Located on Lake Washington across from Mercer Island and within the Seattle city limits, Seward park boasts 300 acres of beautiful forest land - home to eagles' nests, old growth forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, an amphitheater, a native plant garden, an art studio, miles of hiking trails, and now the current site for Pretzel Bowl IV!

This temporary disc golf course offers a wide variety of shots on this 15 hole layout, including mostly open lines with rolling terrain, a few tightly wooded shots, elevation, and even an "island" hole near the amphitheatre. Those who lack accuracy and consistency however, will struggle to make par due to thick roughs and multiple OB's. Par for the course is 49, with four par 4's and 11 par 3's. Holes at Seward Park range anywhere from 88-596 feet, with multiple pin and tee positions depending on the round. The designers strategically placed the pins near steep edges, behind unique obstacles and foliage, and on an island. Baskets were all portable since it was a temp course, but were all DISCatcher's, Mach II's, and Mach III's for the most part. The majority of the holes are straight, with a few dogleg lefts and rights, and elevation comes in to play on every hole one way or another. Majority of the holes have multiple routes from the tee which allows for both FH and BH throws. Overall, a very balanced course.

Natural tee pads and the lack of signage are always tough on a temp course. Fortunately, this course layout isn't played but a few rounds a year, and during that time the course has maps and tee signs. It is just tough if you wanted to play a round after the tournament or were from out of town. However, if the course was ever made permanent, it would need permanent signage and cement/rubber tee pads. Considering what the designers had to work with, they used as much level ground and cement as possible when available.

Walkouts could be an issue for first time players too when trying to navigate the course. After a few holes, it was a bit confusing knowing where the next tee was located. The designer was only given so much room in specific parts of the park, and with the park being as large as it is, sometimes I found myself walking about 5-10 minutes. Again, if this course was ever permanent, I am sure all of these little issues would be worked out.

The potential at Seward Park is endless! It would be a shame to let it sit here all but one weekend a year. There is talk of perhaps a permanent nine hole course being installed here, and it would be great if the designers of this temp course had input.

Andrew and Sheila yet again set the standard for a well run tournament. They seem to put together a fun yet challenging course every single year in Seattle (Pretzel Bowl/Ice Bowl) in a new temp location, and do it all to help support the local food bank. Much respect to those two and all who help contribute one way or another every single year. Can't wait to see where I will play Pretzel Bowl V in 2011!

NOTE:
Park Hours
Daily 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Parking Lot Hours
6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

*Restrooms only located near park entrance*