Lakeport, CA

Highland Springs Reservoir

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45(based on 17 reviews)
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5 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Congratulations To Technical Engineering Professor Kenzi Suzuki From Cal Poly Who Designed And Then Constructed The Elaborate Course Map ! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 21, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Professor Suzuki might comprehend the course map but this simple disc golfing reviewer struggled to understand it. Once I started playing the course sticking to the original layout, I think I did Okay and I understand the lofty rating and appreciate the enjoyment of Highland Springs Reservoir. Legendary course designer Steady Ed Headrick is the man who designed this course. The landscape he used is well suited to a championship disc golf course.

It's quite obvious from the start that someone cares for this course and has put much effort into making it a welcoming environment for the players here. At the start you'll find the large kiosk with the elaborate course map. There are tables, benches, heaters, a lost disc metal container, a metal box for donations, garbage cans and numerous baskets and tee pads. This is where things get a little (?)complicated. The map shows three pin positions and seven (7) tees. They are, in order, Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Green, Grey and Orange. Kind of like the seven (7) dwarfs; Grumpy, Doc, Sleepy, Bashful, Dopey, Happy and Sneezy. I think seven (7) dwarfs is fine, seven (7) tees MIGHT be considered overkill! Because of this course's isolation, I doubt if anyone plays it so often as to grow bored with, say, four (4) tee positions.

The baskets are DGA Mach X with the always hard to read numbers. The tee pads for Ed's original layout are nice level rubber pads, the other six (6) layouts are all natural. In this dry Northern California climate, the natural pads probably hold up well. The basic fiberglass signage has taken a licking out here in no-wheresville. I believe only the original layout has signs and they are a nice wooden sign under plexiglass. They also show the next tee. You just to remember where it was. Unfortunately, many of these signs have been destroyed. There are benches everywhere including a Highlands course record of four (4) on hole six (6).

The original layout plays at a standard recreational level. It's not overwhelming difficult. Navigating it is more challenging than actual playing it. I somehow strayed from the original course at # 9 and then again after # 17. I didn't recover and self-correct after either of these.

I think my favorite hole was # 14 whose bench was dedicated to Old Man John. This, I think, was the hole that played over the gully. Pretty hole!

Cons:

A complicated course to navigate through on your own the first time.

Being so isolated, I surmise that vandalism will always be an issue. Breaks my heart so I can only imagine what the guy's who maintain and attempt to keep it nice must feel. I feel your pain fellows.

# seven (7) has a large pile of blown down trees and branches which are totally in the way and actually change the complexion of the hole. It would be nice to see it removed.

Although I didn't notice many garbage cans, the course was absolutely free of any litter.

Other Thoughts:

How many players actually know all seven (7) layouts and can find the right tee pad for each? Probably about as many who can actually name the seven dwarfs!

Also, as congratulations are due for Professor Suzuki, they are very much so and deservedly merited for any players who can comprehend the course map. I've met a lot of disc golfers over the years and most of them haven't exactly impressed me with their intellectually abilities. I bet most just follow the crowds!
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3 0
PiePan
Experience: 6.8 years 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 12, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

new tee markers installed recently,
multiple tee pads,
more than one basket position,
lots of benches and sitting areas throughout course,
adequate amount of trash cans,
good mix of short and long holes but nothing way to long,
lots of variety from open to wooded to brushy on rolling terrain,
upkept very well and kind of eclectic,
23 holes, 18 if you bypass the gulch with an optional 24th if you play the practice basket at the end,

Cons:

cant think of any unless your accustomed to groomed city parks.

Other Thoughts:

a must play if your in the area
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5 0
Theflckster
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

First course I've played 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 27, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The history. The setting/area. The course is amazing, with a huge variety of everything.,tees, basket locations, shots, elevation, canyons, wind, it's a great experience. Easy to access, Mach x baskets, decently maintained. Pretty easy to follow for the most part. Thank god for the crude really basic paper signs at the original tees or I'd have been screwed. I'd have never had a chance.

