There is plenty of free parking at Settlers Park, and it's close to downtown Meridian, so there is a lot of food and other services around. The park is well maintained, and the course is primarily set on well-groomed grass, as one would expect from a respectable multi-use park course. The tee pads are mostly grass, although a few are on paved paths and sidewalks.

For a 9 hole course, there is a fair bit of variety, with most holes having trees or other obstacles in play requiring a selection of different throws for optimal shot placement. Most holes are on the short side, but several require a long drive. The holes that I consider a bit short in length tend to have some other challenge to keep things interesting.

The park is both cart and dog friendly with zero elevation change (which is probably a con).

As the name would imply, the town of Meridian is smack in the center of the Treasure Valley, and the wind has come into play each time I've played here. Not just a little breeze either, it's probably best to play this course in the early morning or the evening. The course could use some tee pads as well. I suspect that may not happen as this course is only available to play from November to March. Check to be sure it's set up before you go.

Even in the winter, there are a lot of people. Some of the holes play the length of walking paths and sidewalks, and waiting for civilians to clear the fairway will happen several times per round. Other holes have poor tee placement IMHO. You can never tell what kind of compromises have been made between park officials and course designers, but I suspect some of the tee pads are where they are for reasons not related to the good of the game.

I wouldn't recommend traveling very far to play this course.

It's a local spot, and everybody knows it. Sometimes the course will see a tournament or two during the winter series, and that's what it's all about. Unless you live close by or know somebody who lives close by, it's not exactly a destination course, but it is a worthy stop on the local series circuit.

I have no idea what is and isn't OB, but be bold. The course becomes far more challenging when you take those opportunities to add OB. We play a few holes as island holes, which adds interest as well. It's far more fun like that IMHO. An otherwise short hole can become a master class in shot placement.

• Has some unique holes that use the bordering baseball field fences as OB/hazards.
• Good winter alternative in the Boise/Meridian area.
• #3 has a well-placed water hazard that is risky for a RHBH. Going for a birdie might mean a dunk in the pond or you can play for par and avoid the water.

• Winter course only.
• Park is still well used at times even in winter, so foot traffic can be a problem.
• No tee pads, grass can get slippery.
• Only 9 holes, so it can get boring after a few rounds.

There are no spectacular holes, but there is a nice variety of holes lengths with some interesting hazards. The course makes good use of the natural features of the park. I like to combine Settler's with Eagle Island State Park for a good day trip.

Good quality signs and baskets in well large well maintained community park.
If played with fenced fields out of bounds (not marked) then there are more holes with decent obstacles than not.
Most holes are a good length (open holes are longer 350'+, holes with obstacles are shorter 250'+).
Holes make pretty good use of park features.

Mostly flat. Mostly straight and open. Longish walks between holes and tees.
No marked tee pads as such, just the signs.

This is a much more interesting 9 holes than the nearby Bear Creek park.