Favorite Opening and Closing Holes

[DavidSauls]

This is a nice thread, and interesting to think of what makes good starting and finishing holes, and what makes them different.

This was a big issue for us in building a course, and we've done some routing gymnastics to maintain it, with 2 overlapping layouts. Chris and I started playing disc golf at Earlewood, which has a fine finishing hole as well (I've blown a 3-stroke lead there, myself), and had a decent starting hole---at least worthy of throwing multiple warm-up drives.

 

[sprintermatt]

Among my favorites where they are on the same course...

Maple Hill
Cross Canyon
Toboggan


I like EPIC.

 

[The Last DJ]

For an opener, I like the idea of teeing off at Idlewild because it means I get to play another 17 holes at my favorite course! As for a closer, the first idea that came to my head was that of the OP: #18 at the Black Course in Moundsville. It's a great way to finish a round...

 

[BogeyNoMore]

When I read the title, I thought it was the course with my favorite Opening and closing holes. I came up with Lincoln Ridge/Banklink.
#1 - 400' down a steep hill with a steep slope still behind the basket....and woods
#24 - 519' down moderate/steep slope. Wide open bomb. Basket guarded and water in play for very errant throws.

A ton of fun both to open and close.....with plenty of woods,terrain and beauty in between.

If you're looking for best open/close on a single course, Lincoln Ridge would be a solid nominee. I can't imagine anyone not liking that course.

Among my favorites where they are on the same course...

Maple Hill
Cross Canyon
Toboggan


I like EPIC.

I almost listed Tobboggan for it's 1st hole, but I don't quite think Toboggan 18 lives up to what we're looking for... but the course is epic. Honorable mention to Idlewild 1 as well. I remember liking that hole - eager to play there again.

 

[sprintermatt]

Toboggan 1+2 and 17+18 is a great start/finish. Especially after THAT round, if you can get the energy to drive 18, you DESERVE to birdie it. Rarely have I seen many people who can even reach that one. But I bet they'd have a better chance at birdieing it if it were the second hole... That's why it is a good hole. It requires MORE than most people have left in the gas tank at the end of that epic round.

 

[sidewinder22]

Hole 1 @ Quakers Challenge is one of my favorite opening holes. This monster uphill drive welcomes you to the beat down you are about to experience.

Hole 18 @ IUP is one of my favorite closing holes. Monster ski type downhill some 800'.

I also like hole 1 and 19 @ Creeping Creek in the winter layout for starting and closing. Hole 1 is downhill about 500' OB left and doubles as a great driving range/warm up hole. Hole 19 is a top of the world downhill bomber around 600' with around 60' elevation drop. I also like to play tee 19 top of the world to basket 1 which plays almost 1200' with 100'+ elevation drop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDSbP_yLtsw#t=10m0s

 

[BogeyNoMore]

Toboggan 1+2 and 17+18 is a great start/finish. Especially after THAT round, if you can get the energy to drive 18, you DESERVE to birdie it. Rarely have I seen many people who can even reach that one. But I bet they'd have a better chance at birdieing it if it were the second hole... That's why it is a good hole. It requires MORE than most people have left in the gas tank at the end of that epic round.

With so many memorable holes, I guess 18 just doesn't seem all that special, but I see your point. That course takes a lot out of you, and having to throw about 300' up a steep hill (your literally throwing up a toboggan run) to bring it home is kinda like the final punch in the mouth, and at that point, you're feeling every bit of that elevation.

 

[topdog]

Opening Pinto Lake #1

Closing Dela (top of the world) #27

 

[Stardoggy]

I dig hole 1 at Brown Deer in the longs. 429' (if memory serves) tunnel through the woods when the pin is in the long position.

Hole 18 at Zobel is 620' down a big ol' sledding hill. Classic top o' the world shot.

 

[iacas]

I haven't played too many courses (20?), but I think that the best opening and closing holes on the same course might be Deer Lakes.

I ran through as many courses as I could in my mind, anyway, and that's what I came up with.

1 is a fairly wooded 375-foot par four (white tees, 423 from blue). 18 is 528 feet (603 from blue) across a field with woods impeding your upshot and an OB road to the left. Both are very solid par fours in a sport that's lacking in good par 4s and 5s (though that's changing).

