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Sparta, WI

Justin Trails - Big Brother DGC

4.635(based on 50 reviews)
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Justin Trails - Big Brother DGC reviews

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14 0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 18.8 years 256 played 243 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Disc Golf's Biggest Brother

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 2, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

- set on a beautiful property and very well maintained
- epic elevation change
- one of the most strenuous, physically taxing courses you will play (yes, I think this is a pro, maybe it's a personal problem)
- great amenities: bathrooms, garbage cans, practice basket, snacks for purchase, ample parking
- large concrete tees (showing their age but still play fine)
- rough is very forgiving in March
- high degree of technical challenge
- diverse mix of hole types, open/wooded, uphill/downhill, etc.
- port o potties throughout course
- good use of next tee indicators
- Prodigy baskets are in great shape with hole numbers
- great panoramic views
- very high risk shots on hillsides throughout
- some alternate concrete tees, though not always well marked
- good incorporation of a few ponds for water hazards
- camping onsite

Cons:

- tee posts do have small maps but are basic and could be improved
- hole 1 is unnecessarily long unless you love driving practice
- some thorny areas in the rough to watch out for
- wind can be a killer near the end up on top of the hill
- a few areas could benefit from built in steps/railings
- a bit of backtracking between holes 12 and 13

Other Thoughts:

Where to begin... Big Brother is an epic course and is largely as advertised. I forgot my tape back in Illinois and was unable to tape up my feet prior to this round and I paid for it. Don't let the hole lengths fool you - it's a long course, but the total walking distance is far greater at 3.5 miles. Most of this is uphill or downhill. I've played many courses with fantastic elevation change, but I think Big Brother may be the most physically exhausting course I have played. Even still, I completed it solo in about 2 hours, although the last third of the course took twice as long as the first two thirds did, so I definitely slowed down!

I expect in summer the rough and bugs could be a lot more intense here. A 60 degree day in early March seems to be the best of both worlds, as I really had no issues despite not having a spotter. Big Brother calls for technical finesse and hitting your line, but it does cater more to the bigger arms out there. This is not one of my favorite courses, as a mid distance at best guy who prefers heavily wooded technical challenge, but I can appreciate what an incredible course it is all the same.

There aren't many major cons here. The first hole feels unnecessary to me, clocking in at over 1000 ft. and wide open and flat all day. I just don't think it adds anything to the course. Some people love long holes like this; I just find them kind of boring. I could throw this in any large park. The rest of the course is leaps and bounds better.

The wind was absolutely brutal for the final few holes up on top of the hill. It certainly adds to the challenge; I listed it as a con but you could go either way there. For most of the course the trees shield you, but these last few you'll be throwing into the wind knowing it's kicking back the other direction no matter what you do, and trying to keep it on the hilltop. There is also some dicey footing on the hillsides but nothing too terrible. A few more built in steps would be welcome. The tee signs are nothing to write home about; they are serviceable but below what you'd expect for a course of this caliber. However, all of the other equipment and maintenance is excellent.

For me, the course got more exciting around hole 5 when you start to climb uphill into the woods more. Hole 8 was one of my favorites, a cool shot along the hillside of a very steep ravine with lots of risk if you don't place your shot well. This was one of the shortest hole but came with lots of fallout for a missed shot. I also really enjoyed hole 12 which played downhill and across a small pond to a relatively sheltered basket back in some trees.

This course could certainly be viewed as a nature hike that also includes disc golf as others have mentioned. The views are stunning and compared to most of southern Wisconsin, the elevation change is next level.

The last few holes also are pretty brutal on par - I haven't played many 500-600 ft. par 3s, even if you are throwing downhill. I think the last 6 holes were straight 4s for me; between the wind and the distance you'd best be ready for a challenge.

Big Brother is definitely the more iconic and notable of the two courses here, but Classic is a beautiful course in its own right and I encourage anyone out here to plan for the time and stamina to play both. This is well off the beaten path so you might as well hit them on the same day. I played Veteran Hills in Viroqua and The Pines in Cashton before coming here and hitting both courses; they are all very close to each other and a good way to spend a chunk of the day if you're up for it.

