Pymatuning State Park reviews
9
0
Moraine-On a Budget 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 1, 2017
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Pymatuning is an absolutely beautiful State Park. Great walking trails, many activities surrounding the massive lake. This place would be absolutely perfect for a family day in the summertime, as I can see the chance for a full day of fun-filled things to do.
The course itself is quite nice as well. The holes are well designed, weaving around the fields on one side of the lake, with enough trees to challenge both distance and accuracy.
The open holes require distance off the tee from all tees, but there is also an emphasis on placement. To hit your line may not be too hard, but if you are 10 feet left or right of the landing zone, you may be forced to pitch up to a better area, or throw a shot that you may not be too happy with.
The slightly wooded, slightly open holes are more line based, with a required 300-350 off the tee, through a designated gap. To go off the fairway would be trouble, and there is nothing to do about it.
The very wooded holes require mostly accuracy, with little distance, as there are only really two that I can think of. They are also tough, as a single tree can send you all the way to bogeytown.
Overall, the course has a good flow, with well-designed holes, in an area that seemed mostly dedicated to disc golf. It was overall, a great outline to a championship course.
The course itself is quite nice as well. The holes are well designed, weaving around the fields on one side of the lake, with enough trees to challenge both distance and accuracy.
The open holes require distance off the tee from all tees, but there is also an emphasis on placement. To hit your line may not be too hard, but if you are 10 feet left or right of the landing zone, you may be forced to pitch up to a better area, or throw a shot that you may not be too happy with.
The slightly wooded, slightly open holes are more line based, with a required 300-350 off the tee, through a designated gap. To go off the fairway would be trouble, and there is nothing to do about it.
The very wooded holes require mostly accuracy, with little distance, as there are only really two that I can think of. They are also tough, as a single tree can send you all the way to bogeytown.
Overall, the course has a good flow, with well-designed holes, in an area that seemed mostly dedicated to disc golf. It was overall, a great outline to a championship course.
Cons:
I am usually not one to complain about amenities, and I will say again and again that design is ten times more important than anything else, but there are a few things that have to be noted.
Gravel/Natural tee pads- Gravel is slick and loose, worse than running on grass, which is still not optimal. Concrete, turf, even rubber would improve this course immensely.
Tee signs- Pretty basic, distance, tee, hole and par. No map, and when there are a lot of long holes where the basket cannot be seen, an extra helper would be great.
Baskets- Blah, blah, Mach III, Blah. I know everybody hears things about Mach IIIs. I know they don't suck, but they still aren't my favorite.
The grass was mowed somewhat recently, but would still reach your heel at some points, and the rough could get nasty. Also some low-hanging branches were in place. Overall, could be improved, but certainly playable.
As well designed as the holes were, you would throw the same, distance drive off the tee on all the big holes. With so many woods in the park, they could have come into play more, same with the water. No real "wow" hole comes to mind.
Gravel/Natural tee pads- Gravel is slick and loose, worse than running on grass, which is still not optimal. Concrete, turf, even rubber would improve this course immensely.
Tee signs- Pretty basic, distance, tee, hole and par. No map, and when there are a lot of long holes where the basket cannot be seen, an extra helper would be great.
Baskets- Blah, blah, Mach III, Blah. I know everybody hears things about Mach IIIs. I know they don't suck, but they still aren't my favorite.
The grass was mowed somewhat recently, but would still reach your heel at some points, and the rough could get nasty. Also some low-hanging branches were in place. Overall, could be improved, but certainly playable.
As well designed as the holes were, you would throw the same, distance drive off the tee on all the big holes. With so many woods in the park, they could have come into play more, same with the water. No real "wow" hole comes to mind.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, Pymatuming is a very solid course, in a town that could use some more courses. I could see it work it's way to a solid 3.5 or even a 4 with an increase in maintenance and an overall amenity upgrade.
Would I recommend that you place this course if you are in the area? Yes. Drive an hour out of your way? No
There are courses all across PA that can satisfy the need to play, and this would fit the bill, but it lacks a certain special addition to make me want to keep on coming back.
Would I recommend that you place this course if you are in the area? Yes. Drive an hour out of your way? No
There are courses all across PA that can satisfy the need to play, and this would fit the bill, but it lacks a certain special addition to make me want to keep on coming back.
10
0
Bomber's Paradise 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 4, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
Pymatuning is a bomber's dream, set in an enormous state park filled with all kinds of things to do. The course offers different hole types and lengths with a good blend of ace/birdie runs and long par 4's and 5's. Most of the course plays long and open, with eight holes over 500 feet from the long tees. This is the course's focus and feel throughout, with a par of 66 - five par 4's and three par 5's. The longer holes are varied as they offer a mix of open bombs and more moderately wooded holes. Regardless of what level you are at, you will throw a satisfying amount of long drives and upshots.
The more open bombs have thoughtful design in using the provided elevation changes and the nearby water on 17 and 18. The longer wooded holes force you to hit stretched out lanes among trees and get tighter as you approach the basket. Hole 4 is the best example of this - 810 feet from the blue tee with a well-protected pin. 13 is another multi-stage hole that plays uphill through a row of trees and then downhill over a small creek.
