Rainbow City, AL

Rainbow City DGC

3.135(based on 15 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Rainbow City DGC reviews

Filter
8 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice course tons of layouts

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

So I was looking for a tournament to play this weekend and ended up second to make the drive over to Rainbow City and took on this course blind.

You have essentially two main elements with this course, tricky wooded lines that require specific shot shapes and OB. That comes into the form of the pond on holes 1,17 and 18, a creek that winds around the course and the walking path.

There are 2 baskets a set of silver Mach 3s(I think) and a newer set of red Prodigy T2s. There are also two tees on every hole that are large ish concrete and I don't think there is any hole that I saw had less that 3 pin positions.

Very detailed signs, that seem to be very accurate, though I can only speak to one pin position.

It's got some fun shot shapes and they are often very specific, and the pond creates some tension on key holes that can put pressure on your game.

In the long layout I played there are 2 par 4s, 1 and 17, both of which are eagleable if you can throw 450 but have plenty of OB to make them true risk/rewards.

I ended up shooting -7 and winning my division so I do like the course.

Cons:

It's a little monotonous at times navigating very specific shorter holes, and the creek/path OB on about 14 of the holes. After about hole 5 I just starting asking "where's the creek on this one?". As the mix of trees and funky lines hid the OB on many holes.

The walking path comes into play a ton and many pedestrians kind of don't care to be aware that they might be in the line of fire.

If you don't like old school woods golf, your not going to have a good time. Also a few holes have just odd shot shapes, it could just be the layout we played but there are some really funky ones.

The pond and eat discs. I was never very close to it, but lower powered/backhand only players could have issue. At tournament central they had approximately 200 discs that the TD was trying to return to people.

Other Thoughts:

I had a good time, and it is obviously special to be to walk in blind and win a tournament. I think it's worth going to play and most people would have a good time unless they are very new and can't navigate the water or just don't like woods courses.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 0
Shutrbug
Experience: 4.9 years 7 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice, but not for beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

This was a very pretty course. It would be excellent with a little upkeep. There aren't restrooms on site, but there is a porta potty near the entrance. If it is baseball season, there are restrooms within walking distance.On a hot day in summer, this would be an ideal course. There are a few open holes, it many are under the canopy of leaves above. There is a walking track around the course with metal benches to use, and there are several small wooden benches on the course when you are not near the track itself.The tee signs on the course are really nice, specifying the yardage to the different pin positions. It's difficult to see the baskets on sole holes, so we took a guess on where to throw on some holes based on what the sign told us. Each time the sign helped as expected.

Cons:

Having weeds and growth in a wooded course could be overlooked, but there were several places where the bridges crossing the creek were unsafe or missing altogether.There was no course map, but I told my wife not to worry since I could get a map from the UDisc app. However, the maps were not correct because the holes had been moved around. That's really not completely the fault of the course - maybe they just haven't notified the app? But the tee layout didn't slow us down once we got started. Thankfully the DG Course Review description tells you to go to the brown Pavillion for the first tee - that's great, because this app is the only way you would know that there is a DG course behind the athletic complex. There is no signage at all.I would not recommend this course for absolute beginners. Wellsbranch250 mentioned taking someone who was a beginner and had good luck - the key was that he took another adult! I took my wife, who had only played once, and I took my two kids. My 7yo did ok because he had played with me a bit. My wife did not do well because she threw in the water frequently, and the 5yo (who did not play) would say "You went in the water again, mom!" That did not calm her down at all, as you can imagine. I went in the water on the 1st hole and lost a new disc in the lake that I had no business throwing next to water! Tried to walk in and get it, but I sank to my knees on the 2nd step. Most of the holes on the front 9 have a creek running through them. That might be OK for a normal beginner, because hazards are part of the game. But the privet hedge and the sticky bushes were so grown up around the creek edge you couldn't immediately see where your disc landed. I don't throw that far yet - and I spent a lot of time searching for where I landed. On hole 7, we were landlocked because of the S shape of the creek, and you couldn't tell from the tee pad where to throw. If I was a local and could play enough to learn the lay of the land, I imagine the round would go quicker. As it was, it took my group of 3 players about 2 hours for the front nine.

