Great course. #2 is an excellent hole. You throw from a cliff to a hard left. Has a good variety of long open drives and technical wooded shots. Can be a challenging park for beginners. But overall a very fun course to throw.

Its hard to navigate holes a little bit these days. Some of the signs are hard to see or read. Some of the tee offs could really use some tlc..

Love the drop off of Hole 2. Good variety, the front 12 are mostly wooded and the back 12 are mostly open shots. Signs are all in ok condition considering how old this course is.

Not a fan of hole 3 with the deep disc-eating dirty creek right behind the basket. Only complaint though.

-Oldest course in IL!
-Tons of different shots here
-Excellent use of elevation
-Good mix of distance
-Lots of reward for well thrown shots, consequently errant shots are punished and can cost you multiple throws to get yourself out of trouble.
-Pretty good flow from hole to hole
-A couple of real tight, challenging fairways which I really like.
-Very quiet minus the noise generated by the nearby highway
-24 holes, I wish more courses were this long. I like to play until I'm tired and this course is perfect for starting or ending a day of disc'n when you play another one of the nearby courses or play around this one twice
-This is one of those "must play" courses in the chicagoland area, That in itself says something about the course.
-Lots of "fun factor" here, This is a fun course, No doubt about that.

-Navigation, the baskets are not taped to direct you to the next hole and although most of the time it is relatively straightforward there are a couple or confusing spots, Luckily locals pointed us in the right direction.
-Natural tees, I know this is being a bit picky but there are a couple of real sketchy tees. The natural tees are true to this course's old school roots but concrete would be a nice addition to an already great course.
-This course is a MESS after it rains. If there has been recent rains, skip it. It does dry out quick though.

This is one of the first courses I day-tripped to play when I was still wet behind the ears in the disc golf world and it had been a while since I had been back and after playing it again today I realized how much I really liked it.

You have to remind yourself when you play this course that it is the FIRST disc golf course in Illinois, Thats super cool to me. Think of all the aces and good times that have been had here over the years.

This may not be the most beginner friendly course out there but we took a rookie out today and he had a rough time on some of the holes but he said he really enjoyed it.

Also, aces and chains disc golf store (www.acesandchains.com ) is right around the corner (Intersection of jefferson and larkin, behind the subway) if you need anything disc golf related, stop by. Skip the big stores, Support locals and shop locally.

Love the elevations of the course. Excellent fairways to execute. Good shots out of tree line, especially the one on top of the hill pretty much thrown over the forest.

The area turned, making it a better course to play afternoon well before day break.

Probably the most elevated course I've played on in the south burbs. Always a challenge. Great use of space and always maintained.

-24 Hole course
-Technical course
-Variety of holes

-Swampy when rainy
-Can lose discs easily

West park, or the wild west, because you dont know whats in store. very nice course to become a well rounded player. Many technical holes from start to finish.

-Oldest course in Illinois
- Lots of elevation change thoughout the course
- Water comes into play on a few holes
-Never gets boring
-Combo of open field and wooded holes
- Long open field shots so yo can really open up
-Very friendly people
-Combo of hyzer and anti-hyzer shots

-Hard to navaigate without previous knowledge
-Rain will ruin some holes
- Not very well kept
-Some holes have water as a factor
- Some holes are next to a residential street
- Thick woods on blind shots can lead to lost discs

Great course for the more expierienced. Be careful or you will throw your disc into the water.

West Park is a classic, unique course that's very easy to love. The shot selection here is excellent -- even with 24 holes.

The course starts out in a tree filled area with a 300ft R to L dogleg with a big elevation drop to the left of the pin. #2, which many consider to be the signature hole is a shorter R to L shot down a big elevation drop into a more open area of the park.

The next section throws back and forth through a more open area where a few mature trees serve as obstacles, with some minor elevation change (with the exception of #5 a fun shot uphill, across the stream into a heavily forested area).

#10 is kind of a weird shot from the red tee (at around 200ft RHBH players have to throw a big hyzer that almost has to fade back towards you). The white tee adds some distance and makes it a little more of a "normal" dogleg shot.

