St. Petersburg, FL

Tocobaga DGC

3.45(based on 57 reviews)
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12 0
jtradz
Experience: 12.7 years 17 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Solid course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 19, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good varied hole styles - from dense woods to wide open.

Varied distances, even though all are Par 3

Beautiful park & scenery, plenty of shade.

Long, level concrete tees.

Easy to find and access course, map posted at hole 1.

Cons:

Long walks between holes with little signage. Take a picture of the course map up front!

Underbrush isn't consistently cleaned up - easy for discs to slide under downed palmetto branches. Beware Hole #7...

Susceptible to some marshiness - after heavy rains, #11 and #18 will take a while to drain. If there's enough rain it will affect some other holes as well.

Other Thoughts:

My most frequently played course, as I live minutes away. Very solid, but would not consider it a "destination" course, as there are better options in the Tampa Bay area. Throughout the course, beware of thick scrubby underbrush - easy for discs to slide out of sight.

Signature hole - #3, short but technical, with one basket location being the top of a stump, several feet off the ground. Punishes aggressive putts.

Hole #7 is sometimes VERY overgrown, DO NOT miss to the left. It will eat your disc.

I'd recommend all levels play with a spotter on #2 and #7. Beginners may want a spotter on #13, #15, #18, and perhaps more.
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9 1
nitron2097
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.3 years 13 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Finally went back! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 10, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- You literally come off I-275, turn left or right, and you're in the park, and the course is easy to find once you're there thanks to signs indicating where to park.
- Very Florida course; lots of scrub palms, shots near the bay, and not a lot of water hazards on course.
- Picnic tables scattered throughout the course.
- New sings are pretty accurate and there are benches and bag racks on almost every hole.
- Plenty of parking at the start of the course.
- Park bathrooms are at the parking lot at the start of the course.
- Start of the course is located by other park playgrounds.
- Very accurate course map located by the tee for #1; take a picture of this map to help with navigation.
- Though a lot of the lines are tight, none of them feel impossible to hit.
- You do need a variety of shots on this course; there are a few good RHFH lines and even some overhand opportunities, especially on the first 3 holes.
- The course has been cleared quite a bit; I played here about four years ago and I remember the rough being much worse. They've done some work.
- The short tees are very beginner friendly and make some of the holes much easier for an inexperienced player.
- Lots of trees on course but I never really felt afraid of getting discs treed; the palms are mostly the taller variety and the oaks aren't overgrown.

Cons:

- Navigation is the biggest issue; the course was re-designed to keep historical areas segregated from foot traffic so the original layout had to be changed, and in several areas you not only have to cross the park roads but also backtrack or walk along other fairways; none feel particularly dangerous, but you do need to be aware.
- A walking path winds its way through the park and crosses a few holes and passes near several others.
- We did encounter a few people wandering around the park off said walking path across fairways, so just be aware of this possibility.
- If you're playing alone you might lose a disc or two in the underbrush; there are a lot of scrub palms and saw palmetto all over the course, and some of them are dense.
The course really only has a few wide open holes where you can let a drive loose; most of the shots are under 300 and are through tight gaps or over rough for the entire flight.
- Not a ton of canopy for cover, so if its sunny you might need sunscreen or an umbrella.
- We played two months into the dry season and some areas by the mangroves were still a touch mucky, so in the summer some holes can be downright swampy.
- Bugs on a course like this will be horrific in the summer; if you play then bring bug spray.
- No bathrooms or fountains out on the course and the course doesn't return to the lot until the end so be prepared.
- Not much food in the immediate area of the course.
- Some of the greens are very small and you could throw what you think is a great drive or upshot and end up with a short but obstructed putt.

Just an observation more than a con - I really don't like #18. The hole is a short poke and hope shot with two blind basket locations across a murky pond filled with absolutely rank, sludgy water. This is the hole that replaced the original #18 that ran along the beach and finished on a point by the bay, and....yeah, no. The course really has no signature hole anymore and wish that this could be fixed.

Other Thoughts:

Nothing really makes this course stand out all that much. It definitely feels to me like a "local course" rather than a "go out of your way to play" type course. It is one of the older courses in Tampa Bay but other courses - especially Picnic Island - now outshine this one.
Have extra discs when you come here and try to play with friends; spot each other's throws. It is easy to lose a shot in all this scrub palm.
But I definitely have a better game than when I played here before.

