Clearwater, FL

North East Coachman Park

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3.285(based on 46 reviews)
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11 0
adlacro
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.8 years 149 played 125 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Coachman

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2023 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

18 holes with baskets in fair condition. Two tees on almost every hole. Signage is still in good condition. Course offers a mix of open and tighter holes and lots of shade for those hot Florida days. Tees are concrete and in good shape. Fairways were free of debris. Long tees offer challenge, while the short tees can produce lots of birdies if you hit your lines. Easy to navigate. A couple of holes border water, but you should be able to retrieve the disc with a Kwik Stick or Retriever. Port a Johns on site.

Cons:

A couple of the holes border a busy road, so use extra caution when playing them. Three baskets play close to the parking lot and can come into play if you overthrow the intended shot. Consider anything over the canal as lost. Course can flood after heavy rains. Some tees do play pretty close to other holes.

Other Thoughts:

Coachman stands the test of time. It's a good, well shaded, classic par 54 course. You can pair it with nearby Cliff Stephens for a fantastic day of disc golf in Clearwater.
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16 0
dino2disc
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.6 years 72 played 39 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Shady, and it complements nearby Cliff Stephens well 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 29, 2021 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- A good number of parking spots, though the dirt/mulch lot is laid out very erratically with stumps and trees limiting the ways and spots you can park in.
- SHADE! Unlike Cliff Stephens and the majority of other courses around the area, all but #1 are essentially in full shade. It makes a huge difference during the summer, and the density of old oaks and other trees makes for more obstacles along the fairways than you'll encounter in most other courses in the area. Yes they're all par 3's, but hit enough trees and you'll end up with bogeys or worse. That's a refreshing amount of challenge for the area.
- Water hazards on the right side of #7, 8, 9, 12 and left side of #16 add enjoyable challenges to avoid, especially if it's windy. And I can say this from experience: make sure you avoid pulling right to the wrong side of the creek, because the growth is super dense on the other side and an easy place to lose discs.
- Long concrete tees, including 2 tees on many holes (#1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, and 16).
- 2 potential basket positions on #4, 6, 14, and 16.
- There's a practice basket by the first tee.
- You return to the parking lot after #3, #10, and #13, so it's easy to just "jump in" and play a few holes or alternatively start your round at a hole other than #1 if the beginning of the course is busy. It's rare to have that many of options to customize your order of playing holes in a course.
- The majority of tees have brooms held in the post for sweeping sand off the tees so you don't slip. Sand comes in frequently with the floods, so this is an excellent addition.
- Detailed tee signs with photos of the hole layouts.
- Short lengths make it a beginner and family-friendly place to spend a couple hours and learn the game.

Cons:

- A few of the baskets (#3, 13, and 18) are too close to the parking lot. Long throws, especially on #3, could nail your car, so avoid parking in those areas of the lot.
- Because of its wonderful shade and shorter length, the course is frequently busy. Even though the holes are short and packed closely together, it can still be hard to play a quick round here.
- After heavy rains the vast majority of Coachman floods. Small bumps in the terrain usually remain above water when this happens, but they're disconnected, making the course unplayable.
- Many of the hole layouts are quite similar, including in length, so variety isn't particularly high here. Though they're all decent holes, there's no par 4's or real 'signature' challenging holes. And most of the holes are fairly straight rather than dogleg-style in layout.
- As another reviewer said, it's "Florida flat". Can't do much about that, but just remember what to expect.

Other Thoughts:

- Northeast Coachman is a wonderful complement to Cliff Stephens just a mile away thanks to it's completely different style. If you're looking for a break from the challenge and water hazards at Cliff, want to bring the kids or family to enjoy a round together, or are just looking for some fun in the shade on a hot summer day, it's the perfect place to play!

- You can literally walk from Northeast Coachman to Cliff Stephens along the Ream Wilson Trail. Just head east until you pass under US 19. Great opportunity to play 2 highly-contrasting courses in the same day!

