Nelsonville, OH

Hocking College DGC

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3.485(based on 23 reviews)
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1 0
Puckstopper
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.8 years 36 played 36 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A very interesting campus course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 16, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Elevation, elevation, elevation!

Beautiful scenery pretty much any time of the year

Interesting and challenging holes, despite the relatively short overall length of the course.

Had the course to ourselves on a warm Friday afternoon while school was in session, so I can't imagine it ever gets too congested.

Cons:

Badly worn natural tees

Some long tees are hard to find

Course flow is awkward between 2 and 3 (somewhat) and 15 and 16 (severely).

Campus buildings come into play on a couple holes

Not a ton of variety to the hole types, despite the terrain.

Other Thoughts:

Let's get a few things out of the way up front. Despite my long list of cons I don't hate this course. I recognize that the people who built it did the very best they could with the land available. Like others have said, I would not want to lug concrete up to some of these tee locations. I would rate this course a full point higher with concrete tees, but realize it's unrealistic. We only had one muddy tee the day we played, and both times I played that hole I realized this course would be extremely difficult to play on anything but a dry day.

I get the impression that the short tees get much more play, which is too bad. The course is very repetitive from these tees, but they were where my guide wanted to play from. I think some of the long tees open up different lines and might make the course feel less repetitive (as an example, holes 1, 11 and 12 are basically the exact same shot, just with slight tweaks to elevation and obstacles).

With the complaints out of the way, let's talk about the elevation. Flatland disc golfers will have NO idea how to approach some of these holes, and even players with experience dealing with elevation will be granted the opportunity for some memorable shots. Sisyphus talked about the plateau green on 7 without mentioning that it's the size of a postage stamp. I felt lucky to hold it the first time, and got lucky enough to miss right the second. DON'T miss left for any reason! For me the most memorable shot was 14. You throw a steep uphill shot for 13, climb up and throw back down for 14. Watching my guide just barely let the disc fall out of his hand, and then park the hole made me realize just how much touch would be needed here. Miss short, and you're down a nasty gully. Miss long and you're even deeper down a steep ravine. Scary stuff!

I played this course on a calm, warm day and enjoyed it thoroughly. On a day that was rainy, windy, or otherwise inclement, I'm fairly certain I'd have hated it, so factor that in when you choose to play this baby for the first time.

In a perfect world I'd probably skip most of the campus holes, although 1 and 18 are pretty good. 5-15 are where the fun is, and are the reasons this course is rated as highly as it is.
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6 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 397 played 383 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Take it easy, Billy Goat Gruff! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

You like hills? Think you can keep your discs under control, in the woods, with steep drop-offs everywhere you look? This might really be your cup of tea. The practice basket, and holes 1, 2, & 16 through 18 are situated 'on campus' amongst the buildings and parking areas by the Student Center. They're OK fun, with blind shots, a short lane-of-trees ace run, and even a pond-crosser, but they're nothing like what you'll encounter across the drive.

By the time you climb up the third fairway to that basket, you'll already be about 100 feet in elevation above the last fairway. And you'll be spending the next glorious hour or so in billy goat country. Don't be teased with the 'meadow' feel of hole 4, or the easy backstop behind the ace run 5th. You'll realize what's in store when you stand atop the world on 7, glance down the huge drop to your left, and realize you're expected to park your next shot on the knoll ahead. Got any stick-um? Anything but kicking down that ravine!

You'll be playing shots downhill, uphill, and to dangerous greens all the way to 15. The incredible number of rustic steps that these folks have installed is amazing. They probably saved my life as I played here on a sunny January day hovering just above freezing, with its icy mud all around. In addition to stairs and bridges, they've added split log benches that were much appreciated, and there are trash barrels aplenty, which seem to get good usage (props to folks for keeping this beauty of nature relatively clean!)

Cons:

The old map I brought was more of a schematic, so I added an approximate aerial version here, which reflects the fact that they dropped old hole 2, and I think added the new hole three hill climber. Don't be alarmed when you hole out on 2, and the basket says 3. The signage needs refreshing: there's nothing at the first tee, and I know there were alternate tees galore which I missed, because I was focused on finding my way around and enjoying trying to keep my discs safely in fairways and greens from the short tees. It would be cool, now that the debris seems to have been cleared, for new pictures here, even though they may not give you an appreciation for the actual elevation changes on this course.

