Pros:
Very nice, well maintained park. Most people have already covered all of that anyway, but it is a great looking course. My big surprise was reading that this course doesn't get much play. If I lived here, I would play it much more often than JB or Endicott (the only other two courses I have played here). I''m not knocking either of those courses, as they are great for what they are, but Sioux Passage is just something special. There are Hyzer and Anhyzer shots, uphill (and I mean BIG uphill) and downhill, trails to walk around on if you wanna take a break, technical and wide open holes. That being said, most of the wide open holes are pretty long and some are long and uphill. Big fun, so long as you don't expect to 2 or 3 everything. I loved it. One of my favorite courses to date.
Cons:
- I didn't really find the distance between the front and back a con, but only because a friend told me about it and advised that I drive down there. Very good advice, 'cause after that back nine, I was kinda wiped out. But, the weird thing is, there is no mention of it anywhere on the "Disc Golf Information" sign that's right by the 1st tee. I would bet that some folks think it's only a 9-holer.
- No course map or scorecards.
- WTF is it with St Louis courses and the lack of maps at the tees? You either walk the course twice (up to see the pin, back to tee off, then back again), or throw and pray. Both suck in my book.
- The tee box for 9 is in a ridiculous spot. Straight down a hill, only to walk straight back up it. Maybe 8 has a pin placement that puts you down there already, but if not, stoopid!
Note though that most of these will only effect the first-timer, although I only saw one pin position. I could be just as lost next time if they are in different locations. So, come on StL Disc Golf Club, make us some friggin signs already!
Other Thoughts:
Even with all of my gripes about signage, I'll play this course every time I get a chance. Absolutely a must play if you're in the area.
A few nuggets:
- Hole 7 - very narrow tunnel shot that is also uphill to a blind basket. Wild!
- Hole 11 - big downhill annie shot with the basket tucked in right behind some trees.
- Hole 13 - my favorite on the course! It was in the 548' position and me and my weenie arm drove it about 480 - 490, which is about 180 longer than i can normally throw. Awesome view from the tee pad to a way downhill basket surrounded by pine trees. If I had a 4 wheeler to get back up there, I'd play that one several times!
- Hole 16 - 615', mostly downhill with what I guess was OB grass on each side. (it's a guess because of...NO SIGNS!). Cool hole though. Ends right by a basketball court.
Stop here. Bring your GPS, lots of water, and good shoes.