I have wanted to play these two courses for years now. I didn't think I'd ever actually get to. I mean, why would I ever be by Paw Paw WV? Well I finally just decided to do it. And man was it worth it. These 2 courses instantly jumped into my personal top ten. Just stunning being able to play disc golf on this property. It's got that magical feeling that I've only felt at a couple places. Two other places to be exact. Highbridge Hills and Flip City.

The baskets are Mach 3's that aren't the newest or best baskets out there, but they caught fine. I had no issues with them. Many baskets have some type of flag mounted on the top of them to help spot them. Very helpful, especially in the woods. Some of the holes have multiple pin positions. Hole 1, 3, 6, 9, 10 and 18 from what I can tell by the map.

The tees are artificial turf. All are level, or at least level enough. A couple teeter on the edge of the hillside. These are built up with 4x4's to level out a spot on the edge of the hill. They got the job done. One tee per hole.

The signs are just laminated sheets with the par, hole #, distance, sponsor and the nickname of the hole. All tee signs were present. Nothing special.

The Woodshed has a solid mix of mostly open and Heavily wooded holes. Almost a 50/50 split it seems like. Water comes into play on holes 1 and 10 in the form of the pond. A creek runs through the property but probably isn't really an issue. It was bone dry on our visit. The wooded holes are tight,tight,tight. Hit your line or pay the price. And I can promise you won't always hit your line. So you better bring your scramble game. You're going to need it. There is quite a bit of elevation here. It's not overbearing but it's very present. You'll realize it on the open holes as you stare across the sprawling valley. Hell, you'll realize as soon as you pull into the lot.

The flow of the course is actually pretty easy to follow. I got a map from the owner before I started. It was helpful in a few places but I probably would've figured it out without it. Definitely doesn't hurt to have one though. The map on Udisc seems to be accurate as well. There was NOT an accurate map for Whippin' Post on there though.

$10 a day per person to play is an absolute bargain. Camping is available onsite for $5 per person per night. And they even have an ice machine in the clubhouse/barn.

The design of the course is very well done. With the front and back nine both ending near the barn and restrooms. The Woodshed plays on the western half of the property with Whippin' Post being on the eastern half. All types of shots will be needed if you want to scorw well here. Great mix of left, right and straight shots. Some holes require all 3 on the same hole.

The course was in great condition when we played. The grass on the open fairways was all mowed and the course was just all around beautiful. A number of benches are located throughout too. You'll need them, especially in the heat of the summer.

I personally don't have much of anything for cons. But I will say that not everyone will or does like turf tees. They were dry when we played, but I can't speak on how they'd play if wet.

My main con was trying to spot the baskets in the woods. The Gray baskets do not stand out very well, so I had to do a little scouting ahead a few times. Nothing major but worth noting.

As other's, all the other's, have mentioned. The drive into here is sketchy. At least if you're not used driving on the side of a mountain. The road starts out paved and curvy. Then gets thinner and curvier. It then proceeds to turn to gravel, gets thinner and gets, somehow, even more snakelike. Very memorable to say the least.

I was so excited to play these courses finally. They actually exceeded my expectations. The golf is great, but what's even better is your surroundings, the aura, the experience. I can't recommend this place highly enough. I would drive HOURS out of my way to play this. Easily. I already want to come back even though I live like 15 hours away. Put this one in your wishlist now. Destination worthy, must play course.

Spectacular combination of disc golf and scenery.

• Variety: Phenomenal - wonderful range of fairway types, shapes, and distances. Well-balanced in terms of wooded/open. Most holes present a few different lines from the tee, forcing you to choose your best strategy for getting from tee to basket and executing. Strikes a great balance between holes that require shot shaping, holes that favor big D, with a few that reward both.

• Elevation: Phenomenal - abundant and nicely employed in a variety of ways. A key factor in some way on most holes, but there were a few where it wasn't a big deal. Nonetheless, players that aren't fond of all sorts of elevation change should avoid this place (and the entire state of West Virginia for that matter).

• Challenge: Excellent - wonderfully challenging without feeling absurd. Some of the wooded holes are tight, but they all seemed quite executable and didn't have much of a plinko feel to them... FROM THE TEE! Miss the line on your tee shot and you can easily end up with a lie that leaves you wishing you had a "Get out of jail free" card, but that seems fair to me. Definitely punishing in a few spots, but each time it happened, I honestly felt like my shot deserved it. Execute off the tee, and the rest of the hole seems reasonably executable.