Other Thoughts:

I would like to go back with only the beginner players that I usually play with to see how well we might do. It was not a great place for my wife to learn - but YMMV based on the personality of your player. The walking track and the tee signs looked like they had been cared for. That contrasted with the baskets and the frequent bridges over the creek which looked as if the course didn't get much use. We played on the last Sat in June and we didn't see anyone on the course at all.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
13 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.2 years 652 played 631 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A good mixture of Fun and Challenge 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 30, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

(3.175 Rating) (REVISED - replayed January 2019) A mostly technical course with water in play on a dozen holes.
- CHARACTER - I'd give the basics and amenities 4 stars. Bench seating is on every hole and several are secluded near the creeks edge. Most of the tees are shaded well and there are two concrete tees for pros and ams at all of the holes. The back tees are 6 feet by 10 feet. Lots of alternate basket placements. There are some trash cans and a couple bag holders. There's a large well built shelter with six picnic tables and it's located at the junction of tees (1) and (10), and baskets (9) and (18), the ideal location. By the pond is a pipe retriever, which I'm sure gets a bunch of use with a couple placements near the edge. There's a hanging basket on a zipline on (14), which is something I've never seen before. Also a lock box to put lost discs in by the pavilion.
- CHALLENGING - Upper Intermediate to lower Advanced level challenges from the back tees. As an Intermediate level player myself, I could not keep pace with par. Most of the challenge is geared toward to accuracy side of spectrum, but there are a few plus 350 foot shots.
- HOLE SIGNAGE - This was really bad on my visit in December 2016. It's been completely rectified. Tee signs are well built and detailed adequately. I do wish they had pin placement indicators.
- NAVIGATION - So much better than two years due to the tee signage. I unfortunately did not see a course map, but thankfully the tee signs are large, typically located near the prior basket and there's next tee direction on the tee sign.
- UNIQUENESS - I scored the variety just north of average. The best variety feature is no doubt the water. There are both pond and creek plays and the usage is juxtaposed in several different ways. The layout also features a few pocket shots, moderately defined tunnel fairways, ace runs, and bomb it opportunities. Hole (3) specifically stands out. A tempting ace run basket that can easily find one of the many winding creek beds surrounding the basket placements. If I recall correctly, I think I saw 4 small bridges on just this one hole. It's among my top 10 favorite shots in all of Alabama and I've played over a thousand unique holes in the state as of this review. Others likely despise this hole due to the water.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - The raw beauty is above average and I scored it roughly a 3 out of 5. The creek that runs through the layout is wide enough to affect the shot thought process, but narrow and shallow enough to not have to worry about losing a disc most days. The way the creek meanders gracefully along the layout adds to the disc golf experience IMO.
- QUICK PLAY - A fairly quick play, I've done a solo round here on an empty course in 50 minutes. I figure a typical group of 4 will finish in two hours.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - Due to the duel pads, the course is very skill level friendly. I brought my father-in-law once with me here and it was only his second round at the time. He had a blast and had a few runs for birdie from the short tees.


Cons:

With the prior biggest con of signage rectified, the issues are limited to just preferential ones.
- FORGIVENESS - Lots of moderately defined tunnel plays on this course and the lines on them are not as pure as I would have liked. Most players will eventually ping a tree and get an unfavorable kick where making bogie will become the goal. A few true lines are so narrow that being off your mark by a couple feet is sometimes not good enough. In addition, I'm sure that the creek becomes exponentially more hazardous with a good rain soaking.
- BASKETS PLACEMENTS - I question a few basket placements on this course. Its often wise to lay-up for par, than to run at basket. On my second round out here, I had two basket hits bounce off and then land in the water. Holes (3) and (9) have placements less than 5 feet from the water and another handful are less than 10 feet. Hole (8) with the OB path in front of the basket is unnecessary flawed difficulty.
- ELEVATION - The course is about as flat as they come. The course elevation changes by maybe 10 feet along the entire layout.
- DRAINAGE - On both of my visits here, I experienced soggy conditions. Seems like the type of course that retains water. I'd make sure to have boots in the car just in case.
- LAYOUT - Hole 1 is not located by parking and neither is 18. It pretty much starts out in the middle of the park. I've started on hole (16) on both of my visits here. I wonder if some locals due the same.

