Randall Oaks reviews
9
0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
18.8 years
256 played
238 reviews
A Gem Among Short Courses 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 15, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
- quality Innova DISCatcher baskets
- extremely picturesque and well maintained with large oaks
- course loops around nicely to end right back at parking lot
- brick paver tees are decent
- some garbage cans throughout course; generally clean
- fairly dedicated disc golf area; nearby park, zoo, etc. have their own space
- big rolling holes are impressive for Chicago suburbs
- good variety of lengths
- some flat holes, some uphill, some downhill
- extremely picturesque and well maintained with large oaks
- course loops around nicely to end right back at parking lot
- brick paver tees are decent
- some garbage cans throughout course; generally clean
- fairly dedicated disc golf area; nearby park, zoo, etc. have their own space
- big rolling holes are impressive for Chicago suburbs
- good variety of lengths
- some flat holes, some uphill, some downhill
Cons:
- some bricks, particularly on edges of tees, are settling
- limited navigation aids
- slight risk of throwing disc into golf course on hole 3
- tee signs are very rudimentary, and are missing on holes 3 and 5
- holes 7 and 10 throw over low traffic roads/walking paths, minor hazard
- hole 7 and 8 are wide open and don't add anything
- limited navigation aids
- slight risk of throwing disc into golf course on hole 3
- tee signs are very rudimentary, and are missing on holes 3 and 5
- holes 7 and 10 throw over low traffic roads/walking paths, minor hazard
- hole 7 and 8 are wide open and don't add anything
Other Thoughts:
Randall Oaks is a lovely little course nestled among a (pay entry) zoo, golf course, public park, and picnic area. While there is a lot in this area, the course generally has its own space except for a few minor path/road hazards.
This course is relatively short overall, but the holes are all respectable lengths and have some intermediate level challenge. Plenty of tree obstacles and excellent elevation change for the Chicago are make this course worth playing. It is especially beautiful in the fall with all of the leaves falling from the oak trees.
The baskets and tees here are decent, although some new, larger tee signs would be a great improvement (especially since a few of them are already missing). I really enjoyed this course as much as any shorter (< 18 holes) course I've played. I was on the fence between 2.5 and 3 for this one; I decided to round up since the course is fun, has some challenge, and is in great shape.
Navigation aids would be helpful here. In particular, a next tee sign between 2 and 3 would be very helpful. There is a sign directing you to holes 5 and 10 in the middle of the course. I'm also not convinced this course actually needs 10 holes; 7 and 8 were pretty blah in the middle of the course, just wide open throws, and I think 9 holes would have been fine.
Note if you are visiting that you want to turn in at Randall Oaks Zoo which might not seem right; You go to the back right of the front parking lot and follow the signs for additional parking which take you down a one way road. Signs will direct you to the disc golf course.
One other risk here is on hole 3 the ball golf course is directly to your left. It is surrounded by a barbed wire fence and my tee shot was about a foot from sailing over into the golf course. Take care since this won't be an easy one to retrieve.
This course seems like it could be prone to some standing water, particularly on holes 1, 2, and 10, but it was dry when I was there. Overall, I had a fun time here and would definitely seek this one out if you don't mind a shorter course. This course is acceptable for beginners but does force some level of shot shaping while still keeping things pretty casual.
This course is relatively short overall, but the holes are all respectable lengths and have some intermediate level challenge. Plenty of tree obstacles and excellent elevation change for the Chicago are make this course worth playing. It is especially beautiful in the fall with all of the leaves falling from the oak trees.
The baskets and tees here are decent, although some new, larger tee signs would be a great improvement (especially since a few of them are already missing). I really enjoyed this course as much as any shorter (< 18 holes) course I've played. I was on the fence between 2.5 and 3 for this one; I decided to round up since the course is fun, has some challenge, and is in great shape.
Navigation aids would be helpful here. In particular, a next tee sign between 2 and 3 would be very helpful. There is a sign directing you to holes 5 and 10 in the middle of the course. I'm also not convinced this course actually needs 10 holes; 7 and 8 were pretty blah in the middle of the course, just wide open throws, and I think 9 holes would have been fine.
Note if you are visiting that you want to turn in at Randall Oaks Zoo which might not seem right; You go to the back right of the front parking lot and follow the signs for additional parking which take you down a one way road. Signs will direct you to the disc golf course.