Some specialty shots I threw:
Thumbers on 1, 2, and 3; #1 is shaped perfectly for a RHTh, and for #2 and #3 it was just my most accurate shot.
Sidearm roller on #5; I just felt like this would get the most distance and it did.
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6 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31.1 years 764 played 387 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Solid Exotic Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 15, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Tocobaga Disc Golf Course sits in Maximo Park right off of I-275 in St Pete . This 18 hole course has apparently undergone many improvements in its 18 year existence . There is a nice Kiosk at the entrance to the course with a nice map on it . Make sure you take a picture of this or copy a map on DGR or you will wander around a bit . There are nice blue Mach 2 baskets on the course , along with a blue striped am cement tee and a red striped cement pro tee . There are also multiple pin positions per hole . The signage is first rate , with colorful pictures describing the hole . Bathrooms are near hole 1 , Basket hanging poles and benches are throughout the course , along with trash cans . The park was clean and mowed when I was there . The course will remind you that you are playing in Florida on every hole , with your typical rough that looks like the top of a pineapple , but on steroids . Many palm trees also grace the course . This course plays mostly tight and technical , flush with low ceiling shots , tunnel tosses and throws to baskets that sit in high rough with almost no green . I think I played victim to this on hole 2 , and I think hole 7 . The course is a thinking players game and requires a variety of different shots . Water really only comes into play on maybe hole 13 , behind and alongside the right of the fairway .The course is flat , somewhat shaded and not overly long , so your body won't take such a beating on it . The course must be a crowd pleaser with the locals as there were a good number of groups here on a late Tuesday afternoon when I was playing . Navigation is tricky in spots , especially in the first 6 or 7 holes . The locals seemed nice and pointed the problem areas to me . There are some next tee signs that help somewhat . It took me over an hour to play the course solo . Try not to play this course solo , or you WILL look for your disc on occasion .A fun play , as long as you don't leave with less discs than you came with . A great finishing hole , #18 , a drive coming out of the brush and trees through a narrow passageway to the basket , looking like it is almost impossible to get through for a putt . Signature hole , Maybe #11 , 436' that you have to drift your drive right , hoping you don't hit the fairway trees in front ..

Cons:

#1 . Disc Risk . medium to high . There are plenty of opportunities to lose your disc in the rough here . Playing without a group exposes you to looking for discs thrown to blind shot baskets , especially in the first several holes . Make sure you follow the flight path after letting go of your drive if and when you can . #2 Navigation . The navigation here can be tough . Transitions like 2-3 and 4-5 and looking for 6's tee pad . Also , trying to find the pin positions of some of the blind holes was a problem . The course plays pretty flat .

Other Thoughts:

A beautiful park with a solid course , I left impressed with the overall experience . The easiest 18 hole course to get to from an interstate , I came off the exit ramp and was opening up my car trunk to get my bag within a couple of minutes . Deceptively challenging , the course displays a certain fun factor to it , too . Once you start to walk this course , you will know you are in Florida. Palm trees , water , boats nearby , flat .can be windy . All there to remind you why you came . My recommendation : Not a good newbie or 2 disc local , unless either want to go hole with half their allotment of discs gone . Very good for local enthusiasts , intermediates , pros , and especially travelers looking to couple this course up with the many that are close by . Link up with one of the many players here and Just PLAY IT !!!
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11 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1562 played 1507 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Exotic Flora At A Well Designed Course, 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 15, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

I'm most impressed with Tocobaga DGC. The lovely, lush park sits just off I-275. It's filled with all these lush tropical plants which is awesome for the most part. The park is just a visual treat with beautiful vegetation and it's scenic views from it's beaches to the vistas over the bay waters.

The recent upgrades (2016) are first class all the way. Start with the park signs leading you to the course's start. A excellent kiosk complete with course map, is helpful. The tee signs are top notch showing all the information you'll be needing plus great tidbits on the Tocobaga Indian Tribe who once roamed this area. The signs show both the blue and red distances plus the long and short are those holes. They also show the next tees. There are next tee signs throughout although my playing partner and I must have missed the next tee sign at # 2, as we struggled to find the third tee. I loved the blue and red lines on the tee pads indicating which pad you're throwing from. I also liked that there were some holes with only one pad. The shorter red tees were sometimes 100' shorter. I brought my son-in-law who has only played a few times and the shorter reds were a nice fit for his game. There are benches on most every hole and plenty of garbage cans.

The course is very technical in places, more open on others holes and features a nice variety of distances and left-right-straight shots. There are a couple of holes where the thick palm bushes may make finding your discs an adventure. Playing with a novice this morning, we never spent more than a minute looking for our discs and managed not to lose any.

Cons:

The thick palm bushes could easily suck in your disc never to be seen again.

We had a difficult time finding the # 3 tee but after talking about it, I'm willing to bet we missed the next tee sign which might have been obscured by the palms.

