting stuck behind beginners, who mostly (for good reason) avoid this course. And it has the usual necessities for a great course: all concrete tee pads with very impressive new signs, weekly cleared and mowed fairways, bridges to take you over steep sections and the creek, varied pin positions (though never confusing), and the latest in baskets.

Cons:

As just about all disc golf courses are either maintained by parks or individuals, courses as a rule are not going to be perfect. However, it's hard to find flaws with this course. Like all disc golf courses, it can get buggy in the summer. Discs that fly too far off course could be lost in the woods, a task easy to accomplish if you don't heed the slope on some holes. If you really want to nitpick, there are only a couple of porta-potties, as opposed to your standard park bathrooms. That's all I can truly think of. Many nitpicks about other highly rated courses don't apply here.

Other Thoughts:

I'm not rating this a five to up its score on the front page. I'm rating it a five because it's the best course I've ever seen. Not sure how much higher praise I can give it.
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13 15
cfischy06
Experience: 124 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Amazing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 12, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Took me a few years of playing in Cincinnati to get the courage to play this course. I have picked many high rated courses on the disc golf trips I've had in the five years I have played and still haven't found one that I felt was "better" than this course. The layout alone would make it worth playing but it is also so perfectly manicured and in several places aesthetically pleasing as well.

Cons:

While it is quite tiring to play this course I have never found myself wanting to end a round early or skip a few holes. The excitement from playing this course negates the lack of energy I might experience.

Other Thoughts:

More people should play this course. The stops I've made for tournaments outside of this area I always find people that have been playing for a long time, have heard of Idlewild, but still have not found there way to the course.
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35 7
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17 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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12 11
Mr Mirth
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 35 years 107 played 16 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Could it get any better? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 13, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Superbly challenging course with variety, distance, elevation, narrow flight lines, open fields, water hazards etc. Demands control and course management with most types of throws coming into play. It will expose which aspects of your game need work, whether technical, physical, or mental.
Well manicured having good baskets, tees, signs, benches, and bridges, coupled with mostly rolling hills and serpentine creek running throughout make it very picturesque.

Cons:

It's hard to say anything negative about this course; it has it all.
If you're not ready for a challenging pro caliber course, then there's your con.

Other Thoughts:

Even the most detailed review would not do it justice; you must play it.
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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: 16.9 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 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: 32.1 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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