One other risk here is on hole 3 the ball golf course is directly to your left. It is surrounded by a barbed wire fence and my tee shot was about a foot from sailing over into the golf course. Take care since this won't be an easy one to retrieve.
This course seems like it could be prone to some standing water, particularly on holes 1, 2, and 10, but it was dry when I was there. Overall, I had a fun time here and would definitely seek this one out if you don't mind a shorter course. This course is acceptable for beginners but does force some level of shot shaping while still keeping things pretty casual.
8
0
Great Rec Level Course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Dec 19, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Well maintained park with many additional amenities
- Fun course is entertaining for multiple skill levels with a variety of challenges and types of fairways
- Good baskets, tee pads, and signs
- Fun course is entertaining for multiple skill levels with a variety of challenges and types of fairways
- Good baskets, tee pads, and signs
Cons:
- A few layout issues resulting in mild conflicts between fairways and roads/parking lots and baskets and tee pads
- Skews slightly short and open limiting challenge for more advanced players
- Could be confusing to get to your first time out
- Skews slightly short and open limiting challenge for more advanced players
- Could be confusing to get to your first time out
Other Thoughts:
Randal Oaks is a great recreational level course that makes good use of the space allotted. I admire courses that don't try and force in or leave out fairways to conform to the standard 9, 18, or 27 hole layout. The 10 holes here provide a good amount of variety while being fun to play for multiple skill levels. During my round I was also informed by members of the local Lucky Shots disc golf club that there is an additional 18 hole layout developed by the club that is available on UDisc if you have the time and the course is empty enough to allow some safari type golf.
There is a nice spread of fairway distances ranging from just under 200' to over 400'. There are a handful of moderately wooded fairways (though the course is mostly open) that require some mild shot shaping, but the stand out feature is the elevation used on half of the holes. There are some fairly significant hills (at least for Illinois) that you will be throwing up, down, and across, with a few baskets placed on greens with considerable rollaway potential. This course has enough challenge and variety to entertain more experienced players hunting for birdies, while being approachable enough not to turn away newer players. Holes 3, 4, and 9 were the standouts to me, making good use of both elevation and trees to force some shot shaping.
There are a few layout issues at this course. There are a couple places where pads and baskets are a little too close to each other, but generally the course is well spaced. Hole 3 is a great shot, but there is a very real chance of your shot going over the fence into the ball golf course on the left, or finding the parking lot on the right. The drive on Hole 5 crosses a road and walking path, while playing parallel to another road.
The DISCatcher baskets are aging but still catch well, the paver tee pads are very nice, and the tee signs are simple but effective. The sign for Hole 3 was missing during my visit, making finding the pad the only real navigational difficulty of the round for me. It is slightly confusing getting to the course in the first place as you have to drive through the parking lot for the zoo, and go down what sort of feels like a private access road to the right (north) that then takes you south around the zoo and along the ball golf course, past a playground, past another parking lot, until you finally get to a final parking lot near Hole 1 and the course map.
This is a nice, well maintained course that I wish I lived closer to. There are additional amenities that I have already mentioned like a petting zoo with games and a playground that could really make this a great destination for an inexpensive family day out. The course itself is well worth bagging if you are in the area, if not something to go out of your way to travel a great distance for. I stopped by after a trip to More Brewing Company just down the road in Huntley, and definitely hope to make it back to both locations in the near future.
There is a nice spread of fairway distances ranging from just under 200' to over 400'. There are a handful of moderately wooded fairways (though the course is mostly open) that require some mild shot shaping, but the stand out feature is the elevation used on half of the holes. There are some fairly significant hills (at least for Illinois) that you will be throwing up, down, and across, with a few baskets placed on greens with considerable rollaway potential. This course has enough challenge and variety to entertain more experienced players hunting for birdies, while being approachable enough not to turn away newer players. Holes 3, 4, and 9 were the standouts to me, making good use of both elevation and trees to force some shot shaping.
There are a few layout issues at this course. There are a couple places where pads and baskets are a little too close to each other, but generally the course is well spaced. Hole 3 is a great shot, but there is a very real chance of your shot going over the fence into the ball golf course on the left, or finding the parking lot on the right. The drive on Hole 5 crosses a road and walking path, while playing parallel to another road.