#11 is a bomb over an open, but narrowing fairway, with the stream to the left creating a water hazard. At this point in the course it feels good to air one out after a series of short to medium length holes.

#12 is a great hole with a sharp L to R dogleg that also goes up a hill and at 330ft from the white tee, it is a pretty tough shot for most players.

13, 14, and 15 are shorter, technical holes through tight, tree filled fairways, with 15 being the longest at 312ft from the whites.

#16 is like a more difficult version of #2, shooting R to L down a big hill, this time with a lot more trees, and the street right behind the pin.

#17 is the worst hole of the course, a little 200ft L to R dog leg right along the road.

More on #18 through #22 in a minute. #23 is a very cool shot through a narrow wooded fairway, to the basket which sits atop a big hill. #24 plays similar to #1 in the same section of the course with a steep drop off just left of the pin as punishment for a bad shot.

West Park is a great course that will challenge a lot players players, and will be fun for pretty much all players, but it lacks the challenge of an elite course. Basically, when I'm looking for a relaxing and enjoyable round of DG in Joliet I play West Park, but when I want to challenge myself I play Highland Park.

There are two areas of the course where shots begin to feel repetitive. From holes 3-9 (excluding #5) all shots are 250-300ft shots that require minimal thought. Then towards the end of the course holes 18-22 play through an area of the course filled with large mature trees, and while these shots aren't bad, they begin to drag on, especially since these holes follow some of the best holes of the course.

Due to its reputation and the accessibility for new players, this course is usually pretty crowded. Most people I've seen here are pretty respectful though, and I've never seen any issues with course etiquette.

The lack of concrete tee pads isn't a huge issue for me except the two or three that are somewhat rutty. In a way the dirt tee pads (and the few pavement tees) add to the charm of the course and remind you that you are playing the oldest course in the state.

West Park just has a cool, old school feel that makes it easy to come back to. Those who play here for the first time will definitely enjoy the variety and uniqueness of many of the shots. This is a legitimate 4 star course that definitely ranks among the best in Illinois

This course offers a very wide range of holes and challenges for players. There are a number of signature holes, such as hole 11 (The green mile), hole 16, and hole 2, which is one of my favorite holes out of the 20+ courses I have played. There are no missing pins or signs, and each sign is accurate and helpful. I had to use every disc in my bag for this course, with long drives, anhyzyers, hyzers, and unique approaches. Many of these holes really test your ability to accurately place drives. Regular par is forgiving, while pro par is a challenge for anyone. The course uses a great blend of open and wooded holes, using the terrain in the park to provide a great experience.

The course is 24 holes, which can feel pretty long after a while. This can easily be a pro too depending on your preference. Some of the navigation and terrain can be a challenge as well. Hole 2 for example does not provide an easy way over the creek you throw across. More athletic individuals will not find this to be a problem. Hole 9 can be hard to find, but just backtrack hole 8 and keep going and you'll find it easily. Unless you can drive straight for 226 feet be prepared to look for your disc on hole 16. Mud is my only personal issue. This course can stay muddy after rain and such for over a week, so bring a towel for your discs. Natural tees are always a slight downer compared to concrete.

Overall is a very fun course to play that will test your ability to throw many different types of shots. This course is a great example of how to take full advantage of the space provided. It's the oldest course in Illinois in case you have not heard, so there is some history with this course as well. Despite it's age, this course is among the best in the Chicago area, even Illinois. If you live in the area, this is one course you play, even if you live an hour away. This course along with Highland make Joliet one of the best disc golf towns in the area as well. Play West Park and you will not be disappointed.

I can't imagine this land being used for anything but disc golf.
About 1/3-1/2 the holes have back tees that add a MUCH different experience to the course...
#2 is the original thriller shot in IL... off the top of a ravine, across a creek, TO THE LEFT NOW (see cons)
Lots of elevation change
A variety of shots are required, despite the short length of holes...

For the first course in Illinois, it is showing its age (erosion).... the natural tees are at best, not a safety hazard... The lack of distance on most holes will be a turn off to pros.

