Duncan, OK

Duncan Lake - West

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3.135(based on 12 reviews)
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Duncan Lake - West reviews

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6 1
ivanhenson
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 12.8 years 664 played 218 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Over Grown completely 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 7, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

None that I can see. Until hole 16 and 17

Cons:

So over grown that there is no fairway. The weed are about 5 feet in the rough and 3 feet in the "fairway" some of the baskets and signs are overgrown with weeds up to the top. Missing some sign. Not that the signs help most are just a number on a pole. Since every shot is blind and overgrown it makes most hole unplayable and can not even find some signs and baskets. The shots are suppose to be tight but when you are walking through weeds past your waist there is no real fun to be had.

Other Thoughts:

Just play east course it is mowed.
If you have to try this one go all the way to water you will see basket on the hill walk from that basket west 50 yards and you will see a rock hill walk up rock hill for 1.
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7 0
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 382 played 306 reviews
3.50 star(s)

a tough test 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 24, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

-makes great use of excellent land: lots of elevation, rock outcroppings, woods, and a great view of the lake
-more open than the East course but still require shaping lines on bigger drives and also has some tighter holes
-lots of tough greens
-a great test of most skills: distance, accuracy, and all kinds of lines
-long and short tees; the shorts are a good challenge for most, the longs are definitely blue level
-the annual DLHO is a great tournament and the best way to play the course
-another great course onsite
-camping, etc right there at the lake

Cons:

-the biggest con is that this is practically a seasonal course. it's only really taken care of in the spring just before the annual DLHO. i had stopped by here before to check it out around the end of summer and it was really tough to navigate. i decided to just leave and come back another time for the tournament.
-the signs are lacking for a first timer trying to navigate, the shorts are very poorly marked
-the natural tees are mostly sufficient but a few are not so good
-not a cart-friendly course and definitely a work-out

Other Thoughts:

The Lake course at Duncan Lake is a brutal test. There is big distance that requires accuracy as well as shorter, tighter shots. There are a few holes next to the water so you don't want to overthrow in those drives. There are a couple holes with some significant elevation changes. Many of the holes on the course have pretty difficult greens.

Between this excellent course and the great East course right next to it, Duncan Lake should be the premier DG location in the southern half of the state. Unfortunately, it is usually in sub-par condition the better part of the year. The course gets mowed and trimmed for the annual Duncan Lake Hillclimber Open and proper baskets are put in for the event. In this condition the course plays like 4.0 or better but other parts of the year could leave the course in possibly unplayable condition.

If you can you should play the DLHO, otherwise try to play sometime soon after that. Later in the year, play at your own risk. In good condition, I highly recommend Duncan Lake as the best by far in the area.


**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
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6 0
rhutch
Experience: 10 years 33 played 7 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Duncan Lake - West 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 18, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Amazing, challenging course layout...I threw every shot in my bag (except a roller, due course maintenance or lack thereof), including a couple of thumber tee-shots.
Short holes, long holes, steep uphill, steep down hill, death shots towards the lake from up hill, tunnel shots...everything
Scenic course...enjoyable hike
Tee signs

Cons:

Navigation extremely difficult...like on the east course I relied on my scorecard app with its map, nonetheless I still lost an Opto Sparkle Compass throwing towards what I thought was hole 1's basket. Instead it was hole 2.
Maintenance made it difficult to impossible to sort out where the fairway was, where the line was, etc. The course has a lot of blind shots, that are made even blinder in waist high grass. Some baskets were literally covered all the way over.
Unsurprisingly the rough is rough...briars, thorns, steep drop offs...stay on the fairway
Easy to lose discs...I lost 3 discs on what appeared to be the fairway, due to the condition of the fairways...and that was with my son as a spotter.
Natural tee-pads, no real marking, I basically just threw from the bare spot next to the sign.
No bathrooms
Homemade baskets on some holes, some of them are quite rudimentary
Tee signs don't state par for the hole. I assumed everything was a par 3...if so there are quite a few really hard par 3s
I would imagine ticks and snakes would be a major problem in the summer...to the degree that I wouldn't play it in the summer in its present condition