Cons:

No par, no yardage, or basket location.. ever. Not even at least a big one for reference at the start, I could take a picture of. I have no idea of how I played, I can't even find a scorecard online. If you're newer or can't control direction so well, you will definitely be searching. It seems most all of the alternate tees are tiny dirt spots..but must be acceptable by the play I see.

Other Thoughts:

This place is incredible, and I'm so glad to have it here locally. It's a little raggedy, but the vibe is great and that seems to be part of the charm. It is hard, not straight forward at all for a beginner. I played the original tees both times which are definitely challenging. I think playing here has already elevated my game, since you have to make the impossible, possible here. It gets hot as hell here, and technically the water is not potable, but I've never had a problem... cycling, picnicking, hanging out over the years. There are some much easier tees, and much harder tees which I'll be checking out. After hole 13, for 18 holes total you can chose to play 14-18..or 19-23. I played 14-18 the first time and the baskets were marked with letters. ?.. also # 17..definitely 17 tee, was marked 16? A little confusing first time around especially with only letters on the baskets. Second time I played 19-23 (tees said) but the baskets were 14-18. ? Whatever..but 19-23 will bring you right back to your car..while 14-18 there is a walk in after..unless I guess you play all 23 holes. This place is great. A little intimidating for a newb at first, but all good now. Cheers.
Update..I met some guys from the disc golf club who are super cool. There is now a huge full color map at the staging area....also individual hole signs are nearly ready and will be installed by the original steady ed tees. Additionally, regardless of how they're marked, the 5 holes on the other side of the canyon are the new ones... the original holes head back towards the parking lot. I've played a few different tee sets now, and man what a difference there is..the green set is super fun imo, but I typically play the original tees since they all have rubber mats. Enjoy!!
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2 2
Nigel_Tufnel
Experience: 23 played 12 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Classic Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 21, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Steady Ed!!! Great putting area to warm up. Secluded. Never crowded. Multiple tee pads at most holes. Good variety of shots IMO. Absolutely classic course set up the way the game was meant to be played.

Cons:

Gets hot. Bring lots of water. Can get itchy when grass is high.

Other Thoughts:

Instead of spinning the wheel before the first hole, we used to take a single die with us and roll at every hole to determine what pad to play from. Make for a fun spin on the round.
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2 1
mattrowe
Experience: 8 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Really fun course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 3, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

I had a great time on this course. I played on a Saturday afternoon (of Labor Day Weekend), and there were only a few other groups out there. There are a wide variety of very fun shots, and I felt like the course was really well designed. The elevation was used creatively. It was pretty easy to find my way around the course. The picnic table tribute to Steady Ed is classy!

Cons:

This course was obviously designed for frisbee golf. The original teeboxes don't really allow most players to unload on distance drivers. Most holes are roughly the same distance. I wish the tee signs showed distance (for at least the "1" teeboxes). It would have been nice if mandos were marked on the tee signs as well (I wasn't sure if the red arrow on the 3rd hole was a mando or not). I can I imagine this place gets really hot during the summer.

Other Thoughts:

The local club obviously takes great care of this place. It's always a treat to play a Steady Ed course. The wind coming off the lake adds difficulty!
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2 1
deft
Experience: 9.5 years 9 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A course that stands the test of time 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Huge number of tee pads and pin locations
-Wide range of difficulty depending on layout
-No foot traffic aside from golfers
- great use of land and natural features

Cons:

-Gun range next door can razz you on some putts
-Alternate tee pads are dirt

Other Thoughts:

This course is 30 years old and still a challenge. Be prepared for the summer heat and plan accordingly.
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1 0
GripNFlip
Experience: 17.1 years 15 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Where it all begain 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 8, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

- huge variety of shots
- 5+ tee options on most holes
- great history here, for any disc golf fans

Cons:

- a few of the tee pads are difficult to locate
- gun range close by is quite noise-y