For myself, personally, the 2007? redesign DESTROYED this course that Steady Ed himself created, particularly holes 2, 20, and 23...
Once again (I love Joliet's enthusiasm) the course tends to be crowded, if you don't tee off before 10am on weekends, forget it...
The course is terrible after any significant rain.... holes 2-9 play in the bottom of a ravine., be prepared to tee off with a few pounds of mud on each foot...

I've been putting this review off for a while, because I really wanted to try and get it right, despite all of my cons, this course is a MUST PLAY if you're in the area.

Having said that, to be honest, the first time I played here, I was like "really, this is the course you all talk about" (1st ever wooded course) it took another round or 2 to realize how great it really is/was (damn redesign)...

Highlights...
#2 is an amazing shot, I could throw rocs all day!
#5 a mid seemingly into the middle of a tree, the basket is actually elevated, and fairly protected by branches...
#10. A very fun/tough L>R hole over a road, which is LOWER than the ground (ie it ALMOST caught green, so you just get the stroke)
#12 L>R shot through a gully, uphill to the basket.... love it...
#16 as much as I don't like the design, it's a fun hole, down a hill, schule/trees the entire time... close your eyes and throw it...
17-22 are actually the bland part of the course, parkland, little elevation change...
23 is a tight shot though the woods/ravine, it used to be over the ravine, but I digress...

EROSION WARNING!!!! Even when dry, watch your footing! There are many untamed slopes and creeks on the course (part of the charm til you fall in!)

I'm giving this a 4.0 because it's a must play.... THIS MAY CHANGE!!!

This course has a great design, it makes you feel as if you're playing an epic adventure! Plenty of variation, it's a beautiful park.

Some litter here and there, but you can't police the world at all times I guess. Sometimes the tee for the next hole is a little hard to locate. If you follow the map for hole 8, you won't find hole 9.

If they were to update the park just a little, make it a little more clear as to where you need to go for the next tee, this park would have been a 4.5 for me. If you haven't played this course before make sure your first time is with someone who has. Or, be ready to ask the people playing behind you where the next hole is.

What I personally like and how this course stacks up in my list of 18 (and more) hole courses:

1) Holes with good risk/reward. Fair, but harsh punishment for bad decisions or execution. == B
(About 1/4 of the holes have a decent amount of trouble that might get you a bogey with a poor drive. Other than that, it is a relatively tame course in the punishment department.)

2) Holes that have rewarding birdie opportunities for me. I throw 300' accurately, 360' max. == B+
(About half the holes fit the bill. The others are still fun. It helps that there are 24 holes since that yields 12 good holes that float my boat is a great way.)

3) More wooded than open - lots of variety of shots required caused by hole shape and topography == A
(Lots of shots required to score well here. Great variety of open/tight, right/left, up/down/flat and long/short. This is the biggest strength of this course IMO.)

4) Natural beauty (Appalachian beauty preferred) and seclusion. == B (Pretty park with overall decent seclusion from society in many parts of the park. Being right next to an interstate is a downer in that there is no peace and quite.)

5) Bonus points for multi-throw holes with defined landing zones, good risk/reward and multiple options to play them. == N/A

It's all about feeding the addiction, so I ranked this course subjectively based on my own "personal addiction factor". The grades above tell how well the course will draw me back to itself again and again and again. Since I have played a decent number of courses (149 18-hole, 91 9-hole as of late 2009), my hope is that players/explorers who have similar addiction tastes will find my ratings list helpful as they choose courses to play and explore.

I fully expect others with different tastes/philosophies to disagree with me....that's the fun of things here. See my profile for my rating philosophy.

Oldest course in Illinois with an awesome course design. Great use of elevation throwing up and down. Challenging course with a good mixture of long and short holes. Hole 2 is one of my favorite holes i've ever played. You throw off a hill 40 ft down over a creek. The Green Mile, hole 11, 454 ft of awesomeness.

