- Tons of possible pin locations for each hole
- Nearly 30 holes for flexibility in tournament layouts
- bathrooms near all edges of the course
- Big parking lot
- With the exception of some of the desert holes all are reachable for rec+ players
- greens are well guarded, being 10-20 ft away doesn't always mean you will have a put
- tons of oak trees, mandos, elevation changes require precise lines off the tee
- It's almost like 3 different courses-- super wooded and elevation changes on the front 9, more open park style on most of the back 9, then you have the long bomber out in the open desert holes. Keeps the holes from getting too repetitive.
- Hard to lose a disc--only thing rough on a couple of holes
- Minimal OB except on the holes near the road/parking lot
- Pretty close to the highway so easy to get to
- Water fountain right at the start of the course
- Except for the desert hole it's pretty shady so you can have some refuge from those blazing Pasadena summer days
- Awesome community of huckers--active league and locals who try to make every tournaments. Everytime I've gone I feel like I've seen a league or an event on the course.
- And of course I'm obligated to mention that this is the original disc golf course so that's cool too.

- Flow is damn near impossible to navigate for a first time visitor. I played whatever hole I could find after wandering around the first time. Didn't figure out the actual layout until playing a tournament.
- I don't love the baskets--the chains can be a little heavy and push out things that don't hit perfectly in the center.
- baskets are pretty much all the exact same height with the exception of 1 elevated one
- Lots of oblivious park goers, this was even during a 3 rd tournament with signs everywhere, dog walkers going in and out of fairways at their own leisure
- Practice basket in the parking lot isn't the best placement unless you only want to practice 15ft putts. Leads to people putting from the parking lot and dodging cars
- The first couple holes on the field are always the toughest when it comes to other park goers--people who have booked the field, oblivious walkers, cranky old men hitting golf balls, etc.

An awesome course that's scorable for rec thru open players but has enough trouble and tight lines to make sure nothing is a gimme. Variety in hole shapes and terrains keep things interesting. Plus the walks from hole to hole (once you know where to go) aren't too long or demanding so it's not any sort of endurance test.

If you are in the area I would definitely recommend this course over Chavez--you'll have to walk fewer hills, get fewer rollaways, have an easier time parking, and get to experience some real history of the sport. Plus if you're taking a beginner they won't be permanently scared off the sport like they would if you took them to Chavez.

- Historic value. First permanent course ever!! You can see one of the original baskets tucked into a tree to the left of the fairway on Hole #10.
- Scenery. All of the old oak trees make you forget you're still in Los Angeles (whereas at nearby Chavez Ridge you're well aware the entire time). This makes it a great respite for city dwellers like myself.
- Well-designed. The holes have a lot of variation, and you'll find opportunities to work on all sorts of shots. There are plenty of big, open holes that give you a chance to air it out, and short, technical holes that play in and out of the woods. There are also 4 open "desert" holes that provide a uniquely-SoCal feel to the course.
- Something for everybody, and fun for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you've got a canon and like to air it out or shine more in technical situations, Oak Grove has it all.
- Strong community of locals. No matter what time I go there are always folks out playing, and so far in my experience everyone is really friendly and welcoming.
- Multiple basket locations for every hole.
- Nice, safe area. Pretty close to the local high school but it's separate enough that you aren't aware while you're playing.
- Water fountains and bathrooms on site. The porta-potties near the soccer fields are the cleanest I've seen.

- Navigation for first timers is difficult. The course has been redesigned over the years, and many of the cement tees have the wrong hole number etched into them. Following locals can make this even more confusing because a lot of folks seem to play their own preferred variations of the course.
- Signage could use an update. Would love to see "next hole" signs, at least on the holes where the next tee is not visible from the basket. Would be amazing to have a kiosk near the practice basket with a course map so people have a general idea of where to go.
- The teepads are solid, but the trapezoidal shape can cause some confusion about which basket you should be playing to (particularly on the back 9, where you can often see multiple baskets from the tee). Most teepads are cement, and a few holes have rubber tees.
- Bystanders. Being a multi-use park, there are often kids playing on the adjacent fields, runners, people walking their dogs, and the occasional horse riders. Fortunately, the course is well-designed and most of the park patrons won't be in your way - but you may need to yell "fore!" now and again.
- Maintenance, mostly on the desert holes. As of this review (May 2018), the brush is so tall and dense on 14-15-16 that I often just skip from 14 to 18 (I probably have these hole numbers wrong). I've been told that these holes are on property that is not technically owned by the park, so I imagine that's why these holes are not as well maintained as the others.