Other Thoughts:

Rainbow City reminds me a little bit of my first home course, Wells branch DGC in Austin TX. I find the course to be an enjoyable mixture of fun, challenge and beauty and I'd happily play here all the time if I lived in town. Thankfully it's a good one too, as it's the only game in town as of this revision.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 1
TheRealRedRoach
Experience: 10 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun and well done 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 25, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging course with two tee box options on most holes. We played on Christmas day so there wasn't much foliage I could see were it would be much more challenging and/or frustrating in the spring or summer. It's obvious the local disk golf club (the aptly named woodpeckers ha ha!) really cares about this course. Lots of white oaks and my driver was knocking them all afternoon. It was an artificial "Yella hammer". Quality Alabama disc golf for sure. Watch out for live traps!

Dog friendly. Port o potty in the lot.

Cons:

Finding the first tee box was a little difficult. It's not newbie friendly but you can figure it out and the locals were gracious and helpful.

Other Thoughts:

Go play it!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
AlphaGenerator
Experience: 13 years 97 played 7 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Really fun park to play...when it hasnt rained 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 7, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I love the varied shot selection that the wooded fairways make you throw. Must learn how to shape your shots to score well.

Cons:

signage leaves a bit to the imagination in spots. No restroom on site. Have to throw over water on hole 18...pavilion roof is too convenient for discs to land on.

The ground doesn't absorb rainfall very well, so the course can be muddy at times.

Other Thoughts:

Its a really fun course and I would recommend stopping, if you are traveling through.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
10 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 397 played 383 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Soggy Bottom, Boyz? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 26, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Rainbow City is an 18-hole course with a decent amount of challenge for the Rec to Intermediate disc golfer who has some control in the woods. Almost every hole has two decent-sized concrete tee pads and a DGA basket. I discovered, playing here for the first time, that the distances listed on DGCR were for basket positions that were, as of this writing, marked by PVC posts, and that the new basket positions are usually at least 50 feet further and often MUCH trickier. This provides the course with short and long tees and A and B pin positions for four different configurations (I played short tees to long pins). The disc golf course mostly occupies its own space in the woods beyond the parking lot in a nice community park with all the amenities (shelters, walking path around the perimeter, and sports fields in the front of the park).
Shot varieties included holes that faded right and left, sometimes incorporating the lake and often the winding creekbeds throughout. For most players, the signature hole here has to be #18, with a 200 foot water carry required off the short tee, but for me it has to be hole #3, with its pin position on a true island (peninsula), the basket being no more than 15 feet from the OB creek to the front AND 10 feet behind. They have installed a set of boards just behind the basket if you miss while running for the ace. I like the hole because I walked up to check out the "green" and wasn't sure I wanted to throw, risking having to fish my disc out of the cold (late December) water. I'm glad I decided to go for it (YOLO) - throwing my Buzz on a fade line, resulting in my first ace in six months!
Overall, the course has variety and is a fun stop if you're traveling I-59, and I'm sure the local community enjoys the course tremendously.