The DISCatcher baskets are aging but still catch well, the paver tee pads are very nice, and the tee signs are simple but effective. The sign for Hole 3 was missing during my visit, making finding the pad the only real navigational difficulty of the round for me. It is slightly confusing getting to the course in the first place as you have to drive through the parking lot for the zoo, and go down what sort of feels like a private access road to the right (north) that then takes you south around the zoo and along the ball golf course, past a playground, past another parking lot, until you finally get to a final parking lot near Hole 1 and the course map.
This is a nice, well maintained course that I wish I lived closer to. There are additional amenities that I have already mentioned like a petting zoo with games and a playground that could really make this a great destination for an inexpensive family day out. The course itself is well worth bagging if you are in the area, if not something to go out of your way to travel a great distance for. I stopped by after a trip to More Brewing Company just down the road in Huntley, and definitely hope to make it back to both locations in the near future.
1
0
DiscGolfer80
Experience:
4.8 years
57 played
56 reviews
Fun 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 24, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
Well laid out and easy course to play. Not to challenging for a 10 hole course.
Cons:
If unfamiliar with course and layout, tricky to find parking lot to play the course due to poor signage.
Holes #3 & #5 have no sign.
Holes #3 & #5 have no sign.
Other Thoughts:
Could've added a few more holes considering the layout of the course.
5
0
FUN! As a smaller course should be. 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 11, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
- FUN! My biggest pro for this course is the ever-elusive and indescribable fun factor a course can have.
- Sprawling park setting, with lots of shelters and equipment and things to do.
- Great elevation usage! Not many shorter courses have (or use) this luxury.
- Very intentional course design, with a handful of different types of holes. L-R and R-L holes both, along with a handful of open.
- Good layout and navigation on this course. Signage is great, simple but as much as necessary.
- Kiosk at the parking lot with a map posted makes it easy to map out the whole course while standing in a central location.
- Solid paver teepads, a nice touch for a course of this size. Baskets all installed really well, with a largish concrete mounting pad. These won't be getting knocked over or start leaning anytime soon.
- #3 - The elevation of the course first comes into play here. Great looking downhill L-to-R hole that drives over a little valley of sorts.
- #4 - Great uphill hole. A few trees to force a line - 255' that plays like 300.
- #9 - This hole plays alongside and up a hill. You just don't see hole designs like this very often. Long-ish, uphill, and a difficult fairway to land and stay on if you don't match your disc flight right. Very appreciative of this hole.
- #10 - A good finishing hole for a course like this. Scenic, downhill & shorter, and most of all: fun.
- Sprawling park setting, with lots of shelters and equipment and things to do.
- Great elevation usage! Not many shorter courses have (or use) this luxury.
- Very intentional course design, with a handful of different types of holes. L-R and R-L holes both, along with a handful of open.
- Good layout and navigation on this course. Signage is great, simple but as much as necessary.
- Kiosk at the parking lot with a map posted makes it easy to map out the whole course while standing in a central location.
- Solid paver teepads, a nice touch for a course of this size. Baskets all installed really well, with a largish concrete mounting pad. These won't be getting knocked over or start leaning anytime soon.
- #3 - The elevation of the course first comes into play here. Great looking downhill L-to-R hole that drives over a little valley of sorts.
- #4 - Great uphill hole. A few trees to force a line - 255' that plays like 300.
- #9 - This hole plays alongside and up a hill. You just don't see hole designs like this very often. Long-ish, uphill, and a difficult fairway to land and stay on if you don't match your disc flight right. Very appreciative of this hole.
- #10 - A good finishing hole for a course like this. Scenic, downhill & shorter, and most of all: fun.
Cons:
- Some holes are close to one another, and may have a little overlap. #9 basket and #8 tee are close to each other.
- Roads do come into play, but low amounts of traffic make it moot. Just watch out.
- #5 - this is the open hole that I could probably do without. Purposeful putting location though, with roll-away potential.
- Roads do come into play, but low amounts of traffic make it moot. Just watch out.
- #5 - this is the open hole that I could probably do without. Purposeful putting location though, with roll-away potential.
Other Thoughts:
- #7 - Really neither a pro or con, but this is the air it out hole. 420' that plays 440', gradually uphill.