You can see virtually all of the Classic course down below on the last 1/2 - 1/3 of Big Brother, so it gives a nice preview if you play in that order. I also met some of the owners of the Justin Trails property and they couldn't have been nicer people. For both courses, it is well worth the $10 fee and you're supporting a family business run by kind and genuine people.

Bottom line - highly recommend Justin Trails Big Brother, particularly if you like this kind of long disc golf. I wouldn't play this course too often myself as it's exhausting and others are more my style, but it's one you must hit if you want to cover all of the most reputable courses in Wisconsin. You will definitely want to bring snacks and lots of water with you. Hole 18 plays back to the parking lot pretty nicely to reload after the first course, but you'll be out for awhile during the round.
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5 0
Johnsondere
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.3 months 136 played 83 reviews
4.50 star(s)

YUP! That's what I'm talking about! drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 19, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Plenty of parking available.
- So much elevation in play.
- Championship level course!
- Tee pads are decent and baskets are great.
- Challenges every aspect of your game.
- Camping on site.
- The views are amazing!

Cons:

- The rough can get very overgrown.
- Can get buggy in the summer.

Other Thoughts:

Justin Trails Big Brother is easily in my top 5 courses played! This course challenges you both for your play and your endurance. Such a beautiful area to be in!
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14 0
XC_Eddy
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.8 years 30 played 13 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A Hike that Includes Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 21, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Arguably the most scenic course in the Midwest. The driftless region of Wisconsin is gorgeous, and the Justin Trails property proves it. The views on the last few holes will take your breath away. Here's some pictures: https://imgur.com/a/iw1PRxr

-Elevation, elevation, and more elevation. And not just downhill bomber holes. Drastic uphill holes, valley shots, and downhill shots with steep dropoffs off the side of the fairway if you miss (#14, #17). #12 is a creative long downhill teeshot with a bending uphill 2nd shot par 4. #12 is my favorite hole on the course. Creative use of elevation is this course's greatest attribute.

-Beautiful fairways on the back 3rd of the course.

-2 sets of tees is always a perk. Teepads are concrete and in good shape. Couldn't ask for better teepads.

-No 2 holes are the same. Good mix of heavily wooded and lightly wooded holes.

-Staying on site is a great experience and highly recommended. Campsites are fine if that's your game. I was there with my wife and at the time 4 month old son, so we stayed in the farmhouse for a few days.

-You won't find better course amenities anywhere. Owners and staff are lovely people. Donna makes excellent breakfast. Almond extract is the secret ingredient in the world's best baked french toast.

-Good culture of returning lost discs. I even had a staff person ask me exactly where I lost a disc so they could look for it. Great service all around. This is especially helpful on a course where losing a disc is very common.

-Pro shop has a good selection of discs.

-You will feel a sense of accomplishment having just successfully completed the course. Few courses possess this trait.

Cons:

-Personal Opinion: Hole #1 is a bad hole. Having a 1000+ ft hole to start the course is cool and sets the tone for the type of challenge Big Brother presents. However, the fairway needs to be about twice as wide. Players are asked to throw max distance shots and land the disc on a 25 ft wide (might be less) farm path in between a corn field and a hay field. Risk/Reward is good hole design, I get it, but the path is just too narrow. Furthermore, if you miss the super narrow "fairway" you are in a cornfield and have to climb through a fence to search for your disc. If you're playing in the summer, it's difficult to find your disc in the corn EVEN IF it's only a few rows deep and watched exactly where it landed. Hole #1 is overly punitive and a bad hole.

-The stretch of holes through the woods (#4-#10ish...Only played the course twice 4 months ago) is extremely rugged and feels like they mostly serve the purpose of getting you where you need to play the rest of the course. You're playing along an ATV trail and occasionally dip off the trail into the woods to get to the basket.

-Can't see baskets from teepads on the ATV trail stretch. Difficult to spot in some cases even when you walk halfway up the fairway.

-One pin placement (6 or 7 maybe?) is located in thick, waste deep itchy weeds, which is not acceptable for a pay to play course. The property is enormous and must be an absolute beast to maintain. Overall, the owners and staff do an excellent job keeping the course maintained. This hole is an exception, thankfully.