Only the first tee has a solid paver stone surface (well, 17 throws from a sidewalk). Otherwise, all tees are toe-board natural, which can get extremely muddy when damp. And there won't often be 'throw from the side' opportunities up in the hills. Not sure if there is any realistic way to upgrade these tees. I personally wouldn't want to haul materials up in there, or try to keep them maintained through a few harsh winters. The baskets are aging discatchers. They still do pretty well, but they've weathered a little out there.

If you come out here solo when the leaves are up, you will probably not go home with all your discs. Spotters are almost a must to document when that last shot skipped off a tree limb and careened 200' down the slope and into the pond. Finally, expect a bit of a hike after hole 15! I was glad to have printed out the hole tips (h/t: Brall!) to keep me confident that I was getting there.

Other Thoughts:

This is probably the most challenging course in the region, but there are a handful of others to enjoy if you're camping or cabining here. It becomes something of a 'destination' area as the leaves change in the fall. I think I might even be able to convince the Mussus to come out here if I rent a cabin with a hot tub near the state park. Hmmmm.
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2 0
xZombiEx
Experience: 18.8 years 41 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun, aggressive terrain 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 29, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

-A great variety of terrain that will force you to you to use every shot type you are capable of.
-Every hole was different from the last, so you never got that feeling of repetition.
-Next tee signs were helpful in keeping you on track.
-Large cliffs and drop-offs behind a few of the baskets that can turn an easy 2 into a 4 or 5 if you choose to go for it.
-The nature path that went through the woods was just plain fantastic. Lots of work went into the wooden logs built into the hillside producing steps. Without them, this walk could be pretty dangerous in wet weather.

Cons:

-Signage could use some work. This was our first time playing and we had a hard time finding hole 1. Finding hole 16 after you left the woods was also challenging. We just kept walking and happened to stumble upon it near the basket for hole 2.
-Tee pads could use some work as well. A lot of them were quite slippery, and had standing water. A few holes on them as well from peoples plant foot.
-Lots and lots of thorns. It is to expected in the middle of the woods, just be careful. A slight jerk from pain could cause you to lose your footing.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, this course was an extremely fun course to play. It rained a little while we were there, so the tee boxes got a bit messy. The sharp, wet terrain also made an errant shot a bit more challenging to retrieve. The course also did seem a bit short. I am not calling this a con, because it was a par 54, and I had all the footage going in so I knew I wasn't going to really test my strength. But after playing through and seeing some of the long walks between holes, I feel that the land could be better utilized to make some REALLY interesting holes.
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0 3
valiant
Experience: 13 years 12 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

first time on this course. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice variety of shots. Technical course. Very rugged terrain. Nice placement of trashcans and benches.

Cons:

Almost half of the tee signs are missing. Some tee pads had mud and standing water on them.

Other Thoughts:

Has potential to be a very good course. I personally don't think it is all par threes.
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1 5
sidearmdon
Experience: 23.8 years 386 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

fun course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 31, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I agree with everything foofoohead said. I can't say it any better than that.

Cons:

While I don't know foofoohead, I again agree with what he says.

Other Thoughts:

This is a fun course. This is one you need to throw. A great day here can be ten down. But don't get the woods mad at you because it can be mean. If you find hole one you will follow the trail easy enough. I always have a blast when I throw here. If you can throw with Big Mike do it. If you are throwing it for the first time be early enough to throw it two times. I'm in good physical condition and I hurt after two rounds. It is a very hilly course so be smart. But it is lots of fun to throw.
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3 0
Foofoohead
Experience: 21 played 21 reviews
4.00 star(s)

This is it! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 6, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Elevation changes, for sure!
Trees, trees, and more trees!
Good baskets with defined fairways.
Very scenic, a great workout!
Great support team maintaining course.
Good signs direct you around the course.


Cons:

Tees could use some work.
Holes on the campus could use some work.
Could be dangerous if you get too far off the fairway.
If it rains the wooded area holes become very treacherous!
A little difficult find tee 1, that first time out.