- Probably one too many wide open holes, but considering the space available, I thought it was well done. And who doesn't like to let 'er rip once in a while?
- As stated before, fun factor pushes this course up another .5 for me.
- Probably one too many wide open holes, but considering the space available, I thought it was well done. And who doesn't like to let 'er rip once in a while?
- As stated before, fun factor pushes this course up another .5 for me.
8
1
3.2 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 30, 2013
Played the course:once
Pros:
Randall Oaks is a solid course and was very fun to play. The course features some nice elevation as well as a mix of wooded/open holes. Hole 3 was a great signature hole featuring a downhill finesse shot through the trees. I love shots like that. I also liked one of the later holes (maybe hole 5?) whose pin was perched right on top of a steep mound thing. The mound made the green play very fast and "parking" it next to the hole was tricky. The last hole was also a very fun one... another downhill wooded shot.
The park around Randall Oaks seemed to have a million things to do. There was a small zoo, picnic shelters, a pool (?), and maybe even tennis (?) I don't remember exactly, but this really seemed like the place to be, especially if travelling with family.
The course itself seemed pretty well kept, with very helpful signs directing the way (otherwise navigation would have been impossible).
The park around Randall Oaks seemed to have a million things to do. There was a small zoo, picnic shelters, a pool (?), and maybe even tennis (?) I don't remember exactly, but this really seemed like the place to be, especially if travelling with family.
The course itself seemed pretty well kept, with very helpful signs directing the way (otherwise navigation would have been impossible).
Cons:
The most obvious "con" to this course was that it was not at all isolated from the rest of the park. As mentioned, it was an awesome park with lots to do, so naturally it attracts a lot of people. Unfortunately, the course brought other park users into play pretty regularly, which is not fun/safe for anyone. Additionally, a lot of the course was quite cramped leading to several of the hole being right next to one another.
In addition to the safety/isolation issues, I also found some of the holes to be a bit bland. Hole two was a little putter shot that was very easy and one of the later holes was a weird dogleg that was completely blind with a busy road right behind the pin... not a fan.
In addition to the safety/isolation issues, I also found some of the holes to be a bit bland. Hole two was a little putter shot that was very easy and one of the later holes was a weird dogleg that was completely blind with a busy road right behind the pin... not a fan.
Other Thoughts:
While not very challenging, there was plenty of interesting disc golf here, so Randall Oaks is a great place to bring a newer or less serious player.
2
3
TheFlex
Experience:
11.2 years
9 played
1 reviews
Open and Awesome 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 19, 2013
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
-Brick tees make for great drives
-Elevation changes
-Wide open shots
-Nice for practicing shots/techniques
-Well balanced
-Next hole markers
-Great scenery
-Elevation changes
-Wide open shots
-Nice for practicing shots/techniques
-Well balanced
-Next hole markers
-Great scenery
Cons:
-Not too many technically challenging holes
Other Thoughts:
This course is great for beginners and intermediates looking to have a fun time on the course and learn without losing a disc or getting punished by thorns and prickers. Love this place!
6
0
Weyums3
Experience:
12.7 years
8 played
2 reviews
Fun and Quick 10 Hole 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 29, 2011
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
- Beautiful well kept course
- Signs for every hole, not hard to navigate
- Good amount of parking
- Trash cans and bathrooms on site
- Several holes that feature elevation changes, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 5
- Let it rip on #7, par 5 with no obstacles
- Can be done in a half hour, if there is minimal wait
- You shouldnt lose any discs
- Signs for every hole, not hard to navigate
- Good amount of parking
- Trash cans and bathrooms on site
- Several holes that feature elevation changes, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 5
- Let it rip on #7, par 5 with no obstacles
- Can be done in a half hour, if there is minimal wait
- You shouldnt lose any discs
Cons:
- It is a very busy course that can cause some wait time
- The 10 holes could easily be 18 or even a more challenging 9 given the large space
- Fairly easy course with most of the holes being open of trees and even the wooded area is a very lightly wooded area
- The 10 holes could easily be 18 or even a more challenging 9 given the large space
- Fairly easy course with most of the holes being open of trees and even the wooded area is a very lightly wooded area
Other Thoughts:
- Getting to the first tee can be tricky if it is your first time at the course. Do not park in the parking lot at the entrance or you will be in for quite a walk, instead go down the long gravel road to your left, follow the road around the corner and the parking lot is straight ahead. First tee is behind the parking lot off to the right.