-On my above complaint, it's worth noting that I played the course in mid-August, which is peak overgrowth season. Still, weeds that tall right by the pin just can't happen. Maintaining the parts of the course that are not trail or open fairway appears to be difficult and labor intensive.

-#18 is a cool hole, but it's very easy to throw in the hay field or the garden on the way down. Almost unavoidable with such a steep downhill.

-Tee signs are nothing special. They offer distance and a very general hole shape. They may have been replaced since I played the course several months ago. There was talks of putting new ones in, which would be a major improvement.

Other Thoughts:

-Bring snacks and water. It's a hike and could take you 4 hours (took me 3 by myself, but I play fast).

-Wear comfortable shoes.

-Expect to get wet feet if playing in the morning.

-Playing with someone else to help look for lost discs is highly recommended.

-Surviving this course is an experience. Justin Trails is a magical place and you should go.
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7 0
Darkgreen
Premium Member
Experience: 12.8 years 404 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Worth the drive 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

There isn't a bad or mediocre hole on this course. They are all interesting and fun. A nice variety of shots. Open and wooded, up and down, valley shots, left and right. Great replay-ability. The fairways are fair but difficult.
So many of the holes just look great as well, not to mention both the wooded scenery and the views from the hilltops.

Cons:

I never like baskets on steep grades. I know some people do. Seems unfair. One person hits metal and misses but the discs sits, another person hits metal and the disc rolls. This is however a small thing compared to all the wonderfulness going on at Justin Trails.
What does knock Justin Trails down a bit for me is the tall grass on the open holes. Also, the tall corn in late summer and autumn. There is a fairway cut but it isn't nearly wide enough for shots that go even just slightly errant. If your disc goes in the tall grass then there is an excellent chance that you will not be seeing it again because it is thick. Even in early June it was bad. You almost have to be standing on top of your disc to find it. The corn as well can be a major obstacle to finding an disc. If there was some better mowing or a change in design away from the corn then I would give this course an easy 5 rating.

Other Thoughts:

$5 to play all day is fantastic value for your disc golf dollar. The people at the resort are very friendly. If you make the drive there, the Classic course is worth a spin. Plenty of hiking up and down hills but well worth it for the shots you get to throw.
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1 9
deadbody
Experience: 20.2 years 152 played 68 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Brutal but enjoyable 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 11, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Huge. Tons of different shots.

Well maintained. Nice tees and baskets. 18 different holes. Some tight shots. Some huge bombers.

Cons:

Huge. Super distance and elevation. Serious workout. Not for the faint of heart or the noodle or arm
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14 0
smarkquart
Experience: 18.9 years 185 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Come with a spotter, some refreshments, and a whole day, and you will leave happy. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Large course that is not a Par 54. While a Wisconsin course, close enough to Minnesota to make this claim: so few local course have the room or features to pull off anything more than a 58. It gets a little repetitive, leaving courses with only one or two marquee holes. Big Brother is filled with tight lines, open bombers, and elevation both slow and fast, up and down, and sometimes all in one hole.

You really are in the middle of nowhere, so the course will not be packed, allowing you to take your time. You might need it if you throw off the fairway.

Fairways in the woods are tight but fair; and it they are often more about making placements shots to make bootlegs and corners than necessarily distance. Open shots are big, but with the elevation, you better know how your disc will behave. If you are playing with your friends, I bet no one's scores will be close. It may not test every shot you have, but at some point you will likely throw every disc you have in your bag.

Sets up well for best-shot doubles or other formats.

Classic is a good cool down or warm-up course; while maybe half the size, it is no slouch either.

Camping onsite is a huge bonus. The whole place is a bonus, and they really appreciate you out there.

Cons:

Not many cons, but more just a matter of being prepared.

Out in the middle of nowhere; pack everything in your bag. It is going to be a long round. That includes fluids, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a disc retrieval tool.

Only two courses, so if you are going to camp the whole weekend, make sure you like playing big and difficult courses. Not many ace run opportunities. If this is not your style of play, you are going to be bored or frustrated quick, and you have several more hours in front of you.

