Spring City, PA

Camp Sankanac DGC

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4.365(based on 37 reviews)
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11 0
jamespenn
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 4.1 years 33 played 34 reviews
3.50 star(s)

There will be blood

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2022 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nearly endless challenge
Pleasant scenery.
Variety of hazards and hole types
Hilly but not punishing
Nice baskets
Well thought out basket locations
It's so hard that it doesn't really matter what the weather is like, you'll probably shoot about the same thing no matter what.

Cons:

The tees are dangerous if it is wet at all. Especially the various rubber mats.

The thorn bushes that line pretty much every fairway are brutal. The fairways aren't particularly narrow, but if you go off them, trying to play from the rough is pretty nightmarish. If the course had more play they'd probably get beaten down some and be less of a cruel hazard, but right now you are either in pleasant fairway, or chin high thorns digging into you.


New buildings have kind of disrupted the flow of the course, especially near the end. It's clear the course has had to be redesigned around new parking lots.

Other Thoughts:

There is a lot to like at about this course, as it hops across creeks, through gaps that are intimidating but fair, and marches up and down hills. However, playing this course at the "Pro Par" they put on their map is an exercise in torture unless you have a 950 rating or higher, and there some nitpicky things that could improve. It's probably somewhere between a good and a very good course now.

I played this course twice in a recent C-tier tournament and the first round was mostly a gentle mist with no wind, and the second round was sunny with a gusting breeze. I shot +14 the first round and +15 the second round, and didn't really do anything particularly bad. It's just that I can't throw it far enough to realistically expect to shoot the Pro Par on the scorecard. It is, in theory, possible, but I'd have to get up and down from 150 feet all day long, and stay out of the constant rows of thorn bushes. Nobody shot under par in either round, the closest anyone came was a +1 in the morning round, which was a 950 rating. The winning score in the MA3 group where I played was +9 for two rounds, and +15 was second place.

The course opens with a first hole that is good example of what you're going to get the rest of the day. A par-3 that you can't reach, over a water hazard, through a gap, with electric lines swatting down anything on a decent line, with a basket 20 feet above your head on the side of a hill. Like pretty much every hole to come, you play for safety off the tee, then try to get somewhere close for a decent par putt. Hole 2, a 600 foot par 4, runs you between a gauntlet of thorn bushes on the right, and creek on the left, before ending in a grove of random trees and basket placed barely in front of the water. I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of water hazards directly behind the basket. I guess the point is to have everyone creep up on the basket and then have a death putt that rolls into the water, but there's no real heroism or strategy. Unfortunately this is not the only time you have to deal with a basket with water a few feet behind it. Hole 3 is one of the relatively few "breather" holes, although it is still 230 feet up a hill and curving to the right. Still not easy.

Holes 4-7 are a succession of par 4s that you play as a Par 3. Hole 4 might be possible to get to if you have a 400-foot right hand forehand, but everyone else is playing it as a 250-foot shot followed by a 150-foot uphill approach. #5 is over 500 feet, par 3, but at least it is downhill in a pretty open field. 6 is 400 feet, over the creek, through a gap, then right up a hill. Another fun par 4 that is a par 3 on the card. 7 is more of the same, 500 feet par 3, out of a gap, across a soccer field, then back into a gap with water directly behind.

Hole 8 is a short par 4, a tunnel shot layup out of the woods, then a very uphill second shot. I didn't see anyone close to the top of the hill in 2, even though it's under 500 feet. It's a tough one. Hole 9 is more of the same

Holes 10 and 11 are pretty fabulous, short par 3s that almost every recreational level player can realistically reach, with hazards in front of the basket, not behind. 12 is your second and last "breather", a flat, dead straight, short par 3. You finally emerge from the woods on #14, bleeding from everywhere including your scorecard. From here your only real danger of bodily injury is from getting hit by a car. 14-18 are not bad holes at all, and in fact I enjoyed them more than most of the woods holes. 14 is a strategic dogleg left par 4 where you can either go around a parking lot OB on your second shot or try to cross it and cut off a lot of distance. 15 seems like a breather, until you just can't stay out of the thorn bushes on your second shot. #16 and #17 are two more par 3s that would be more fun as a par 4, and the best hole on the course is #18, a long downhill par 4 that starts off as wide as the ocean and ends up cramped into a tiny corridor (although the OB roadway right behind the basket is again not my favorite kind of hazard)

It's definitely a course worth driving a bit to see and play. Assuming it's open, which is not a guarantee. It's not open much at all from about Memorial Day to Thanksgiving. I would not play the course at the "Pro Pars" though, unless you can throw it 400 feet forehand and backhand with accuracy. It's 7500 feet mostly through trees and the pro par is 61, which would probably be doable if you didn't have trees and thorn bushes everywhere. I'd add 1 to the par on holes 4-7, 9, and 17. With that there's at least the faint glimmer of hope of shooting even par if you're a sub-900 rated player, which most of us are. It's OK to play with pars that make the course enjoyable. We don't have to beat ourselves up all the time.

