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Thompson Park reviews
5
1
Wook1
Experience:
15.2 years
24 played
9 reviews
NJ BSA eagle project 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 2, 2015
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
New courses in central NJ are always a pleasing sight, and this is nice addition that can only get better. I wouldn't personally call this a wooded course though it's not necessarily a completely open course either. While playing you will notice very little "rough" most fairways are dotted with trees or sparse groupings and copse of trees somewhere to navigate in/around. Also this course rewards placement shots and accuracy over distance, with OB as a factor on most holes. Some gradual elevation changes add to the challenge. Thompson offers a mix of 3s & 4s along with the signature hole 11 as the lone par 5 (not to mention 2/3 possible ace runs) Though not a super technical course like Tyler or nock you will definitely find yourself using many different shots (during round I did find myself favoring RHFH). Low ceiling on many holes adds a risk factor. Interesting turf tee box on 18. Short tee areas usually offer a different look/shot all together.
Cons:
The layout for Thompson more or less tracks along the car path that weaves around the park, because of this you never really get the rugged/secluded aspect. No sources of drinking water on course. Portable only option for bathroom. Needs more trash/recycle can. Flags are missing on many tee areas and paper tee signs have seen better days.
Other Thoughts:
Thompson definitely has room to grow over time. After tees go in and some of the other cons I mentioned are addressed I think my rating could be in the 4+ area.
Park goers have no idea what your doing out there keep your eyes open and be polite. Hopefully the park ranger who parks by the forest fire tower will realize it might not be the best spot for his car.
Not sure if par should be same for short/long on some holes
Not a extremely strenuous walk, adds to ability to play 36 in an afternoon.
Park goers have no idea what your doing out there keep your eyes open and be polite. Hopefully the park ranger who parks by the forest fire tower will realize it might not be the best spot for his car.
Not sure if par should be same for short/long on some holes
Not a extremely strenuous walk, adds to ability to play 36 in an afternoon.
Designer response by hawk12
I agree with most of your review and assessment. It is an incomplete project at this point, and signs have been removed to mowing.
The permanent tee signs are being rushed for this very reason & to provide some more direction for newer players (as there are a LOT of brand new players coming around).
However, there are indeed bathrooms with running water near the course in two separate locations - down past the basketball courts past hole 1, and another down the hill a bit from Hole 16 tee.
Par for the short and longs are designed for different skill levels, and play fairly accurate to the targeted ability level, so not any one person is going to shoot the same average from either set of tees - you aren't supposed to...
The course is obviously not done, and no where near a finished product. Unfortunately, right now its busy and the temp signs/temp tee markers are out of the way for mowing. Sorry, but it was just requested by the parks dept. last week. So out they came to allow mowers better access.
Also, I do agree that when completed, hopefully this summer/early fall, the course rating will be much higher. I too have it downgraded (currently 3.5) as I rated the current condition, not the future end product (prob 4-4.5 when complete).
Thank you for your time to review, I hope you come back and update as we continue to improve the tees and signage.
Adam
The permanent tee signs are being rushed for this very reason & to provide some more direction for newer players (as there are a LOT of brand new players coming around).
However, there are indeed bathrooms with running water near the course in two separate locations - down past the basketball courts past hole 1, and another down the hill a bit from Hole 16 tee.
Par for the short and longs are designed for different skill levels, and play fairly accurate to the targeted ability level, so not any one person is going to shoot the same average from either set of tees - you aren't supposed to...
The course is obviously not done, and no where near a finished product. Unfortunately, right now its busy and the temp signs/temp tee markers are out of the way for mowing. Sorry, but it was just requested by the parks dept. last week. So out they came to allow mowers better access.
Also, I do agree that when completed, hopefully this summer/early fall, the course rating will be much higher. I too have it downgraded (currently 3.5) as I rated the current condition, not the future end product (prob 4-4.5 when complete).
Thank you for your time to review, I hope you come back and update as we continue to improve the tees and signage.
Adam