• Equipment: Good - nothing stellar, but good enough to be a non-issue. A good number of the tees are concrete, and the ones that aren't were fine. Baskets were in good shape, and there was decent signage at most (if not all) tees. Both courses were nicely maintained (which is really saying something, given the vastness and nature of this property).

FWIW - the signage looked like it might not last long, and for all I know, it may have been freshened up for a recent event. But it was in good condition and quite useful for my visit, and that's all I can say about it.

• Aesthetics: Best of the Best - You can't help but notice the views the minute you arrive. Beautiful Appalachian countryside featuring rolling hills, mature trees, and a winding creek. This place was already beautiful... then they added baskets! Does a wonderful job showcasing the property's natural attributes - you'd be hard pressed to find a better setting to get away from it all.

• Navigation/Flow: Very good - I played with a guide that knew their way around. While nothing struck me as difficult, first timers should print the map because a few transitions aren't super obvious. The two courses are nicely segregated, so there's really no overlap or confusion as far as that goes. I particularly like how Woodshed transitions from open to wooded a few times to avoid feeling repetitive. Like chapters in a book, the order holes occur in makes a difference in the total experience.

• Memorable Holes: Many. Starts with a great hole, finishes with a fun twist. Throws a bunch at you in between. Several of them will stick in your mind.

• The clubhouse is a great place to sit and eat lunch between rounds, tell stories and soak up the atmosphere with your friends.

Really hard to find legit complaints on this course.
• Plan on some lengthy forays up fairways to spot baskets. This can be a drag on hilly courses (especially if it's your 2nd round)... but they're worth it.

• Pack a lunch, plenty of water, and anything else you need for a full day. There's no such thing as a quick trip to/from this place.

• More informational than a con: This ain't the place for beginners. I can picture beginners feeling overmatched and frustrated... possibly even moreso given the time and effort it takes to get here.

Am I kinky if I enjoyed getting paddled at the Woodshed? This course could turn me into a masochist.

Both courses are truly wonderful, and thoroughly challenging. Personally, I prefer Woodshed to Whippin' Post. The holes seemed fairer off the tee and the transitions from open/woods/open provide a change of pace that helps keep it from feeling repetitive. Just my take - YMMV.

As has been mentioned before, this place is removed... from everything. Whether that's a pro or con all depends on your point of view, but it's a fact.

The drive in/out is anything but quick and easy... it's a genuine excursion, up/down and all around some road right out of a Dr. Suess book. I urge you not to plan on arriving or departing after sunset. Travelling that road at night could be dicey if you're not familiar.

Simply amazing! It's all there! I can't wait to play whippin post we ran out of time.

None worth mentioning.

Thanks to the owner for their work maintaining such a long private course your efforts are much appreciated.

Fantastic natural beauty. The terrain rolls throughout a large West Virginia landscape that includes awesome vista views from hilltops to hikes through wooded trails with ravines and moss covered stones to clear ponds and a wild assortment of foliage. One of the reasons I took the trip here was to experience this beauty. This place exceeded my expectations. Truly fantastic.

Another reason for playing was the renowned reputation of the elite challenge this course represents. Again, this course exceeded expectations. Not only was it incredibly challenging, it was more fair than I expected. Tales of the "Gauntlet" and the long wooded holes had me skeptical because I've never been a fan of convoluted fairways. Yes, there are stretches of very long and very tight holes, but I was able to find lines consistently. Tight lines...but DEFINED lines. Thats all I ask for. These technical holes are complimented with a host of absolutely gorgeous open holes. Distance is your biggest obstacle. Wind will likely play a role here as well. Some of the pins are on sloped greens making fades and skips a factor.

The elevation is top shelf. There are several 400+ ft. drives from vistas that allow you to maximize distance and watch your disc sail for days. This elevation is relevant on pretty much every hole. In woods, you are not just dealing with density but upshots and slopes as well.

This course flows well. It pours you in and out of the woods all round long. You finish the front nine back near the barn. Always a fan of seperating the front and back nine at a central starting point.

Character. Vibe. Fun factor. Call it what you want, but this place "feels" great. I'm calling it the Paw Paw factor. It will last long after your gone.

Slim pickin's here. To find flaws I have to reach toward signage. The signage is old and tatered, when present. Plenty of the signs have been swept away with weather.

Some of the woodwork (bridges, benches...etc) are also showing age. Frankly, all the man made components are quite worn.

As soon as I pulled in, Gabby came out with her 2 dogs and greeted me with a smile. She provided a map and gave a detailed descrption of the course and the current settings. This was very much appreciated. Her yellow lab actually joined me on several holes through the round. Good stuff.

