Greenville, SC

Gower Park

1.945(based on 18 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Gower Park reviews

Filter
13 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
2.00 star(s)

No room to throw tanks, but you can throw over one!

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 12, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

In a super busy, but not super large park the disc golf course at Gower isn't a bad little place to breeze through a 25-40 minute round at the end of the day.

You have 9 concrete pads and older disccatchers that while are far from new are in decent shape. Navigation is mainly very easy and you could easily play quickly without a map.

Holes are mainly 150-330 and have a bit of elevation on a few holes as well a couple that are wooded on the front half.

On hole 9 there is a literal and massive tank. Doesn't really come into play unless you shank it, but still pretty fun.

I think my favorite hole was 8, it's around 250 uphill and has a couple of fun little tree guarded lines to a smallish green.

Cons:

It's fairly short, some holes are not super well laid out in modern terms and throwing over walking paths on I think 3 holes in a park this busy is not ideal.

I had to wait forever on 6 to allow for a mother and small child to wonder around aimlessly in the fairway for quite some time until I could get their attention.

You could also have a shot fade out into the softball outfield on 9 if you aren't careful.

It's just a little neighborhood 9, and it's kind of fun but it's basic and if you are hoping for more than some recreational throwing you are probably going to be let down.

It would be a solid course to learn on if there weren't so many places a less controlled player could hit park goers doing other activities.

Other Thoughts:

It's probably worth playing if your a course bagger, or a local learning the game(if I'm not peak hours). It's barely a 2, but 1.5 seemed too harsh for a park with only one feature(safety) that is very bad.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Can The Tank Help Redesign The Course ? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Gower Park is set in a residential area just off of I-385 and 85 . There is plenty of parking available . Try to park near the last ball fields . The park is multi use , with ball fields , a walking path and several shelters . I wasn't positive that I saw a bathroom here .The disc golf course is 9 holes .
The Equipment - The tee pads here are cement , 3 1/2 X 7' A little small for most . The tee signs were either removed or stolen . Print an online map . The baskets are yellow banded Discatchers but with single chains ( ? )
The Landscape - the course lightly rolls except for the uphill #7 . It is park style for holes 1 & 5-9 , and has woods holes for 2-4 . Good use of trees throughout . The park and course are clean and grass was mowed when I was here .
Worth mentioning - There is a huge tank sitting in your peripheral vision on the right of the #9 fairway .Your drive would really have to shank , to clank this tank ( poor humor )
The Appearance/Atmosphere - This park has a lot going on . Tennis and ball fields , an occasional walker , and people populating the shelters . The park is better than average looking and well kept up . And the park has its own Tank !
The Highlights - The holes are very basic , and you are let down at the tee because of the missing tee signs not giving you any information . Hole #5 was the most appealing . It is a wraparound right to left 325' hole where the basket sits flanked by a couple of trees . #6 isn't bad . 320' through or around a small grove of trees to an uphill plateau on the left .
Disc Risk - Below Average . There is a little overgrowth in the woods , and some rough on your left on holes 5-7 , but the park is kept up and the holes aren't long .
Time - It took me less than 30 minutes to play this course . A group of 4 will take 50 minutes . The course is short and fast .

Cons:

#1 Safety - The design of the course has a couple of the woods tees backed up against the preceding basket . There is a walking path that cuts through the course and you could release a drive before you ever see someone jogging or walking their dog appear in front of you . If a game is going on , or the shelters are packed , a lot of energetic youngsters are going to spill out over the fairways . This course might be best played on the weekdays .
#2 Navigation - No kiosk and no tee signs . You have to walk several fairways to see where the basket is .The course flows clockwise , but you might miss a step or two without an online map .
#3 Challenge - Course Designer Russell Schwarz didn't have a lot to work with here , and there isn't much room for expanding to 18 holes or even alternate tees .
#4 Activating The Tank - Not to be an obstacle in a fairway , but to blast parts of this course so design can start all over again . Exploded shells can make for nice gullies , too . .