Other Thoughts:

What a great course layout! I was here under excellent dry conditions, so no bugs, spiders, or snakes. When wet, the hills could be a problem. Not a course for the unfit! Hills and more hills! I will make this course a regular must do on my list of courses.
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9 0
Brall
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.6 years 43 played 37 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Warrior Day!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 20, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Plenty of parking
- Bathrooms are at the Student Center
- The map is handy but the trails are very defined as well
- 8 holes have multiple tees
- There are next tee signs that are extremely helpful!
- Tee signs are great and you can see that a lot of work went into them
- Baskets are in excellent condition (I believe they were also labeled but don't quote me)
- The overall flow is good. #18 ends at #1 right by the parking lot. There are some long walks between a few holes. #3 to #4 has a long walk across the road up a hill but is marked by a next tee sign. #15 to #16 has a walk down hill on a path out of the trees and back into the area with the college buildings. #16 actually starts next to building F and wraps around it to the right down a hill.
- Technical! You will use absolutely every shot you have. There are some very tight spots and a lot of decisions to be made on how to play a hole. You may choose to go for it in dangerous situations such as #7 that has a tight fairway with cliffs on either side along with a huge cliff farther down the fairway and to the left. A safe throw keeps you on top, and unsafe throw can score an ace or send you deep DEEP down the hills. It's just a complete melting pot of shots and if you are uncareful, you will always be trying to get out of trouble.
- Beautiful wooded scenery and rolling mountainous landscape. By Hole #10 you feel like you are miles from civilization. The woodwork and stonework on the pathways are fantastic along with the great tees with log borders. Obviously some of these had to be redone over time and the stairs had to have upkeep as well so I really tip my hat to those that work the upkeep on this course. Moving Hole #3 to it's new location half way up the long hill was an AWESOME idea!!
- Distance is a bit short but the elevation changes are just constant and insane
- There could be some traffic of walkers on the 5 holes that are not deep in the woods, but all those holes in the forest will only have light traffic and only then from the few disc golfers
- Very clean course, no vandalism, lots of trash cans
- Benches scattered throughout the course

Cons:

- There is no sign designating the start of the Disc Golf Course so finding Hole #1 the first time can be tough. Bring a course map the first time.
- Even though there are some next tee signs in some very good locations, there could be a few more signs located. For example #15-#18ish.
- Hole #18 has no short tee and could really use one. Not everyone wants to try their luck over the pond. My group threw from in between the railroad tracks at an even distance with the tee.
- No place to drive for distance. Hole #2 is the closest thing to an attempt at a distance shot but you still have the trees blocking the straight shot and there's a low overhang of branches.
- Hole #1. This hole feels like it was forced, like it's there just to make 18 holes on the course. The immediate and short left turn in between two buildings just has no appeal and gives the course a bland start. One possible suggestion is to add a hole similar to how #3 was added on the hill and just start the course at #2... or add a hole to connect #15 & #16.

Other Thoughts:

- Spiders, spiders & more spiders. Be careful going over the cliffs. We had a large group so we went out looking for our share of discs. Mainly anytime you go into the rough on Holes #9-#15 you are in some seriously large spider territory.
- Bring your bug spray for the mosquitoes. And there's lots of poison ivy.
- I haven't played this course in rainy conditions but there was quite a bit of muddy spots from rain that was days old. I'd expect that the hills can become a slippery mess.
- The challenge factor is off the charts. I've only played this course 3 times but all 3 were in 95 degrees, 97% humidity, and each time I played this course it was like running a Warrior Day course. Not only is the course a physical challenge, but there are so many trees and obstacles that every throw is a challenge.
- The most challenging hole for some reason is #15 for me. I just cannot turn the corner to the right without slamming into every tree. But the most challenging hole with risk vs. reward is #7. Because of the cliffs located to the left and the multitude of trees that you could possibly hit, this hole has many changes to go very wrong. But if you get down the fairway with a bit of distance you could land it for the ace.
- My favorite hole is #14. I loved throwing off the cliff down the hill and trying to drop my shot by the basket without tanking it in the nasty areas in front of the basket or shanking it into the fairway to the left. Long climb to the long tee but it's really beautiful to look down and throw.
- Lots to do locally like visiting the local caves, camp grounds & fishing. Nearby you have Happy Hills Camp Grounds and Disc Golf Course, and also Hocking Peaks Adventure Park Disc Golf Course. Hocking Peaks has other things like OGO Ball, paint ball, zip lines etc... But Hocking College DGC is the best course in the area and a must go to course if you are anywhere near it! If you are someone that doesn't live by hilly land this will be the most unique course you could ever visit. Worth many hours of travel to try this beast out. Hocking is a great place to visit and make a vacation out of. I plan on coming here every year.

