Poor House Farm DGC reviews
3
0
An unpolished gem 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 30, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
This 18 hole course highlights the tranquil and rural beauty of West Virginia. This rustic course offers a variety of technical holes with ever present elevation changes. It was nice to catch a glimpse of the nearby hills and the sprawling orchards while playing through the lush wooded landscape. With a little more polish and attention, this course could be a shining gem. I played this course as part of a disc golf road trip covering 12 states in 12 days. This was the only course I played in the state of West Virginia.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.
West Virginia Beauty
I really enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere at Poor House Farm. This is truly a very beautiful glimpse of West Virginia beauty. From the big beautiful barn that overlooks the parking lot, you take a short walk over the stream and bridge to the first tee. The view of the nearby hills are stunning and you can catch a glimpse several times during the round.
Challenge and Reflection
This was one of those technical wooded courses where you realize after a few holes that you need to think about your shot selection to score well. While this course does not require big distance, it does require accuracy to score well. I really appreciate it when a course awakens and challenges the competitive side of me. In addition to being a good challenge, this course also had a super fun and funky laid back vibe. I enjoy it when a course presents a peaceful solitude that makes you want to relax, take in and enjoy all the unique beauty that surrounds you.
Tees
The tees were ample brick tees that were obviously professionally installed. Except for the tee on Hole 18, which is still a natural tee, the brick tees are holding up very well. There is gravel placed around a few tees to prevent mud. Nearly every single tee had a table, bench or logs for seating.
Tee Signs
The basic tee signs only provided the par and the distance for each hole. The signs gave no hint if the target was right, left or straight. There was no information about the direction next tee. This course demonstrates the value of including a small map on a tee sign. As usual, I forgot my map and didn't have my phone. Without a map, and these basic signs, navigation was very frustrating. Luckily for me, some local player used a Sharpie to add an arrow on each DISCatcher band to show the way to the next tee.
Technical Challenge
This is not a championship course, but it will certainly challenge the average player to stay in the fairway. If you have reliable straight shot, you will be able to score well. While it may not require a large variety of shots to score well, the course terrain does offer plenty of variety. I thought the holes along the orchard were both challenging and beautiful.
Maintenance
The course was in great shape when I played in early fall. The grass was still fairly short and the rough was not too rough. Except for Hole 18, all the tees were all in good shape. Holes 5 and 6 were were missing tee signs. I also played the course in the rain and after it had rained for a few days. Since the fairways are mostly grass there was very little mud and a little erosion noticeable on the fairway of Hole 3.
Navigation
Don't be like me and forget your map. While the map here is not that detailed, it can surely help you to know if a hole is going left, right or straight and the general direction of the next tee. There are sometimes three different trails leading away from the target, so don't forget to check that target one more time for the Sharpie arrow before you make your choice.
Most Deer Ever!
I think I saw at least 50 different deer on this course. I am not exaggerating. I would see 8 or 9 run one way then follow a path and see another 6 or 7 running in the other direction. I saw at least three different herds hanging out in the fairway that didn't seem to mind me playing through at all. The more I played, the more deer I saw here and on the apple orchard next door.
All 18 in a row
Once you leave the parking area, you don't return until you have played the entire 18 hole loop. While the course is not terribly long, it is a long walk up and down the hills in the woods. Be sure to bring all the water and snacks you will need to make it through the round. Don't forget to be respectful and pack out your trash. Keep this course clean for all to enjoy.
Bugs
Perhaps it is because I played in the rain, but I didn't notice any bugs or biting things while I played.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
Only bring the carts and strollers if you don't mind pushing your rig up and down grassy fairways. Older kids could certainly walk along. Kids with some skills would be able to play. You won't return to the parking area until after you play all 18 holes.
Restrooms
There was a full service restroom facility with electricity and running water located off the parking lot on the way to the first tee. There were no other restrooms on this rustic course, but there are plenty of opportunities for privacy during the round.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.