Other Thoughts:

I think that the parks department started off with good intentions in 2003 to add yet another option to this already full park . I'm all for promoting disc golf and would rather have course kept than go extinct , and since this is the only course that is actually in the Greenville belt , it has at least some level of importance to the locals . I still think that , with some creativity someone could redo some holes . If not ,I bet this is still the only course in South Carolina ( or at least the Greenville area ) that has a tank
My Recommendation - an okay off-day or weekday run to introduce people to the game , or for newbies to get in much needed rounds , or for a couple or family to play and then chill in one of the several shelters available . Also good to sneak in a round while the kids are practicing on one of the ball fields or tennis courts . Locals will like to grab a quick play after work . Intermediates and above , if they come at all , will just be here to safari and work on their game or use one of the baskets for putting practice . It is close to the airport , so a traveler that has some down time can come here , and course collectors can grab an easy accessible one that has multiple courses east , west , north and south . Unless collecting or living down the road , I would suggest better and more fun play at Timmons Park or Firecracker . Take A Pass On This Course .
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
MadGame32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.2 years 69 played 69 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Exploring Greenville 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 14, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

-There are concrete tee pads.
-Goals are in good shape.
-It is not a wide open course.
-Playground nearby for kids.
-Course was clean.

Cons:

-No tee signs.
-No welcome sign that I could find.
-Short hole lengths in general.
-Minimal challenge.

Other Thoughts:

I am trying to hit all the courses in the area, so I played this one yesterday afternoon. If you choose to play here, make sure you go to the very end of the parking lot. The first hole is right off the walking path that heads towards the playground.

I am glad I was able to find a local playing, because I would have spent twice the time there that I did trying to find tee boxes on 1-2 of the holes. There is no signage, so navigation was a little tricky. Nothing obscene, but trickier than a short course should be.

I did like that there were some holes placed to slightly challenge the player and force the choice of lines other than RHBH hyzer. That being said, the length of each hole was a bit of a let down.

It was a pretty easy and super fast round, so if that is what you are looking for, then this is the place for you. I definitely see value in it for people that are just getting started or kids that cannot yet throw over 250 ft. Antone else will not improve as a player if they make this their go to course.

3/29/2021 Update:

Out of the 68 courses I have reviewed, this is where this course ranks along with similarly rated courses:
Rank-Course, Location
59-Furman DGC, Greenville, SC
60-Easley High School, Easley, SC
61-Noble E. Young DGC, Tyler, TX
62-Simpsonville City Park DGC, Simpsonville, SC
63-Gower Park, Greenville, SC
64-Hurricane Springs DGC, Piedmont, SC
65-Roan Mountain DGC, Roan Mountain, TN
66-Lake Murray Lodge, Lake Murray, OK
67-Jellystone Park DGC, Canyon Lake, TX
68-Dillon Park (Old), Sumter, SC
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
PipeSmokeMcGee
Experience: 19.9 years 10 played 2 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Decent little course in the neighborhood park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 21, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-You can knock out a quick 9 holes in less than 25 minutes
-Flows really easy. No way to get lost. Basket, and a tee pad between 20 and 40 feet away in most cases.
-Not very busy
-Good mix of wooded and open
-Reasonable elevation change
-No obstacles to pushing a stroller. The kids enjoy it.
-The Tank

Cons:

-Some trash, vandalism, and glass back in the woods
-Criss-crosses walking path on hole 5 and 8, and throws over a tank that kids sometimes play on on 9

Other Thoughts:

Nothing noteworthy, but definitely worth playing if you're a local. Could knock out a quick 9 holes at lunch. My home course that I always enjoy playing.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
bjreagh
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.6 years 350 played 317 reviews
1.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 1, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

9 hole city park course offering a balance of open holes, few trees, and wooded holes. Other obstacles are some fences and the tank on #9's fairway- yes a tank! Though most of the holes are short by most people's standards, there is still some variety here ranging from 150' to 325', so for most there a couple of chances to throw full drives.

Tees and baskets were easy to spot and were in fine playable shape. Navigation was pretty easy using a little common sense despite the lack of tee signs or directional aids.

This is a really good course to introduce somebody to the game of disc golf and for beginners to learn how to play as it shows people the different hole styles out there. Most of the holes were varying degrees of more open so there is room to find and recover from errant drives. Holes 2-4, however, are in tight technical woods, showing beginners this style of disc golf as well. The good thing is these holes are really short and won't punish inaccurate tee shots too bad to the point of frustration and quitting.

