Atascadero, CA

Heilmann Park

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3.385(based on 28 reviews)
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1 0
Soulrider67
Experience: 20.8 years 13 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Good times!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 14, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun challenging course. Super cool local players. The grass was starting to get tall but heard that they were having a mowing round the following weekend. Quiet course, not many OB's to deal with. Good long shots, a few blind shots too. Big trees to work around but it's all there. Thankfully I had some knowledgeable locals with me so I didn't have to hike out and find the basket location on a few on the back 9.

Cons:

It gets hot in the summer here. Bring extra water and sunscreen.
The grass can get tall but they do a good job cutting it back.

Other Thoughts:

Stop at the market down the street and pick up lunch and drinks! They have a good tri-tip sandwich there!
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4 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Heilmann Park Provides Many Memorable Holes! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 24, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Heilmann DGC is coming up on it's 20th anniversary and it's holding up pretty well. It may be a little tame compared to some of today's monsters but it's rugged terrain covered with Live Oaks trees is a perfect setting for a disc golf course.

At the start, you'll see the kiosk with "some" information, not a lot. The pads are solid concrete ones. The tee signs are an attractive mix of green, grey and black and shows the route for the hole. The baskets are an unpleasant shade of orange which doesn't exactly pop! Some of them have a white tee arrow. There are benches and brooms at most holes. Each tee sign has a message below and many offer some good common sense, such as Don't play in groups bigger than five or Allow faster players or groups to go ahead. I liked their messages. Some holes have up to five baskets positions and I'm glad to announce that there is a spinner on each tee sign that is set to the current basket position. Thank you for that.

With this wonderful hilly terrain, there are so many ops for juicy downhills, cool basket placements and awesome natural fairways owing to the contour of the land. Among the many holes that I enjoyed were;

4 in the B position. I think my notes say it was 491' slightly down through a very pretty natural fairway.
# 6 was another pretty hole playing at 267' across a canyon.
11 D featured a nice basket placement up near the street with this great gnarly branch guarding it.
# 12 A was just a sweet little 216' Ace run.
# 13 B position is 280' with a cool basket placement over and then up a small ridge.
And finally, I liked # 18 in the A position which just a short little hole but there are group of wispy little trees in the way.

Cons:

I don't have much in the way of Cons. I guess some would complain that this plays like a course designed 20 years ago, way more recreational than advanced challenge by today's standards.

Some shifty looking dudes hanging around.

Other Thoughts:

This is just a very solid, relaxing and enjoyable course to play. This is a course that so many of us would love to proclaim our local course. It's not overly strenuous. They aren't many places to get into serious trouble. Very little searching for discs.

I could just hug this course.

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2 0
lardog
Experience: 7 played 7 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Atascadero Disc Golf in the oaks 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 17, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Some hills and lots of trees make this a technically challenging course. Rewards straight drives in a big way. Very fun satisfying course even though I hit a fair amount of branches. Well thought out course. Brooms at each tee pad. Fairly decent navigation. Friendly crowd.

Cons:

Not a beginner course. Some potential for nasty rollers with baskets on hills.

Other Thoughts:

Enjoyable course with a thoughtful layout.
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1 0
Vninja
Experience: 13.8 years 5 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice peaceful quiet park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 2, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice clean park. Great tee signs. Nice variety of shots and elevation changes even for a smaller disc golf park type. Never crowded both for park users and disc golf users. A lot of big trees bunch together at top to provide the course with about 75 percent of the course with plenty of shades. Of course my 75 percent is a number I'm making up in my head. It's peaceful and quiet here.

Cons:

Can get very hot and later in the afternoon can get windy. First time I played there I had a hard time finding tee #6 and #10. Now it's my second time playing there and I had no problem navigating.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 6.....follow around the tennis court. Hole 10.....after hole 9 go past hole 17 and etc and go up the hill toward your park car and hole 10 starts playing down.
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2 0
ShortyToThrow
Experience: 10 years 61 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Tee Signs! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 27, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of native oaks along with pines that force accurate shots to reach the baskets. New tee signs as of 12/2016 provide accurate measurements and direction on the course.

Cons:

The hard pan can become slippery during periods of rain. It can get hot in the summertime.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 16 and 18 were switched in 12/2016 to provide better course flow. Follow the next tee arrows on the signs once you get to 15.
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2 0
MisterXray
Experience: 11.7 years 183 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Technical and fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 11, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Some low cielings, make first shot count. Lots of hard pan, come in hot and you are skipping, especially with the drought. No green to be seen. Nice and enjoyable otherwise.