It should be noted, that even though I stand by the nice flow of this course, there are times multiple pins are in view. You will definitely need the map to ensure you are aiming at the proper pin.

All in all, I found this place exhilarating. It was extremely demanding yet giving at the same time. I read the reviews of everyone making it out to be a negative that this course was "in the middle of nowhere". That is one of the things I liked best about it. I drove over 12 hours, roundtrip, just to play...and it was well worth it. This is absolutely a destination course. I will be back.

This course has everything. Elevation change, beautiful scenery, amazing variety of shots and tons of risk-reward. This is a course that will test you mentally and physically. I have played all over the country, and I can name the courses on one hand (Warwick maybe) that would compare to the level of difficulty and experience that is disc golf at the Woodshed and it's counterpart, the Whippin Post. Camping is available on site but I strongly recommend calling ahead to ensure availability.

Not much around, so you need to plan ahead - bring coolers with food and water. These courses can be a harsh reality, so be mentally prepared!

This course is worth the travel no matter where you are coming from.

The Woodshed is very challenging and fun. The $5 it costs to play is very much worth it. The property owners are great people.

Course Pros:
-long open shots and tightly wooded shots
-great use of land and elevation
-risk/reward including 2 water hazards
-beautiful mountain scenery
-well maintained
-flags on the baskets help with locating and reading wind direction
-secluded and peaceful
-the woodshed doubles as a comfortable clubhouse

Camping Pros:
-5$ per person is a bargain
-soft ground for sleeping and walking barefoot
-firepit
I saw more stars in the sky than I have ever seen before. It was amazing and I must have seen half a dozen shooting stars.

The road in is narrow and it seems like there cannot be a disc golf course back there. As stated previously, it is far from most places but I do recommend camping there. You do get 2 first class courses when you play the Whipping Post right next door.

-beginners may get frustrated
-tee signs aren't very good (bring a map and you will be fine)
-some overlap but it isn't too busy anyhow

My favorite hole was #1, nearly 500ft down a hill with a pond waiting for you near the basket. The pictures don't show how much foliage actually grows in.
Paw Paw is worth the trek. Bring your food, drinks, and camping gear!

Absolutely fantastic variety of holes ranging from rolling hills, long fairways, water hazards, tight wooded passages, and insane left and right doglegs. The reviews aren't kidding when they say that some of the wooded passages are only a few feet apart! A great challenge!

Service is great, as Gabby will greet you with a smile and a much-needed map. The course dog, Scout, will also follow you and be your best pal while you're playing.

The actual woodshed is a really neat clubhouse with which to relax before and after golfing. A great place to crack open a cold beer or two and enjoy the scenery outside.

Another pro is that the course is completely separated from human civilization. For some, this may be unnerving, but I love it! 18 holes of fun!

Did I already mention I really like the water hazards?

Unless you're from Cumberland MD, it's most likely going to be quite a drive to arrive here. Could also be very difficult to get here in the Winter because of the treacherous WV roads.

The tees and signs could use some improvements and care. They're there, but barely!

The rough behind the pond on hole #1 is a disc eater! At least 50 feet of nothing but the most formidable briers and thorns.

The numerous trees on some holes will not be kind to DX or Pro-D discs. Try and use higher quality plastic if you're prone to hitting trees like I was at The Woodshed.

The course is pay to play, but it's hardly a con. It's worth the $5 -- but it's a fee nevertheless.

I've visited many areas in West Virginia and this place is one of the most beautiful! Out of all the disc golf courses I've played at, this is one of the few that does not feel like a park or recreation area -- it's pure wild! As such, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the game.

On the other hand, it's very difficult to play here. I shot an 80 and I was happy with that. The feeling of elation is indescribable for birdies and even pars on some of these holes! Don't let the formidable challenge drive you away; embrace it!

The course itself is long, has intense wooded holes, fast greens, elevation, water, open bombs and a unique charm not found elsewhere. Every hole requires you to use your brain and your skill. Mental discipline is required here more so than anywhere else I've played. I found myself thinking of holes played miles away after I sadly left the course. What is very interesting is that every hole makes an impression. There are no filler holes. Also the course is balanced, once your getting fed up with trees your greeted with an open field with a huge precise drive needed. Once your ego is back to equilibrium, you are back in the woods being beaten again by Uncle Spencer. The splendid isolation of disc golf only countryside on top of a wild mountain. The rustic clubhouse with the sign in book with so many amazing anecdotes from so many pilgrims. The friendly hosts. I'm gushing.

