From the designer of the famous Delaveaga, Tom Scot, for which I won't bother reviewing because, well, there's plenty that's been said... DeLa is awesome land and an epic layout, but it's beat to hell after all these years... Anyway, Pinto doesn't have the land/elevation of DeLa, but you can see the eye of the designer here.

+ two practice baskets
+ Uncrowded the two times I've played
+ fun risk/reward options on the wooded holes with some elevation - some very difficult, asking you to return for the challenges.
+ Challenging and daunting, long open holes (par 4s and a huge 5) that test your distance and placement, disc selection.
+ Nice and refreshing views of the lake towards the end of your round right when you're starting to get 'fatigued' by the 'battle'.
+ Pretty well maintained. Nice steps and decent trails throughout
+ concrete tees; in good shape, good size

- Beginning of course is hard to find your way the first time and there's not map or signs to really help
- Not a big fan of multiple baskets. The variety/options you would think is cool, but it can be confusing. Just give me one clear target and show me where it is.
- As I've mentioned in other reviews I'm not a fan of the old DGAs. These are Mach3s I believe... Hard to see, indistinct targets... I guess they catch ok though.
- A bit long between too many holes. Don't mind a long walk or two but too many hole connections leave you wondering if you're going the right way.
- So yeah, needs more directional signage
- Good use of elevation but am disappointed there isn't more for such an out-of-the-way course
- Rough is rough... poison oak, foxtails, brush... wear pants.
- You better really pin-point your tee shots, fairway drives and upshots in the open meadow holes! Long grass and not much to triangulate where you landed. Can be frustrating in an already demanding hike/round.
- Gotta really be aware of joggers and bikers, especially if you're not familiar with the layout and how it flows with the rec trails
- restrooms are grimy

Been here twice and probably won't be back. Too out of the way for you get with the hassles and quirks without enough home-run views. So many other courses to see now. Hard to really enjoy and flow with your round. Great challenge and some great sections of the course though! Worth checking out at least once... Maybe wintertime?

The course at Pinto Lake is a really tough one to set a rating to because of the very distinct nature of the two sides of the course. The start and finish of the course run mostly through thick woods and have some EXCELLENT holes which will challenge the player to execute difficult shots and also to plan a strategy of attack in advance. The elevation on this section is well utilized and adds greatly to the hole designs. The middle of the course which was added as a second nine is quite frustrating as it is difficult to navigate and set in a completely obstacle-free field that, while beautiful and serene, is just plain boring for disc golf. I gave this course a 3.5 because most of the wooded holes make up for the drawbacks of the course nicely AND, as I mention below, the 'extra' holes can be easily avoided altogether.

If I had advice for anyone who plans to play Pinto Lake it would be to just play first four holes and then skip to 14-18. The main, huge drawback to this course are the field holes which are just that, wide open fields. Many players might be impressed by a 1200' hole but when there are no restrictions on line whatsoever, this is hole which really comes down to making (or missing) the wide open 200-400' (assuming you have decent pro distance) approach you'll be left with on the third shot. This is just distance for the sake of it and doesn't add anything to the rest of the course as distance is a skill already tested by the 4-5 of the previous holes. I'm not trying to say that the designer should avoid the field altogether but to put seven holes in a wide open field just doesn't get me excited.

Navigation: Other reviewers have said it, I'm only going to reiterate that navigation after the front four holes is a nightmare to figure out for first time golfers and you'll have to backtrack nearly completely after finishing a few holes to get to the next tee. This appears to mainly be a limitation of the geography here with the lake cutting several arms out of the land that the course sits on. I think a little bit of signage would go a long way and of course, navigation is only really a problem for first-time explorers to a new course.

Pinto Lake is going to be a really fun round as long as you know which section(s) you are interested in playing. If you like a technical challenge or you are newer, play the shorter wooded loop of 'original' holes. If you really love the fun of bombing your disc without worrying about deep rough, by all means, head to the back field holes - you'll love them. The course is also worth it for course-baggers because some of the front holes have some very unique fairway designs which incorporate nasty out-of-bounds areas which are very effective.

great course new signs all over , i couldnt see how u need course is easy to navigate , clean ,benches everywhere, bring your big arm for the long holes , super fun course no waiting "delayed" , stop and get the best bacon wrapped dog at the store on the way in

some poison oak

9 very challenging holes. fantastic scenery and pleasant people. the course has a good flow and the old 9 hole course is fantastic, putting shot selection over power on every hole. on site bathrooms, dog friendly, 2 practice baskets right next to the parking lot and first tee. tons of parking. the new holes now #'s 5 - 13 are all pretty much the same thing but offer you a chance to really let loose and rip huge drives without the worry of loosing a disc.

lack of variety on the new holes. i personally felt that the new holes only added something to play, rather than the same championship level of the old set up. there is poison oak but keep it in the fairway and your good.

holes 13 and 11 were by far the best holes of the new ones.