Most of these cons are really from a first-timer's perspective. Some familiarity with the course makes it much more enjoyable!

This course got me back into disc golf after not really playing since I moved to LA. Really love playing here, and even though Chavez Ridge is closer to me this has become my home course.
With some updated signage and a little TLC this course could be a 5. Fun, rewarding course for players of all skill levels, and a piece of disc golf history!! Looking forward to playing in the weekly tourneys and getting active with the local club!

Short and accurate
Lots of benches and shade
Easily walkable
Not hard to navigate because it's a smaller course

Dry and dusty
Bees on hole 5 ( I got stung)
Basket 8 and 9 is right near parking lot
Horse crap (huge turds)

Its a campable course. I literally have camped on the course a dozen times. (Don't get caught). There are 23 holes which I play my own little 18 on my own.

-Lots of holes with a variety of obstacles/distances
-Tees made of concrete
-Holes change position often
-Lots of parking
-It's free!

-Very busy on the weekend
-Course tends to eat discs
-Can be dusty during the summer
-Can be muddy or flooded in the winter

-A very large course
-Free admission
-Lots of parking
-diverse hole locations
-pins get moved from time to time
-distance shots

-no Tee signs so you have to bring a map. You can easily go to the wrong hole
-The first few holes you might encounter locals playing in a soccer field so you must watch your throw.
-No water fountains close by. Bring your own water.

I frequent this course in all honestly because of the lake shot. It is by far one of my favorite shots. You are basically shooting over a dry lake and if you fail to get it across you will be looking for your disc for a really, really long time in the brush. The back end does not have much tree cover so you are pretty exposed so bring a lot of sun block.
There are a lot of environmental hazards here and one can easily lose a disc in any one of the many bushes, trees, or leaf pile up, so keep an eye on your shot at all times. There is one specific hole in which you are shooting blind. If I'd have to guess I'd say around basket #6-#8. We usually have someone stand mid way through the fairway and spot where the loose discs may land.
Till this day, after playing many times at this course I can't come up with a conclusion on how many baskets there actually are. I know for sure there are more than 18 though.

Lots of creative looks at a wide variety of shots.

I enjoyed seeing the location of old pin positions and hearing some of the course history from knowledgable locals.

The course has very good flow if you start in the right place. See cons

A couple of holes play practically blind.

In a couple of spots, the flow seems very odd.

Print out a map.

Loved it!

- Amazing views. Lots of trees.
- mixed distance and technical holes
- alternative holes in the back
- feels safe for solo ladies*
- water fountains

- tees are a tad confusing the first time
- you may run into divas
- portal potties

I will play here again.

-great elevation changes
-wide array of hole lengths
-holes are evenly spread out for left handers and right handers.
Wooded area has a great vibe due to dry creeks throughout many holes. During winter thaw they might be filled with water, I dunno.
-Bathrooms are spread throughout the course. There's real ones at the bonus "spider" hole, porta-pottys at the basket for 6, and a real bathroom at hole 17.
-i was able to find a course layout on the interweb, which would help if you are going for the first time.

-no pro shop, I wouldn't expect there to be one in this park though. You'll know when you see it.
-a few tee pads are in need of replacing, but still playable.

If you can join some locals to show you around the layout and possibly play the extra holes, I recommend it. otherwise you might get lost.
This course was perfect for ace runs on about 3/4 of the holes if you can throw 300'. Guestamation.

I loved playing this course, and when I get more rounds on it it will be awesome. I birdied a handfull, and also got fives on a handfull because there are a ton of trees, and some hillsides here. It's like playing in the woods at a campground because there is actually a camp there, looks like a summer camp for kids. I dunno?
Definitely come play here if you are in southern CA.