Cons:

We once went to the amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and saw a caution sign saying "You WILL get wet". Unless it's been dry for a looong time, there are eight to ten holes here which should bear that same warning. The water pools in marshy flats on more than half of the holes. About a third of the holes incorporate a tricky pin position very close to the six to ten foot wide creek, and three holes (1, 17, 18) give you a real chance to put one in the lake.
Speaking of #18, even though it's a signature hole, the long hyzer line (RHBH) flies right at the shelter by the lake (when I clipped the tree there, I wound up putting through the shelter - glad it was empty).
There are times when people walking the path meander into the inviting woods of the course near your lines of flight, so you may have to use caution (or wait).
The tee posts (by the short tees only) have only the hole number and no further information. The baskets are not, however, numbered at all. Although the course has many nice bridges, there needs to be one on hole #6. You currently need to circle around to the left, and double back unless by some chance you are athletic enough to leap the creek. The hyzer line for hole #7 fades directly over the long #8 tee.
Although some of the long tees appear to have benches, I don't remember seeing any by the short tees. I only saw two trash barrels along the length of the course. My overall takeaway from the course was that it's fun, but soggy.

Other Thoughts:

I'd like to see a full set of measurements and tee signs on this course, which I'm sure would raise most folks' ratings here. Oh, and if I didn't mention it already, I aced hole #3! :) So. I am NOT a man of constant sorrow.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 3
weatherbill
Experience: 8 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very Nice course! 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

distances are short, which is great for chances of an Ace. Been playing since the 90s and tired of courses with long holes that dont give ya a chance for the ace, but this course is the bomb for that! They say this course is heavily wooded.... not at all. this is a sparsely wooded course..... I hate courses that are heavily wooded and too hilly. This course is a very excellent landscape IMO.

Cons:

missing a basket at one of the holes

Other Thoughts:

I love this course alot because of its short distances. This weighs heavily in my rating of courses because when you've had a few Aces, you want more and this course gives me that chance.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
EsquireDyer
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great course if it hasnt rained in 3 days 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 1, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The small creek winding through the course makes for interesting shot decisions. The short course has a few open area, but most of the shots run through at least some trees to a great deal of trees making for varied play.

Cons:

One hole has been missing its basket now for months. When it rains the entire course turns into a flooded muddy mess and the creek becomes so swift that any disc thrown near it is gone instantly.

Other Thoughts:

Other then hole 18 the course could be used to teach others the basics of disc golf. Some of the holes are very straight forward and good for teaching kids or those new to the sport.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
skiper220
Experience: 9 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Rainbow city 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

a very beautiful course with a trails a pond, a stream. It has duel tee boxes maintained well. provides interesting shots through trees

Cons:

I find the baskets a little close to the next tee and there is a walking trail in the sports complex (but does not cross between the tee and basket). needs more trash cans.

Other Thoughts:

I am very happy to see a disc golf course in my home town and plan to play it very often, its not perfect but enjoyable to play. This course is not about throwing the disc a s far as you can but a skilled well placed throw with the exception of a few wholes. All in all its a good course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
frogtown_corey
Experience: 14.2 years 16 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

bring your patience cap and dont wear good shoes. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 28, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Definately the most challenging place in the area. Multiple tee and pin placements means it changes up frequently. benches, trash cans and places to hang your bag on every hole.

Cons:

lots of turning creeks on most of the course you will most likely be getting wet. Never ever play here within a week after heavy rainfall you will probably get trench foot. Lots of trees to hit and piss you off.

Other Thoughts:

Ive had great rounds here and some crappy ones . always remember its just a game and dont let this place get to you.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
9 0
JSurmann
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.6 years 76 played 28 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good wooded course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 24, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This mostly wooded course offers a nice flow through mature trees with a small stream winding through many fairways, making for many obstacles and out of bounds. Everything on this course seems to be in great shape and the baskets looked to be maybe 2-3 years old tops and all were secure in the ground.

Water comes into play on maybe 8 holes but only 1 & 18 where you throw near or over a pond respectively is where you are likely to lose plastic. The stream winds across and sometimes parallel with the fairways but is pretty small (2-3' across, 6"-2' deep) so any shots that go into the stream are easily recovered.