Big parking lot, and course was easy to find.

Cons:

Biggest con is lots of tee signs were missing (seems to be a problem for all the courses in this part of town). Course is still playable without them however, and it does not affect navigation too bad. Just doesn't look good when introducing the game to somebody.

When busy, beware of other park goers as the course plays close to walking areas, playgrounds, and ball fields, especially because lower level skill players with less accuracy and control will likely be throwing here.

Though great for beginners and families or for a quick practice round, this is not a place people with any experience are probably going to want to play. Good news is there are plenty of other options in this area.

Other Thoughts:

I am glad there are courses like this. I wish we had some intro 9-holers where I live to help teach others disc golf and to ease the high volume of slow-playing high-scoring newer players on the advanced courses. Gower DGC serves a purpose and is perfect for the right level of player. Overall this course is pretty flat, in contrast to nearby 9-hole Holmes which has some hills. It is a 3.5-4.0 in terms of beginner courses, but in the grand scheme of things for most people it is "passable" (1.5) if you are in the area.

If you are traveling to the area, my recommendation is to skip it and go play Timmons which is very close by. Gower and Holmes were close to our hotel on a disc golf trip and we had some extra time one afternoon for some quick DG, so we decided to check these out.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
prerube
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.8 years 274 played 235 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Yes Connor, a freaking Tank! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 20, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

9 baskets and a cool army tank...that is it.
I guess there were a few ace runs that you can count as a pro.
There were some minimal tee signs, but many were missing or were flat out wrong.
Clear tee pad areas.

Cons:

Several short holes with odd lines. It does not appear this course was designed by a disc golfer. Baskets were all obscenely vandalized, lots of litter, tiny tee pads.

Holes 1-4 were trash: No sign on 1, 2 was a 170 foot hole with a slanted tree stretched out across the line. #3 and #4 were insanely short. with silly lines.
SAFETY CONCERNS: 5 plays directly over the sidewalk and actually goes parallel with the sidewalk for awhile. 6 throws over a sidewalk and directly at 2 pavillions. Hole 7 has you throw directly at a playground. Hole 9 throws by an army tank that was crawling with kids. It was a very dangerous situation.

Other Thoughts:

Too many safety concerns, lack of quality in the design layout, and lack of anything memorable other than a giant tank leads to a barely passable score. There are far better courses just minutes away, so no reason to return.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 1
Connor Jones
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.8 years 76 played 34 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Yeah that really is a tank Bill. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 3, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Yup, there is a tank on this course, I have no idea the history of this park so I couldn't tell you why, but all I know is there is a tank.

There is also a decent amount of variety for such a small 9 holer, plenty of fun little ace runs, a couple holes in the woods, and one or two longer holes.

The tees worked well considering what this course is, a pitch-n-putt for the most part.

Cons:

These are single chain baskets, but I mean, I'm not going to grade this like a championship caliber course because it's just not. I can't really think of a whole lot of true cons with the design currently present.

The teesigns are crappy or non-existant, but you don't really need them considering you'll be able to see the basket from the tee regardless.

Other Thoughts:

That being said, it's not worth it to go out of your way for this course, but it is a fun, quick little nine-holer and I got to throw my putter quite a bit which is great, because I suck with putters.

So yup, usually I would add more, but I can't think of anything extravagant to add about this course. Had fun though.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
S.Cann
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.9 years 156 played 82 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Great Beginner Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Beginner friendly course! This was one course I played frequently when I first began playing. It allows beginners to make par if played well and even offers birdie opportunities to award great drives.

-Challenging enough to keep more advanced players satisfied.

-Variety between open and wooded and hole shape variety.

-Good Tee signs and tee pads.

-Bathrooms on-site (located directly behind the tee of hole 5)

-Close proximity to shopping/downtown.

-Plays quick- 20 minute solo round.

-Great place to bring new players or families.

Cons:

-This will not be your go-to course for advanced players due to the lack of difficulty.