A wide variety of shots some downhill, around trees and various obstacles.
Free to play.
Easy to naviagate.

Not rough on the feet, no thorns, cactus, or stickers.
Hexagonal and rubber teepads worked quite well.

Dusty and Hot in the Summer
Very very tough to navigate if you've never played
Easy to lose a disc in nome nasty nasty brush
No shop or stand to get refreshments

Nice Technical Course

-First permanent disc golf course. How do you not throw here if you're in the LA area?
-Pretty technical and challenging at times, especially given it's age. Oak Grove is by no means an "every disc in your bag" type course, but you'll have to work for your deuces and/or pars.
-The locals are great. They were very friendly and helpful when I played.
-Nice view of the mountains and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the back 9.
-Nice variety of wooded holes, open holes, and even desert-like holes. I felt like I was playing in the midwest, the plains, and the high deserts of Utah all on one course.

-Nonexistent signage. Really. There are no signs indicating which hole you are on, where you're throwing, or where the next tee is. Your best bet is to wing it or follow (or join) a group playing ahead of you to know where you're going.
-If you're playing during a soccer match, you'll really have to watch it on the front nine. Some fairways butt up against the soccer fields.
-There are horse trails along the course, so there are points when your disc could land in horse manure. You could choose to think of this as a kind of water hazard, but that won't change the fact that you'll have a manure-covered disc if you get unlucky.

I've played a few courses made in the early days of disc golf, and they always disappoint after I get past the novelty of history. Not at Oak Grove. It's a fun, challenging, beautiful course, and I'll definitely play it again when I'm in the LA area. While it's not the best or most challenging course, it's definitely worth a round or two.

The very first course in the USA!!
Local course pro, Johnny B making non locals feel right at home.
Technical, tight lies.
Warmer than Alaska in November!!

Not sure if I would have found my way around if I hadn't been playing with Johnny B and some other locals. Not very well marked.

I started playing 4 years ago in Alaska and have played 3 different courses up here. It was nice to compare our courses to the lower 48, especially the first course in existence!

Another great trip to the original course grounds. I really like visiting this park. Its a nice cruise through the course. Perfect natural landscape for a disc golf course. Short but technical with a lot of different throws required.
Throw one over the pound and don't

What happend to the Extra bonus holes for those that new how to play them. 4 years ago I played with a local that took me on the extended course. It wasn't there.

Some tees could be longer, I used to longer placements (but hey, it is the original course). Sometimes you are throwing on the group at the next Tee in front of you, causes hold ups. Not much else, I still haven't got my best round in yet. I will be back.

Throw it over the Pond! Don't wimp out be an itty bitty. I don't have the longest arm, but I ain't scared. I partnered up with a local and he keep telling me through the round that he didn't want to loose his disc. I told him it's all part of the game and they come and they go. Didn't make it on that round but I tried (went right and down in the brush on the ledge). But the last one, I put 40 ft past the basket. I watched groups after to group pass this hole up and opt for the alternate safe basket on the side. Go for it and show them how its done.

Outthink the crowds,pick your time wisely. I have always find a time when courses are crowded. I played 2 out of 4 rounds, I played right through, the others I didn't have to wait to long and met a few people.

Johnny B, dives for disc in the pond and has them and sells other used disc. Nice meeting Johnny B, good to swap stories and meet new golfers. Thanks

A wide variety of shots some downhill, around trees and various obstacles.
Free to play.
Easy to naviagate.
Hole 14 is excellent, one of the best holes ive played.
Not rough on the feet, no thorns, cactus, or stickers.
Hexagonal and rubber teepads worked quite well.

Not clearly marked, most tee pads have wrong numbers.
No relative distances marked and sometimes you cant see where the hole is, can make first time playing difficult.
No pro shop, snack shop, guide area to find out where to start (thought this shouldnt be that hard.

This has been the best course i've played thus far here in southern california, I didnt bring any water which was a huge mistake, by hole 15 I was dying out there, so make sure your well hydrated beforehand as well. If you go play there and its your first time ask the people around where to start everyone was quite friendly. It may be difficult to navigate the back 9 but this is only for the first time you go there, once you know its actually quite simple. ENJOY

Offers a good diversity of shots. Most are technical, not big booming throws. Wonderful setting. Good maintenance. Locals are chill.