- Almost all of the undergrowth has been cleared out in recent years, which has vastly improved the course. This place used to be a nightmare of searching for discs in the sharp palmettos and vines, so I really applaud the community effort to clear everything out beneath the canopy cover.
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6 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Popular And Comfortable Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

North East Coachman Park sits in a tight urban spot maybe a mile northwest of Cliff Stephens . One of the older courses in Florida ( 1993 ) , it still has its pluses to it . The 2 tee pads per hole are cement and plenty long for a course with no hole over 370' . The baskets are Mach 5 and do a good job at catching . The signage is good and reminds you of Cliff Stephens , with the hole # , distance , and pictures of fairway and pin location . There are multiple pins at the holes . Amenities here are pretty good . There is a practice basket near the parking lot . A Port O Let near hole 14 ( which is close to hole 1 and 11 ) , decent Next Tee signs , bag poles , and benches at the tees . There are some really nice wood stained ones ( one of them is at #4 ) , some able to seat larger groups , at some of the tees . I am assuming that big groups come here in the evenings or on the weekends and relax during their rounds . There is also a large , tennis court style netting behind the tee pad for #17 to deflect any errant drives from 16 . A nice kiosk greets you at the parking lot . The course is easy on the legs , parking lot flat . The whole course is pretty much shaded . There are plenty of trees with their canopies to make sure that your drives are more technical and flat . The park is kept up very well , and on this course , you may be able to skip your shot off the hard ground and get an extra 20-30' off your drive , or shot shape the skip around a tree . The navigation is good , with its Next Tee signs and the compact nature of the park . I only looked at my map once . This is a typical park style course , but with a good amount of trees . The baskets are almost always either placed behind trees , trees are in or lining the fairway, or canopied trees are forcing low driving shots . Don't get me wrong . There are paths to the basket , just some are tighter than others . For water , there is a channel of it on your immediate right for holes 7 , 8 , 9 and maybe 12 that might cause your errant drive into a disc loss . Disc Risk : low . This is a clean park . The only way your will lose a disc with be in the channel or stick it way up in a tree . because of its total length ( 5321' from the longs , 4622' from shorts ) and short walks to the next tees , this course is a fast play . I was done in around 50 minutes .This is a deceptive gauge , because I was the only one on this course on a Friday morning at 10 . If it starts to fill up , think maybe an hour or so for a solo , and 2 for a foursome . Cliff Stephens is the place you go for a challenge . Coachman is the place you go to relax . I don't know if the course gets a lot of runoffs from Cliff ( Cliff plays slower and more deliberate ) , but I imagine Coachman fills up in the evenings and weekends . Much more suited for the 2 disc local and the newbie , even a family , it probably doesn't get the credit it deserves . No memorable holes , but still good play , and it is a fun relaxing course . A nice aspect of this course is that it comes back around to the parking lot so you can play 10 , 13 or 18 holes and be back to your car . Highlights : #1 , a good starter hole kicks in at 370' from the longs . #8 makes you throw a little over the channel in order to bend it into a blind basket hiding behind some shrubs on the left . #4 sets itself off to the right in a grove of trees . #14 makes you fade right with a ditch on your left . #18 is a narrow finishing hole back to the parking lot . Signature Hole : maybe #16 . The tee is actually a little higher that the course itself , passing right to left from the open to a tighter fairway .

Cons:

#1 Safety . Some of these fairways play right up against each other . 16 , 17 , &18 as a group are good examples . Also 2 & 3 , and 11 & 13 . I am hoping that there is some good courtesy practiced and no one gets hit in the back with a drive , but this also going to be a place where the inexperienced are learning the game . #2 Variety . I felt that the course was forcing the same shot as the hole before it, and sometimes . The trees are the only thing that make another hole slightly different . #3 Even though it was bone dry when I was here , with the areas void of grass combined with the flatness of the course , I would think that this course would be a mess after a good rain . The parking lot could use some work . It is small and there are trees in and around it . This is perfect for you getting dinged while backing up . it also has some divots in it . Bring bug spray , this course will be bad for insects in the summer . Additionally , this may or may not be fair , but coming from a scenic park just a mile away , I didn't get near that same look from Coachman . If you don't like tree filled and flat , you won't like it here .