I agree with a previous reviewer that this is probably not a course you'd want to play solo.

Two holes played down streets or paths. There is a walking path which meanders throughout the course but it wasn't' a problem.

We did have to walk up quite a few holes trying to locate the basket positions.

Other Thoughts:

Excellent course, great for most players. Hole # 12 could be exciting with the river so close behind the basket. From the red tees which we played today, I'd call this an easy recreational course. From the blues, I think it would probably be an difficult rec course. Either way, I really enjoyed my round here. It's so tropical with all the palms and exotic plants. It shouts "Florida" to me.
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9 1
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.9 years 242 played 195 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Finally The Course I New She Could Be 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 17, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has matured now and has settled in nicely. most of the negatives that have plagued this course over the years are gone leaving a mostly short to mid-length technical style course set in a scenic coastal Florida environment. The course is much more pleasant to play now than in years before and still maintains its chill vibe.

Cons:

Most of the old-school negs are gone. The course has nice tee pads now and proper signage. The layout seems to be finalized and set. A lot of the "palmetto hell" patches of rough have been thinned out. Navigation is getting there with a lot of new next tee signs being added.

So what keeps the rating down a little? There are holes that throw dangerously close to roads and sidewalks. There are still some difficult navigational transitions. There are always nonthrowing randoms on the course. The course is a little on the short side, which is a con for some.

Other Thoughts:

I've watched this course evolve since day one and now would feel confident recommending it to others to play. It's come a long way and is becoming historical in nature. It used to be a love it or hate it kind of course but I think that most folks would at least like it now.
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1 0
Leftytemper
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Tough on First timers 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very technical and challenging. While I have seen some people comment on the courses length and not being able to fire off bombs from the tee, that's not what this course is all about. Every disc will be utilized and you need to think strategy on each hole. Very few gimme holes, maybe hole number 2.

Cons:

For a first timer this course is (to put it very politely) navigationally challenging. I was very frustrated trying to find baskets and the tee signs are ambiguous and outdated. This course reminds me of the original Gordon Barnett Park.

Other Thoughts:

I look forward to playing this now that I know where the baskets are and the nuances of the course. It just needs a tweak of TLC on navigation and signage. Real good course
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2 1
EWSdiscgolf
Experience: 10.7 years 89 played 28 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Not your everyday course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 14, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- The course has a lot of beautiful tight lines, and it makes it a good challenge.
- Teepads are good quality and baskets are also good quality
- There is good variety of short and long holes
- Course requires hyzer and anhyzer lines. It makes you use your hole bag
- Course is very shaded and the sea breeze keeps things a little cooler
- Lots of friendly disc golfers and non golfers
- Even though it was tight and thick, discs were very findable
- Course had a high fun factor IF you are already familiar with disc golf. I would not say that it is beginner friendly.

Cons:

The only really big con is the navigation. After holes 1 to 4, there is no guide to hole five. Turns out its to the right and over a bridge. But, you will not see this. There were several areas of confused navigation, and also wrong number baskets for different holes. The signs were helpful at times, and non existent at others. Since I enjoyed the course I tend to agree, however, there is a high level of first time frustration if you do not play with a person who has been there. Also another con is the bad tee signs. They were wrong and the distances were way off from the website.

Other Thoughts:

Tocobaga has thick vegetation in spots, but rewards a good shot. It's just a decent course with a unique feel. Nothing as special as Cliff Stevens or Taylor Park. It's right near a densely populated area, but still feels super quiet. If you're making a trip to the Tampa area put this one on your play list.
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8 0
jjw4ucm
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.8 years 37 played 30 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Beautiful Pinellas course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 17, 2022 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

UPDATE 1/17/2022: Replaying this course after 7 years was a blast. It's a very unique round, in a beautiful park, with enough varied shots to keep things interesting. Probably one of the most technical courses in the area.

As long as you have a spotter, I thought it was pretty beginner friendly. There aren't really any long bombs out here, and very limited water hazards.

Tee pads are in nice condition as well; ample parking is available and it's still a blast to play. Original review from 2014 follows:
___________________________

First off, this course is gorgeous! The setting is beautiful and the nature is a blast to play in. Palms and Spanish Moss everywhere, with a beach nearby and lots of other pretty flora and fauna.

Super easy to get to and in a pretty park right at the southern tip of Pinellas County.

I really liked the shot over the trees on hole 2, and appreciate the flag on top of the basket. I'd have had no idea where I was throwing without it.

Signage was very pretty and interesting; wooden signs are a new one for me and they were very attractive (more on them later!). UPDATE 1/17/2022 - they've replaced the signs with more traditional ones. They do have interesting trivia about the Tocobaga natives that used to call this place home.