Old mismatched baskets. Homeless guy on the back 9. Dusty in summer.

Can't beat the 5th hole during sunset... Unless it's the 14th hole after a huge storm.

• Unique Terrain that varies from thick to wide open
• Great use of elevation change
• Lots of beautiful Oak Trees that act as excellent natural obstacles
• Even Mix of RHBH and LHBH holes throughout
• Creative use of terrain, especially on the "Lake Hole" which plays as "Hole D". You are shaping lines around or over terrain on the majority of shots here.
• Free to play!
• DG Exclusive area except for the first 3 holes which play near soccer/football fields. People know DG is being played!
• A few scattered bathrooms, plenty of bushes
• Great local scene and regular tourneys held at the course.
• Concrete Tees on most holes which are old but sturdy

• No Pro Shop / Snack Shop. Sometimes there is a guy selling discs in a white truck from what I remember.
• Most holes are under 300' in length. This is actually a bit of a pro for noodle arms like me.
• No tee signs or markers, and most pads have the wrong number listed. You have to know the layout or follow someone. Bring a guide your first time.
• Older Baskets with no number markers
• Soccer or football players are active on the fields next to holes 2 and 3, and can sometimes get in the way. They aren't a problem for the rest of the course.
• Very dusty in the summertime - think Kansas in the great depression
• Crazy homeless guy sometimes will come out and yell at you right around Hole 17. Some have said that he has lived there on the property for years and that he is a staple of the park.

Oak Grove Park: steps from JPL in Pasadena and the place that started it all. The first "permanent pole hole" course in the world. Rolling hills surround this course located low in an erosion area within a multi use park. Every throw here makes you think, and there is almost a perfect mix of both RHBH and LHBH holes. If you're a righty, you'd better have a forehand on this course.

The first few times I played this course, I didn't have a guide or any groups to follow and was a bit frustrated. You will definitely get greater enjoyment playing with someone who is familiar with the layout as it isn't always self explanatory. There are only a handful of blind baskets, but they are epic - like Hole # 7. Plays about 250-275 feet over some bushes and next to some power lines. The only way to see the basket is to walk the hole before your shot. The overgrowth on this hole provides a sometimes insurmountable obstacle, and once again makes you rethink your line.

This course would greatly benefit from some tee signs and maybe some flags for the holes as well. It would be a big help for first timers to the course or those generally unfamiliar with the layout. After you play it 3 or 4 times, the navigation becomes pretty automatic, although the "bonus" holes can be in play or not depending on the water conditions. The park is located in a huge flood control channel and gets all the erosion from the surrounding hills, effectively burying a hole or 2 after it rains.

The Signature hole without a doubt is the "Canyon" or "Lake" Hole (depending on the water height) that is listed as Hole "D". The lake ends in a triangle on an elevated section of ground, and the hole shoots from the high ground over the water and to the basket with about a 20 to 30 foot elevation drop. The basket is only about 320 feet away maximum, with the short position playing to about 295. The psychological aspect of the water messes with you on this hole, providing great entertainment with the sometimes errant shots it produces. The basket sits on a gentle slope that ends with a 5 foot embankment dropoff and murky water. There really is no hope of getting discs out here unless you wade into that water, and that is a tough prospect.

Last time I played we were on this hole, and the guy in front of me plunked his disc in the water. I felt like a kid jumping off of a high dive, and took twice my normal time to prepare for the drive. I ended up with an 80% power anhyzer that landed 40 feet right of the basket. It really is quite make-able with the slight elevation drop. Just make sure not to hyzer out if you're a righty.

This course is a must play in the Greater L.A. area, and really no Socal trip should be without it. This is where Disc Golf started! Lots of out of staters I've talked to express in interest in playing this course just because of the fact that it truly the "OG" and it is cool to see where DG was born. You will be pleasantly surprised if you do make the trip out to Pasadena, but try to follow someone or meet up with a guide there your first time and it will amplify your enjoyment of the course greatly.