Brazil, IN

Forest Park DGC

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2.565(based on 16 reviews)
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13 0
smithinggolfer
Experience: 10 months 15 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Into the Forest?

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 11, 2024 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Overall rating: 5.57/10
+For flatland park golf, the lines are actually pretty fun. There are plenty of trees (although it's not repeat not in a forest), and they are placed well. The course designer did well in this respect.
+There is also some variety in distance. Most of the holes are sub 300 ft, but holes 9 and 10 are almost 400ft and 360ft and wooded, respectively.
+I was impressed by the upkeep of this course. The baskets and tees were well kept up. There really isn't any rough on this course, but the foliage in general was in good shape.
+There are bathrooms on site, as well as a golf pro shop that, according to a sign at the disc golf course, has disc golf equipment as well.
+There is a golf course right next to the disc golf course if you enjoy both sports.

Cons:

-Some of this course could be difficult to navigate. I played it with locals, so this wasn't a problem for me, but there are some walks between holes that could be hard to figure out without something like udisc.
-Safety could be an issue here, as walking paths go with the course. For the most part this is just like disc golf in most public parks, though. I think they could definitely benefit by some "You are now entering a disc golf course" signs.

Other Thoughts:

=The baskets catch discs and are pretty standard. The tee pads are a little short, but like I mentioned earlier, well kept up. The tee signs are pretty nice. Nothin' too spectacular here.
=The neighborhood is fine here. Just your typical small-town Indiana.
=If you are taking highway 40 or I-70 and find yourself in Brazil, IN, this is not a bad course to stop by for a fun round. Otherwise, no need to drive too far out of your way.
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13 0
acrosley
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 3.9 years 46 played 22 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Just needed some TLC

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 13, 2021 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Forest Park DGC plays mostly stress free and is a real throwback to a bygone era. If you're a fan of Par 3 park golf this course will be right up your alley. There are plenty of trees and some OB roads throughout the park to force some variety and thoughtfulness to your shot shapes.

The course had new Chainstar baskets installed in July 2022. The new baskets plus a slight redesign to a few holes on the back 9 really elevate the overall course.

The park wasn't too terribly busy on a beautiful Saturday morning. If I hadn't had my four year old with me I would have really appreciated the sense of serenity you get trying to avoid all the old growth trees that dot the course.

There's a public restroom right by hole 1 and plenty of benches and shelters along the way if you need to stop for a rest. I also noticed numerous water spickets and a concession stand if you happen to need refreshements.

The park itself makes for an interesting back drop. There is a cabin from the 1850s that was relocated to the premises. I was also impressed by an unusually large band shell paying homage to the Brazil Concert Band.

A few of the holes standout as well. Hole 2 is a 360 foot narrow fairway full of trees bordered on the left by a road and to the right by a military installation. The barbed wire fence and federal no trespassing signs ensure any errant drives will result in a lost disc.

New Hole 12 is a picturesque 200 foot technical shot over a small ravine alongside a wooden bridge.

There is a bulletin board by the first tee directing you to the nearby golf course's pro shop if you want a scorecard. I didn't investigate but if you don't have UDisc you will want to check it out because this course desparetly needs a course map.

The front 8 holes flow really well and make for an enjoyable if oftentimes simple stroll in the park.

Cons:

It's easy to get lost on the back 9. The walk from 11 to 12 is at least a hundred yards around a playground with no arrows or anything pointing you in the right direction.

The new baskets are great but there's no numbers on them. It would be pretty easy to throw to the wrong one on multiple occasions.

The Tee signs here are pretty lackluster. I guess they're better than nothing but not by much. They give you the distance and a very forgiving par (hole 1 is allegedly a 275 foot par 5) but I imagine in a sanctioned round nearly every hole would be par 3.

Other Thoughts:

There was a sign by hole 5 (which backs up to the local golf course) stating any golf balls are property of the Forest Park Golf Course and "Violators will be prosecuted..." So if you're hoping to supplement your hobby by selling golf balls at Play it Again Sports you had best beware!

I'm fairly certain the park doubles as the fairgrounds or at least hosts some events and that's probably why hole 9s old basket was tore up. So depending on time of year it may be unplayable.