Other Thoughts:

Time, money, and family commitments have always kept me from going back. This is a great weekend getaway with golfing if the weather cooperates. I would go back in a heartbeat if I could swing a few more people who would join me.
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18 1
Martin Dewgarita
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.5 years 1600 played 95 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Conforming Calamity 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 1, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Of 1300 plus courses played, this one will usually come up in the discussion of "top 10" or at least cracking my top 20. I don't have any specific criteria for my favorite courses, I pretty much just go by feel - how bad do I want to return, how much would I recommend it, the "awe" factor, etc. And this one scores pretty high marks in all categories.

Variety of holes. Tight short ones. Open long ones. Ones with big elevation. Ones that are open and wooded. Placement shots. Multiple throw holes. This course has just about anything you could ask for.

Amenities. Lodging or camping available. Breakfast served. Great generous hosts.

Adventure golf. This is my favorite kind of course.

Cons:

Pack a lunch. This one is a hike, and you won't see the car or water or the pro shop for the entire journey.

A little rough around the edges.

Other Thoughts:

This course is well worth the journey. I highly recommend playing both courses on site. If you only have the time for one, and you like a good epic adventure course, make time for big brother. Plan a weekend stay. Come in the fall when the leaves are changing. Come in the spring when the flowers are blooming. Come in the winter when cold and snow creates a beautiful serenity. Come in the summer and pack plenty of water.
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2 4
JuStYwHaT
Experience: 8.9 years 3 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Big Bro 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 7, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Big bro is one of the best around. Challenging in all aspects. There is elevation, woods, wide open shots, righty, lefty, forehand, backhand...water shots... You name it, it has it.
One of my favorites, and yet one of the most frustrating. Takes all you have to post a good number.

Cons:

It is long!
Not really a con. The crew has done grear work on clearing up the "rough".

Other Thoughts:

Go play this course!
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6 4
Andreas P-B
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Big Bro- it will test you! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 23, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Justin Trails is a truly epic experience. Bring your A game! Big Bro has a superb variety of wooded and wide open holes, elevation changes, great risk/reward shots and beautiful views on almost every hole, with holes15-18 being an almost perfect ending to the course (you have to experience it to understand). Beautiful views on almost every hole, nature is in it's prime out here. The course is never crowded and most everyone that you meet (if you do) is also pretty cool and also impressed with the course.

Cons:

Big Bro is not for beginners. It is very long and you will want to be sure to have water and a snack along for the magnificent journey. It is a commitment, but worth every moment.

Other Thoughts:

There is an energy that emanates from the land that brings one a sense of happiness and enjoyment that I haven't experienced on other courses in the midwest. This is a course that everyone who loves disc golf should try. You will NOT be disappointed
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3 2
TeebirdDan
Experience: 20.9 years 90 played 24 reviews
4.50 star(s)

J TRAILS ,,,wholesome round 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 13, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

hole 1 kinda sucks its a thousand ft by a cornfield but after that , the course is really fun .hole 2 is up hill ,and if your not a power arm ,throw for a good second shot .hole 3 is the first spectacular fairway ,down hill fun .The next two go up a logging type road.getting off these fairways is bad ,basket locations are a challenge too. hole 6 is up top of the hill the last two fairways went up . the veiw to the side of this fairway is awsome. the fairway has woods on both sides and drops off steep to either side of fairway . The rest of this course is just as climatic as i described holes 2 threw 6 to be .extreme elevation threw out , some wooded and open fairways . hole 12 has a deep little pond in a spot that really comes into play with the wind sometimes. 18 is a huge downhill for 600+ feet .this course demands your best throws and severely punishes bad ones.

Cons:

the worst part about playing this course is not staying on the fairway on the open holes ,these hills are several hundred ft tall and the grass gets thick n high . thiss can mean your disc went hundreds of ft down hill off the fairway into waist high grass .throw plastic you can except loosing is advised .