The brush and rough here was prevalent and more notable than a lot of the other courses I've played in Tampa Bay, but I wouldn't call it overwhelming. I didn't find it too horrible to play around and it was generally more fun than frustrating.

Bathrooms, trash facilities, and parking are readily accessible at the start of the course, always a plus. The neighborhood appeared to be pretty decent as well.

Park was well maintained when I got there. Fairways were mowed, rough was in control, and trash seemed picked up. Course felt very tidy for the most part. I should note I played in November, so standing water and crowds weren't as much of a concern.

This course had a certain "charm" about it that really does help to cover up at least some of its other flaws. It was a very different experience than many of the other courses around Tampa Bay that I've played and honestly, that alone was worth the stop, in spite of the following issues.

Cons:

UPDATE 1/17/2022: I finally replayed this course after seven years. One con that I will add is that there are a LOT of sneaky lost disc opportunities in the saw palmettos out here. I would highly recommend a spotter.

Baskets are still in okay condition, but noticeably older and less "grippy" than those at the newer courses like Picnic Island. Original review from 2014 follows...
___________________________

NAVIGATION! I never did find 5, 10, or 14, and the map at the start of the course was useless and appeared to be out of date. Generally I don't have a problem getting around even on some of the more navigationally-challenged courses, but the flow here was bizarre and the navigational aids that were present did nothing to help. I still thoroughly enjoyed my round but this is a glaring flaw that would be fairly easy to fix with an accurate, up-to-date map. UPDATE 1/17/2022 - they have put a better map up, but I would have still struggled without my UDisc app.

On several holes you are throwing directly at parking lots, near shelters, over roads, across walking paths, etc. I expect this to some extent at many parks, but it's taken to an extreme here and you have to be really careful to watch for pedestrians and cars, or you'll damage someone's property or hurt them.

Not a whole lot of long bomb opportunities here really, most of the holes seemed fairly short.

The wooden signs, although delightful, don't really show you much info and are somewhat worn. There are "NEXT TEE" signs scattered around, but they are also mostly unhelpful. The baskets also mostly have the wrong numbers on them. UPDATE 1/17/2022: The signs have also been replaced and are better now. Baskets are still numbered incorrectly.

Other Thoughts:

UPDATE 1/17/2022: I think most of my comments still stand up. The course is a very fun, unique play, not only because of the setting, but due to the layout and shot types. It's a whole different experience and I greatly enjoyed it. I'll definitely be back more in the future.

I did leave this at a 3.5. The navigation isn't as big of a deal with the aid of smartphone apps. This is an old course that's behind some of the "A-list" courses in the area like Picnic Island and Cliff Stephens, but it is charming, fun, unique and worth a stop.

_________________________

I feel like you'll either love or hate this course. I fall in the "love" category, but I have to be objective and rate it as a disc golf course first, park second. Bottom line is, it's a pretty setting and has charm about it. However, the layout is not perfect, and navigation is downright horrendous.

If you can enjoy the nature and other factors that make this course fun, I would recommend it. If you'll get frustrated at having to hunt around for the next tee and at times spotty signage, skip it. Happy discing!
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4 1
blueblur
Experience: 35.8 years 196 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 30, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety of interesting holes. Many different lines needed to do well on this course. Some great looks that I haven't seen on other courses.

Most common theme for unusual holes is throwing over palmetto bushes to a small cleared green. This is used in design of at least 4 holes. There is another hole where you can throw over some taller trees and rough to get to the basket.

Park has some nice amenities and views over the bay. There is a very nice playground (about to reopen after renovation) if you have kids with you.

Cons:

Dense underbrush and vines. On some of the holes you are throwing over rough to get to the green. I think this is a neat feature, but I have included it also in the cons because of the potential for lost discs. A spotter is a good idea.

Overall, it is a fairly short course. Apparently 2 holes used to be long but had to be changed due to construction of a new road.

Some previous reviews mention incorrect signage because of the hole changes. These have mostly been fixed. There is one hole that the sign says is over 500 ft from the long pads, but it is now about 300. Also, the next tee pad after that is painted on the sidewalk with no tee sign.

Tee signs don't indicate what is OB. There was quite a bit of water on the course and as a new player, it wasn't entirely clear what was casual and what was OB.

There are also quite a few holes with asphalt walkways. We assumed they weren't OB, but if you want more challenging play, you could certainly call them OB.

Other Thoughts:

Mostly technical short to medium length holes, but a few (5?) where you can throw a full on drive with less accuracy required.