The course here was in desperate need of some TLC and it got some! Hats off to the volunteers who either financed or raised money for 18 new baskets here and put in the time and effort to install them. It's well worth a stop now if you find yourself driving along US 40
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4 0
Colicus
Experience: 29.8 years 121 played 7 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Course OK, Desperately needs new baskets 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 1, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging design, decent layout. 14 is the pucker hole with OB rocks and OB road. Really good challenge. There is OB throughout, but, it is not too bad. For a short course, just hit your lines and you'll be good.

Cons:

The baskets are terrible. It is like trying to putt into a serving dish. Usually you have 8-10 inches of basket. These are 4 inches max. Even good putts spit out. The signage is not good. That makes it a little difficult to follow for a 1st timer. Trying to get from 12 to 13 and then backing up to 14 is a little wonky.

Other Thoughts:

It is not fair to to ding the course for being muddy. I've only played it once, so I can not speak for how it drains or dries up. Certainly not a "destination" course. I know new baskets are expensive, but, I would add a whole star, star and 1/2, if they decided to do it. If your disc goes over the barbed wire fence to the right side of hole 3, DO NOT GO AFTER IT. It is a military installation. You'll have to enter correctly and ask nicely. You can get it back.
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5 0
Hoosierhodge
Experience: 11.6 years 55 played 6 reviews
2.00 star(s)

simple neighborhood course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Although a very simple course, it still forces a need to throw around trees. I do have fun playing this course when visiting family nearby even though I'm rating it relatively low.
-Zero underbrush.
-No blind holes.
-I'd love to take beginners here to learn the sport.

Cons:

-Hole 2 it's easy to throw over the fence into the military area(?) and your disc is gone forever. Play it safe here.
-Hole 14 plays way too close to a road so I often skip it
-Overall lack of challenge for a competitive disc golfer.

Other Thoughts:

-There is a playground on site for any family members that are with you.
-If looking for a course as a road trip pit stop along I-70, I'd recommend playing Deming Park in Terre Haute or Mt. Gilead in Mooreseville over this course.
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7 0
GMcAtee
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15 years 752 played 89 reviews
2.00 star(s)

More fun than the rating implies. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 24, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Easy walk in a mature park.
Fun course using the mature trees really well to create shot shaping.

Cons:

Extremely tough to navigate. Print out the map! You will need it the first time. I caught myself playing holes out of order twice and never would have found 13 without bringing the map up on my phone.

8 holes on the back nine have the worst baskets imaginable.

Every ball golfer on the practice green looked at me like I was a freak.

Other Thoughts:

I was impressed with the layout of this course. It avoided potential conflicts with other park activities and used the trees so well to create unique shots.

13 was hard to find, but worth it. 13 and 14 were two of the best holes on the course I thought.

If it wasn't for the brutal navigation issues and those horrid 8 baskets on the back nine, I would rate this course higher. But, I found this course to be much more fun than the rating implied.
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6 0
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 315 played 266 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Where the hell is the Forest?! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 31, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Forest Park (a misnomer if I've ever seen one) is a small multi-use city park in Brazil, IN. The course does a somewhat decent job of avoiding the busiest areas, but will still conflict with park goers if there is even a moderate amount of people enjoying the other activities. A pool across from the course looks like the most interesting amenity on site other than the dg. The park and course were both well-groomed. A ball golf course sits to one side of the property, an army facility on the opposite side.
- Trees are put to good use. Nothing approaching even moderately wooded, but enough to shape lines around and cause the occasional problem. Open enough for beginners with enough of a challenge to prevent complete boredom from setting in for advanced players.
- Hardly any elevation on site; however, they do put what they've got to decent enough use (#13 & 14 primarily). Hole #13 throws from a park corner over a small ravine onto another raised patch of land on the other side. Trees somewhat protect the green/approach. Hole #14 plays along the road, but downhill through a few mature trees. To the left of the fairway is a sprawling rock field, for lack of better term. It looks a little bit like lava flowed from the earth and cooled jaggedly to form a rock field specifically for chewing up base line plastics. Or something. It's a novel look, at the very least.
- Decent enough mix of hole lengths, but nothing's going to get too long or difficult. More holes on the shorter side, but still a few that make you air it out at least a little bit. I'd say 4-5 holes are 300'+, which is just about the right amount for this sort of course.
- Decent amenities. Short but serviceable concrete tees, and good enough signs to not get lost or confused at any point (except maybe between #'s 12 & 13).

