Alpharetta, GA

Wills Park - Old Layout

2.135(based on 31 reviews)
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Wills Park - Old Layout reviews

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2 0
slengel82
Experience: 21.5 years 10 played 7 reviews
2.50 star(s)

I Wills goes here again 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

A variety of holes with good transitions from slightly open to tight and narrow. Well manicured and quality baskets. Some nice sights and flows smoothly through the park. (One long walk which can make it confusing if you haven't been there or if your not playing with someone that is familiar with the course)

Cons:

Tee boxes left a little to be desired, actually they were pretty bad. Seems like someone had recently dug up all or most of the tee pads so they were soft and somewhere between dirt and mud.

There were some people walking about which made it difficult to just grip and rip. Almost stepped in the same pile of dog shit three times but that is kind of my own fault. Speaking of excrement, be prepared for smells of equine waste. Turns out this is also a horse park.

Other Thoughts:

Would like to see a practice basket off to the side. Seems like there is plenty of room and I am not too keen on practicing on an actual hole.
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14 1
craigd
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.7 years 180 played 120 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Give it a shot 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 27, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Well this is an unusual park to be sure. Unlike some of the reviews that precede mine, I happened to find a glimmer of light in this course. I can only describe it as an old friend. No matter what experiences disc golf has thrown your way in the past this course could always be there as an "old standby" if you live close. This was genuinely a fun little course.

I was really surprised by the fact that some of the holes were really technical. Eleven of the eighteen run right beside a small creek (5-9 and 12-15 and 17-18 all have water). The creek does have a few steep banks but for the most part they are manageable so there is no chance of losing your disc in deep water or wide areas. You might have a couple difficult retrieves but don't worry, just let em fly. I didn't see any areas that would make it impossible to get your disc back. You might have to work a little and bring some dry socks for the ride home.

You can leave the big arm at home. I can't throw very far and had a great time. Some of the folks that can really get some distance may get a little bored with out the long holes you can find on some other courses. You do have some risks to work out though. I found myself contemplating two paths to the basket on some holes. One would be to avoid trees and one to avoid water. If not trees and water look out for roads, kids, dogs, picnic tables, campers, grills and even tennis courts (these are also cons...see below). It was a challenge but it was still fun.

I know I run the risk of sounding cliche but I can't think of a way to describe this course other than to say what it has to offer, "It has a good mix". Most of the short holes are situated in such a way as to make you work in order to reach them. Aces are possible but are not granted. The longer holes are accentuated by slight doglegs or natural obstacles to keep it interesting. It has everything but super long holes. A couple were just over 300' and some were under 200'.

The signs got me around pretty well even without a map. With help from some friendly locals we found our way around with little effort (except # 12 across the parking lot). We looked around and found 12 without too much trouble. I remembered seeing a basket near the intersection of Wills Road and Old Milton so I headed that way. Sure enough, that's twelve. I am sure you will run into some friendly locals to help you around too. If you would rather keep to yourself then I would defiantly print out a map.

There is a nice big field to the left of hole number one. It is perfect for a quick warm up.

Overall this is a decent course and well worth a play. If not for the following cons this would be one of my local favorites.

Cons:

Well this course is dangerous in my mind. I assume that no one has been hurt badly or else the soccer moms would have this course shut down in about two seconds. The problem is that there seems to be some confusion between fairways and walkways. I can see how one or two fairways might mingle on a tight piece of property but this is crazy.

It all started by the parking lot at number one, close to the equestrian park/ RV area. Someone had their screen tent set up just to the right of the fairway. Beyond that it was frequent interaction with dog walkers and strollers. There are some holes (1 and 12 come to mind) where picnic tables literally come into play. One or two of the walking paths follow the fairway exactly so when someone comes around the bend you have to wait for them to walk the full 200-300 feet or so only to see someone else coming around the bend from the other side. Bring you patience with you for sure. You can also scrape up some plastic on the sidewalks too.The tennis court hole can be made better by just using the sidewalk to the left of the courts as the tee pad. It shortens the hole but hey, at least you have a concrete tee pad.

The tee pads are dirt/grass/mud/roots/gravel. Some are better than others but don't expect any consistency. They were all pretty soggy. I played after lots of rain so keep that in mind.

There is a long walk between eleven and twelve. We had to look around and try to figure out where twelve is located. Once you figure out where it's located it's no big deal. The next time you play you will not sweat it at all. The sign says 400 yards (across the parking lot) between the two. It felt like more but whatever. There are restrooms with water fountains on the journey so what the heck, just take a break.

I thought the baskets were in pretty bad shape relatively speaking. Some of them had a noticeable lean. Additionally they had some questionable (albeit creative) repairs. Pipe clamps and rope connected some of the inner chains on a few. I guess if it works don't knock it! They still work.

Other Thoughts:

If you live in the area there is no reason not to play this course. I would give it a 3.5 or maybe a 4 but the foot traffic on the course really takes a toll. It really is a shame.

Turn down Wills Road, park in the small lot just before the big horse barn close to the basketball courts. I did not pay attention but I think it is the first lot on the left. Look for the basket at the far end of the small lot. That is hole number one and the tee pad is at the top of the hill to the left near the horse barn area.

If you are looking to make a day of it try this plan. East Roswell Park, Wills Park, then Sequoyah Park. You cold easily fit these into a long day of disc golf. Start with either East Roswell Park or Sequoyah Park and work your way across.

One caution is to avoid Wills on the weekend.

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