Other Thoughts:

Rating a course can be hard after playing a highly rated one a couple of hours prior to it . This course doesn't disguise itself as a continuation of that course . It has it's own identity . With the benches and the feel here , you won't feel rushed . Not overly challenging here ( I even played this under par ) , but a good place to socialize with the friendly locals , work on your game , and maybe check out the large disc golf store near the park . If I lived locally , this would be my choice for my home course . With many courses within a 30 minute drive from here , this is a good intermediate course for newer inexperienced players to play and socialize with better players .Thank You , Tampa bay Disc Sports Club and Tampa Bay Parks and Rec for allowing me to play your course . You do great work . My Recommendation : Newbies , families and locals , Welcome . Great for the traveler , since it is right down the street from another course . Also adequate for the tournament tested local to work on their technical and approach game . For any of the explained reasons , Play it !!!
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0 9
NAV009
Experience: 5 played 4 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Shady 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of Shade

Cons:

Poorly Marked Tees
Poorly Marked Baskets
Poor Layout
Poor Location
Lots of Trees

Other Thoughts:

This course has a bad location and a bad layout. Everything is poorly marked. If you manage to find your way to the first tee, you'll see right from the start you're chucking your disc towards traffic, which is obviously unsettling for beginners. Even the parking is poorly marked, but trying to spot dull gray baskets with no flags or colored rings is very frustrating.
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7 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Coachman DGC Is Popular And I Can See The Attraction! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 27, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

NE Coachman Disc Golf Course is a flat but nicely, shaded little recreational course across the street from a wonderful disc golf store, just blocks from the Philadelphia Phillies spring training home and a short one mile walk via path from the legendary Cliff Stephens DGC.

There is ample parking, a kiosk and a practice basket at the staging area. The course has plenty of benches including a few holes with double benches plus. I will go out on a limb here and say the locals often play in large groups of six or more. Baskets and bag holders are quite common, too. The baskets are some well used Mach II's. The old metal signs are fine with a simple map and giving you the needed information about one, two or in the case of # 16, three pads and three different basket positions. Most holes play in 200-300' range with just a couple over 350'.

A ditch which didn't have much water in it ran along the side of holes 7, 8, 9, 12 and then # 16 played either over it or alongside depending on which pad you threw from. Beside myself, I saw two other players fishing their discs out of it.

The course has a nice variety of palms, Laurels and Live Oaks. Beside providing shade they're also the main obstacles you're trying to avoid here.

It's obvious that this course has it's admirers with the all the different groups as well as guys just hanging around socializing, etc. It's like a small town barber shop. You can get all the disc golf news and gossip here at Coachman.

Sani cans by # 14. There is a large screen by the # 17 tee pad protecting players from drives from # 16. # 11 and # 14 both loop back to start.

Cons:

Florida flat.

A steady diet of rec length holes await you here. Also a certain redunacy with some holes starting to blend together in my feeble mind.

The ditch, which was running low here in January, can become a raging torrent of water after the summer storms.

I would think this might get a little crazy during peak times. Might want to keep your head up as some holes are in pretty close vicinity.

Other Thoughts:

I liked this course. It's recreational length and challenge fit well with my tired ass game. The shade would be a welcome relief from the Florida sun. It's well signed making it easy to navigate. It's popularity might be drawback especially if large playing groups are commonplace. That ditch and the prevailing wind might not always be my friend but the course is an extremely easy play overall.
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6 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.2 years 652 played 631 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Players Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 13, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

(2.767 Rating) (REVISED - replayed September 2017) Filled with Spanish moss covered live oaks. Coachman is a good course in general but not amongst the area's best courses.
- NAVIGATION - I had no trouble on my first time thru without a map. You can typically see the next tee from each prior basket and yet the tees are still separated enough to protect from errant discs. I'll also mention that this course is excellent for the disc golf bag cart.
- CHARACTER - Perhaps the best thing about coachman is the way the course pampers its players. Not quite to the extent of that at nearby courses Cliff Stevens or Taylor Park but still well above average compared to other courses. Among the course pampering items you'll see; Great hole signage, Shaded Tees, Benches on every hole and some with errant disc protection. A few multiple tees and a few alternate basket locations. Also, brooms at a few holes, bag holders at a bunch of holes, picnic tables at multiple locations including hole (1), a practice basket, and lastly, a porta-potty.
- TEE PADS - They are all concrete and are of various lengths and widths. only a couple are in the 8 foot useless length range. But in all, better than average and they are relatively all in good repair.
- ACEABILITY - Almost all the holes are aceable, You will have great opportunities on holes (3,4, 6, 11, 13 and 17). Every hole is under 400 feet.
- MAINTENANCE - Course seems to be well kept and clean. There is really no overgrowth or rough areas. Errant shots are not punished further by a dense palmetto bush foliage like many Florida courses. So there should be little to no searching and the odds of losing a disc is really low as long as the channel water is low.