Cons:

- Kinda a janky flow from #12 to #13. Follow the road past the pavilion to the corner of the property. Throw back the way you just walked, then BACK again to the corner (this time take the bridge) to #14. I see why they did it (to keep the elevation while preventing people from throwing towards the intersection), but it's still a bit wonky. #14- 15 is a bit of a weird walk too, but easier to figure out.
- Not much challenge. A lot of flat, mostly openish, ace run, deuce-or-die, pitch n putt style golf. It's a course, and there's not much WRONG with it per se, just not a lot RIGHT, either.
- Apparently the area between #'s 10 & 18 floods often. It had barely a puddle or two when I went through but you could tell it holds water fairly often.

Other Thoughts:

- I had a nice enough round here. Great beginner course for people just getting their feet wet. Not a world beater, not even close, but if for some reason you find yourself in Brazil, IN and jonsing for some dg...well, Forest Park is ready and waiting. Just don't expect to be stunned or anything.
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2 3
rayw
Experience: 10.7 years 28 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 4, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

park is nice and course is fair. 18 tee shots in a senic park. may do this corse again if in the area.

Cons:

corse needs better signs! had a hard time finding where the next tee was located. will not drive that far to do it again. (60 miles 1 way)
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8 0
uigrad
Experience: 34.3 years 36 played 13 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Worth stopping if you are in the area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 13, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a pretty typical city park course. There are a few trees as obstacles, but not enough to frustrate a new player.

There is ample parking, bathrooms, and garbage cans. There are nice concrete tees, although they are a bit short. Signs at each tee give the layout for the hole, the distance, and a picture of where the next tee is.

There aren't a lot of elevation changes, but hole 13 throws over a large gap. The long bridges over gaps are really well built and add a lot to the park.

The grass is mowed well, and there are no thick woods, so there is no chance to lose a disk, other than on hole 2 (see below).

Cons:

The two biggest complaints I have with this course are the bad baskets for #9-17, and the walk required to and from hole 13 and 14 are rather annoying.

I haven't ever seen baskets like the ones they used for #9-17. The chains are much lighter than normal, and often fail to persuade the disc to stop. The basket portion is smoother than others, so it is possible for a disc to slide around the whole basket and come back out in a much different direction, like a basketball around a rim.

Holes 13 and 14 are certainly the signature holes in this park, since there are interesting features and elevation changes, but they are far north of the rest of the course. Walking to and from them is a bit of a pain.

The baskets do not have next tee indicators on them, and in a couple of cases, I had to run back to the tee, just so I could figure out where to go next. There are no maps of the course, either on site or online, so navigation isn't perfect, but it's not too hard to figure out.

The number of walkers and kids around can be an issue. Be careful where you throw.

Hole 2 appears to be next to a military depot, and the fence border is rather low, so losing a disc over it is certainly a possibility. The fence is topped with barbed wire, and I assume that you won't get back any discs lost over the fence.

The course is rather flat, and water does not drain well. It rained a bit the day before I was there, and the puddles and soft ground were a bit annoying.

Lastly, there is just a lack of challenge at this course, and a lack of character. There are a few holes that are less than 200 feet, and have absolutely zero obstacles, and frankly they seem a bit pointless. Sure, it may be good for getting an ace, but in general, there is nothing memorable about such a hole.

Other Thoughts:

I like the course in Terre Haute a lot, and having this course in Brazil makes it worth the drive. You can get two courses in one day. But, the Brazil course really doesn't stand on its own.

Another reviewer suggested stopping at Pappy's Bar-b-que, just north of the course on US-40, so we stopped afterwords. It was definitely worth it.
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8 0
Matthew boals
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 29.9 years 274 played 65 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Ace run! No Duce,Damn Par!? 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 8, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well designed nice new layout. Park is Multi-use with a paved walking trail,Shelters with Grills,scattered Benches,Picnic Tables with roofs. New concrete tees & Signs. Added 9 baskets? Mostly flat and Mature trees that give plenty of,not only shade,nice obstacles. Hyzers & Anhyzers can be thrown on most holes. A few holes use the terrain to show newbies the possibilities of hole design. By far,for me,#14 was the signature hole. Atleast it was the toughest. Mach 3 baskets (the front 9). Scorecards,with map,available in mailbox by #1 tee Also has a DG info board on the back of the park sign.