Other Thoughts:

Knowing that this course was created by the man himself, Steady Ed, I had high expectations. I was not let down. It is a fantastic course with a ton of variety, not just in the holes themselves but also the tee "set" options. Having the spinning wheel near hole one is a terrific way to randomize the tee options you play and create even more variety. The terrain here is not forgiving, especially the grabby manzanita trees; I consider most of this a challenge rather than a annoyance. The only exception to this is the obnoxious sticker burrs that WILL get stuck in your pants/socks/leg hairs if you have any throws that don't land in a favorable location. Regardless, the course is more than worth it and after playing it three times in two days, I still greatly enjoyed it. The historic pre-basket pole targets are cool addition as well.
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5 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Lots of variety 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has a pretty huge amount of tees and pin positions. With 5+ tees and a few pin locations on every hole it makes for a lot of different looks. The alternates change some of the holes quite a bit, making for a great mix of left and right turning shots. There were some random tone poles around, I assumed these were even more alternate options for locals.

There are enough trees to force you down the fairways on a lot of the holes, others have multiple lines or opportunities to try high risky lines over the trees. There's not a ton of brush here, enough to make a few bad places to land but not enough to hide discs or really be punitive. Some elevation comes into play, with a couple really fun valley shots and enough ups and downs to keep things interesting.

Cons:

Some of the long pin positions aren't well designed. They're simply tucked 60' back into brush or trees, leaving holes that are easy 3s but don't have enough of a look for birdie or enough punishment to cause scoring separation. It's too bad, since the course is fairly short overall and a little length seems like a good way to add variety, it's just not done well on a lot of holes here. There are some serious erosion issues on some of the slopes, this course clearly gets a lot of traffic and it's showing.

The signage is pretty terrible, with this many tees and pins you need to make it obvious what tees shoot to what pins. There aren't pin position markers, many of the tees aren't even numbered, and with several blind shots there's a lot of extra walking needed to find your way the first time through this course.

Other Thoughts:

I would love to have this as a home course, the huge variety of tee-pin combinations makes it rank high for re-playability. It would be nice to see a little more effort made to keep it more accessible for new or traveling players. Beginners will find the course challenging but not so punitive that it's frustrating. Experienced players won't find this course long or super challenging, but it has enough different hole shapes to be a great test of line shaping skills and to be a fun round.
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4 0
kevaunne
Experience: 15.8 years 40 played 19 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very well designed course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 16, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Uncrowded, serene, beautiful
- Very strong course design, lots of technical and interesting layouts that utilizes varied terrain, elevation and foliage. Most holes feel distinctive and present unique challenges. Lots of risk/reward decisions and tight, but attainable, lines
- Multiple (5!) teepads per hole and multiple pin positions leads to very high replay value.
- For the most part, the holes flow together well. Never got monotonous
- Reasonably large rubber teepads and adequate signage. Course is in good shape and very well maintained. This course is loved and it shows

Cons:

- This course needs more distance. They've made the right decision by adding longer teepads but...
- The alternate teepads are all dirt and on the small side. I played a couple days after a rain and the mud made them unappealing
- Isolated location. It's deep in the hills and tucked away in a corner of Lake County far from any major highways or amenities
- Baskets are older and shallow but in good working condition
- There were a handful of so-so holes but with 22 to work with, you will play a very solid 18
- I got a bit lost during my first round especially around hole 14. Definitely grab a map near hole 1 the first time you play.

Other Thoughts:

This course is a hidden gem. I had a blast playing here. So much so that I returned the following day to play a second round. Transplant this course to a more populated and accessible area and I have no doubt it would be flooded with players and strong course reviews.