Hole 18 was my favorite. You throw a technical shot off the tee toward a basket tucked into a curve in a water filled (OB) ditch. Scary but fun.
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6 1
davmer2303
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.6 years 25 played 24 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A treasure 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 21, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

* The course has hole after hole of beautiful tight lines. Makes for a great challenge.
* Teepads are good quality and baskets are very receptive.
* There is excellent distance variety. You'll need your whole bag.
* Course requires hyzer and anhyzer lines. It's a shotmakers area.
* Course is very shaded and the sea breeze keeps things a little less humid.
* Locals were very helpful with some of the course's challenges. (see below)
* Despite the tightness and palmettos, discs were very findable. (not much other ground cover)
* Course had a high fun factor IF you are already familiar with disc golf. I would not say that it is beginner friendly.

Cons:

* After holes 1 to 4, there is no guide to hole five. Turns out its to the right and over a bridge. But, you will not see this. There were several areas of confused navigation, and also wrong number baskets for different holes. The signs were helpful at times, and non existent at others. One of the locals told me that it added to the experience. Since I enjoyed the course I tend to agree, however, there is a high level of first time frustration if you do not play with a person who has been there.
* The above is my only con. there was a lot of rough, but the fairways were well defined, and i liked the challenge. This was a 4 star course to me if the navigation issues are cleaned up.

Other Thoughts:

I loved this course! Most holes required thoughtful shots, and accurate throws. The distance varied quite a bit and the course itself was beautiful. The park it was in, Maximo park, is a great area to fish for sea trout, have bbq, or relax by the beach. The actual facilities are great. If they get their signage/navigation issues cleaned up, this course will rise even higher. However now, it may not be easy for someone with a low frustration level. But, for those of you looking for a great course, this one should not be ignored. I loved it!
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1 4
Blazingwebs
Experience: 12.8 years 11 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

1 of my top 2 local courses 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Love the challenge of this course, it requires a multitude of different shots. The epitome of a FL course.

Cons:

The regular (very large) Sunday group that plays here can be very rude (one of them claims to be the course "pro"), we do our best to avoid them.

Other Thoughts:

It's been over 2 yrs since they were forced to change some of the holes here, it would be nice if new signage was implemented and the layout of hole 3 and the 8/9 combo were addressed. My group would be happy to donate time and money towards this goal.
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3 2
v0nn3gut
Experience: 27.9 years 35 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Maximo Rules 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 20, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is quite simply my favorite course in the bay area. It is very challenging but it also offers you some birdie chances on both the front and back nine. It requires a wide array of shots.

Cons:

I hate the way 18 was removed. I studied anthropology as an undergrad so I get wanting to preserve something, but they're destroying the most beautiful hole on the course to preserve a mound of ancient garbage. By taking out 18 you're adding in a hole at 6 and it just feels forced the way it is now.

Other Thoughts:

Had they not changed it it would be a 4, easily.

Logistics:

Definitely need high socks on this one. Very easy to find yourself in sabal palm jungle.

If you're tall keep eyes open for banana spider webs. I've walked into more than one on this course and my girlish shrieks are still echoing somewhere.
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12 0
RussMB
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.5 years 131 played 110 reviews
3.50 star(s)

First time frustrated, second time had a blast! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 18, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Maximo is a beautiful Park located on the Tampa Bay. Playing under the canopy of the trees, the trees surrounding the course and the bay in the background made this a very enjoyable experience.

-Wooden Tee Signs, with the fairway carved out. The Tee signs have been painted over and now reflect the proper numbering of each fairway. Concrete tee's, Very sharp Mach series baskets,

-Practice Basket and Restrooms at the start, Shelter houses with picnic tables and benches throughout the course.

-Multiple Tee pads, with some Alternating pin placements

-The Pins are well balanced for RH & LH players. As well as a few straight forward shots.

-A few risk/reward holes. The brush is so dense, that it becomes a risky carry over some dense brush or. (A spotter can still be a good thing)

-Most of the holes will require a specific line and/or approach placement. A few fairways have a "Local Route" option you can throw.

-No two holes play the same. There is a lot of variety among the fairways. Some are tight, some are open, and others you have to select your line through the trees. Not to mention, there are numerous doglegs to work around. I think this is what defines Maximo as being the course that it is. There is a shot for everyone.
Tip: The Indian symbol looking signs are Mandos

-The rough here adds a nice touch to the Risk/Reward. The cabbage palms give the course the classic Floridian look, but don't let your disc land in the midst of them. You'll spend a lot of unnecessary time looking for your disc.

-Navigation flow is a little choppy, but most of the pin placements have excellent pin locations. The exception being 8 & 9, which are decent fairways, it's just that they start side by side. This is due to the redesign.