West Virginia Beauty
I really enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere at Poor House Farm. This is truly a very beautiful glimpse of West Virginia beauty. From the big beautiful barn that overlooks the parking lot, you take a short walk over the stream and bridge to the first tee. The view of the nearby hills are stunning and you can catch a glimpse several times during the round.
Challenge and Reflection
This was one of those technical wooded courses where you realize after a few holes that you need to think about your shot selection to score well. While this course does not require big distance, it does require accuracy to score well. I really appreciate it when a course awakens and challenges the competitive side of me. In addition to being a good challenge, this course also had a super fun and funky laid back vibe. I enjoy it when a course presents a peaceful solitude that makes you want to relax, take in and enjoy all the unique beauty that surrounds you.
Tees
The tees were ample brick tees that were obviously professionally installed. Except for the tee on Hole 18, which is still a natural tee, the brick tees are holding up very well. There is gravel placed around a few tees to prevent mud. Nearly every single tee had a table, bench or logs for seating.
Tee Signs
The basic tee signs only provided the par and the distance for each hole. The signs gave no hint if the target was right, left or straight. There was no information about the direction next tee. This course demonstrates the value of including a small map on a tee sign. As usual, I forgot my map and didn't have my phone. Without a map, and these basic signs, navigation was very frustrating. Luckily for me, some local player used a Sharpie to add an arrow on each DISCatcher band to show the way to the next tee.
Technical Challenge
This is not a championship course, but it will certainly challenge the average player to stay in the fairway. If you have reliable straight shot, you will be able to score well. While it may not require a large variety of shots to score well, the course terrain does offer plenty of variety. I thought the holes along the orchard were both challenging and beautiful.
Maintenance
The course was in great shape when I played in early fall. The grass was still fairly short and the rough was not too rough. Except for Hole 18, all the tees were all in good shape. Holes 5 and 6 were were missing tee signs. I also played the course in the rain and after it had rained for a few days. Since the fairways are mostly grass there was very little mud and a little erosion noticeable on the fairway of Hole 3.
Navigation
Don't be like me and forget your map. While the map here is not that detailed, it can surely help you to know if a hole is going left, right or straight and the general direction of the next tee. There are sometimes three different trails leading away from the target, so don't forget to check that target one more time for the Sharpie arrow before you make your choice.
Most Deer Ever!
I think I saw at least 50 different deer on this course. I am not exaggerating. I would see 8 or 9 run one way then follow a path and see another 6 or 7 running in the other direction. I saw at least three different herds hanging out in the fairway that didn't seem to mind me playing through at all. The more I played, the more deer I saw here and on the apple orchard next door.
All 18 in a row
Once you leave the parking area, you don't return until you have played the entire 18 hole loop. While the course is not terribly long, it is a long walk up and down the hills in the woods. Be sure to bring all the water and snacks you will need to make it through the round. Don't forget to be respectful and pack out your trash. Keep this course clean for all to enjoy.
Bugs
Perhaps it is because I played in the rain, but I didn't notice any bugs or biting things while I played.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
Only bring the carts and strollers if you don't mind pushing your rig up and down grassy fairways. Older kids could certainly walk along. Kids with some skills would be able to play. You won't return to the parking area until after you play all 18 holes.
Restrooms
There was a full service restroom facility with electricity and running water located off the parking lot on the way to the first tee. There were no other restrooms on this rustic course, but there are plenty of opportunities for privacy during the round.
Cons:
Navigation Issues
This private course should consider investing in better tee signs. Not being able to tell where the target is or the direction of the next tee can be frustrating when playing a new course.
Photos
The photos on DGCR must be from the day the course was created. They show logs and brush and extra trees in the fairways. I played in September while the trees were full and the fairways were plenty wide and clear. I will upload as many new photos as I can to show how this course has matured and that the fairways do exist.
Lost discs
It could be possible to lose discs over the property line on the orchard holes. There were a couple of blind holes where players will want to pay attention to the landing.
This private course should consider investing in better tee signs. Not being able to tell where the target is or the direction of the next tee can be frustrating when playing a new course.