Other Thoughts:

This course is not for beginners...do not bring someone new to the sport here and expect them to love it. They will never play again. I wanted to love this course so much, I've played a few really tough technical courses that absolutely annihilated me...Comanche Trail Lakeside, Tombigbee 2, the Trace Gold layout at Old Warrior Run in Belden, MS, and Inverness Park in Birmingham. This course felt just as tough, and the maintenance issues frustrated me to the point of almost quitting before I was halfway done. I soldiered on, and came away with the feeling that this course is mowing and trimming away from being destination disc golf. In its present state I can't rate it more than a "2", because it's nearly impassable. I also noted the reviews mentioned dual tees...I did not see any evidence of a second set of tees.

Hole 1-2 are fairly straightforward shots across the meadow.

Hole 3 is a short flick or turnover with some thick rough on both sides and a pond to the right.

Hole 4 plays longer than the distance from basket to pin as you have to out to the right and play back left due to the trees.

Hole 5 is short downhill shot that can run into the lake if you miss. You need the birdie here to make up for all bogeys you will likely take coming up. Good hole for a thumber.

Hole 6 goes back up hill from the lake shore, drop offs all around the basket if you miss

Hole 7 is a downhill drive towards the lake, with the basket about 20 feet from the water. Disc down the elevation drop will make this shot carry a good bit.

Hole 8 plays back uphill again with a lot of thick rough all around

Hole 9 is a 500+ foot downhill shot, lots of rough as well so your drive needs to be accurate.

Hole 10 requires getting around a set of trees and across a meadow to a partially protected basket.

Hole 11 plays through an extremely tight tree tunnel, if you get into the rough you are going to lose a lot of strokes.

Hole 12 is a short slightly uphill drive, once again this is probably a spot where you need the bird.

Hole 13 is long hole across a meadow dotted with trees and a basket behind a short tree tunnel on the other end. I can't tell if there is actual line on this hole it was so overgrown all around.

Hole 14 plays over a ravine and behind some trees on the other side. Good place for a spike shot.

Hole 15 is a straight forward flat shot through some trees at the end.

Hole 16 is a fairly long slightly down hill drive, might be the best spot to just grip it and rip it on the whole course. The fairway isn't especially tight.

Hole 17 has a tricky little dogleg right that opens up into a meadow and then carries on to the other end of the meadow for a fairly wide open basket.

Hole 18 is a drive around a large guardian tree to a basket set slightly off to the right side of the fairway.

Overall, this course played like a hike with some occasional throwing involved due to the maintenance. I think I spent about an hour on the course just looking for my discs after I threw them. With maintenance and clearly defined tee-pads I would easily bring this rating up 1.5-2 discs. As it is, I hate to rate a course with this much potential this low, but it is almost unplayable for most disc golfers.
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1 0
Lancelot
Experience: 22.9 years 15 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Duncan West 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 7, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Elevation. Technical lines. Some blind tee shots. Tee signs with distance. Long and short tees.

Cons:

Natural tee pads. Homemade baskets. Almost impossible to navigate without someone who has played the course. Poison ivy is present. Course is maintained mostly by locals with their own time and money and can be difficult to play durring some parts of the year. This has gotten better as of late due to cooperation from the city.

Other Thoughts:

Very fun course. Every year in March people come from all over for a HUGE 2 day B tier tourney (DLHO).
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2 1
CincySlim
Experience: 27 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Diamond in the Rough 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 7, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is just fun. The dirt tees add to the overall "feel" of the course. Every hole is a challenge. Elevations are constantly changing and terrain is quite rugged at times so you definitely get a workout. There are some very creative hole placements. I agree with other reviewers: first shots are critical. Course is very technical at times with many blind shots. Overall just a total blast to play!