-Personally, I wouldn't recommend it to beginners, but I wouldn't say they couldn't. Those who lack control could get frustrated here. (Azalea Park is nearby, so there is a nice beginner course nearby)

FWIW
-Boat Ramp
-Walking Trails
-Picnic area along the shoreline

Cons:

-Navigation is #1. I realize they were forced to relocate some of the baskets due to some archaeological group that wanted exclusive rights to the Indian mounds.

-To get to #5, the path has you cross right through the middle of #18's fairway. There are no signs giving people the heads up.

-You will want a spotter on some holes, the cabbage palms can easily hide your disc. Every time I play here, I'll usually end up looking for a disc somewhere.

-The rough is so dense, that you could actually spend a lot of time searching for your disc. One time I sent 20 minutes looking for a disc that God only knows how many times I walked past it.

-You have to throw over the road and near sidewalks. On one hole, the fairway is the sidewalk.

-Park goers may interact and be an issue as well. Look before you throw.

-When you play 8, look to the left and you'll see 9's Teepad. When you finish, you'll have to walk back. Or just throw 9 after you throw 8. then hole out on 8,then hole out on 9. It'll save you a walk back.

-#14 long tee's require a hyzer sweep over an overflow parking lot. Short tees are on the other side of the lot, but it's only a matter of time before a car gets hit. May not be a factor during the week, but on a Saturday, that marina could be full!

-The 18 basket that used to be next to the shore line is no longer there. I had been looking forward to playing that hole, and I never got the chance to play it before it was moved.

REVIEWER NOTE: Scroll down to numbernine's review and take note of his course tips. If you are going to play here, then you will need some directions. He did a great job in notating all of the discrepancies.

Other Thoughts:

I had been looking forward to playing here ever since I moved to Florida. Much to my chagrin, the shoreline #18 basket was removed due to a local citizen group. The first time I played here, there was much "First time frustration". The second time was much better! I played with someone that knows the course, plus I had already played, so I knew what to expect. Maximo is a big course, and there isn't a natural flow to the course. ...per say. Navigation is really the crux of what makes this course frustrating to play. The Tee Signs have been painted over and now have proper numbering for each hole. Even though that it alleviates some confusion, there are still some navigation issues. You'll still want a map to know where to go. Knowing that 8 & 9 play parallel to each other is going to be one thing to remember. I still recommend contacting a local to guide you through the course.

Now, should that stop you from playing here? Absolutely not! It is a beautiful park, its fun to play and it is well worth your time. For the seasoned Disc Golfer, this course could be a fun place to play. It's challenging and it requires shot shaping, strategy, and accuracy. Just make sure that you are prepared to play here, because that can make a big difference in your experience at Maximo.

I would recommend covered shoes and pants. Though I've seen worse, the brush can tear you up. I put my arm in something and I can still feel it itching! If you play here, just count on spending some time in the brush. There are not a lot of restaurants or gas stations nearby, so make sure you bring something with you. Definitely bring some liquids. There are some open field fairways, and it can get hot! If you are coming from the south, it costs 1$ to cross the skyway bridge.

Update addendum: Now that I live in Tampa and play here more often, I really want to bump this course to a 4 star course. In my book it's worthy of 4 stars. The problem is that I know 1st time players are going to have absolute fits if they don't know where to go. It's just that pesky navigation issue for road trippers and first timer's. It took me playing here 2 or 3 times before I had the navigation down. Now I love playing here! ...when I'm not buried in the brush!
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2 0
ZMan44
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.1 years 179 played 110 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Definitely Unique 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 24, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Man is this place pretty. One of the most beautiful settings for a round of disc golf I have ever encountered. I have played in northern forests, wooded valleys, rolling meadows...and all are great...but Tocobaga DGC at Maximo Park is my favorite to date. The low lying shrubs create a very different challenge in that you can often see the basket, but landing in close proximity is the challenge. There are a couple of pseudo-island greens requiring you to land in the clearing surrounded by these 3-4 foot high shrubs. Add that the ocean is just a stone's throw away. Nice environment.

The holes are pretty cool. I didn't notice any sort of repetition in style, though it seemed as most of the holes were of the average traditional length. (250-350) There are some wooded holes and some fairly open holes. All in all, it is a well-rounded course.

Tees and baskets were in solid condition.

Cons:

Not very many benches, that I noticed, but I was playing by myself so it wasn't a major issue.

It is very easy to lose discs in the low shrubs. I lost a disc that I loved there but there is simply no way to gauge some of your shots when playing alone. Scouts are almost necessary on holes where the shrubs are found. They are pretty, but make this aspect of the game difficult.