Photos
The photos on DGCR must be from the day the course was created. They show logs and brush and extra trees in the fairways. I played in September while the trees were full and the fairways were plenty wide and clear. I will upload as many new photos as I can to show how this course has matured and that the fairways do exist.
Lost discs
It could be possible to lose discs over the property line on the orchard holes. There were a couple of blind holes where players will want to pay attention to the landing.
Other Thoughts:
This course rates very high on the good vibrations scale as it offers such a unique experience. . This was a genuinely fun and challenging course that I wish I could play again. I would love to have another chance to get more pars and birdies. This course would rate much higher if it had informative tee signs and some navigation aids.
1
2
James McGirr
Experience:
11 played
11 reviews
West Virginia's most under rated coarse 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Aug 28, 2015
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
On any given hole there is at least 30 feet of uninpeded air space through out the fairway. The course has the appearance of being heavily treed.Through out the coarse Fairways were very fair off the tee
Cons:
If you can throw a disc over 375 feet you could over power the coarse.If you go into the ruff alot of sticky things stick to you.
Other Thoughts:
I really liked the coarse. It looks difficult at first. than you look closer. There are real fairways here even if your throw isn't totally on your intended line. Your throw ends up some were down by the basket. I really liked this course and have played alot of disc golf courses.It does require accurate throws but not total persision.
1
1
Geremy
Experience:
21.8 years
54 played
2 reviews
Fun course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 27, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Tee pads are very grippy and level
-Accuracy is generally always rewarded
-Great elevation changes on at least half of the holes
-Accuracy is generally always rewarded
-Great elevation changes on at least half of the holes
Cons:
-A couple tee pads still need to be installed (as of this write up)
-The rough is thick, glad I played in the winter!
-Need to update tee signs
-The rough is thick, glad I played in the winter!
-Need to update tee signs
Other Thoughts:
Very scenic course with lots of different types of shots. Keep up the great work fellas!
2
2
jordanferg92
Experience:
12.7 years
45 played
29 reviews
Amazing 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 29, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
1. Permanent brick tees
2. Signs include distance and par
3. Fairways are clear and open
4. Provides multiple opportunities to use every throw and disc you have
5. Most holes have benches
6. Wide variety of holes
2. Signs include distance and par
3. Fairways are clear and open
4. Provides multiple opportunities to use every throw and disc you have
5. Most holes have benches
6. Wide variety of holes
Cons:
1. Some of the signs are missing
2. Trash can at tee 1 was overflowing
3. Navigation was difficult at times
2. Trash can at tee 1 was overflowing
3. Navigation was difficult at times
Other Thoughts:
This course was great. I don't really have one bad thing to say about it. I loved the tees. This course has a lot of foot traffic and it really helps keep the paths clear and the fairways clean. This course overall is my favorite. It is very well maintained, beautiful, and challenging.
0
2
dschley
Experience:
13.9 years
29 played
3 reviews
Play it it's fun 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 14, 2012
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Great layout good use of the elevation changes. Well defined fairways. Adequate signage. Good flow. Excellent tee pads and benches.
Cons:
Inaccurate signage lengths being corrected I hear
Other Thoughts:
The course is young and is getting better with age. Played once in longs and was very challenging yet not frustrating. Shorts was just plain fun and challenging enough.
9
0
Rusty
Experience:
44.9 years
1 played
1 reviews
Poor House is sweet 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 12, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
Lots of elevation change with a good varity of holes. This course makes you use your imagination to solve the the difficult playing situations.
Cons:
You play up a monster hill on holes 2 & 3 but you are rewarded when you get up top. No real break on the course because of the hill.
Other Thoughts:
This course is definetly one I love. I live 1 mile from Sherando and don't play many other courses because I have a great course so close. This is worth the trip. Poor House Farm is the disc golfing experience you will love, it's got it all. Tight shots, big throws, rist/ reward you name it. You finish comming down that big hill on holes 16 & 18 with some great looks. Since the course is brand new there is still alot of cleaning needed but play will take care of that.