What would it take to increase my rating? A 2nd set of concrete tees that adds some distance.
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1 5
noodraider
Experience: 11.2 years 5 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Wowzerz 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging
Lots of Trees
Fun Elevation Changes
Beautiful Scenery
Rest Spots

Cons:

Not the best teepads
Outdated signs
Hard to navigate
Confusing multiple teepads

Other Thoughts:

Weird locals
Quality bonus holes
BRING WATER
420
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5 0
Hazer
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18 years 168 played 53 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Highland Springs Reservoir 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 25, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice large rubber tee pads on the original tees. 6 tee pads per hole, significantly changing the holes. 22 holes. Multiple pin positions on every hole. Practice basket. Lots of unique benches throughout the course. Large detailed signs with hole numbers, hole layout, and distances. Moderately to heavily wooded. Hole numbers on baskets. Small creek in play on several holes. Very technical course with tight throwing lanes requiring you to hit your line. Several blind shots. Great variety of hole types. The course doesn't favor any one throwing style. Fantastic scenery throughout the course. Good elevation change and use of it. Hanging basket on hole 19. Hole 21: shoots uphill and over a ravine; hit a tree and you'll likely drop to the bottom and have a tough time getting out. Hole 22: shoots back over the same ravine with a very tight window for a straight shot at the basket, or you will have to go over the top of the trees. The course is secluded and surprisingly doesn't see a ton of traffic. Easy to navigate. Challenging. Great flow to the course and no repetitive feeling from one hole to the next.

Cons:

Some tees were pretty muddy and slippery when I played. A couple baskets are pretty close to one another and other tees and fairways. Old baskets, but still perfectly functional. The signs are a little weak and could do a better job showing flight paths to the baskets and indicating current pin location. Inconsistent basket height. Shooting range across the street; can be annoying when throwing. Only trash cans at hole 1&12.

Other Thoughts:

This is a fabulous course and I wish I could have stayed here all day to play all the different tees. Most of the holes are shorter to medium distance, but they are very technical and offer great risk/reward shots. Bad throws can be very tough to recover from. I played early on a Friday morning and was surprised to see only two other cars there. Much lower traffic than I was expecting. I think the parking must have improved since other reviewers played because I had no problems at all in a small hatchback. A few holes play around the reservoir, but it really only comes into play on hole 13, and depending on which tee you throw from, isn't much of a hazard unless you really bomb it past the basket. Very fun and challenging course. Can't wait to play again!
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2 2
Drake367
Experience: 23.5 years 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Course Upgraded! best all around 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 29, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

New tee boxes on Steady Ed's original tees,
huge upgrade from the natural dirt pads.
well maintained,
Low traffic,
Variety of difficulties with 6 tee boxes per hole
caters to all players,
Well marked and mapped,
Long and Short shots,
Variety of Pin locations,
Good use of hills in terrain,
Very nice family park near by and a great view,
benches and seating at nearly every hole,

Cons:

parking sucks,
15min drive from nearest gas/grocery/convenient store so pack some extra water,
back side "new holes" are less thought out than original 18 and also provide very little shade in a hot area,

Other Thoughts:

All things considered this is by far my favorite course i have played, i'm not a pro but, an experienced intermediate player and for me this is the best course i have tried. I make the drive whenever possible. Note i read some other reviews and was surprised this course isn't rated higher but, most of the other reviews may be outdated as this course is constantly growing and improving every time i'm up there something is new. Takes a little under 2 hours to play the full course
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1 4
Jaerex09
Experience: 16 years 45 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Thank you steady ed for an AWESOME course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 9, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very open, lots of open and fun shots with challenging bends and hills that make this course one of the best. Every hole is marked with a sign at the tee pad also every tee has up to 5 some holes have 6 alternate tee pads. Also there are multiple hole locations. Also has a water mister on hole 12 to keep you cool on hot days.

Cons:

The all natural pads can cause you to slip at times. maybe too many tee pad locations, which can be a bit confusing at first.

Other Thoughts:

play on a beautiful sunny day. Also bring water and food, and allow plenty of time to play this course.
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1 9
Mergz
Experience: 25.8 years 48 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2007 Played the course:once

Pros:

Some elevation. There are a lot of "blind" shots. This course is not big but offers a risk/ reward factor whereby good throws will set you up nicely in the open. Bad ones will make you pay dearly in the brush and trees. Near some nice camping spots. Nearby water for cooling off.