Two regular sized cement tee pads are at each hole with the Hole number on a short post by the small pads. I played one from each and for the most part, the long tees varied from the short tees, not only by distance but the lines changed as well.

This is more of a course where accuracy is more important than distance, even though there are a few open holes that lets you air them out.

Parking lot is huge and there are baseball fields and a playground there as well. A port-a-potty is in the parking lot too. A paved walking trail goes around the course.

Cons:

Only a few minor things that I see could use some improvement. Tee signs would be nice because on certain holes, you can't see the pin. Also, arrows on the basket that point you in the direction of the next tee would be helpful.

The course was quite muddy when we were there even through it hadn't rained in a few days. I would recommend bringing a change of shoes and socks if it recently rained.

Other Thoughts:

I had a hard time finding Tee 1 so I started on 13. Based on other reviews, I was looking for a shed, and those were by the ball fields. So, from the gravel parking lot, look into the woods for a large brown, metal-roofed pavilion. There is also a pond there. Tee 1 is to the right of the pond and pavilion.

This is definitely a unique course and I had a lot of fun playing it. I would not hesitate to stop here on a road trip and play it again. It is about 10 minutes off of the highway. It is fairly beginner friendly but this is more of an intermediate level course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
livinitupzzz
Experience: 14.9 years 11 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Very enjoyable 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 2, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Fun, enjoyable, easy stroll.
Short even for a beginner like myself (playing 4-5 months)
Most holes are easy pars.
First 13-14 holes were east to navigate I think it's the transition from 14-15 that is a little tricky.
Amateur tees are probably best for young kids in most situations.
Surprisingly- a very pretty course. Wasn't expecting it when I drove up.
Not busy.
Nice and New.
Well Manicured.

Cons:

Didn't feel very challenged.
Wouldn't be a problem next time but there are a few holes that water (winding stream) comes into play that you can't really tell it from the tee box.
Took me a while to find the start of the course.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 1 starts right around the shed and 18 ends there as well.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
dherdt
Experience: 16.4 years 21 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short fun in the woods 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 23, 2007 Played the course:never

Pros:

Good wooded course for beginners, has a variety of holes with a fair mix of shots required. A few creeks and ponds add extra challenge and beauty. Thick woods reward accuracy.

Cons:

Many of the holes are simply too short. Most of the front nine can be played with nothing longer than a mid-range disc. The first hole that allows you to test your distance is 13. Some of the pin placements among trees place too much value on luck rather than a well-placed approach. (5 and 15 come to mind)

Other Thoughts:

Practice basket is a plus. Long shot over pond on 18 makes for a true "signature hole", something I find lacking on so many other courses.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
The Drake
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.8 years 126 played 60 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 26, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Its a great amatuer course as even from the pro pads most of the pins are very reachable if you have a 200 ft throw. There is a nice lake which comes into play on holes one and 18 (and 17 if you're really unlucky). There's a nice variety of shots; S-curves, straight, left, right. This is a great course to take the family out to play or test your woods accuracy. Pro and Am tee pads and plans for more pin placements makes this course potentially very variable. This is a brand new course with lots of potential.

Cons:

The front nine is very clustered together. Tee pads and pins from consecutive holes are in very close proximity to each other making it unlikely to be able to hold a major event. This is minor but because its basically a brand new course it hasn't had a lot of play and as a result many of the fariways are very rough and there are a LOT of things that need to be cleaned up.

Other Thoughts:

As the only course in the area its nice to have somewhere to play in that area. Its very short and the front nine is very wooded testing your accuracy and disc endurance.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
Scraps
Experience: 16.8 years 21 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 7, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Very nice short course with both pro and am pads. Quite wooded with creeks coming into play on several holes and a large pond that can swallow discs on #1 and #18.

Cons:

New course with signs of clearing and construction. If it has rained, the course gets quite muddy. It also lacks bridges in some key areas, making crossing the creeks an adventure.

Other Thoughts:

This course, over time, could develop into a great gem. It just needs more play and time to recover from the construction scars.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top