Edit: 07/31/2012
I played this course on vacation and saw a picture posted of a black bear swimming in Lake Hope which is nearby. Just FYI.
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6 0
etbphotography
Experience: 6 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

On it's way to be the best. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 27, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very Technical with tight fairways, but also forgiving enough to make par off bad drives. Easily navigated by the signage and developed trails. Long tee pads are available on a large number of holes. The use of natural building materials for the tee pads and steps throughout the course adds to the beauty and theme of this course. Trash cans and Benches are plentiful throughout the course.

Cons:

Hole one can become overgrown fast leading many players disc's being lost on the first drive, but don't be discouraged the remaining 17 holes are worth playing through.

Stays wet and muddy for up to three days after a rain, but lots of trail work is in progress to fix this issue.

Mosquitos and poison ivy thrive in this environment so bring the bug spray and long pants.

Other Thoughts:

Hocking College Outdoor Pursuits has done an incredible amount of work on this course and at the rate of improvements added to the course it will become one of the best in the state in no time. Every tuesday night Outdoor Pursuits holds a (doubles round) that is open to all students and the community.
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3 1
3dunlap3
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-all holes have a map of the hole so you know where the basket is
-there are signs that show you the way to the next hole which is helpful because some holes would be hard to find without them
-wide variety of elevations
-trash cans at almost every hole
-once you get into the woods most of the holes have a wooden bench to sit on if you want to rest
-blue and white tees
-challenging holes in the woods

Cons:

-not a course for people outta shape
-discs can be really tough to find in the thick brush on some holes if you don't make a good throw

Other Thoughts:

-the course gets pretty muddy if it rains so definately bring boots and even if it hasn't rained hiking boots would be a good idea
-bug spray would be nice to bring mosquitoes have been bad up in the woods
-love this course I play it all the time because I live right on campus
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7 0
Mulligan
Experience: 26 years 68 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great little college course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 14, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Nested in the hills of Hocking College, this is a really interesting short course. If this was my college course, I'd be super happy.
-Nice tee signs on all, and almost every tee had a long and short.
-Most all holes could be played as 3's, but they are all different, interesting, and challenging.
-Some fantastic cliff shots, uphills, over ravine shots, and an over water shot for 18. The layout provides a unique feel for each hole that keeps you guessing and finishes strong with a couple of nice short holes, with 17 being a treelined tunnel shot, and 18 a short, tight toss over a pond.
-Great exercise. Expect to get a workout, its a lot of uphill hiking, but worth it.
-Excellent opportunity to work on your accuracy/approach game. This is a very technical course.
-Many of the holes have built in steps in the hills which was a big help.
-Natural tees were in generally good shape.
-They are obviously still improving this course and it has signs of good upkeep.

Cons:

-There were several areas of standing water, which led to a really bad mosquito problem. Tracks from 4 wheelers also didn't help. Bring the bug juice!
-Don't wear shorts if you don't have to...plenty of poison oak and thorny bushes...which you WILL end up in. At least go with some Nikko-high socks!
-If you aren't ready to get a good hiking workout, then you might want to pass it up. You will work off some calories! Bring plenty of H2O.
-A couple of the areas that did not have built in steps really needed them. The walk up to 13s pin, which is also the walk down from 14s tee, was steep and slippery, as were a few other spots.
-If you miss a shot, you will pay. Some of the areas where your disc will end up are treacherous and very difficult to get to, so I'd suggest playing with a friend. One shot I thought was going to hole out barely clipped a tree and ended up 100ft down a ravine.
-I don't think I'd attempt to play the holes in the woods when wet. It was pretty slippery when I played and it hadn't rained in a day or so.
-The distance between finishing 15 and the tee for 16 is silly and confusing.

