UIS DGC reviews
8
2
Decent campus course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Feb 26, 2011
Played the course:once
Pros:
The course plays through a grassy area of the campus with no real interference from other uses. Many holes bring mature trees into play, including some nice large evergreens that make for great obstacles that really punish an errant shot. One hole plays down a long corridor of pines, great hole that catches any shot that leaves the fairway even a little.
There is surprising variety for how open the course is, with a couple easy ace runs, some holes with moderate distance, and a couple that let you open up a little (including an 800'+ hole with a fun elevated tee). There are some different lines to hit here, which is nice to see on a course that is intended to introduce new players to the sport. There are good concrete tees with basic signs bolted down on the concrete. The baskets are in nice shape and catch well.
There is surprising variety for how open the course is, with a couple easy ace runs, some holes with moderate distance, and a couple that let you open up a little (including an 800'+ hole with a fun elevated tee). There are some different lines to hit here, which is nice to see on a course that is intended to introduce new players to the sport. There are good concrete tees with basic signs bolted down on the concrete. The baskets are in nice shape and catch well.
Cons:
Several of the holes are appropriate for newer players, but hole 8 really doesn't fit with the character of the course. It's way too much length for beginners, and it has no obstacles so it's not that interesting even for more experienced players. A few other shots are wide open and could have been a little more creative with tee and pin placement to keep it a little more interesting.
8 out of 9 holes have easy straight or hyzer lines for a right handed player, so it doesn't encourage players to try different shots. The tees are a little short, especially on the longer holes where most players would want to run up. The signs are a nice idea, and seemed accurate, but when they're flush with the tee it can be difficult to find the tees under snow and ice. There are some tricky spots for navigation, and some long unmarked walks. Some next tee markers or a course map would make a big difference.
8 out of 9 holes have easy straight or hyzer lines for a right handed player, so it doesn't encourage players to try different shots. The tees are a little short, especially on the longer holes where most players would want to run up. The signs are a nice idea, and seemed accurate, but when they're flush with the tee it can be difficult to find the tees under snow and ice. There are some tricky spots for navigation, and some long unmarked walks. Some next tee markers or a course map would make a big difference.
Other Thoughts:
I love seeing campus courses that can expose new players to the sport. This one is a little tough for a lot of brand new players, but isn't so punitive that it would be too frustrating. Hole 8 should definitely have a short tee or be broken up into a couple holes to fit in better with the rest of the course. More experienced players will find a few fun holes, but not enough challenge or variety to make it worth many return trips.