Cons:

Coachman has a repetitive feel to it.
- UNIQUENESS - The holes variety is a bit below average compared to your average 18 hole course. Most holes play thru a live oak tree and pine tree canopy with moderately tight lines and are positioned within 5 degrees of straight ahead. There is only one good dogleg hole, on (8), which is also the only blind basket. There are some good water elements in play which will force a line on holes (7,9 and 12). There are no overhead plays. None of the holes are true gimmes and none are that exceedingly hard, except (8) long. There are no par 4s or 5s. The longer holes will however challenge intermediate players and some advanced players, being at close to 400 feet. The course is lacking a signature hole as they really all blend together.
- SHOT SELECTION - I found the shot selection to be average to perhaps be slightly below average. Most shots need to stay low, straight and on a precise line. The shot shaping aspect for the lines is there in some respects. As a righty, I play probably a few more backhands than flicks. A lot of shots will be best served to be low skippers.
- SPACING - Well below average, Several of the fairways feel partially shared. Discs constantly end up in other fairways. Black aces have happened. In addition, considering that the course is typically full of players, you will always be wise to keep your head up and aware of other groups teeing off.
- CHAINS - Although the chains are indeed solid, they are rusting out a bit on a bunch of holes.
- TIME WAITING - This course gets heavy use and often has league or mob golfing going on. Typically the larger groups will let a faster group or single through (or try to get you to join in), but you'll still have to wait on that initial hole.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. I know that this is typically for Florida, but this course is flat for even Florida standards. One of the flattest courses I've ever played. No more than 5 feet of elevation change throughout the entire course layout.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Average, definitely not the most scenic course in Pinellas County. The trees are mostly live oak and pine and just don't have the same pop found at other nearby courses, I'm not entirely sure why. The creek or channel has more of a ditch feel than a graceful winding creek. I'll also add that the course takes a lot of wear and tear and is mostly void of grass.
- PARKING - The parking lot could use a bunch of work. Its pitted in a bunch of spots and has trees within the footprint. I nearly backed my car into a tree on my first round here.
- DRAINAGE - During the rainy season (typically May-September), Coachman will flood. Be sure and check daily rainfall totals. Three inches of rain over a two day perior will flood this course.

Other Thoughts:

I'd play Coachman a lot if I within 5 to10 miles. Good for beginners thru advanced. Not a destination course like nearby courses Cliff, Taylor, Cypress, Oldsmar and Picnic. However this course fits in well among next tier of area courses like Maximo, Youth, 22nd, Limona, and USF. If you live in the Tampa Bay region, you need to play this course at least once.
- DIFFICULTY - Average. Probably not too great of a challenge to advanced players but the everyone else should be thoroughly challenged. The fairways are moderately tight but fair. Intermediate players should finish even to a couple down on a typical day.
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3 1
Modelle
Experience: 14.1 years 22 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

It's ok 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 5, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Great signage and very easy to follow
-Many trees and some water offer a challenge
-Pro and Am tee pad's that provide at least a little distance on some holes
-Not too crowded

Cons:

-Very short course, i have tried to find out what the hoopla is just not overly impressed
-Too tight, some holes cross and people just walk in fornt drives.
-Did I say short, only hole one has any distance but no trees
-Heavily local which is fine but with that comes attitude

Other Thoughts:

It takes about 35 mins to play a round solo, not challenging enough though there's heavy trees but zero elevation and it gets boring quickly. Spoiled by mountain courses I guess.. Feel liberal giving a 2.5 rating. Cliff and Cypress are better
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6 0
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.9 years 242 played 194 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good Old Fashioned Fun! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 13, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

As far as the Greater Tampa area courses go, this one falls in the middle. It's not the most scenic or challenging, but it does offer its own charms and is quite fun to play.