Other Thoughts:

Beware hole 15. You have to walk back down its fairway to meander back out of the woods to 16.
Make sure to pay attention where 16 is when you finish 2 to help you get back.
The student center is available for bathroom use, and all the students I talked to were very friendly.
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8 0
hipster
Experience: 42.8 years 86 played 9 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Disc Golf on the western edge of Appalachia. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 23, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Scorecards are located in the mailbox at #1 tee.
The long and short tees provide a different level of challenge on most holes. Laminated tee signs on post at all tees.
The risk reward factor has been elevated a notch or two on this course. Players have to take note of the terrain on holes 3 through 15 and minimize the errant shots to avoid retrieving disc from treacherous rough, casual water, or deep ravines.
The fairways are clearly defined and course navigation is well marked not considering the transition from #15 to #16.
The elevation changes, wooded terrain, and hole shapes require stamina, accuracy and a varied shot arsenal to do well.
The course architecture adds a rustic character to this natural beauty. Sturdy split log steps provide safe passage in certain areas. Split log benches placed through out the course. Interesting rock formations makes this an enjoyable yet strenuous course. Plays longer than the listed 4500 ft due to elevated terrain and distance between some of the tees.
Ace and birdie opportunities for most skill levels on a majority of holes if tee shots are accurate.

Cons:

Locating #1 tee is done by parking in front of the Student Center and walking around the left corner of building
The natural tee pads are well done but slippery when wet.
Informative tee signs consist of laminated paper attached to a post.
Noticed poison oak growing around the trees. Be careful where you place your hands.
Due to the terrain, should not play this course alone considering a bad step could mean a serious injury. Suspect the rough gets ridiculous in the summer.
Imagine the mosquitos will rule this summer considering the amount of rain the area has received. Bumblebees seem to like this place and they tend to be huge.
Navigation between hole 15 and 16 is confusing. After holing out on what is now hole #2, take notice of the building located behind the basket to see the #16 tee. Try to remember this after holing out 15.
Played this course alone and in the rain, an action I would recommend only to other foolhardy types.

Other Thoughts:

There are places in this area of the world that could pass for Tolkien's Middle Earth and Hocking College DGC made me feel a bit like a Hobbit born with small feet traipsing and skipping through the Shire with emotions alternating between glee and doom.
Based on the pictures listed on DCGR, I believe a few of the later wood holes have been redesigned.
Holes 1, 2, and 3 have been redesigned.
#1 is a short to mid right to left shot to hidden basket.
#2 is a straight shot through a grove trees with road OB right and a building on the left. After holing out take a right across the road to #3, an uphill right to left shot.
#7 was an interesting hole over a ravine to a basket located on top of 15 ft mound.
#12 a right to left mid range hyzer to a blind pin.
#13 is a 200 ft 30 degree uphill shot. Don't miss left.
#14 is now the tee shot off the cliff rock. Be sure to checkout the mailbox the to the tee. Don't stumble here, you'll be sorry.
#15 after holing out here go back to the dirt road heading down the hill. It comes out in the emergency services training area. At the road, turn right to get to next tee located on the other side.
#16 is a little left to right turn over shot around the corner of the building to a hidden basket.
#17 is a tight little tunnel shot through flowering trees, very pretty at the moment.
#18 is a straight shot over the pond to a basket located behind/between two tall stones. Trees also protect the basket side of the pond. Of course, I lost my second DX Whippet of the season when my shot smacked the tree located 15 ft to the left of the left stone and rolled into the pond.
Had a blast playing this course even though it was raining.
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0 6
Django
Experience: 16.8 years 26 played 8 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 24, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of variety
Love the woods
Lots of ace opportunities
Lots of technical play

Cons:

Not in love with the tees
Some very unforgiving areas
Excessive walking
Multiflora rose

Other Thoughts:

always a fun playable course
would like to see more modifications
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6 0
JoseCafe704
Experience: 22.9 years 33 played 15 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Hocking College DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

A phenomenal amount of work has been done with the course layout here at Hocking (especially between the wooded holes consisting of #3 - #15). Unintrusive use of hillsides, shale banks, and natural obstructions was paramount at Hocking, which I would only expect from a college that is based largely in outdoor related curriculum. The elevation changes on many of the wooded holes force the player to really think about how he/she will have to release the disc in order to make par. Trail work on said wooded holes is also extensive, with borders lining most trail beds, and stairs built out of split logs and rocks...You'll burn some calories playing this course! It's also obvious that whatever parties responsible for the course are taking a proactive approach to managing it, with a mailbox at #15 tee(?) that has a voluntary tracking sign in sheet, and a new hole that will soon replace the non-existent #2 in which said parties ask players to stop in and let staff know what you think of the new hole.