-Lots of litter. This course is in the worst shape of the ones in Greenville county.

-Most baskets have graffiti/sharpie across the ring.

-Couple of baskets need maintenance (some held up by a nail, rusted chains, etc.

-Some danger posed to park goers due to shots over and around walking path.

Other Thoughts:

I have played this course over 100 times, especially when I was new to the game and lived in the neighborhood. This course definitely has it's place and offers variety from Holmes/Furman/TImmons.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
billnchristy
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.1 years 64 played 56 reviews
2.00 star(s)

...but it has a tank... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 22, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good quality, but older single chain discatchers
Some signs but most holes are obvious
Some lefty and right shots
Challenge due to the tight lines
Nice, smallish concrete pads (you don't need bigger)
A TANK!!!!

Cons:

Poke and pray nature in the woods
Crosses some walking paths
A few signs missing

Other Thoughts:

This course has a decent variety of mostly short shots. Some of them are crazy short but also crazy tight. The course has a good variety of elevation and some lefty and righty shots for your shooting pleasure.

Did I mention it has a tank? How many times can you say you got to throw a disc in the general direction of a war machine?

This is a fun and decent course but I would probably still play Holmes if I only had time for 9.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 585 played 539 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 25, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice, little course in a neighborhood park. Good use of elevation and woods. Course has good variety of short and longer holes - 2 holes in the 290 - 325 range.
- The 3 true wooded holes, #2 - 4, are all short, but require good, precise shots for birdies.
- Course is easy to navigate without a map. So easy, in fact, that a couple of tees are less than 30 feet from the previous hole's basket.
- Can play through twice in less than an hour when it's not busy.
- Park has good amenities - ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds and the tank.

Cons:

Holes #6 - 9 all have baskets that could be in crowded areas of the park. This is a HUGE ISSUE because of safety for others!!! In order, you're throwing at/near a picnic area/walking path (#6); a playground (#7); over a walking path (#8), a common area between ball field and tennis court & near the tank (#9). On a busy weekend, these holes would seem to be almost unplayable, especially #7 & 9. I would not play these holes, especially #7, if people were nearby. It's not worth the potential issues, to throw near kids.
- Some of the tee signs (4 of 9) were missing. 1 missing, I understand; but 4 is excessive.
- As mentioned above, a couple of tee pads are really close to the previous hole's basket. Too close in my opinion. On those holes, you'll have to wait until the next hole tees off until you can tee off on your hole.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, as mentioned, this isn't a bad course. It's about what'd you expect from most 9-hole courses.
- Course does a good of cramping in 9 holes in such a small space. The park, as a whole, does a great job having so many amenities in such a tiny area.
- It's a nice little change of pace course from Timmons or Holmes, and within 15 minutes of both parks.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 1
JBryant
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15 years 107 played 46 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Gower Power..not so much 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 11, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I like this course so first and foremost let's say that. Some challenging holes are here. A couple of air it out "kinda" holes are here. Some cool features like a TANK and tight wooded holes are here. A super hyzer hole here. Challenging and fun.

Cons:

Not a power course. Many in this area aren't. There are better courses for your time in this area. I live here and Timmons, Century, and Boilings Springs are courses I would play in a heartbeat before Gower. I would play Holmes before Gower if that tells you anything. Not many runs at the chains here. Couple of holes do not have signs. I like to see the ft of each hole.

Picnic areas are in play along with a playground, and tennis courts if you super float one. Seems to be a high traffic area for pedestrians although we have never had any problems with that.

Some vandalism on hole 2 basket.

Other Thoughts:

A typical course. Nothing special here.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 0
DiscChainBasket18
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.8 years 98 played 60 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Hidden gem 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clean little 9-holer with mostly easy shots of varying length & direction. Decent tee signs & pads. A mix of tight & open holes. #4 basket is surrounded by some strange looking trees. Good pin placement here. Super easy to navigate.

Cons:

#6 & #7 throw near some picnic areas so an errant shot has the potential to hit somebody. No elevation, water hazards, OB's or Mandos. No extra pads or pins. No benches.