 

[biscoe]

Toboggan 1+2 and 17+18 is a great start/finish. Especially after THAT round, if you can get the energy to drive 18, you DESERVE to birdie it. Rarely have I seen many people who can even reach that one. But I bet they'd have a better chance at birdieing it if it were the second hole... That's why it is a good hole. It requires MORE than most people have left in the gas tank at the end of that epic round.

Am I correct in thinking it used to be the second hole? If so- meh. Not surprising a lefty who throws 500 feet likes it.

 

[damtroll]

My favorite opening hole is #1 at Indian Creek, in Rutledge GA. Nothing quite like starting the round out with a downhill ace run. I am also a fan of #1 at Steady Ed at the IDGC. One of the wildest #1 holes I have played is #1 at Highland Hills In North Wilkesboro, NC. It's a crazy downhill hyzer shot. There probably is a line, but playing blind by myself, I had no idea what I was getting into.

For closing holes, I don't think it gets much better than 18 at Ashe County, NC. Throwing through the woods down the mountain to an open field just sets you up for the second (or third) shot to the basket.

 

[DavidSauls]

For closing holes, I don't think it gets much better than 18 at Ashe County, NC. Throwing through the woods down the mountain to an open field just sets you up for the second (or third) shot to the basket.

That one's high on my list, as well. If your drive doesn't get off the mountain, and your opponent's drive is out in the open, you're in trouble.

 

[bikinjack]

I'll second or third or whatever hole 1 at Stoney Hill. It's a fun one to start on. I'll throw out what was once hole #1 at Sugaree. A big throw over a Christmas tree patch to get started.

I've got a new favorite finishing hole. Hole 18 at Goat Island. 250 ish feet to clear the water to the other side or lay up 125 ish feet off the tee and play for a 3.

 

[Dan Ensor]

Closing: #18 at Sioux Passage (long placement)
You can run at the deuce. You might take a 7 trying though.

Opening: #1 Wyandotte County Park
Just a beautiful anhyzer. I couldn't think of a truly epic opening hole. It's better than Waterworks, though.

 

[#19325]

Hole #1 at Hamilton, IL is pretty awesome.

Hole #18 at Morton, IL is a great closer.

 

[Disc Fiend]

I really like hole #1 at Maple Hill:

 

[BigAl724]

When I read the title, I thought it was the course with my favorite Opening and closing holes. I came up with Lincoln Ridge/Banklink.
#1 - 400' down a steep hill with a steep slope still behind the basket....and woods
#24 - 519' down moderate/steep slope. Wide open bomb. Basket guarded and water in play for very errant throws.

A ton of fun both to open and close.....with plenty of woods,terrain and beauty in between.

If I had to pick a single course with the best opening and closing holes, I'd probably go with L.R. as well. Nothing too technical, but beautiful downhill shots with somewhat risky pin positions. I love how the last hole finishes near the lake. I agree, great bookends to the course!

Idlewild's first and last holes rank up there as well. The first hole is a great chance to warm up your arm and it isn't too punishing. And the last hole is a beautiful tunnel shot that isn't insanely tight but still is technical and fun.

 

[kevdiv48]

Hole #1 at Hamilton, IL is pretty awesome.

Hole #18 at Morton, IL is a great closer.

This one comes to mind for a great closer.

#18 at Elver in Madison, WI is an awesome top of the world finishing hole.

#1 at Carroll Marty in Ames, IA is one of the more fun openers, though not that challenging.

 

[Ben Wilson]

I'll join in the chorus praising #1 and #24 at Lincoln Ridge.

A couple other good starters/finishers:

#1 at Gordon Holton in Delaware, OH - A very tough pin location guarded by a dense wall of small trees on the approach side and the lake (reservoir) on the far side. The view over the water from the putting area is one of the best around.

#18 at Lincoln Park / Oak Ledges in Massillon, OH - A great finish to a great course. A fun downhill drive that must navigate through a path of beautiful mature trees. If you manage to miss the trees you'll have a good chance for birdie (as long as you didn't skip past the basket and go over the road for OB!).