Cons:

Signage at teepads not accurate. Printing out the map here on DGCR for a few of the not so obvious tee pads.
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1 1
geodude
Experience: 40 played 38 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good course with lots oftrees 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 20, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of trees and elevation changes for good challenges. Tee pads are good size, benches at each hole. Close to US 101. Quiet, shaded, bathroom, water fountain. Good mix of holes where a backhand drive is better and then the same if not more for a forehand/sidearm/flick. Course is well maintained for a natural setting. Poison Oak has been cleared out. multiple hole placements I am told.

Cons:

Some squirrel holes. Hot in the summer. Fair amount of risk on some holes with not the best reward, i.e a bad roll can go a long way here with hilly terrain. Navigation a bit tough, I would print or download a map. Only one drinking fountain I saw along the way. Busy with a lot of players out.

Other Thoughts:

Fun course.It may not be so much fun in the heat. Definitey worth playing.
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2 0
Bossripper69
Experience: 4 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Keep that disc low 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 3, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very technical and has some length. The baskets are constantly moving keeping this course fresh.

Cons:

Signage would be clutch. If this wasn't my local course it would be a headache figuring out where to go next.

Upkeep could be stepped up. Squirrels are making homes under pads and no one is stopping them. Lots of cracked corners out there...

Other Thoughts:

Keep your disc low. the ceiling aint that high. Watch for counter culture and 40's. Otherwise a beautiful park. Have fun
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3 0
tdkrizenshine
Experience: 10.8 years 34 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 11, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Technical - heavily wooded, elevation throughout, blind shots, requires a deep bag of shots. A really interesting and challenging course that will put skills to the test. Benches at every tee and plenty of shade!

Cons:

Terrible signage.

Other Thoughts:

This course plays across a hillside while traveling back and forth across small ravines. A very challenging layout with a heavy reward vs. consequence feel. Pull out your bag of tricks and BRING A MAP! I left here with a big smile on my face and I pretty well suck. The router engraved benches are very cool - I especially like hole 4: Zeppelin and Volcom!!
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4 0
beereakfast
Experience: 15.1 years 22 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A hot, dry, course, that rocks! 2+ years

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

Pros:

Nice concrete tee pads, all with benches. Baskets in fair condition. A little paint wouldn't hurt, but all the chains are there and they are all set up well. Multiple pin positions. Water fountains were all over the course, which is very necessary in the afternoon heat in early August. The layout made for a lot of fun, challenging holes. Uphill, downhill, and usually with multiple lines at the pin. They vary between left and right turning but there was almost always an option.

Cons:

When I played, I saw almost no trash. The trash I did see, was a long way from any trash cans. I carried a bit, but it was a pain. As well put together as this park is, it needs more cans. Also. A lot of baskets were really close to the next tee and had a high likelihood of posing a hazard. The navigation towards the end got awful confusing. Twice I threw at the wrong basket even after scouting. The tee signs are woefully lacking. Even worse, they are misleading. When the basket is off and far to the left is across the canyon, out of sight, behind a hedge of oak trees... And there is a basket, in the canyon, to the left, at the right distance..... Might need better signs! This can be improved and I would love to rate the place higher. The last 4 holes were the worst to follow.

Other Thoughts:

All in all, I really loved this course. The oak trees are always framing a shot and always pose a challenge. If you are bold enough to try to sneak through the gaps, it can be beautiful, or really painful. I ran into a local who played the first 12 holes with me and helped immensely finding my way. After he left, it got a lot harder. Be prepared to walk up and down a lot of hills. Not steep, but expect it. This place get's HOT in the summer. I was glad to have cold(at the start) bottle of water, and a big hat. Don't let that stop you from coming to play this place. It is a lot of fun. Just watch out for rattle snakes, ticks, mountain lions, and folks from the correctional facility across the creek. (not positive that was what it was but that's what it looked like. just don't throw over that fence and it's no problem. ;)
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3 0
gnarcaster
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Heilman 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 18, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Technical shots are required on most holes. Garbage cans are scattered around the park along with benches by every tee box. After the front 9 you walk by the restroom and back toward the parking lot if you need anything from your car.

Cons:

~75% of the tee boxes have a small post with an arrow and the footage posted, but the arrow usually doesn't point to the basket, I probably spent a total of 30 minutes running down the fairways looking for the basket being my first time out there, the small printed out course map posted doesn't do it justice. The course layout starts out decent and is easy to follow, but it gets kind of confusing on the back 9. I couldn't find the 18th tee box so I ended up playing from 9 to the 18th basket, looking at the map online is much better resolution so I think I know where it is, so print it out if it's your first time. Overall the layout of the course is pretty bad, the lanes are usually tight and lightly to heavily protected and it is very easy to wind up in the fairway of a neighboring hole. If there were other people playing I could see this being a huge issue, especially when some baskets are within 50' from later or previous holes.