Nice signage and tee pads, very easy to navigate, and plenty of trees to shot shape around. Disc loss is at a minimum here, unless you put one into the water-filled ditch that runs alongside a couple of holes.

The course is well maintained, and litter free.

Cons:

The course feels a little cramped, with tight holes running back and forth through the light woods. Keep an eye out for stray discs coming in from nearby fairways.

There are a few holes that play near a heavily used sidewalk.

It can be muddy during the rainy season, with areas of standing water on some fairways.

Other Thoughts:

This course wouldn't be my 1st choice if I could only play one of the greater Tampa area courses, but I certainly would recommend it not as a must play, but as a should play. It is very popular with the locals and would make for a fine home course.
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1 1
freddysez
Experience: 16 played 16 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Woods and Streams 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 1, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

The signs are great as well as the flow and this course will make you bring your shotmaking skills set around a plethora of trees and creeks. It is well kept and offers something for everyone

Cons:

Maybe it's just me but I enjoy disc golf with all of the elements of distance, finesse, and hazards. Having said this no holes really stick out to me as signature. I can't remember one hole that when I got back to my car I kept reflecting back on. It's a good course period, nothing more nothing less

Other Thoughts:

you have to dig the fact that a killer disc golf store is right down the street
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2 0
EWSdiscgolf
Experience: 10.6 years 89 played 28 reviews
4.00 star(s)

NE Coachman is Great!!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 15, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Two concrete long tee pads per hole (White/Blue) that are perfect for long run-ups
- Brand new tee signs. Very nice tee signs with detail pictures marking the basket locations and the distance.
- Very nice benches at every tee, Bag Hooks (some holes) Trash Cans, and a port o potty in the parking area, just like Cliff Stevens
- The New Tee Signs have a pictures looking down the fairway with arrows pointing to both basket locations and distances for both tees
- Multiple starting points from the parking lot. You can start on any of the following tees 1, 4, 11, & 14. It is a popular course, and it can get busy. So if you see a big group out, you can jump over to another tee boxes
- Plays under a canopy of trees, which offers some relief when it is hot out
- There are plenty of trees to work your lines around, but not overly dense
- Good pin locations, no shots that are unfair
- This park is entirely a Disc Golf course.
- Some Water hazards. Didn't appear to be very deep, but it is wide.
- Beginner friendly, and not as easy from the back tees
- Average Distances range from 250-350ft.
- Holes 3, 10, 14, 18 put you back at the parking lot
- Located right next to Cliff Stephens and 5 minutes away from the Clearwater Disc Golf Store
- If you follow the walking path, you will end up at Cliff Stephens DGC

Cons:

- This course is probably the most heavily played in Tampa Bay, other than Cliff Stevens, so it is not unlikely that you will be waiting for a group on a hole
- It can be a little bit short if you are playing from the short tees
- The parking lot might be a little bit small

Other Thoughts:

I loved North East Coachman. It was one of my favorites in Florida. Hopefully I can come back there sometime because it was great!
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3 1
buzzkilla
Experience: 21.9 years 18 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Beginner's Paradise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 29, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great place for beginners and the course is kept up with very well. Night golf on Thursday nights is a blast when it is dark by 6:30 PM and the handicap on Sundays at 10 AM draws a great turnout. If you play 1-18 you make your way towards the parking lot three times should you need to stock up on drinks or discs and a produce stand that sells gatorade, soda, etc. is just across the street and just a rock throw away from hole 2 teepad.

Cons:

If you're like me and just like to play a round or 2 efficiently, it is best to go at sunrise as this course from noon on can get packed with high volume of players that play in big groups. During the summer time it can get pretty flooded for days.