Cons:

Outside of the wooded holes, the course layout for Hocking falls right through the middle of campus. I couldn't find the tee for the first, and either way, it would've played over mounds of dirt from some sort of construction project, so I made my own tee. The 18th plays over a pond, then through a rock sculpture on the far side, which could be cool, but also houses a bench that seems to be a popular spot for students to hang out, so I had to play long around the pond. The signage is a bit underpar. Some of it seems to just be laminated paper tacked onto a backboard. Whereas I like how the parties responsible for the production of the course seemed to have used materials they had at hand, which like I said, I would only expect from a school like Hocking, eventually they'll have to replace this system with permanent signage. There's just too much wooded land to navigate to NOT have permanent, well placed signage.

Other Thoughts:

Like I said, it's obvious that Hocking has taken a proactive approach to the management of their course, and I'm sure that if I play it again next summer, some of the things I put in the cons category will have to come down and the rating will have to come up! Very nice course!
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5 0
Scazmatic
Experience: 13.8 years 12 played 11 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice public course at local college. 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

- Course takes great advantage of wooded terrain, and the hike through the forest itself is just as enjoyable as the round. Caretakers have done a tremendous amount of work building trails, steps, and bridges to accomodate the course.

- Good variety of holes requiring plenty of shot types. Elevation changes and varying shot shapes abound. Also has a decent mix of open versus wooded holes.

- Signage is great in terms of hole layout and navigating from one hole to the next tee.

Cons:

- Finding the start of the course isn't necessarily obvious. No welcome signs at the start of campus reference where the course is located. I found Hole 18 near the lot where I parked and walked around a little until I figured things out.

- The first three holes are right in the middle of campus, and even during summer session it was a bit crowded. I'm not generally a huge fan of being on display to ambivalent spectators, let alone having to throw around them.

- The hike to the wooded portion of the course is fairly long and the hikes in general are steeper than I imagine some older or casual players may be able to comfortably navigate.

- I only found out about the "don't miss left" rule from the course website after my round, which included a thirty minute period scaling the side of a ravine looking for my driver on Hole 7. It's worth walking each hole tee to green before throwing off to get a feel for course layout, as there are some pretty significant dropoffs.

- New hole maps on the tees look like they're using hieroglyphics. Old signs with drawings were better, but this is probably a nitpick.

Other Thoughts:

Please note that the course has been redesigned since some of these pictures have been posted. Course configuration is drastically different since adding new holes, it seems.

I often travel to Hocking County for work and, having taken up frisbee golf earlier this summer, I was delighted to find a public course at the college, as I pass through Nelsonville on each trip. Generally speaking, the course is a lot of fun and it's nice that something like this is available to the community. I was in a hurry and wish I had more time to enjoy the course, but I felt like it was challenging yet fair and provided good variety. It is unforgiving in spots, but I know that now and will adjust next time. It may not be perfect for the total novice player to learn on, but it's definitely a course I would recommend.
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7 0
mcmyers640
Experience: 16.7 years 40 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Gorgeous 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 29, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

*Defined Fairways
*Obvious signs telling you where the next hole was
*Scenic Course that gives you very unique holes
*Well maintained log stairways. Makes the inner child come out.
*Doable technical course
*Requires the use of strategy as most holes require a true two-shot approach rather than a cannon arm.

Cons:

*Breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bring your bug spray
*Pathways can get very muddy after a rain. You might want to bring a change of socks.
*Some holes seem like a hike with a disc golf course rather than a disc golf course with a hike.
*Basket heights can vary. Some baskets are about 6' tall and are just awkward to shoot on. I suppose this could be part of the challenge.

Other Thoughts:

I loved this course and it's so unique to the Ohio disc golf environment. The first few holes are your normal run of the mill holes. If you need to use the restroom you can get into the student center that's to the right of hole one. It's air conditioned and a bit better than a porta john in 90 degree heat. (It's the smell). I was surprise by the 400'+ hole #3 that offers a bit of a challenge. The hike to hole #4 is a doozy, but loosens you up. They do have a bench about 3/4 the way up. I suppose they know it's a tough hike.

The rest of the holes are gorgeous and so unique. I've never played holes that cut through high rock and has you throwing over valleys, creeks, and through trees. It really brings out the kid in you. Hole 7 has an incredibly steep drop off on the left. I would play it safe and hang on to your favorite approach disc. The only other item of not was that hole 14 had a copperhead spotting, but hey, you're out in nature right? I really felt like I was out in nature rather than walking through a park. The course is a must play in the area and well worth a 1.5 hour drive from northern Columbus. This is not a family friendly course for the little kids. They'll probably want to kill you afterwards.