Other Thoughts:

When I played most of the holes were in very short positions so birdies can be abundant on most of the front 9, even with a few not so great shots par is still pretty easy to save if you have finesse shots in your bag. I do really like the fact that this course forces you to throw different shots on most holes. It is a great course to practice different throws and make use of mid range discs.
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6 1
Hazer
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18 years 168 played 53 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Very Technical Wooded 18 - Lots of Fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 15, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice large cement tees on every hole. Basic signs next to every tee. Multiple pin positions on every hole, some with up to 5 or 6, and the pins are moved weekly. Some of the pin positions are set up for ace races, most of them are pretty difficult, and some are extremely difficult (tournament holes). Very technical shots required on nearly every hole. Good elevation change throughout the course and it is used well. As stated in other reviews, this course greatly rewards good shots, and severely punishes bad shots. Quite challenging throughout the course with few real birdie holes (at least with the pins where they were when I played), but birdies definitely are obtainable with great drives. Great variety of holes forcing you to shape your shot and hit different lines. All holes are pretty unique with no repetitive feeling when you're playing; each hole requires a special unique approach. Many trees and limbs on every hole that are not easy to squeeze through and almost always drop your disc dead when hit. Well placed and protected baskets on most holes. Several mandos throughout the course marked well with signs on trees with arrows. Benches at every tee, some with multiple. Garbage cans at hole 1, and you also pass this area after 9 and 18 ends here as well. Nice chill area with a pavilion and picnic tables here as well. Restrooms on site. Beautiful moderate to heavily wooded course throughout all 18 holes. Challenging course. Everyone on the course was really friendly and helpful. Very well maintained, clean course.

Cons:

The signs are pretty weak, only showing hole number, a very basic hole layout (although some were illegible), and the distance to one pin position (although most baskets were in other pin positions when I played), so estimating distances in necessary on many holes. A couple fairways cross each other, and while good shots pose little threat of hitting anyone because they shoot over a ravine, bad shots or discs bouncing off trees can be dangerous, so be on guard (you'll recognize these spots when you encounter them). Difficult to navigate without a map or guide.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very fun course to play and is quite challenging. I would not recommend it to beginners as the course is very unforgiving and bad shots can be very hard to recover from. On the other hand, hit your line perfectly and there's a chance for birdie on most holes. Great course to tone your shot-shaping skills and requires you to use many different discs and throwing styles. None of the holes are extremely long but all are quite technical, which evens the playing field for players who can't throw really long distances with those who can; it's all about accuracy here. Quite a few holes shoot over ravines and if you don't clear it it's a nightmare getting out. The trees really seemed to drop everything that touched them. Popular course with many regulars. I played pretty early on a cold mid-December morning and there were already a lot of people playing. I was lucky enough to arrive at the same time as a group of friendly locals and they invited me play with them, which was great as they explained the course thoroughly to me and gave me a lot of great tips (Thanks guys!). They also told me about a potential new 27 hole course that could be coming to the area in the not so distant future :) I really hope this happens as two courses of this caliber in the area would make it a must-visit disc golf destination in central California. For more information and to show support visit: www.cencalrenegades.com. One of my favorite courses in California due to the level of difficulty and precision required, as well as the terrain, setting, and very friendly and helpful locals. With new detailed signs and a couple more tweaks here and there this course would definitely be a 3.5 in my book. Can't wait to play again!
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5 0
urwatuh8
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 215 played 20 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 15, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course winds through the woods in a nice park. Most fairways are clearly defined, with trees on either side. But the trees are not super dense, and there are opportunities to recover from an errant throw. There's some elevation change and a variety of holes. There are big concrete tees which are in great shape. Baskets also in good shape. The park seemed pretty well maintained in general. The park wasn't busy, but I was playing on a Monday morning

Cons:

This course badly needs some next tee signs. Finding thenext hole is tricky, even with a map. The tees have nice looking signs, but they're not very helpful. The included "maps" don't give any information about the hole, and definitely don't show alternate pin positions (most holes when I played). There are quite a few places where someone could be hit by a bad throw -- fairways that cross or go right by another tee. There are some mandos to ameliorate this some, but the mando signs are tiny and easily missed (and not on the tee signs). While the hole design is not bad, you aren't going to be amazed by any of the holes either.