Other Thoughts:

SO great to have courses in this area of western wisconsin hill country ,wish there was more of them . this place is really beautiful . Even though the owners are not themselves discgolfers ,they are really nice and welcoming to us . Remember to bring as much water as you can carry and a high protein snack this course is a real workout just in terms of hiking .
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6 2
recca68592
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

All Day Butt Kicker 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 24, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A beautiful course and an even more amazing atmosphere. This courses offers a wide range of long and short holes, as well as open, wooded, and a range of elevation changes throughout.

Cons:

This course is definitely NOT beginner friendly. I recommend only those who are serious about disc golf play this course. Also, I feel the course would benefit from having several water stations placed on it as one can go through a gallon in the first three holes.

Other Thoughts:

This course is best played in the spring and fall. I am one of several people who work on the course and I can tell you that this is the best it has looked in years! We have done so much grooming on the course and will continue to do so! A few short tees have been installed this past year and more will be coming in 2017
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2 4
discingcaddie
Experience: 57 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Woah Brother! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 11, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very challenging required a wide variety of shots and all the physical and mental stamina you can muster.

Cons:

Very demanding hike. I walk an extremely hilly ball golf course for a living and even I needed to take a few breaks in the middle of this 4 hour journey. Some of the undergrowth is extreme and needs to be beaten back or just more foot traffic to wear it in.

Other Thoughts:

This is a real deal disc golf course. Not for beginners, but can still be fun to play.
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7 0
IHearChains
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.9 years 211 played 34 reviews
4.50 star(s)

great workout! great golf! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

You can camp and golf in solitude here, in beautiful hilly terrain. But some of the holes on this course will blast a surge of adrenaline through that peaceful easy feeling. Huge elevation changes, tight technical holes, big drives over or into deep valleys, and a couple of small water hazards. You start off with a monster 1025 ft straight hole, slightly uphill. Holes 2 and 3 are beautiful deuce opportunities with elevation changes. Then there are a series of holes along an old road climbing up the ridge. Although several of these look like easy birdie opportunities, they play tougher than they look, winding uphill through the tunnels with finishes left and right. Hole 7 the line to the basket here is over the top of a big oak limb that juts out over the fairway. Hole 9 was one of my favorites, par 4, 445ft on an S-curve through a tunnel. The placement of the par 4 Hole 12 water hazard is beautifully designed to deter mortal humans from considering an eagle attempt -- it's a downhill right to left curving tunnel shot to get out in the open, but to get an eagle chance you have to challenge the low ceiling and then finish left to right over the pond for a chance at a huge putt back uphill. Another of my favorites was Hole 15, a bigpar 4 dogleg with a lefty-friendly tee shot and then a beautiful uphill 2nd drive through scattered trees. After that, several open holes up on top of the ridge are probably punished by wind most of the time, although it wasn't bad when I played. The finishing hole is 635ft downhill and reachable from the tee -- an absolute blast to play!

You have to be prepared for a grueling workout before trying this course. I put this under the "pros" column but not everyone would. Bring provisions, especially extra water if its hot weather. It's a 3.5 mile hike, even without looking for discs.

Overall this is one of the very best courses I have played, and it deserves its high rating!

Cons:

As huge as this place already is, there are several places where the walk between holes should be made into more disc golf. As long as you're walking, you may as well be throwing plastic. The best example is the walk between 10-11, about a quarter mile downhill through the woods. Seems a shame not to use that elevation for disc golf. There's also a long walk downhill and back uphill between 14-15, where an access path cut directly through the woods would preserve the elevation. Also a long walk uphill from 15-16. Because I like to maximize the exercise aspect of disc golf, I consider these to be minor cons. There is also a lot more that could be done with the holes 4-10 instead of just playing along the old woods road, but I'm sure the current design makes maintenance more manageable. It would be great to empty my bag on 18, and on some other holes, but the high grass makes it kinda hard to locate discs. Again, a minor con, just keep it in the fairway.

