Hamilton, IL

Wildcat Springs

Permanent course
45(based on 18 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Wildcat Springs reviews

Filter
2 0
McCready
Experience: 9 years 120 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Forgotten once-good course? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 17, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Concrete tee pads
Baskets are intact
Beautiful setting -- huge very old trees and a crystal clear creek teeming with fish, snakes & frogs
Some holes feature elevation changes, others play across deep ravines that require accuracy to cross safely

Cons:

On hole 1 I was presented with a wall of trees 125' down a hill with no basket in sight. A closer look reveals a creek in those woods, and once you cross, you see the basket up the hill on the other side. Was there once an alley through those trees? You know, like a FAIRWAY? Or are you just supposed to chuck it over the trees and pray? I threw a putter to the tree line, and when I saw no basket and no obvious route over the water, I had no choice but to pick up my disc and go look for the second tee.
Starting on hole 4, several signs are incorrect and one is missing. Several times I was wild guessing where to throw, and several times I was aiming at the wrong basket.
Hole 12 might have been 630' once, but now it's at least 800'. Update the sign.

Other Thoughts:

I was immediately attacked by more gnats than I've ever seen, and no amount of bug spray would keep them away. Bring the strongest stuff you've got, apparently Off doesn't work here. This isn't a criticism of the course itself, just a word to the wise. These gnats are aggressive and won't leave you alone.
I'm visiting the area and was looking forward to my round on this beautiful course, but the poor routing, lapsed course maintenance and wrong/missing signs ruined the experience. I can't remember ending a round early because of such issues before, but it was such a frustrating experience that I called it quits after 13. The remaining holes appeared to be wide open across a huge field, so I don't think I missed much.
There are better courses within a 20-60 minute drive and I can't recommend this one in its current state. I hope they address the issues because it's a great piece of property and some relatively minor tweaks would make a big difference.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top