Three tee and pin positions are offered, giving a nice variety to the level that you want to play at. Almost every par 4 and 5 has two permanent baskets, making those holes even more dynamic. The baskets have bright orange circles displaying numbers on the top, making them easy to spot out. Many baskets are blind, so there are a few aids to help you locate the basket easier. Hole 11 is a uphill then downhill shot with a blind basket that has a tall sign mounted on top of it.
There are bathrooms conveniently located throughout the course.
Navigation is straight-forward for the most part. There is a long walk from 9-10 but it starts right on the other side of 1's tee, conveniently making two nine-hole loops.
The more open bombs have thoughtful design in using the provided elevation changes and the nearby water on 17 and 18. The longer wooded holes force you to hit stretched out lanes among trees and get tighter as you approach the basket. Hole 4 is the best example of this - 810 feet from the blue tee with a well-protected pin. 13 is another multi-stage hole that plays uphill through a row of trees and then downhill over a small creek.
Three tee and pin positions are offered, giving a nice variety to the level that you want to play at. Almost every par 4 and 5 has two permanent baskets, making those holes even more dynamic. The baskets have bright orange circles displaying numbers on the top, making them easy to spot out. Many baskets are blind, so there are a few aids to help you locate the basket easier. Hole 11 is a uphill then downhill shot with a blind basket that has a tall sign mounted on top of it.
There are bathrooms conveniently located throughout the course.
Navigation is straight-forward for the most part. There is a long walk from 9-10 but it starts right on the other side of 1's tee, conveniently making two nine-hole loops.
Cons:
If you like long bombs, this is definitely your course. I enjoyed the variety of long holes, but I would have preferred the course to have a few more tighter, technical holes within the densely wooded areas to give it more variety. Only hole 15 is designed this way. This is just a personal preference of mine.
Most of the tee signs don't have maps on them, which would be nice to have on a course as long as this one.
Most of the tees are either natural or gravel and they weren't always even. Not a huge problem, but one worth noting.
The course isn't as well maintained as other state parks in the area, like Moraine or some of the Eastern Ohio state park courses. The course was in good shape for the most part, but there was taller grass in and around some of the fairways.
The course uses the elevation that is provided, but it is mostly flat here.
Be prepared for longer walks between holes.
Most of the tee signs don't have maps on them, which would be nice to have on a course as long as this one.
Most of the tees are either natural or gravel and they weren't always even. Not a huge problem, but one worth noting.
The course isn't as well maintained as other state parks in the area, like Moraine or some of the Eastern Ohio state park courses. The course was in good shape for the most part, but there was taller grass in and around some of the fairways.
The course uses the elevation that is provided, but it is mostly flat here.
Be prepared for longer walks between holes.
Other Thoughts:
Set at over 8,500 feet, this course is a big arm's dream. I can see a range of players liking this course, with three different tees offered. I think even new players would enjoy themselves here playing from the reds since there aren't many risk factors that come into play.
It can initially be confusing finding the course, especially if you are someone who simply plugs the address into your GPS. Make sure you follow the instructions on the course page, looking for signs for beach 2. The main entrance of the southern end of the park won't get you there, take West Lake Road. The course begins near boat docks and there is a parking area down by the water and a playground.
It can initially be confusing finding the course, especially if you are someone who simply plugs the address into your GPS. Make sure you follow the instructions on the course page, looking for signs for beach 2. The main entrance of the southern end of the park won't get you there, take West Lake Road. The course begins near boat docks and there is a parking area down by the water and a playground.
10
0
Teed off 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 20, 2014
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
1) Good variety of left and right doglegs
2) Some elevation changes
3) Beautiful views of lake and marina
4) Challenging length
5) Highlight holes: 13, 14, 18
2) Some elevation changes
3) Beautiful views of lake and marina
4) Challenging length
5) Highlight holes: 13, 14, 18
Cons:
1) No concrete tee pads
2) Fly pads are slick af when wet
3) Low ceilings on quite a few holes that are over 500'
4) Grass too high
2) Fly pads are slick af when wet
3) Low ceilings on quite a few holes that are over 500'
4) Grass too high
Other Thoughts:
This course sits on some good property with small hills and a few trees to provide added challenge. The course plays long. From the white tees, it's approximately 7,000'.
One of the things you notice first about the course is its proximity to the lake. Beautiful and serene views of the lake from many holes. Water comes into play on a few holes....17 and 18 come to mind in particular.
The layout of the course is challenging and should provide some room for you to air out some big bomber drives, but, unfortunately, many of the holes have extremely low ceilings with branches and leaves hanging down that prevent a good rip. To compound this problem, you can't even do a roller because the grass is so tall that it will eat your drive up in a hurry.
To make matters even worse, the tees are either fly pad or gravel, and most of these aren't level. On a course with numerous 500'+ holes, IMO you need concrete tees so you can really rip one down field to have a chance to par it. Some of the holes with fly pads don't even have full fly pads...they're falling apart and disintegrating. And even if the fly pad isn't rotted out, it's still slick when it rains so be careful.