Signs can be confusing. I got lost in the middle of my round, and I almost lost a disc or two. Lots of vegetation. I'm not a big fan of dirt tees, but what else should you expect from the oldest course. Can be busy

This is in my top ten list of courses I'VE played. This course has something to offer for everyone. If you are in the Chicagoland area go out of your way, you won't be disappointed. I missed an ace by an inch which really helped make the experience even more enjoyable.

-Best course design I've ever seen, with great variety, no filler holes, and every hole is fun and challenging
-Oldest course in Illinois
-Hole #2 is without a doubt the signature hole
-lots of elevation which will have you throwing down cliffs
-Friendly locals who helped me find a few holes
-Little creek that winds through a number of holes and adds challenge
-Tournaments held here all the time prove this course is a quality one
-24 hole layout which is nice considering all the 9 holers I usually play
-Uphill shots
-Downhill shots
-Challenging but not unfair holes
-No distractions with Football/Baseball fields and Parks which are usually at other courses
-Nice dogleg shots
-Beautiful Par 5 hole that has the creek on the left and requires a monster drive
-Fun hyzer shots
-Couple blind shots but not too many
-Signs show where next tee pad is

-Dirt tee pads
-Signs are weird and somewhat hard to read and take getting used too
-Easy to lose a Disc if you're take too many risks or are new to the sport
-Pretty hard to get through the first time and would most likely take a few times to get used to the layout
-Sometimes I thought I might have been going towards the wrong basket, numbers on them would have been a nice addition.
-Parking lot was very crowded offering just a handful of empty spots when I arrived

I haven't played that many courses but this is my favorite Disc Golf course for sure. The design is top notch and nothing in the Chicago area can compare to it. Joliet offers a handful of nice courses too so check the others out.

Outstanding course design and layout (with one glaring exception; see below).
-Lots of elevation here, and utilized very well.
-Plenty of variety; up and down to different degrees, multiple degrees of woodedness, varying degrees of technicality, left and right holes, etc. Lots of fun.
-Plenty of challenge.
-Two tees for most holes.
-Crowded, but with friendly people. Yes, I'm putting crowded as a pro; if it hadn't been for all the other players there I'd have been lost looking for the next tee several times, and I'd never have gotten back my driver from hole 16.

Dirt tees.
-Very hard to navigate; I had to ask locals where the next tee was at least 4 times, and there were a couple of other holes I found unaided just by blind luck.
-Hole 16 is a serious disc-eater. I spent almost 30 minutes looking for my drive, during which time 4 other players coming through each spent about 5 minutes beating the bushes with me looking for their disc. One mentioned he's lost two discs on that hole before. Send a member of your group down the hill to play spotter. Heck, consider sending everyone who's not the player currently throwing.
-Very busy on my one visit
-Not enough parking around 1st tee; I was lucky to snag the very last space- saw somebody else pull up and then drive off to find somewhere else to park.
-To get to the tee for 9 you walk back along 8's fairway. So if there's a group behind you not only do they have to wait for you to play the hole, then they have to wait for you to come back before you're out of the way; very dumb layout.
-Noisy highway near first third of course detracts from atmosphere a bit.
-A bit of poison ivy here and there. I saw it all along the treeline on 10, and down in the gulley on 23 if you end up in the underbrush.

Okay, I've got a fairly lengthy list of Cons there, huh? And yet I'm still rating this course a 4 and telling you not to miss it if you're in the area. That should tell you how much fun you can have here. I drove an hour to get there and will unquestionably do so again.

If they'd put in concrete tees, add some kind of navigation aid, and fix the transition from 8 to 9, this would easily be a 4.5 and maybe even a 5.

2 is an unbelievable You throw from the top of a hill. long holes short holes nice old trees to block your way tons of locals come and play. water on some holes but not deep. all baskets are back!

some holes u have to walk back threw the fairway to get to the next hole sucks if you got any one beyond you. some new players get lost sometimes going 5 to 6 they dont know you have to back track. tee pads are geting old roots are in 2 or 3 of them

great course must play. play grounds on the side of some holes nice place to take the kids if you have some