Other Thoughts:

Most memorable feature of the course? There is a very large tank set off to the side of #9 fairway. I would love to live here. There are more than a few very cool courses all in this one area.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
DSCJNKY
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.6 years 682 played 129 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Everything ValkyrieKid said plus... 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Everything ValkyrieKid said plus...

- I think 1, 5, 6, and 8 were decent holes... especially 1.
- Without a map... and missing tee-signs... this course was a breeze to follow.

Cons:

-Danger. Danger. Danger! Besides the Tank (which was cool, and a kid was playing on it)...
-Hole 7 is right next to a swingset/playground - rediculously close... especially considering the shape of the shot you must throw to park it. They need to clear out the left side gap and put mandy signs up. And, even then???
- Also, Hole 6 throws near a pavillion. My disc went threw it and DiscChainBasket18's disc hit it.
- And, I have to reitterate the potential danger with the baskets being so close to the next tee-pad (some less than 10').
- And, not the best neighborhood (by appearance)... we hid all valuables in the trunk.

Other Thoughts:

- There are three other courses within 10 miles, making this a great road trip destination. We easily bagged 4 courses in one day.
- My GPS was telling us we had arrived... but, we didn't see the park - it's hiding behind the KIA dealership.
My Score: -1 (left more than a few behind)
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 1
robbiepitzer
Experience: 22.8 years 120 played 11 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Gower 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 3, 2001 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The best thing about this course is throwing over the army tank on hole 9. Tight in the beginning and opening up towards the end.

Cons:

Its just a nine hole :( and very popular with none discgolfers

Other Thoughts:

Its close to the mall and also close to 2 other courses
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Another Quick Little Nine Holer In A City Park! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 20, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

It's a decent little nine holer to get a quick round in. There are concrete teepads and single chain baskets. A variety of holes await you from some very tight holes in the woods to a couple longer, more open holes. It's a little too long to be considered a pitch and putt. It's more of a beginner/recreational type course. Would be a great place to introduce a newbie to the game or to bring your family.

Cons:

The teepads for the wooded holes are very close to the previous baskets. You have to wait for them to clear before you let go. # 9 has a WW 2 tank that's slightly right of in the fairway. You really should be able to throw by it with no problem. But if there are kids playing on it, it's a good idea to give them a heads up before you throw just in case, one really gets away from you. I yelled and all the kids hid on the far side of the tank. Maybe they thought I was a German! It appeared that they had been through the drill before.

Other Thoughts:

Another "What you see is what you get course." Don't come expecting to be really challenged or awed. Come here for that quick practice round. Bring your buddy for his first time throwing. Maybe you'll add to your ACE count.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
bethehole
Experience: 15.4 years 16 played 3 reviews
1.50 star(s)

At least it's a DG course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 17, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

OK, a 1.5 rating deserves an explanation. One pro I have is that this park has a dg course. I think the flow of the hole layout is nice though as there is no confusion as to where the next tee is.

Cons:

Holes 3 and 4 are through tight woods and like others have said, seem to be an after thought or poorly designed. Trash can be found at many holes. Signs are in disrepair for the holes that have them still in the ground.

Other Thoughts:

I play this course only if I have a short window of time and want to play something besides Timmons or Holmes.This course can only be a challange for absolute beginners or those not wanting to challenge themselves. I hate to write anything negative but this course needs some TLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
marcusdavis
Experience: 15.8 years 2 played 2 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 16, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good beginner course. Fairly open for the most part. Short holes, only a few times where a driver could be used.

Cons:

Very trashy course! We even found a crack pipe on hole. I felt like I needed to be "packing heat" for protection at times on this course.

Other Thoughts:

The Philly Blunt tree on hole three was pretty impressive...somebody has WAY too much time on their hands.( You have to see it to believe it.)
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
Innovadude
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.8 years 235 played 180 reviews
1.50 star(s)

iffy 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 24, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Cement tees
-Signs
-Flows well and plays FAST
-2 chances to pull out a driver

Cons:

-Bad area
-LOTS of trash on the course
-3 tight woods holes with no design, 2 of which are just akward and pointless, not thought out holes

Other Thoughts:

A small park and small course, there are 2 better and nicer 9 hole beginner courses in town to play before this one.
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Latest posts

Top