Negatives aside, this course has a lot of potential. The layout of the course is not the problem here, so luckily it can be fixed. Pour some concrete pads and trim the low hanging branches and cut the grass and you turn a 3/5 course into a 3.5 or 4/5 course!
The course has a nice mix of lefty and righty holes, although me being a RHBH thrower, I noticed that quite a few holes had a slight advantage for lefty or FH cshots.
Most of the holes are in the open, with a few well placed trees to make it more challenging. There are a few holes, such as 15, that are tightly wooded. There are also a few hills to spice things up. There's potential for roll away putts on a few holes.
All in all, this course is not bad and has the potential to be great. I played the Keystone Classic last weekend and was told that the club is just getting organized in this area and will be making improvements to the course in due time. I can't wait until its seen some TLC because this is like grandma's muscle car that has been in the garage for 20 years. It needs some work, but when you put the work in, it will pop, both visually and performance-wise.
One of the things you notice first about the course is its proximity to the lake. Beautiful and serene views of the lake from many holes. Water comes into play on a few holes....17 and 18 come to mind in particular.
The layout of the course is challenging and should provide some room for you to air out some big bomber drives, but, unfortunately, many of the holes have extremely low ceilings with branches and leaves hanging down that prevent a good rip. To compound this problem, you can't even do a roller because the grass is so tall that it will eat your drive up in a hurry.
To make matters even worse, the tees are either fly pad or gravel, and most of these aren't level. On a course with numerous 500'+ holes, IMO you need concrete tees so you can really rip one down field to have a chance to par it. Some of the holes with fly pads don't even have full fly pads...they're falling apart and disintegrating. And even if the fly pad isn't rotted out, it's still slick when it rains so be careful.
Negatives aside, this course has a lot of potential. The layout of the course is not the problem here, so luckily it can be fixed. Pour some concrete pads and trim the low hanging branches and cut the grass and you turn a 3/5 course into a 3.5 or 4/5 course!
The course has a nice mix of lefty and righty holes, although me being a RHBH thrower, I noticed that quite a few holes had a slight advantage for lefty or FH cshots.
Most of the holes are in the open, with a few well placed trees to make it more challenging. There are a few holes, such as 15, that are tightly wooded. There are also a few hills to spice things up. There's potential for roll away putts on a few holes.
All in all, this course is not bad and has the potential to be great. I played the Keystone Classic last weekend and was told that the club is just getting organized in this area and will be making improvements to the course in due time. I can't wait until its seen some TLC because this is like grandma's muscle car that has been in the garage for 20 years. It needs some work, but when you put the work in, it will pop, both visually and performance-wise.
1
5
caston59
Experience:
13.5 years
6 played
2 reviews
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 27, 2011
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Is a great beginner course. Holes are mostly open and terrain is slightly rolling not too steep on any hole.
Cons:
Need to get tee matts on all of the holes. On hole #9 near the basket the DCNR needs to get the oil leaking from the ground capped and cleaned up. Lastly the walkway between hole 17 and hole 18 needs some gravel or the water needs to be diverted so that here isn't such a mud pit to walk through.
1
7
aDedhed
Experience:
23.9 years
31 played
22 reviews
nice course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 11, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
very detailed course with many different tee and basket options. not much "park" traffic to interfere with gameplay.
Cons:
VERY LONG. it is a long hike and even longer throws on some of the holes
Other Thoughts:
it was a beautiful course to play. some of the holes seem excessivly long
8
0
trainhawk2468
Experience:
16.6 years
26 played
3 reviews
Great course...almost 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 31, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
Back Nine is laid out nicely. A good variety of open, narrow and difficult shots. Challenging and interesting. The rubber tee mats are a nice touch. The tee signs contain some good info.
Cons:
The front nine is unplayable, without some form of a map. The park office may have one, but it was closed. There seem to be absolutely no markings for the tees on the front nine. We walked a few holes and gave up. The photographs show signs that must have been removed for mowing or something. We could not find any.
Some holes really need a overhead map visual to see where you need to throw. Many baskets are completely out of sight from the tee pads.
Some holes really need a overhead map visual to see where you need to throw. Many baskets are completely out of sight from the tee pads.
Other Thoughts:
This course is apparently on its second season, so the front nine should have some marking for the tees until the permanent ones get installed. Other new courses use spray paint or little fags to mark tee locations. This would be a great addition.
The mowed fairways is a nice concept, but must be kept up to work. Otherwise you are playing disc golf in an open meadow, which is frustrating to find your disc when you throw over a rise or around a bend. Best to spot for each other.
This course has huge potential. Keep up the good work guys!!
The mowed fairways is a nice concept, but must be kept up to work. Otherwise you are playing disc golf in an open meadow, which is frustrating to find your disc when you throw over a rise or around a bend. Best to spot for each other.
This course has huge potential. Keep up the good work guys!!