Other Thoughts:

This is a solid neighborhood course. If you live in the area, you're happy to have a course like this. And if you're travelling though, it is a fun place to stop. But it's not a destination course that will feel worth it if you travel a long way to play it.
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3 1
Steve G
Experience: 13.4 years 30 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 18, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good variation of shots- long, short, doglegs left and right, a little uphill, some downhills. Locals we're all friendly and always let me play thru, as I was playing single, most of the time. Tricky basket placements can require some delicate putts.
There are other courses in the area to choose from but Heilman is tucked away from the costal winds that tend to elevate in the afternoon. Just a couple miles off the freeway, plenty of free parking. Good picnic areas, if need be.

Cons:

A little tough getting around on a couple of holes. Garbage cans lacking. Some pretty heavy weeds on the majority of the course.
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4 4
TheBarberena
Experience: 4 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 5, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Shaded, and hardly ever windy. Pretty challenging and the pins move weekly. It is very green right now and freshly mowed. This is my favorite course to play.

Cons:

Lots of trees so beware of lingering branches

Other Thoughts:

super fun to play, well kept, and a nice putting area that really helps your game
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1 5
RIPE MELON
Experience: 14.8 years 4 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 29, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of shade and tree for a fun walk in the woods.
Easily marked pads and pins.
Trees keep wind down to a minimum.
Bathrooms very close to center of coarse.
Truck Stop Style convenience store just down the road. ( AWESOME SNACK FOOD )
Only 2 mins from Hwy 101.

Cons:

A lot of trees makes playing a challenge on an off day.
Wet grass till noon after a moist night.
Hot in the summer months.
Up and down terrain can wear you out with a heavy bag after 18 holes.

Other Thoughts:

Great for a lunch or beer time with a buddy.
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2 6
elton807
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.8 years 56 played 56 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Busy but nice 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 25, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Set away from town, so it plays nice and quiet. Big wooden park for the kids at the front. Tons of trees, forcing a more controlled game. Nice elevation changes on some holes. Very visible Discatcher baskets.

Cons:

Busy, even considering I played on Thanksgiving Day.

Other Thoughts:

This review is for the front 9 only, as we were pressed for time. I'm really looking forward to coming back to play 18 all the way through!
=================
Uniqueness: B+
Difficulty: A-
Fun factor: B
Aesthetics: A-
----------------------
Overall: B+
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8 1
DocHaole
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.7 years 79 played 48 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Tight, Technical and Unforgiving 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 3, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Tight fairways forcing you to throw various routes.
- Elevation changes on most holes.
- Good sized tee pads.
- Mostly DG exclusive
- Pin placements change regularly
- Well maintained grounds

Cons:

- Navigation can be tricky for a first timer, however it is usually so crowded that you can follow the group in front of you.

-Distances are unreleiable, with all the pin placement you just have to guess the distance.

- Heat can be an issue in the summer, but there's pleanty of shade.

Other Thoughts:

This course rewards accurate throws and severely punishes bad ones. Having a big arm helps make it over the ravine but you can't make up for poor accuracy with power here.

The pins are moved on a weekly basis, with most holes having at least 3 pin placement options. All holes now have an "ace run" position. So when you find a hole in the short position you better make the most of it.

I really enjoy this course for the challenge and vibe. It would be nice to have some signs with accurate distances but regardless this is the best course in SLO county.
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1 8
Officermick
Experience: 6 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

I needed a Sherpa 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 28, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Close to there I will be moving. Lots of wildlife. Good elevation changes.

Cons:

HORRIBLE mapping. POOR communications on where the next Tee is, etc. Not one aid.

Other Thoughts:

If someone/we can groom this course and get some signs up, this would be a sweet course.

And the homeless man in the main shelter needs to quiet his dog. Ha ha...
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8 1
Ninja_Disc_Master
Experience: 15.8 years 39 played 30 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Central Coast Fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Good Tee Pads
-Good DiscCatcher Cages
-Multiple shot types tested
-Practice basket near first tee
-Pets Welcome on leash
-Legal to drink alcohol at this park
-Easily Navigated Course
-Elevation changes
-Vegetation/Trees
-Benches
-Loops back to central area of the park after each 9

Cons:

-Trees on some holes could be unmanagable for a beginner.
-Larger trash cans would be useful but course was clean.
-LARGE groups (6-10) tend to play here and severely slow play is the result.
-Tall grass can hinder disc finding even in middle of fairway.
-Signage could be BIGGER with more accurate distance and trajectory picture. (not horrible)
-People tend to have UNLEASHED dogs than leashed if you're scared of dogs.

Other Thoughts:

The course is fun and challenging. If in the Paso Robles/Atascadero area I highly suggest stopping by for a quick round!
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