Other Thoughts:

- Favorite holes are 3, 9, 11, and 17

- Least favorite are 10 and 16

- After finishing hole 9, be sure and go to the left for 10 as hole 12 is dead straight ahead

- Hole 13 can be a bit tricky to find, but just look for the sign about halfway up the fairway and drop off your bag and then 14 is by the port a jon

- Hole 16 is tucked back jest behind the arc bridge or if you've got great tailwind or a feed for speed you may throw from the super pad across the bridge by the benches
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7 0
jjw4ucm
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.7 years 37 played 30 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A worthwhile play! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 19, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is very easy to get to and well signed. The signs have photos showing where the baskets are, which is a great touch and something I had not seen anywhere back in my native Kansas City. It really does help with navigating and finding your way. Good job!

Scenery here isn't the best of the Tampa Bay area, but it's definitely still nice and has its own merits.

The park itself seems to be in a decent part of Clearwater as well, I felt safe playing here which is always good.

The round was definitely fun. Not the greatest, but never frustrating and held my interest the whole way through.

Great beginner course to introduce new players. There's not a ton of lost disc opportunities or frustrations here and navigation is generally pretty easy.

The course design isn't enthralling, but it's definitely serviceable and there's a decent amount of different looks to keep it fairly interesting for the most part.

Concrete tee pads are always good and they're in decent shape for the most part. Baskets are also in good working order. Trash cans and other amenities are scattered throughout the course.

Cons:

This course is packed into a fairly small area - definitely not the worst I've seen but several holes play close to either each other or the parking lot, so you do have to be cautious.

A lot of holes generally feel fairly similar, and nothing really stands out to me as "great". Some courses have several holes that I remember as amazing or can't wait to play again -- here, there really wasn't anything like that. Just a nice place to play a round but that's about it.

There is a bike and walking trail through this course as well, which seems to be pretty common for Florida courses I've noticed. No big deal but it does see some use so be careful.

I noticed a fair amount of trash on the course and it plays next to a couple fairly busy roads. While the roads are great for easy access, it does break up the feel of the round a bit in my opinion.

I played several courses in the Tampa Bay area during midweek, and this was the only one that was packed even at 11 on Wednesday. Everyone was very friendly but I can only imagine it's a total zoo on the weekends.

Sandy soil everywhere, which I can imagine gets pretty muddy in the rainy season. I was here in November so it wasn't a big issue but I could see where it could be.

Not a lot of long opportunities, due to the compactness of the course.

Other Thoughts:

I really feel like this course is a great one to take someone to that's new to the game. It doesn't really have any major frustrations and should make for a fun round.

I think this is a solid 3.0 course. Has all the amenities it needs, some nice touches to bring it over "average", but if you only have time for one or two courses in the Tampa Bay area I would probably skip this one. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to finally get a chance to play it and see what it's all about.

Be prepared to meet lots of friendly fellow DGers out here! It does seem to get pretty busy. Happy discing!
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1 0
domromer
Experience: 21.4 years 88 played 21 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun Urban Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 8, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Fun course. Pretty easy to find your way around without map, scenic, good shade which would be nice in the summer.

Cons:

A lot of the pads and baskets are really close. On a busy weekend I imagine this course get's pretty crazy and backed up.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course for the first time and enjoyed it. It's technical enough for it not to be a cake walk for an intermediate player but I don't think it would be so hard as to be discouraging for a new player.

As I mentioned there seems to be some overlap and various pins and pads seem in close proximity to each other. I'd recommend playing this course not during peak times if you prefer a steady pace and not having to play through or wait for groups.
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5 0
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.7 years 278 played 273 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 7, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Coachman doesn't have the high points of Medard or Stephens but it also doesn't have the low points of some of the other area courses. If you were to imagine your standard, lightly wooded, flat course that makes the best use of limited terrain, you have a picture of Northeast Coachman.

It's a very approachable course that isn't a beginner course but is beginner-friendly. The holes are mostly defined by trees but it's more of an open space than a trail course and there is no underbrush to speak of. A few fairways bring a canal into play but it doesn't add much interest or difficulty, especially if you have just played on the serious waterways next door.

Most of the holes sport solid, easy to follow fairways that do require different shapes because of the variety of trees. I don't know if there is a standout hole here, but there aren't any frustrating ones either. And other than the road hole, all of them are fun.