Cons:

The tees are a little short,this could be a problem for some. But, this is mostly a short course so a big run up won't be needed. The new layout has two flaws. The long walks between #12-#13 & #14 & #15. Other Park users?

Other Thoughts:

Three years ago I tried to play this course on the way to Colts Camp. After 10-15 minutes I could not find any tees,just two baskets. So I headed out and played an extra round at Deming park in Terre Haute. Hearing local rumors,and checking DGCR the course was redesigned and I believe 9 baskets were added.? I played on a Sunday afternoon with alot of other park users. The new layout was very well thought out. I never felt like I was going to hit anyone. The northside of the park had more people and I decided to walk off on a hole because of a father and his sons were playing catch. I could have thrown with no problems, but I was writing notes and taking pictures. The long walk from #12-#13 can be fixed by flipping the basket & tee locations. The walk between #14-#15 can't really be fixed. Just walk from the northside,of the rather huge parking lot,to the southside. You'll see the tee sign. Pros can work on their mid-range or make up a safari course.
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6 0
bilemshious
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 27 played 17 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun, flat, park course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice, big park with plenty going on. Sadly I didn't see anyone else out playing this course like I was. As soon as I arrived at the course and started wandering around looking for the first tee, I was approached by park security. He was looking to help me figure out the course. I don't know how well I would have figured things out without him.

This is a fun course that uses the land on this course very well. There are short holes and a couple longer ones. I think the course uses the trees to its advantage making holes pretty interesting. While there was not much use for much an arsenal of shots, the course did provide the opportunity to attack the hole in different ways - anhyzer or hyzer.

While there are trees, there is no underbrush. Your discs are safe here. The grass was well maintained too. But there were a few spots where water settled.

This is a great place for a beginner. The shorter holes will allow one to get acquainted with the discs and work on accuracy while the longer holes are open enough to allow them to open up the arm with a little more confidence.

There are sufficient restrooms throughout the park. So no worries there.

Favorite holes: 2, 4, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18

Cons:

As I mentioned in the "pros" list, there is a lot going on in this park. Make sure you don't toss a rogue drive towards those walkers, baseball players, children (or adults...) on the playground, etc.

The most obvious negative for this course is the drastic deterioration of the quality of baskets from the front nine to the back. They are awful. Don't count on these chains to catch your disc, because they won't. I saw many putts go straight through. Absurdly unforgiving.

Not to nitpick, but the cement tee pads are a little on the small side. To be fair though, they are nice and appear new. Same can be said of the tee signs - they are nice and new, but literally do not have anything written on them except for the hole number. That's an easy fix.

Navigation is a big issue here. It's not always logical how to get from one hole to the next. A course map found behind hole one is a must There are absurdly long walks between baskets - 12 to 13 and 14 to 15.

Other Thoughts:

Despite this seemingly long list of "cons" this course is well worth playing if you're in the Terra Haute area. I had a good time on it. I'm surprised there weren't more people playing there. That could speak to the possibility of there not being much of a disc golf community there.

If you throw your disc into the armory, (the security guard told me to) lift up the fence near the hole and crawl inside. I'm fairly certain this could be a federal crime, so proceed at your own risk...

There is a local BBQ place called Pappy's that is right around the corner that is a must if you play this course. Delicious. Pulled pork and fried sweet corn are highly recommended.
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1 2
DaveKippen
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Course Review 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 20, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very short course can be played very quick; No underbrush or water to lose discs; Great for practicing midrange shots

Cons:

Way too short for a competitive discgolfer. Only 3 holes over 300, if you like 200 - 300 foot shots with mature trees in your way with low ceilings you will enjoy this course.

Other Thoughts:

Nice park, well kept, no issues with other park patrons when I was there like others mentioned. Nice to get a scorecard from the clubhouse!
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8 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
2.00 star(s)

OK park course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The course plays through a large flat park, with nice grassy fairways through a mix of small and mature trees. There isn't really much underbrush here to speak of. There are a couple holes with some really minor elevation, but not enough to really add any challenge. There was a good mix of long and short holes here, including a couple where you could really air it out and throw a longer drive.

The signs and pads were ok, and the other park amenities were nice with available water and bathrooms in the park. There is also a concert pavilion, and we got to finish our round to some live music which was a fun way to spend a summer evening.