Cons:

Yeah, as everyone else has already said, it's not well maintained. Finding your way around is difficult at best but it has been enhanced by the addition of arrows at the base of each basket directing players to the next tee. I found the map available on this site to be a great help; was unable to finish last time I played here (December, 2010) because we just couldn't find our way. I haven't played it in summer, but I can imagine it could get pretty heavily overgrown with no maintenance. Most of the baskets are pretty decent although a couple towards the end are kinda crude; maybe because they are nearer the campground and/or vandals? Also, I would not recommend this course to someone who is not in at least moderate to good physical condition.

Other Thoughts:

With a little polish and regular upkeep this course could be a real gem! It's not the prettiest you'll ever play but it is very scenic. It's the perfect cross between disc golf and a rugged hike. It just feels to me like what the game was meant to be.
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7 2
rd.bittle
Silver level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.5 years 66 played 47 reviews
4.00 star(s)

There Is A Killer At The Lake 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 30, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good baskets
Awesome views
Great use of elevation changes
Great exercise
Multiple tees
One great hole after another
Not crowded
Next tee arrows on the baskets
Will challlenge even the best
Is still fun for the rec players
Use every shot you have
Great intense risk/reward
Never a dull "connection" hole
Rugged land
Plenty of parking
Bathrooms
When we went there were buckets at each tee for trash
We took a large group and everybody had a blast
Can go alone or just a few and have a quiet round.
Makes me want to come back over and over

Favorite Hole(s): #4, #9, #10, #16
Loved every minute of this course

Cons:

Natural tees (no problem, they were good)
No tee signs
Gets pretty rough in the summer (ticks, tall grass, thick rough)
No water to drink. Carry plenty
You should have a map or a guide your first time
Not for the faint of heart. Better be in shape

Other Thoughts:

Love this course. A great explanation is that its been 8-9 months since I played at the lake and I can remember every single hole. Can't get it out of my mind. Every shot, every miss, every minute. Its that much fun. If you are in oklahoma anytime during Late Fall through Mid Spring you have to plav this course. It would easily be a 4.5 with a little better summer upkeep and some concrete pads. Go play at the lake and I promise you won't regret it.
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9 1
bpartrid
Experience: 12.7 years 81 played 27 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Challenging Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 2, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The layout is very well done in such a harsh area of land. There are many signature holes with picturesque views and throws. The course is very challenging while being fair without luck shots to get through it. Overall, you get to use many different throws. This course is a good one with even more potential.

Cons:

I like this course but there are many things I think need to be done to improve its flow and enjoyment (especially for first-timers to this course). First, there needs to be some sort of sign directing you towards the first tee from parking (take the left trail from the parking lot and follow it to veer right and up a small hill). Next, needed are concrete tee pads since many shots are long indeed. Currently, blue flags signify long tees and red flags are short tees. Then, put out better hole signs to direct the player where he is throwing as many holes do not allow you to see the basket from the tee. Also, the tee signs need to tell people if they are playing a par 3 or 4. There are some signs directing you towards the next hole but they can be improved as well. The baskets can be pretty shoddy but overall they work fine, but it may be good to have flags on the top of the baskets to better direct players of basket locations (often I would have to walk halfway down the hole just direct my throw from the tee). As for the "grooming" of the course, I played in early november of 2012 and it is doing well right now in that regard. This course is kinda in the middle of nowhere, so I understand if updates and grooming of the course are unable to be done often, but unfortunately that is a shame because the course itself is AWESOME!!

Other Thoughts:

A practice basket at the parking lot would be a nice touch to the course. This course is mostly a professional course due to the fact that the best tees are definitely the blue (long) tees due to their views and elevation changes. Also, red tees (red flags) are sometimes hard to find or have terrible throwing areas, not to mention the fact that there aren't any distances given for the short tees. Overall, a very good course but can be very tough to those who don't play often as the course can punish you for errant throws (even losing a disc possibly). Those who frequent this course surely must enjoy it because if I had the chance at it a few more times, now knowing how to play it, then you would get better fast. LAST THOUGHT: the wind can really play a factor with some shots, even with putts, but not so bad as to get you frustrated. This course could be rated 4 - 4.5 if improvements were made to those cons previously listed. ENJOY THIS COURSE!
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8 1
silvereagle2150
Experience: 14.8 years 6 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Duncan is NOW PLAYABLE 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 17, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Duncan Lake is one of the most beautiful courses to play, but it is certainly not easy.

