As a player who relishes shorter, technical play a great deal over open distance shots (don't get me wrong: I love long, gliding down hills, I just don't have the 'D' to enjoy 300'+ uphill!), the nine hole course in Mt. Gilead State Park is really my cup of tea. Incredible, challenging use of woodsy elevation here, with holes only ranging between 120 and 270 feet in length, the course has 10 discatchers (one practice basket right by the first tee), a reasonable flow (first timers take the map), and very basic signage.

But the part that I liked the most was having trees to challenge your tee shots, plus the occasional tricky drop-offs around the pin positions which force careful play if you want to score well, but gut-checking trouble if you want to run for aces. The stunners start right at the beginning with a fairly steep down slope into the woods and a big drop-off (but not hazardous) just behind the basket. The steep slope to the driveway just left of the 5th basket means you'll need to control your tee shot if you don't want the world's worst comeback putt in your future. And Hole 8 definitely has the steepest drop I've experienced yet (and I've played 258 courses). Feels like it drops at a 50 or 60 degree angle, but maybe I'm just exaggerating a little. And the lake being behind the basket? Neat control shot, for sure!

Now, some woods is one thing, but there is almost no recognizable line between all the wood on the uphill hole 2, meaning a deuce would pretty much take a lucky shot. The biggest concern I had was that they need more than a thin little rope to get down the 8th fairway. I'd say it needs steps, but maybe a ladder (?!), it's THAT steep!

The natural tees and minimalist signage could use an upgrade, as could the map (seems 4's tee is on the #3 basket side f the hollow), then next tee signs are needed to get you to hole 5, then later, to hole 8.

I didn't really like the fact that hole 6 used the park road as its fairway. Finally, though hole 7 rewards longer arms with a fairly open shot, you have to watch for folks coming from the playground and basketball court up over the hill towards the parking lot, the big hyzer line flies over the road again, and the left side is all thorny rough.

I will definitely be bringing my 'technical' shooting buddy back up to play this course again, even though it's 2 & ½ hours from home. He's going to like it for a casual round. And there's a hint they intend to someday add another nine, so...cool!

Reviewer Background as of this writing: 4.5 yrs experience at age 54, not a big gun, and not an impressive rating (Rec to Int skills), but enjoy having played over 250 courses and hopefully shared helpful info about those experiences.