Cons:

The course has a lot of conflicts with the rest of the park. There are lots of holes that play close to roads, paths, gazebos, and playgrounds, and the park is heavily used by non-disc golfers who don't seem to know to stay off the fairways. On a nice day there are a ton of safety issues here.

The baskets were in pretty bad shape, they were many different kinds of baskets, and most were rusty. The course has some flow issues, and is hard to follow in spots, though it's a little better after the redesign. The course was pretty muddy even though there hadn't been much rain, it just didn't seem to drain very well.

The holes get a little boring, as there just aren't enough trees to force specific lines. It's a pretty open park style course, and that means that you can just throw a hyzer with either hand on most of the holes.

Other Thoughts:

This is an ok park course, in a nice park with other things to do. If you're passing through, it's worth a quick play, though if you can hook up with a local you will have a better time rather than having to search for the next tee in several places.

Beginners will find this course approachable, with many shorter holes and not much chance of losing discs, though the safety issues are magnified for throwers with less control. More experienced players won't find a lot of different challenges here, Deming is a nicer and more challenging place to play.
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10 0
eday1022
Experience: 31.8 years 53 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

course updated 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Fun course for all players, several different syles of holes from short 180 feet holes to 360 feet. well mix of right, left and strieght shots. A couple of very hard short hole, 13 is on the base of two vally's so there is a risk of missing short or long .course was changed so that there is less of a risk of non disc golfers in the fairways, do to the fact that this is a high population park. park has good bathrooms, water, and drink machines throughout the course. There are now Tee signs and Tee pads. This is also a family park with a large playground for those of you travaling with the young ones.

Cons:

Different stlyes of backets, Course holds water, and some hole are hard to find mainly hole 2,10,13,15,and 18. Also hole 2 goes along an armery which is fenced in, they will however let you go retrive your disc (when there open)

Other Thoughts:

Park has free disc to borrow for those who are looking to try the sport, They have 24 aviars 24 fairway driver forgot which one. The best person to contact at the park for concerns is John Day Course designer
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7 1
hilega
Experience: 17.8 years 13 played 2 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Variety for those that play Demming 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Easy to get to off of 40/59. Adds another nice course for the area (ISU, Rose, DPU, etc.). Some nice technical holes requiring super precise drives or just use the trees to beat in a new Roc.

Cons:

Pretty flat, not too diverse. No tee boxes (but a local helping develop the course said that concrete tee pads will be going in and a course map will be added near the first hole; also distances and hole maps will be added at each tee).

Other Thoughts:

Fun little course, worth while if you are in the Haute or passing through on 70 or 40, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to get there. Park near the main baseball diamond adjacent to the swimming pool to tee off at near shelter #3. To get to 13 walk through the playground and across the wooden bridge. 14 is over there by that shelter as well (walk back across the bridge after finishing 13). Didn't see too many other players, but locals do use the park for BBQs, etc.
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3 2
chriseay76
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Wood choppin' on the plains 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 26, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

A couple pretty unique holes, 2 and 9 I think, (drive over a walkpath bridge. Lots of trees to challenge a full variety of shots. Lack of distance made up for by precision

Cons:

Tee pads are a mystery Ive played there 3 times and i think Ive messed up at least a few times.. When park is busy some holes are impossible. Also I find dirt tees to be annoying..

Other Thoughts:

OK course you need to try it once then decide if the pros are heavier than the cons..
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11 0
JogginJohn
Experience: 18.1 years 47 played 2 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Located in a very nice and well maintained park. It has an interesting variety of holes and clean fairways. There are virtually no underbrush problems and the park has good facilities.

Cons:

The major problem with this course is it runs right through a fairly high use multi-purpose park. Many of the holes run right next to gazebos and other areas where people gather. Hole 18 actually runs directly across a horseshoe pit. If you come during a busy time, a one or two holes might have to be skipped to watch out for the safety of non disc golfers. Also, tees are only marked with labeled landscaping blocks placed in the ground. This makes it very hard to find the next tee for your first time playing the course. Finding someone to play with or following someone who already knows the course is more or less a must.

Other Thoughts:

This is definitely a nice course to visit but not worth going out of your way.
Most of the holes are fairly short and the course requires more control than distance. There are varying lines to take for each hole that support both backhand and forehand shots.
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