Whitmarsh Park DGC in Burlington is just about a half mile off of I-5. The park is large and sprawling but the disc golf course is contained in a mostly wooded strip of land lying between the Skagit River and the soccer fields. The designers have created an enjoyable little rec course here considering they were limited in both space and terrain. With only four holes over 300 feet, Whitmarsh definitely plays as a recreational level course but I believe enjoyment factor can be found here due to the excellent basket placements which leave with you with some challenge on each hole. Almost every basket is slightly hidden or somewhat blocked by the trees.

The course starts at the parking lot which sits by the bend in the river. There is a porty potty here. The baskets are Latitude 64 models with the yellow rim. They have a somewhat narrower band than the Discatchers and just feel a little cheaper to me. I hope they hold up to the abuse that might be heaped on them by the marauding bands of hoodlums looking to trash things. There is currently no course sign, no signs and natural tee pads which are marked by a patio block with the hole number and a small pink flag. I have to believe that pads and signage are forthcoming.

Holes 7, 8, 10 and 11 all have the tee pad bordering the river. Lefties and RHFH players without the proper control WILL probably launch a few discs into the Skagit River. # 15 tee pad coming back has the river on the left so RHBH throwers might find water here. There are a few ACE possibilities here and a nice combination of hyser, straight and annie tee offs needed. The on-line map is excellent and the course loops back to the start.

Course is unfinished, I hope. Natural pads and no signage.

Dog walkers. There were a number of folks here with their dogs. A friendly lab picked up my son-in-laws putter and happily carried if off. When my son-in-law finally retrieved it, it was covered with slime and dog slobber just like Beethoven or Hooch or the Beast from Sandlot. The owner had no intention of putting her dog on a leash.

Recreational level. Better players won't be challenged.

# 8 (I think?) tee pad by the river is really rough.

Chance of losing a disc in the river.

We played the morning after Christmas in freezing temperatures and there were still 4-5 groups out. I love it! We're trying to dismiss the rumor that us Washington golfers are such wimps.

I see this as a 2.5 average rec course. But to get my score up to that level, they'll need better pads and signage. I'll be glad to increase my rating to 2.5 when those improvements are implemented.