Fairways cross one another at 8 & 9. Not many people on course so not really an issue. At times, if you listen real hard you can hear the trees whispering and laughing at you. The challenge may be too much for anyone with a fragile ego. Legendary Gauntlet Holes may beat up your discs. Playing here might ruin/spoil every experience you ever have playing DG for the rest of your life.

I recently went back to Paw after 5 years. I am a little bit better of a player now than I was back then. Unfortunately my opinion of this place has changed. Many of the tight gauntlet holes particularly 3,4,6,14,15 are just not really fair at all. I scored just as poorly on these as I did 5 yrs ago when I was a relative noob. This shows that luck is needed moreso than skill. If Spence would just swallow his pride and just thin out some of the trees, not an overall clearing just maybe thin it out a bit I would be able to in good conscience keep Paw Paw a 5 but I have to be honest as great as some of the holes are the abundance of trees in the fairway (not off the fairway) really spoil this place. The drive to this mecca is long and out of the way for anyone. The whole pilgrimmage and environment may have twisted my opinion. Nah, this course stands the test of time and technology. Play this course and it's twin sister and you won't regret the drive.

Scenery - The course is located in the WV mountains on a beautiful tract of land with big views on many holes. The piece of land is gorgeous - rolling hills, steep ravines, thick woods & open areas. When I visited the grass was in two cuts: long & full of wildflowers and short around the fairways & greens

Challenge - The woodshed will test players of all abilities, especially those that can throw less than 500'. Mix of long bomber holes & super tight technical wooded holes

Upkeep - the land is in phenomenal condition and the hard work put into these courses is evident by the lack of underbrush & the great condition of the course

Character - this place is amazing - having two world class courses on the same tract, the barn/music venue, a pond to swim in/lose discs in, and killer camping spots

Not a par 3 course - there are legit par 4's and par 5's -- a score in the 60's is good and in the 50's is great

On private land!!!

Some awesome holes - #1, #10, #13 are all great

Far from anywhere, which becomes a pro once you've arrived

Not beginner friendly - as noted in the other reviews, this is a long & tough course & doesn't have shorter teepad options (on most holes)

Fairway trees: Holes 3 (gauntlet) & 6 have little/no fairway. The saying I heard several times was: "not saying it's fair, but there's a way"....this holds true for more holes on the whipping post, but definitely true on these holes. Get your forehand roller ready!

Woodshed is more open than the whipping post & caters more to big arms, with several two-able holes if you can throw 450'+.

Both courses are phenomenal & the setting just adds to the experience. These are definitely two of my favorites that I recommend to everyone. The courses are tough and can be mentally taxing - they can really beat you up - but at the end of the day when you wind down in a beautiful campsite & look up at the stars, the beauty of the place becomes more evident

Scenic West Virginia countryside.
A perfect piece of land for a course.
Awesome host and hostess-Spencer & Gabby.
On sight camping available.
Has hills and water hazards.
Three par 5's.
Six par 4's.
7675 total feet of disc golf course.
Will challenge top pros.
Combination of wooded versus open fields holes.

Paw Paw is a very long way from anywhere.
Tight wooded fairways are tough on the average player.
The ravines off the fairways are tougher on the average player.
The open field par 3's are long.
Three par 5's.
Six par 4's.
7675 total feet of disc golf course.

As the review title states, I have a very slight preference for the Whipping Post course. As mentioned in that review, I think the two courses here at Paw Paw are similiar in so many ways to the two Circle R courses in Texas. Both are privately owned by wonderful hosts. Both are ungodly long and difficult! Both will challenge the biggest arms. If you enjoyed Paw Paw, then by all means, make a road trip to the Texas hill country. LEGAL NOTICE: I received no financial consideration of any kind from the Circle R Ranch folks for these plugs.

Your host and hostess. All the other pros I mentioned in my Whipping Post review.

The Gauntlet. Every time I play it, it's the same thing. Five guys step up to the tee, 5 guys throw a two finger roller. 5 guys walk to their lie, pick up, and throw another two finger roller. All 5 then walk to their lie again, and at least 4 of the 5 throw a two-finger roller. Sorry, but I rank this hole 36 out of 36.

You're in heaven here. My silliness about not liking the Gauntlet is MEANINGLESS in the overall picture that is Paw Paw. Welcome to Heaven. Look for me on the Whipping Post. I like it better than the Woodshed. Similar to liking a Lamborghini over a Ferrari.