Must brings:
*Bug Spray
*Water Bottles
*Hiking Shoes
*Shot discipline
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7 0
culinarywiz
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 35.6 years 305 played 66 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A hike, with some serious disc golf 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 23, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Amazingly rustic land

Fantastic elevation shots

A lot of work has gone into building the seemingly endless array of log stairways and benches that support you through this rugged hike

Very high on the Technical Scale

Cons:

A bit dangerous - leave the little ones at home!

Buggy and wet when I played

Other Thoughts:

First, I must say that this is an incredible layout.

This course is as raw and rugged as any I have ever played. The disc play is challenging and demanding. The elevation is top notch. Rarely will you actually shoot strait or flat. Your lines had better be tight and your distance had also be in order...a long or short shot is often punished as sternly as a shank or slice.

The first few holes are open, then you climb into the woods for the real meat of the course. The distances are good for the density. A typical player will not need more than a fairway driver in here. My group actually threw a lot of mids and putters off the tee. You spill back out into the open for the remaining few holes. 16 is unremarkable, but 17 is sweet and 18 has you shooting over a pond and through some cool carved stones.

It seems like this course may be best suited for summer and autumn play. The spring weather has the course loaded with standing water and a ridiculous host of mosquitoes. Honestly, I usually dismiss the comments that a course is "buggy". After all, disc golf is often played in the woods. But this is worth bringing up. I felt like an intruder. Had I not had a bottle of "OFF" on me, I would not have played a second round.



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11 0
optidiscic
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 156 played 147 reviews
3.50 star(s)

blah blah blah......YEAH YEAH YEAH! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 3, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is currently below the radar but is well worth the trip. (its been redesigned and has not been played by many since its recent incarnation...the map and college website photos dont reflect whats hiding here)The first 3 holes play unsafely amongst college buildings and streets and frankly I was ready to leave the course as I had difficulty finding the 4th tee. Then I saw some kids going into the woods across the street with DG bags... after a hike up into the woods....you are gonna be blown away. Holes 4-15 all play up on a steep ridge in the woods and offer undulating terrain, cliff shots, deep gorges, technical gems and some of the most memorable technical disc wizardry you will find anywhere. Highlights were:
-the tight drive out of the woods across an opening to a basket perched atop a mound with steep gorges to the left the entire fairway
-the putter plunge of hole 8 from way above with a fast green and stream behind
-The stairway to heaven hole #12 which had me climb a stairway made of logs to a tee way above and fire down through the forrest to a basket nestled on a ten foot bank with a gorge behind and drop offs in every direction.
-the uphill drive of 13 that sets up
-the signature hole 14 a simple putter drop off a cliff over a gorged valley with the basket in a flat clearing with yet another steep neverending cliff behind the green....Best floater I have ever played...true ace run but you could hit a tree and be in the first gorge in front of the green or throw too far and be in the steep goner gorge behind the green.

The holes 4-15 are all wooded and technical and provide enough thrills to make you forget about the first 3 duds. Fun factor is off the charts in these woods as there are 3 downcliff ace runs with exciting elevation drops.
Once you leave the woods the courses finishes with a tight bizarre short low tunnel throw that I've never seen before..maybe 6 feet high 7 feet wide and 150 feet long to a raised basket so you have to actually throw ceiling high to ace....weird hole but fun.
18 is a shot across a pretty lake perhaps 150 feet of water carry negotiating some trees and your on a grassy sloped green to finish your day. A truly unique and exhilerating experience and one I definetely was not expecting. Perfect par 3 course as good throws can garner aces or birdies and bad throws instantly are bogeys or worse. The imaginative and creative design could only have been dreamt up by college kids. This course really surprised me.

Cons:

The first three holes are dangerous and boring. They really diminish what could be one of the best courses I have played. For all the gleeful insanity in the woods I was also sliding and falling down these steep muddy hillsides. I would imagine erosion might quickly destroy this course or perhaps a lawsuit from an injury. I think the locals are doing a great job at building steps and attempting to provide plenty of safe routes. I would suggest overkill in the steps and erosion dam efforts in this place. I hope they can preserve this one. I fell 3 times out there and felt at risk more than a handful of times when I was traversing the gorges. A few times I was wishing for just a bit more green or safer areas to land given the penalty is often a 50 foot descent into the abyss.