Around Hole 4, you come to a corner of the park that is really close to the main road and it is really noisy. There is also a marina that can be seen. For some reason, I felt like this was the kind of place that Horatio Caine goes to find the bad guys. That part of the course was not as pretty as the rest.

There are some definite navigation issues on the course. Since I was by myself, I was scouting each hole alone. Add in that I had to walk around trying to find the next hole, and this became a pretty grueling round. Directional signs were occasionally found but more would have been helpful.

Other Thoughts:

Even though I don't think there are any in the area since it is so close to the ocean, I was petrified of coming across a gator in those shrubs. A little reassurance or the fact that someone else was there with me may have helped. Being by myself, I was sure that if I was attacked, no one was going to save me. In any case, I saw no gator and this gorgeous park was empty the day that I played.

Tocobaga is a cool course. Definitely worthy of a "very good" rating. However, it simply doesn't provide the "wow" factor that I often mention in reviews that would bump it up to an "excellent" course. It is definitely unique in style, but nothing that is jaw-dropping. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who happens to be in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. It is a good, solid course that most any player would enjoy.
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5 0
mattdabbs
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.8 years 104 played 61 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 2, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course will force you to pull out every possible shot in your bag. There are holes that are best birdied by thumbers and rollers and others that just require a nice, straight shot. Several holes around 380-450 will challenge your arm. Several holes are very tight and technical. There are still a couple you can let rip. The locals are very nice and have regular events (handicaps and doubles) at the park.

The park is well maintained and typically pretty clean. It is a multi-use park with a nice walking trail (that interferes with DG every now and then), pavilions with grills, and a boat ramp. Be prepared to enjoy the beauty of this park right on the Gulf of Mexico.

Cons:

Navigation/signage - due to local issues 2 of the holes have been moved. This has killed the flow of the course. Hole 5 has been removed and there is nothing really to tell you how to get from 4 to 6a. After 6a, there is nothing telling you the teepad for 6b is 25 feet from that pin on the path. People walk around aimlessly looking for these holes.

Hole 18 has also been removed. This was the signature hole that shot out to the edge of the beach. It was beautiful. Now there are two holes at hole 8 to replace hole 18. The navigation issue is a serious problem.

It also looks like some of the key trees are going to be removed from the course. If this happens, it will make some of the more technical, difficult holes much easier to birdie and will hurt this course.

Rough - Stay in the fairways. The rough is rough. It is very easy to lose discs here. This is especially true on holes 3, 7, & 9.

Water - hole 17 (now the last hole) has a nasty water pit in front of the pin. Don't go in that nasty stuff. You will want to rake out your disc. I pulled someone's putter out of there and it STANK. You can't hardly get the stink out of a disc that has been in there any length of time. So don't get in that.
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1 3
Bobby
Experience: 4 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Fun course to play with a beautiful scenery. A lot of birdie shots. There was also a verity of holes

Cons:

Missing two baskets and was kinda difficult to locate the tees for my first time. The tees came in all shapes and sizes.
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4 0
ARock
Experience: 20.9 years 31 played 17 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Palm Trees make great obstacles! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 22, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Short palm trees make great obstacles for this gorgeous walk through the course. A nice mix of open and tight holes with creative course layout. I especially like #2 where you have to fly over some low lying brush and then land in a small area near the pin without flying over into the parking lot. For the most part, this course is pretty short (holes in the 300' range) but what makes it really interesting, and play longer than that, is the low lying canopy of palm trees. You have to keep your disc low to stay out of the trouble, so that adds distance that the distance markers don't do justice for. The 18th hole is a very interesting layout with a creek guarding both the front and the side of the basket with lots of trees in the fairway to cause problems. I played the short tees and really hope to get back there to play the big boy tees soon.

Cons:

If you can throw a Roc straight for about 280-320', a few of the holes have the same exact feel. Parts of the course are poorly marked and we wandered around a bit trying to find teepads. Hole distances are only labeled for long tees, so when playing a short round, have to walk back to long tees to get distances.

Other Thoughts:

Gorgeous scenery with the water visible (but out of play) on many holes. Would love to play this one again now that I better understand the course and where the OB's and mandos are. I think that would add another nice challenge that wasn't completely clearly the first time around.
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16 1
pokamitch
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 38.2 years 30 played 27 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Beautiful, Technical, Challenging 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 9, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Absolutely beautiful park!!! Very clean and well maintained. Each hole is a unique challenge with a variety of shots needed to navigate the holes.

Concrete tee pads, good signage, benches at many tees. Brand New Chainstars that are awesome. Good flow and easy to navigate with markers to direct you to the next tee. Restrooms available near the parking lot/ hole #4.