- This is a 10 hole course so after 9 don't forget to keep walking over the road to finish at #10
- No water
- Randall road is not that bad, I did not notice it as a distraction and it is far enough away that it should not factor into your play unless you really overthrow
- My favorite holes are 3 and 4 because of the elevation and also 5 with the water tower in the background and elevated green
- Overall its a fun course to play and close to my area so I will keep coming back
- This is a 10 hole course so after 9 don't forget to keep walking over the road to finish at #10
- No water
- Randall road is not that bad, I did not notice it as a distraction and it is far enough away that it should not factor into your play unless you really overthrow
- My favorite holes are 3 and 4 because of the elevation and also 5 with the water tower in the background and elevated green
- Overall its a fun course to play and close to my area so I will keep coming back
6
0
Fun 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 13, 2009
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Great location. I have wanted a course in this area for a long time. It's next to a busy road which will help expose it to fellow disc golfers. New course so the signs are nice and helpful. Tees are brick which are nice to throw off of. There is a little elevation change, but nothing significant.
Cons:
Holes 1 and 2 are unplayable if it rains. Why only 10 holes. There is definitely potential to have more holes, and with the holes that are available the full potential of the holes isn't there. There is one 400 foot shot, but that's it even though there could be 2-3 more. Hole 9 poses a risk because you are throwing towards the 8 tee. Weird course layout. You walk past holes then go back to them.
Other Thoughts:
This is a fun course, but there a lot of potential. If the basket placements were changed so different types of shots came into play and obstacles it would increase this course tenfold. Overall this course offers a good time in a beautiful park. If you are in the area this is a must.
5
1
blong
Experience:
21 years
79 played
4 reviews
Worth stopping by 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 12, 2009
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Course is easy to find, on Randall Rd. Elevation changes keep it interesting. It's a scenic park, with lots of mature trees. Course was clean when I was there; ample garbage cans. I did pick up a couple empty bottles though... The holes require different types of shots. Tee pads are concrete, but seem just a little short. (maybe need an extra 6-12") Distance for most holes is ok. The arrangement could've been a little bit different to add challenge.
Cons:
Some baskets are a little close to one another. A couple holes are in open fields with no obstacles.
Other Thoughts:
No one there when I was there, but I can see it being busy on the weekends. There is a petting zoo on the property, as well as a playground, so families could potentially be in the way. There's a golf course on the left side of hole 3, so watch your throw, keep it straight.
7
10
B = Better than average 9-holer 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 18, 2009
Played the course:once
Pros:
What I personally like and how this course stacks up:
1) Holes with good risk/reward -- C+
2) Holes that have rewarding birdie opportunities -- B
3) More wooded than open - lots of variety of shots required caused by hole shape and topography -- B+
4) Natural beauty (Appalachian beauty preferred) and seclusion -- B
5) Multi-shot holes with defined landing zones, good risk/reward and multiple options to play them -- NA
1) Holes with good risk/reward -- C+
2) Holes that have rewarding birdie opportunities -- B
3) More wooded than open - lots of variety of shots required caused by hole shape and topography -- B+
4) Natural beauty (Appalachian beauty preferred) and seclusion -- B
5) Multi-shot holes with defined landing zones, good risk/reward and multiple options to play them -- NA
Other Thoughts:
I ranked this course subjectively based on my own personal enjoyment factor...more accurately my "personal addiction factor". Since I have played a decent number of courses (115 18-hole, 50 9-hole as of early 2009), my hope is that players/explorers who have similar tastes will find my ratings list helpful as they chose courses to play and explore.
Over time, I expect to fill some of my reviews in with more descriptive verbiage...if what I say adds anything to what has already been written. For now, my list is more important to me than the verbiage of my reviews.
I fully expect others with different tastes/philosophies to disagree with me. See my profile for my rating philosophy.
Over time, I expect to fill some of my reviews in with more descriptive verbiage...if what I say adds anything to what has already been written. For now, my list is more important to me than the verbiage of my reviews.
I fully expect others with different tastes/philosophies to disagree with me. See my profile for my rating philosophy.