Coachman also boats the advantage of multiple places to jump around. I mean that not in the kangaroo sense but in the hole-to-hole sense. It's easy to start on 1, 4, 11 and 14 from the parking lot which is a big advantage on a smaller course that can get busy and is one the many players will want to play all the time. Add in nice tees and a multitude of benches and it's a great place to throw a round, if not an especially memorable one.

Cons:

There aren't crossing fairways or anything but there seem to be a lot of pairs of holes where one goes down and the other takes you back. This does create some danger of shots crossing into other fairways but a more realistic concern is that the course becomes difficult to navigate at times. Since the terrain is open there is no obvious way to proceed from many baskets. Typically, one tee is close by but there are some tricky spots. (Nothing the map can't solve) There is also 16. If you remember this on the course, the basket is the one to the right. Then there is the hole in which the road is very much in play.

So there's a few issues, but mostly the course is limited by the flat terrain and the mostly open nature of the grounds, and it doesn't have the water hazards that Cliff Stephens uses to make up for this fact. Thus, there is not much in the way of greatness. No memorable holes. Not too much challenge. Little variation. The holes look pretty much the same and though there are some different lines, there is not much variety in distance. There are also too many fairways that are just straight approaches. A lot of "straight" here and that's where more advanced players will lose interest.

Other Thoughts:

Essentially, Coachman is an everyday type of course that would be a great home course. At the same time, when you consider it's proximity to Cliff Stephens, it is part of sweet two-course trip that is worth a bit of travel to experience.
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2 2
Murderous Monkey
Experience: 12.7 years 19 played 7 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 23, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

-nice course
-some holes have long/short tees
-nice foliage, and well kept
-benches all over
-nice scenery
-easy to locate

Cons:

-no pars, so out of towners don't know how they're doing
-couple holes unsure where to go next
-no holes allow you to air it out
-somewhat short course

Other Thoughts:

Nice course. Pretty easy course, I only threw a fury and anode and did just fine. You can leave the distance drivers at home. Another review said that it connects to Cliff, but I didn't see where. Signage for that would be awesome. Water comes in to play on a few holes, so watch for that. Overall a nice shortish course that is a definite stop.
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1 2
redsealking
Experience: 17.6 years 5 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good Times 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 17, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Beautiful piece of land. Awesome flow with nice, accurate tee signs. Short and long tees make for a fun experience for beginners through pros. Each hole had a rather defined line, with options to take the path less traveled. Lack of underbrush allowed for ease of recovery from errant shots.

Cons:

Not necessarily a con due to lack of property, but most holes are reachable from the tees, forcing a "deuce or die" mentality. No real sense of getting to air it out.

Other Thoughts:

I was on vacation from Texas where short courses are becoming a thing of the past. I was impressed by the local fauna. Got to play in one of their weekly minis and met a lot of like-minded people, reinforcing the thought that the disc mentality translates well from location to location.
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2 2
Charbachuk
Premium Member
Experience: 15.7 years 178 played 16 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Clearwater Classic 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 28, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Beautiful sign greets you to the course.
- Tee-signs are all new and are very informative with full color pictures.
- Good variety of distances and lines for each hole.
- Multiple pin placements on certain holes make the course different each time you play it.
- Right down the road from Cliff.
- No chance of getting lost, course flows really well from hole to hole and from beginning to end.
- Some good ace runs.

Cons:

- Some of the Tee-pads are a little short and a little chopped up.
- Not to much grass; the majority of the course sits under tree cover, so the majority of the ground is just dirt.
- Bugs!, the mosquitoes can get pretty bad if the creek that runs behind hole 3 and 4 gets some water in it.
- Not a good variety of shots, this course is a RHBH hyzer bomb course.
- Course floods very easily when it rains.
- No real signature hole; though I have my favorite, hole #8, i feel there is no hole that stands out from all the others.
- No real signature finishing hole; hole 18 is a 318' shot through the trees back to the parking lot, nothing special.