Other Thoughts:

The 11 tee could be moved back up that trail about 250-300 ft. There's a decent lane through the trees already, with only a couple spindly trees needed to be removed. This would turn hole 11 from an average par 3 into a really fantastic signature hole, a dogleg par 4, with the current tee location being the new landing zone for the tee shot. A try for eagle would risk getting trapped at the bottom of the valley for a very long tough uphill putt.
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11 0
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20 years 1008 played 579 reviews
4.50 star(s)

One of WI's best 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is one of the hardest, probably the the hardest, most physically taxing courses i've ever played. And thats a good thing. There are huge, level concrete tee pads on every hole. All holes have a wood sign next to each tee pad with a map of the basic hole layout, hole #, distances from the long and short tees and par. Perfectly adequate signage, though you may need to walk a fairway or two before throwing to scout the basket location on some holes. They also provide nice maps in the pro shop that show the layout of this course and the classic on one side and the distances of all holes, long and short, on both courses on the other side. Nice Mach 3 baskets on all holes that are in great condition and catch well. There is a huge variety of distance on this course as well. It ranges from 1025 feet as the longest to 235 feet as the shortest on the long tees and 450 feet to 200 feet on the short tees. The views from the top of the hill are spectacular, it reminds me of Highbridge. The elevation here is extreme too. The wind is one of the biggest factors, especiallly atop the hill. Not all of the holes have short tees, but 13 of the 18 holes do. Although I'm sure most people playing here won't be playing the am tees. Hole one is the easiest terrainwise, however it is over 1000 feet to the pin, which sets the tone for the rest of the course. There are a few longer walks between holes but these are well marked and with the map provided not really an issue. There is an outhouse located after hole 14. Very well designed in that it doesn't interfere at all with the classic course. Many holes are very tight tunnel shots through the woods with extremely punishing rough to one or even both sides. You will need to be accurate and use pretty much every disc and throw in your arsenal. This is a PRO style course. It's $5/person per day to play which is too cheap if you ask me. There is a small pond that comes into play on hole 12 i believe it is, again a good job incorporating this natural feature. Many benches located throughout, which you will need on this course. 5 gallon garbage pails located on most holes as well, though if you take it in you should be able to take it out. A must play course for serious players.

Cons:

The rough can get out of control due to the hugeness of the course. losing a disc or two is not uncommon here. Use a spotter whenever possible. This can save you A LOT of time searching for discs. Like any WI course mosquitoes and ticks are a problem, but theres nothing the owners can do about this so just be sure to bring bug spray. Other than that, I can't think of anything else.

Other Thoughts:

Definatly a top 5 course in WI. If you are a serious disc golfer this place is a must play. The overall rating speaks for itself. The only reson I gave it a 4.5 is because i can't say its the best of the best because i haven't played every course. But out of the 70 or so i have played its the best. Amazing!
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13 0
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 569 played 284 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Expert 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 22, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Course is set in a large private piece of land, so there aren't going to be many chances for interference around here. Maybe if other people are camping out or hiking something, but it shouldn't be an issue.
- Some of the holes play in pretty much wide open areas, but the lengths are LONG and there are some wicked elevation changes. #1 is a slight uphill megabomber at 1025', #13 is a wide, deep valley at 500', #16 is another bomber at 565' with a nasty slope all along the right side, and #17 is shorter with a big slope behind the pin. Still very interesting even without many trees.
- Very solid holes that have a bit of woods along with open lines. #2 is a cool uphill hole with woods all along the right side, that eventually ends with the pin in the woods. #3 and #11 both shoot out of, and back into gaps in the forest. #12 shoots out of the woods as well, that ends up again in the woods behind a small pond. #18 is a big downhill shot that must clear a gap on top of the hill, and avoid the woods on the right.
- The rest of the course plays in the dense forest, with tight lines, nasty rough, and constant elevation changes. Very tight hyzers and straight shots, long and short hole lengths, these will test any level of player. Ending up off the fairway is big trouble.
- Elevation changes are seriously a major, major factor in many places here. Both for getting up long holes with uphill slopes, and staying on top of the hills with deadly rollaways. Huge addition to both the fun factor and the difficulty.
- Even mix of lefty and righty holes; you better have good hyzer control for #7 and #9, and also navigate some a nasty right turn on #15. Mostly hyzer heavy though.
- Great teesigns, baskets, navigation is easy with a map.