Cons:

It can get very hot.

Other Thoughts:

The Steady Ed tournament is very fun
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14 0
mike shoys
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.6 years 25 played 24 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

-really, really liked the course layout. good use of small hills and trees.
-perfect amount of trees and hills (for my skill level)
-this was a fun, somewhat challenging course. much more accuracy required than distance.
-scenery and feel of the park is near epic. reminded me of a shorter, more technical Stafford Lake
-steady ed knows how to design a course. period.
-fairly easy to navigate with signage and worn paths
-this course had somewhat of an ancient feel to it. It seemed like the ground had adapted to foot traffic, the trees almost calloused from getting hit by discs. it felt like the course was part of the landscape rather than impeding on it.
-watch for risk/reward shots. after many drives, i wished i'd just layed up into the shorter open space for the easy approach.

Cons:

-manzanitas are thick and eat discs
-gun range not far away (noisy)
-people who are picky about tee box condition may be dissatisfied (dirt with slight divots)
-some shallow baskets for extra putting paranoia.

Other Thoughts:

-tee boxes tend to be fairly easy to find. after 13, you will see the tee box for 18 just uphill. walk straight through it up the hill 1-200 ft to the tee box for 14.
-for a player of my skill level, this was perfect. there was always a decent line to take off the drive, but nothing guaranteed. good length too. (I throw 300 max)
-its a few miles from the airport to the Y, then a mile or so past that to the course. Look for a big dirt parking lot on the right with a basket at the far end. be careful in the parking lot if you're vehicle has low ground clearance.
-this course is a bit out of the way, but its instantly in my top 5.
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8 0
humchris85
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18.8 years 143 played 77 reviews
4.00 star(s)

"Steady" Ed is the man 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 26, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Lots of teepads that change the holes completely.
-Good Variety of holes, Lefts, Rights, Uphills, and Downhills.
-Risk/Reward shots.
-Very friendly locals.
-President of the local disc golf club sells discs out of his trunk for a good price.
-Lots of ace runs
-Realy fun to be able to play on a course that "Steady" Ed himself designed
-System of screws and nuts that show pin placement.
-Lots of room for more expansion.

Cons:

-Some holes feel too short, though that is partialy due to the disc technology when the course was designed (and that's why there are longer tees on most holes).
-Parking lot is super rutted and with trees randomly placed in it.
-Some tees too close to the pins.

Other Thoughts:

This is a realy fun course in an area that has tons of great disc golfing land, but only one listed course. It's realy cool to be able to play a course that "Steady Ed" Designed. I met the president of the local disc golf club here, he was very cool. I bought some discs off him and he showed me around the course. All the profit that he makes off the discs goes directly into upkeep of the course. The one thing this course realy needs is to FIX THAT STUPID %$@&^ PARKING LOT. I shouldn't be that mean, but I had one of those trees in the parking lot jump out and bust my tail light.
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8 0
martinb
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 44.6 years 183 played 57 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Highland Springs 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 16, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Uncrowded location, caters to most player levels, multiple teepads per hole. Excellent use of terrain to create challenging variety of shots.

Cons:

Needs more long tee shots, only one on the course. Rattlesnakes in the summer.

Other Thoughts:

This course is set out in a county park in the northern california country side with mature oak, mesquite, and underbrush to navigate around, through and over from dirt tee pads. For the most part its a technical course you dont need a big arm for. Once you play the course you can use the alternate dirt tee pads to play a completely different round. Since its away from everthing you need to bring food and drink with you, there is a small resevoir too, so bring a towel and innertube to cool off in the summer heat. If this course was anywhere else it would command a rating of 3.5 to a 4, but its in one of the most prolific areas for disc golf so it gets a three.
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