Other Thoughts:

If you enjoy unique woods holes than this one should be on your list. A few suggestions:
Redesign or scrap the first 3 holes..too much risk in return for not enough fun IMO...I would rather play a couple nasty uphills in the woods rather than just have that long nasty hike up to hole 4.
I also wish that the long descent down the mountain path after hole 15 was a hole....not many courses could offer a plunging hole like that....Signature hole for sure. Congratulations on your course Hocking College. It's one of the best I have played to date (128 courses)
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2 1
Packee
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Must play 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has great potential, only few designers get to use land of this caliber. I played this course on my way back to columbus,oh. and i'm glad I did. If you have a chance to play it, take it. very challenging wooded hilly beautiful course.

Cons:

the first 3 holes are by the the campus building and it would have been nice to get them in the wooded area as well, hole 16 was very hard to find because it's a long way to 17 and down a main trail and out in the open where there are no way to know where to go.

Other Thoughts:

If someone could hurry up and get some good signage to direct you through the course it would really be good to great in my book....this was course 196 for me and probaly one of the nicest short course i've played.
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6 0
Bikinimower
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.6 years 174 played 66 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Underrated!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 27, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The land they have to work with is remarkable and they did a great job taking advantage of it
Altitude changes, plenty of them.
Bonus Nature hike
Not crowded
Good variety of shots
Scenery
It's a Workout

Cons:

It was easy to get lost, some of the trails weren't well marked
A few of the tees were tough to find and when you did find them they were just spray painted lines in the grass.
I didn't much care for the first couple holes but after that.........
Potential death by falling off a cliff
Potential death by Copperheads

Other Thoughts:

I heard some bad things about this course but I thought it was Amazing! I love Altitude changes, I love wooded holes, and I love nature hikes so this was the course for me.

The first couple of holes are nothing special they are right in the middle of a crowded campus but from hole #4 on, the course makes up for it. Like one of the previous reviewers said, land that they put this course on is phenomenal for Disc Golf. It's very wooded but not so dense that its frustrating. Plenty of shots that go up and down hills and through valleys all with reasonably open fairways

I didn't mind the long walks between some of the holes. If they need to make you walk for a few minutes so that they can make the best possible use of the land then so be it. The walk to hole number 4 was straight up a hill and it was a little exhausting but it wasn't too hard, I'm a fat guy with bum knee and I made up without much effort.

Be careful though some of the paths can be narrow or steep, Trust me, you wouldn't want to fall, some of the drop offs looked dangerous. Also look out for Copperheads (I didn't see any but they had a warning sign up)
Hole 14 was my favorite it went right off a cliff, but there were plenty of other holes that I loved

Lots of the Disc Catchers were located in such a way that you would pay for a short or long throw. Me and they guy I was with had to climb down more than one steep bank.

The only problem I had with it was it was tough to navigate. They had some signs up telling you which way to go but they needed more I got lost multiple times. Some of the holes need to be marked better. To some people dirt Tee Pads are a bad thing but not to me, I think I actually prefer them

But all in all I loved it! Very very underrated, weather permitting I'll be back later this week.
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2 0
Magilicutty
Experience: 26.8 years 304 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Hocking College DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very scenic wooded holes. A lot of work has been done with staircases, bridges etc.. Tons of elevation through wooded fairways, without anything being a poke and hope.
If you like wooded courses and are in the area, it is definately worth stopping.
Also very close to the freeway.

Cons:

No concrete. Most of the tees were manageable, but a few weren't level or had some interfering roots. It appears there has been some effort at signage, but is still not enough to smoothly navigate the course. There was a sign on either 13 or 14 which stated: "Copperheads spotted in the area 9/2/2009" (3 days prior to me playing)

Other Thoughts:

Some discers we ran into said that there was some construction going on which was affecting several holes, plus they have recently expanded from 12 to 18 holes, so given some time, i'm sure the course will just get better. At present hole 2 didn't have an actual teepad. We found the remnents of a spraypainted line and #2 so threw from there. Never found the true teepad for 16, but were able to play what we believed was the general hole. (the only way that didn't have buildings coming into play) Hole 18's teepad is literally 7 feet from 17's basket. And hole 18's tee sign (which still reads hole 12 from before the expansion) is actually between those.
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