Cons:

- The only con here are some pretty wide open holes. Four of them don't have much to worry about except keeping away from some tricky rollaways. That's about it!!!

Other Thoughts:

- This course delivers! The holes in the open are great bombers, the holes in the woods are straight up tough, and those in between still give good challenge to hit a gap at the end of the hole. Fantastic mix from beginning to end, no boring spots at all. #18 is a sweet finishing hole that shoots through the woods, off a big hilltop.
- Best suited to more advanced players, beginners will be struggling to hit some tougher lines and stay out of the trouble.
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19 0
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.7 years 316 played 268 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Big Brother, Big-Time Disc Golf 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 23, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

- The Justin Trails Resort compound offers (among many other amenities) two world-class disc golf courses side-by-side. The two 18-hole courses sprawl over the scenic Wisconsin hills and compliment each other well. Big Brother offers gold-level challenges while the shorter Classic remains an accessible and fun play for all. The resort offers cabins, suites, and camping. Concessions available on site. Gracious hosts help make the experience one to remember.
- The Classic course adjacent to Big Brother sets the tone: amazing elevation, balance between open and wooded, and tricky pin positions. Big Brother takes each of those attributes, ups them a notch (or two), and then adds gold-level tees and distances to challenge all but the very best discers. Short tees offer mortals a course very similar to Classic, while the long tees throw down the gauntlet right at the beginning: #1 stretches over 1000'. The rest of the long tees range from the mid-200's to over 600'.
- A great mix of wooded technical holes and open bomber shots. Elevation comes into play throughout most of the course, with #18 capping off the round with a spectacular downhill bomb, with a narrow gap through the wall of trees in front of the tee.
- Great pin positions offer spectacular putting risks. #'s 3, 10, 11, 14, and 17 are all standout. #10's elevated pin, located on a wooded slope, is a rollaway waiting to happen.
- Decent signage, concrete tees, baskets, etc. Outhouses located on property.

Cons:

- As with the Classic course, at certain times of the year, tall corn can come into play. Definitely fair punishment if you end up in it, but searching a corn field for wayward discs straight up sucks. You think tall grass is a hassle?

Other Thoughts:

- Some of the scenery from atop the larger hills is nothing short of breath-taking. Justin Trails offers destination-caliber disc golf and matches it with top-flight amenities. Don't be paranoid about Big Brother, he only has your best interests in mind.
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9 0
Urbanator
Experience: 16.7 years 112 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Impressive 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 6, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Big Brother is just plain impressive in every way. The scenery, the design, the distance, the difficulty. The downhill throws were super fun. I chained a shot from 400+ feet. So cool. The hills make the course, great views and scenery. It almost feels alpine. Loved walking through the woods and fields between holes. It's a 3 1/2 mile walk but it's enjoyable unless you're totally out of shape. The course is well maintained, well marked, and has good baskets and tee pads.

Cons:

Hole 1 is 1,000 feet straight. I didn't really enjoy throwing five drives to get there. Would be better divided up into 2 or 3 holes. A few too many tight fairways in the woods. The course is pro rated. Many holes were at least a par lower than my capabilities, but I guess played from the longer of the tee options. It's a little too difficult for a mid-level player to fully enjoy. I lost a disc in a water hazard, one of only two on the course. Probably easy to lose discs in the woods too, but I didn't. A windy day would make a few holes truly miserable.

Other Thoughts:

The resort shop was nice. Bathrooms, food, discs, souvenirs, tourist info and an awesome cat named Socks. I love the farm setting. Looks like a fun place to ski too.
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4 6
Par 72 Course Design
Experience: 7 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Big Brother is mean 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 14, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very challenging course. Plenty of trouble and plenty of par 4's and a par 5. The views are out of this world. Abundant dog legs and tunnels to hit. Racj up your two's on the original course because you have to earn them on the big bro. Perfect destination for a weekend get away, comfy lodges and great breakfast!!!! Don and Donna are great people!!!

Cons:

If you can't handle hard disc golf, pack a lunch or stay on the original course.

Other Thoughts:

Very unique place, MUST HIT!!!!!
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