Other Thoughts:

- All things considered this is still one of my favorite courses.
- I would suggest a day trip only because Cliff is right around the corner and the Clearwater Disc Golf Store is right down the road.
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6 0
davmer2303
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.5 years 25 played 24 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Taste of Florida 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

* Easy to find with hole one right by the parking lot
*Signs are clear and pads are nice concrete.
* The course is not long, but some holes do get up to around 400ft, so there is distance variety.
* Water comes into play as a lateral hazard on the back of the course, but the shots near it are well designed.
* Most of the course plays under shady trees.
* Although there are a lot of trees, it's not super tight. the holes are very workable.
* There's good line variety. It's a shotmaking course.
* Course flows well, there isn't any long walking around to find holes.
* You get what you deserve. Good shots are rewarded. there aren't any unfair shots.
* There are long and short pads, and the course appears fun for many skill levels.

Cons:

* No actual bathrooms but there is a portolet.
* Flooding issue after heavy rains.
* Fairways could be tight if many groups are playing.
* Those are minor cons. This is an awesome course!!

Other Thoughts:

Coachman feels like a nice walk on a shady, summer day. There is a walking path that winds around and through, and I saw many people using it. Disc golf could be part of a larger day of exercise and photography.

The park itself is loaded with gorgeous trees, and feels like old Florida inside. Personally, I found this to be one of my favorite parks that I have played. The shots in the woods were technical but fair, and the playing was very satisfying.

This park is very close to Cliff Stephens, and playing both together is a great comparison of what to do with different pieces of land. I really don't see why anyone wouldn't enjoy this park. the short tees are perfect for the distance challenged and the longs aren't too long. Coachman made for a fantastic morning of disc golf!
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3 1
ArchAngel7774
Experience: 8 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Beautiful Florida Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 3, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

First Off, I met some of the nicest people as I drove in. Turns out, during Spring Training season (baseball) the park is used for parking for the Phillies, but they still allow golfers to park for free. They gave some nice advice and chatted with for some time while I got my gear in order.
The course itself was in wonderful shape. No under brush, limbs trimmed except where want for obstacles (and there are many large horizontal oak limbs), concrete tee pad were clean, only one mud area up near the road and not in play on decent drive. The trees are mainly Florida oak with enough other stuff to add variety. It was just wonderful. The "water" this time of year is a trickle along the back of the course (#'s 7-9 &16). So no lost discs, but talking to the locals, they told me this is a flood area (that's why they got it all to themselves) and during the rainy season the "trickle" becomes a ripping river and half the course becomes unplayable. Of course there a number of nice courses in the area so no problem there.
Everything here has trees, so no real chance to just let one rip, but with no under brush even a really bad drive is not a killer. I average 70 on my home course with a best of 60. I shot a 59 here, first time out, with no warm up.
This is a very good confidence building course.

Cons:

I guess it gets pretty wet in the summer.

Other Thoughts:

Great use of tight space. Even with 4-6 parties moving through, there was not any conflict except at the side with everyone going to the baseball game and they didn't mind at all.
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5 0
KimBrennan
Experience: 43.5 years 161 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 19, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Excellent signs on each hole (though few signs to indicate the direction to the next hole, they are rarely needed.)

Concrete pads (sometimes a bit small, but the holes usually aren't long enough to need bigger tees.)

Nice shady course, that doesn't feel heavily treed. Many of the tree obstacles are branches hanging down (horizontal) rather than vertical ones.

Nice benches on nearly every hole, and bag racks on many too.

Cons:

Very sandy (when dry). A towel to clean your discs regularly is definitely needed.

For several of the holes, the bike path/hiking trail comes into play (and care must be given so as to not hit pedestrians or bikers.)

No water, no restrooms.

The course design is fairly tight, meaning that holes are pretty close to each other. The course design is well done so that errant shots on one hole rarely intervene on one of the adjacent holes.

Other Thoughts:

This is a relatively short course, and rather attractive as I saw it (didn't see much trash, which is pleasant for a change.)

This is not a course for big hyzers, it is much more of a straight low shot type of course. Due to the sandy conditions on several of the holes, don't expect too many skips (back nine seems to have more than the front nine.)

Water hazard (when I played in November) is very shallow.

Quite a pretty course.
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