There are a lot of different shots to test even the most professional golfer, and that is why so many attend the Hillclimber in the spring, when the course gets a lot of love and care.

Cons:

Everyone wants to play this course and complains about the upkeep, yet no one volunteers to help keep the course playable year-round.

Other Thoughts:

SOONER DISC GOLF in Norman, OK has worked hard to find a solution to the maintenance problem at Duncan, and one solution was to hold a tournament in the fall.

Because of our upcoming doubles tournament at Duncan next weekend, a group of 6 dedicated golfers came down to Duncan this weekend with a brush hog, two lawnmowers, two weedeaters, and several loppers and revived the course.

Due to the exceptional effort on the part of these golfers, it is now possible that the course will be playable through the winter and into the spring when the Hillclimber is held.

So please, go and enjoy the Duncan Lake course while you are able, and if anyone is ever willing to help keep the course clean, please feel free to contact us (Sooner Disc Golf) on Facebook or at [email protected]. We would love the extra help.
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9 1
lschrock
Experience: 23 years 38 played 18 reviews
3.50 star(s)

wow. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 16, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is such a huge course. Very technical, very complicated. Really easy to lose discs. This course is one of the most scenic that I've ever seen, playing along Duncan Lake, with tons and tons of woods. There's a lot of wildlife out here as well, especially big buzzards, constantly circling overhead. Most shots you can't see the basket, so you really have to take time with shots and be careful where you throw. This is a big distance course, with lots of big throws. First shots really matter here, if you don't get a good first throw, you'll be in bad shape on a lot of these. There are some really epic holes here. There's one hole overlooking water over this peninsula, and you throw from this hill about 500 feet, watch it glide forever. The wind really comes into play here.

Cons:

Course is not maintained at all. I went when it was really muddy, and with grass tees, it was hard to get traction. Grass is overgrown, sometimes even into the basket. Lots of trouble spots, easy to lose a disc.
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7 1
okdiscrat
Experience: 28.8 years 35 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

aahh duncan 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 16, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

this course is a real challenge. from both sets of tees you have multiple shot options and decisions to make.You are at times forced to be creative and not just "go with what you know".also if you can get out early enough you will probably witness a deer or two, the wildlife and the scenery are worth the trip alone and the golf is great.

Cons:

If you've never played it before the course can be confusing,and the wind is almost always brutal.the city does not mow that is true and the local club has that responsability all to themselves, with little outside help except at tourney time.

Other Thoughts:

enjoy this course, and if you get the chance play the hillclimber in early spring.
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12 1
Roc1Time
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.8 years 131 played 115 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Sweet Tourny Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 25, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Sweet course!!! Lots of super great shots. Lots of tight shots and lots of boomers, on the drives and ups. Super fun and it will make you pay for a bad shot for SURE! They dont mow it except for the tourny from what I hear but that is worth everything. One of the funniest tourneys ever. The course plays very long and hot even in the early spring. Endurance is a key for sure. Once you play it once you will dig it. Good showers/bathrooms, and great campground.

Cons:

Very hard to navigate. Lots of ticks. Windy because of the lake....and its Oklahoma. No tee signs and a couple of really "ghetto" baskets.

Other Thoughts:

Not for rookies!!!! Play the Highclimber!!
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8 4
discgolfzach
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

i played this course on 1/19/09 and the course design was amazing on a beautiful lake great surroundings

Cons:

very hard to navigate i printed off a map of the course off this webstie without it i would have never completed it. another thing is it looked to me that nobody had mowed this course in years its completely overgrown on some holes the grass was so long it was coming up through the bottom of the cages.

Other Thoughts:

a superb course but it makes me mad to see that nobody takes care of it.
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