Manhattan, IL

Round Barn DGC

3.455(based on 22 reviews)
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14 0
ArcheType
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 38 played 25 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very Refreshing 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-The course being located literally on the farm makes for some very interesting scenery, not just the usual "forest course" you see in the area.

-Dual Baskets! I genuinely feel that playing holes with two pins usually makes them play more differently than just those with two tees. Really ups the replay value of this course in my opinion.

-The water holes are a blast. While Trinity offers water shots as well, they aren't nearly as intimidating as the ones offered on Red 3 and 4 here.

-This course offers a few real distance bomber holes, which we don't have many of in this area. The big uphill throw, which I believe is 15, is something completely different from the other courses in the area.

-That doesn't mean this course is wide open, the tunnel shots that play along the treeline are really tight and tough, forcing some accurate shots as well.

-This course does ton's with the elevation at hand. Big downhill throws, big uphill throws, throwing over the "valley" made by the drainage ditch on 17 and 18 (which, if I had my way, would be filled with water, but I understand the practical necessity), all show probably the best possible use of elevation change this course could offer.

-The difference in difficulty between the two baskets also keeps this course enjoyable for more players. The easier silver baskets are reachable for most, but not exactly easy, and the red baskets provide challenges for upper level players as well. The best part is that every hole has a second pin, so you can play two rounds and never replay a hole, which other courses around here don't offer.

-The inclusion of legitimate par 4 holes is nice as well, considering the limited amount of those in the area.

-I have to mention the stacked basket on hole 9, super unique. Also, if you're playing the red basket, you definitely want to end up on the right side of the tree group as opposed to the left. Bigger gap in the trees to putt from on the right. Oh, and I can't wait to hear about someone black acing the wrong basket on that hole.

-The circular teepads are weird to see at first, but very practical given that on certain holes the separate baskets are spread pretty far apart.

Cons:

-My biggest con here is the navigation is tough, mostly due to the tee signs not being in yet. Once they go in, my big complaint with this course will be remedied.

-Some holes, although having two baskets, still play very similar, like 10 and 11, with the baskets currently set side by side. Once again, this will be changed and this complaint will also be handled.

-When I played here, horses had left "presents" out randomly in the fairways in a few spots. I was lucky enough not to hit any thusfar, but it would really stink (ha ha ha) to end up in one.

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this course because it is so different from the others in the area. It feels unlike anything else around here for the most part, and is a great change up for a local player like myself.
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13 0
#19325
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.9 years 351 played 178 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Roundtastic 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 28, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The park is located on an old farm which features a very impressive round barn. It's worth the trip just to get some photos of it. It has a section of large oaks and a pond. The land is mostly flat but has a small rolling hill and a few berms that come into play. Wind makes this course play like a beast. Water comes into play on several holes so bring a water disc or two.

To my knowledge the "stacked" basket on hole #9 is the first of it's kind. The grouping of trees makes this somewhat routine hole a very cool one.

There are 2 epic shots over the water to the red layout. Hole #3 is a shorter shot to a penisula green. Hole #4 is an absolute monster to throw over. There is an option to throw safely to the right then approach the green using 2 distinct routes.

This is the first course in Illinois to feature 2 baskets on each hole. There is a silver set that plays as the shorts and a red set that is longer. The short set is very very recreational friendly and a great place to learn how to play. The red set is a solid challenge with a few very tough risk/reward holes. The option to play 36 unique holes is a bonus. There is a great mix of putter, mid range, fairway, and distance shots.

This is also the first course in Illinois to feature concrete circular tee pads on most holes. This comes in handy since several of the baskets are in opposite directions.

There are 2 par 4's on the course to the red baskets. They are tough 3's to get. Those include #2 and #5.

You can break out your longest driver and just smash them on Red #2 & #18.

There are several tricky greens that sit on berms and mounds.

There are a few holes throwing uphill (8 & 15) and another downhill (14).

This is an overall fun course to play.

Cons:

The land is rather open with scattered trees and was not big enough to make a monster layout. It plays on the short side. There are only a few holes where you have to hit a tight line.

There are a couple of minor issues that the park needs to fix. That includes moving the baskets on #11. They are going to block the hyzer route on #13. Hole #1 is awaiting a liner that will make it an island hole. Hoping to get #6 installed and elevated on the stump.

Other Thoughts:

Typically I'd give this course a 3 disc rating. The unique features and several nice signature holes got it to 3.5 discs for me.

Thank you Manhattan PD for doing this right! Every course should have tee signs, good tees, and great baskets. Thank you for hiring me! I'm tired of playing courses where non players and non qualified people are designing them.

Manhattan is located between some solid disc golf courses. Channahon, Joliet (Highland & West), Lockport, & Mokena are not very far away.

As the course designer I'm pretty pleased with the course. There were several pavillions and safety issues. Note that the wooded section and tall grass area near the creek were off limits. The large open area on the far east side of the park was mostly off limits too. Check out www.windycitydiscgolf.com

Chicagoland Speedway is only a few miles away.
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