The "Elite" course of Pinellas County. A most play if you're in the area

Cons:

The teepads, although concrete, are just too short. If the course were a pitch and putt, they would be sufficient. But, a championship caliber course deserves teepads to accomidate the throws that are necessary to reach the holes. This was a very large con during my experience here. I just couldn't get my footwork right stepping up to short tees

Holes are well hidden which is fine, but the flora around holes tend to gobble up discs. You may find yourself scavenging for your disc longer than necessary, which is rather fustrating

Other Thoughts:

I thourouhly enjoyed this course!! It was diffiicult on several holes, which is a huge plus.

Most the people we encountered there were very cool, so I assume the local scene is positive. I went out on a Saturday and hung out with the club members recently. Just a great group of people. Had a blast!!!!

If the teepads were longer I would give this course a 4 easily.
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7 6
Dave242
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 29.9 years 394 played 276 reviews
3.50 star(s)

B+ = You Be Feelin' Positive After Playing This 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2004 Played the course:once

Pros:

What I personally like and how this course stacks up:
1) Holes with good risk/reward -- B
2) Holes that have rewarding birdie opportunities -- A
3) More wooded than open - lots of variety of shots required caused by hole shape and topography -- A-
4) Natural beauty (Appalachian beauty preferred) and seclusion -- A
5) Multi-shot holes with defined landing zones, good risk/reward and multiple options to play them -- NA

Other Thoughts:

I ranked this course subjectively based on my own personal enjoyment factor...more accurately my "personal addiction factor". Since I have played a decent number of courses (115 18-hole, 50 9-hole as of early 2009), my hope is that players/explorers who have similar tastes will find my ratings list helpful as they chose courses to play and explore.

Over time, I expect to fill some of my reviews in with more descriptive verbiage...if what I say adds anything to what has already been written. For now, my list is more important to me than the verbiage of my reviews.

I fully expect others with different tastes/philosophies to disagree with me. See my profile for my rating philosophy.
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24 1
jaymon1
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.9 years 86 played 85 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Beautiful and Distinctive St. Pete Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 2, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Surroundings, varied challenges, decent length, Florida landscape.

Cons:

Still easy to lose a disc or two here, reroutes make navigation tougher than it already was.

Other Thoughts:

Set on the far southern tip of Pinellas County, with water on basically three sides, Tocabaga benefits from a great natural setting like the other Tampa Bay courses. Players may also suffer from the natural setting, however; on several holes, the thick underbrush and palmetto can eat all but the most perfect shots. As a result, Tocobaga is a unique but unforgiving disc golf course.

The first seven holes have been carved out of classic Florida thicket - salt bush and thick, thick undergrowth. While that may work ok on northern courses, it presents a bit of an onerous challenge here. Miss your shot by just a little and you may have to spend quite awhile searching for your disc - the term "rough" has a much more significant meaning here than at most other courses. And these holes are not straightfoward - there are narrow alleys of trees, hard left and right drives, and one good touch hole.

By hole #8 the course moves into sandy, less overgrown areas and becomes a bit more open. From here the holes get longer, a little more open but not without multiple challenges, the water is more in view (though not in play), and in general finding the next hole is less difficult. Then for the last two holes it returns to original form; the 17th hole is thick with salt bush and palm trees, and then the 18th hole is straightforward but is set among the trees and features a dark muddy bit of water (in wet times, or just a big mud bog in drier times) that's either right behind the basket or right in front of the basket, depending on the basket placement that day. This finish is one of the more interesting holes on this distinctive course, but one where mistakes are punished even more harshly.

In some ways this course has improved greatly since the first time I played it in 2002. Now that the course is well broken in, it's just as challenging as it ever was but it's harder to lose a disc. The course now has concrete tee pads for both pro and am, and has benches, trash cans, and poles to hang your bag on at many holes. These amenities are great. On the downside, some reworking of the layout due to archeological concerns has negatively affected the flow, and removed the signature hole. Finally, course reroutes and hole renumbering due to the aforementioned archeological issue have made wayfinding a challenge in a couple areas; this course was already a little tough for first timers to navigate. Top-notch signage and a few strategically placed directional arrows do help here, however.

Overall, some courses in the Sunshine State may be more highly rated, but I defy you to find one that is more definitively Florida, with its thick underbrush, myriad of palm trees, lush but unforgiving landscape, and waterfront setting. In my view, Tocobaga is a great disc golf experience; the setting is unparalleled and it's the kind of course that can really grow on you.

Favorite Hole - #18 (RIP) - It was a long shot out of trees to basket set just off a small beach at the tip of the pennisula. Water and islands all around.
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