If they could get rid of most of the thorn bushes and put in a few new tees this is a definite 4.0 or maybe even 4.5.
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14 0
Ryal
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 6.8 years 216 played 182 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A Knack For Sankanac 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 17, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

+ The whole course takes place in a gigantic and very pretty campground setting with areas of quiet deep forest, breezy wide-open meadows and a strong river or stream always nearby.
+ There is a nice warm-up putting area close to the parking lot and hole 1 that is far away enough from the action. There is a lost disc box underneath a sturdy course info board, too.
+ There is a nice balance between open, wooded and hybrid holes at this course.
+ Quite a few elevation and water features add texture, character and challenge all throughout the 18 holes.
+ The tee signs are colorful and detailed with pars and distances. But...

Cons:

- ...Some of the tee signs show holes with two baskets in play instead of just one, but, try as I might, I couldn't see both. This would be a let down to any newer players or those simply seeking an easier round.
- As it is private property, the course has a limited window of playability.
- The tee pads are hit or miss. Some of them are luxuriously long and wide pads of concrete. Some of them are constrictive narrow pads of concrete. Three or four of them are just rubber mats plopped down on the ground.
- The next tee signage is inconsistent at best. Most of the time, they are wooden arrows passively resting atop the baskets. It is obvious that they used to be anchored to the baskets with zip ties or whatever, but that is no longer the case. Some are missing altogether, and the course could definitely benefit from intermediary signs during the longer walks such as between 8&9 and 13&14.
- Some parts of the woods are utterly covered in thorns. Stay on the fairways!
- No trash cans on the course itself and just a few benches. (Please don't litter, folks!)
- That staircase on hole 11 is rickety.
- The final few holes are somewhat dull.

Other Thoughts:

My favorite hole here to look at is definitely hole 12 because it is a perfectly framed image. There is a basket straight ahead of you on flat ground. A wall of trees on both sides of the fairway block your view of anything else and force you to see only the basket at the end of that grand hallway.
My favorite hole here to play is hole 11. Yes, it is the shortest of the whole course, but a whole lot can go wrong during those 183 feet. There are the initial trees to deal with, the stream to fly over and the imposing uphill to land on. Will your throw hit a tree, land in the water or roll endlessly downhill?
My least favorite hole is hole 15 because it was wide open and direct with no challenges along the way.

This was my first time playing here but my third time visiting the place. Camp Sankanac is a tricky course to grab hold of because of its specific hours of operation. They really mean it when they say that the course is closed. If an employee sees you playing or about the play when the course would be closed, they WILL ask you to leave. Avoid this course during the months of June, July and August when the summer camp is in session. Seriously. Play somewhere else.

But once you time your arrival right and get the chance to play here, you will probably be delighted by the scenery. This course really does play among a summer camp. There are small cabins, larger lodges, dining halls, a lounge, a meeting hall and many other rustic wooden and/or stone buildings that remind me of a few summers in my youth when I would spend a few days sleeping in a bunk bed, taking nature walks and walking on rickety bridges with other kids my age. All throughout, there are some nice trails to explore, hills to climb and rivers & streams to gaze at. It's a cinch to feel at ease here.

It isn't just pretty to look at, though. There is plenty of challenge to be had at Sankanac. The terrain has a controlled rugged texture. It rises and falls without being too imposing. The trees vary in density without making you feel completely hopeless or constricted. And the rivers and streams are cleverly incorporated throughout the course. I would recommend this course to those players who have at least a year under their belt and especially those players who prefer wooded golf, but any player will find something to enjoy here.

The course isn't without faults, though. Those next tee signs ought to be addressed. Most of them still exist, which is good, but they aren't exactly eye-catching, and someone could swipe them since they aren't attached to anything.
Also, it would be a help to players who don't have or use any disc golf apps by providing more helpful directional signage during the longer walks. I was lucky enough to have a Mike, a regular there, guide me through part of the course.
The course's availability is a slight negative factor, but that is easy enough to work around.

All in all, Camp Sankanac was a nice course to experience. The holes were varied. I rarely felt as though I was playing the same hole twice. The different configurations of trees, elevation, water and open space made for a nice grab bag of disc golf possibilities that many courses wish they could match. It's rough around the edges with some glaring details and safety issues, but it's definitely a course worth playing as often as its weird availability will let you.
Warmly recommended.
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12 0
HyooMac
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 6.7 years 415 played 382 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Excellent course with memorable holes 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 20, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

+ Read the review by it'sRudy below for an excellent hole-by-hole description


+ Variety of holes and shots required. It's unlikely you'll ever step up to a tee and think "Oh, this shot again…" Although the holes play predominantly RHBH, there are a handful of tees where a FH really helps. The variety comes from elevation, different amounts of dogleg, water shots and specific windows to hit

+ The course stays interesting. The holes are just really well-designed to challenge you without gimmicks or mandos

+ Hole #1 shows how the designer tries to distract you: it's a 330' straight shot with some elevation up to a hillside basket. But between you and that basket is a wide creek, a road, a stone wall and bridge for cars, and a steep hillside threatening rollaways. None of those things actually block your throw - but right there on the first tee, Camp Sankanac is trying to get in your head

Cons:

- A little bit of confusion at spots (#2 to #3, #3 to #4, #13 to #14), but not a big deal. We figured it out, and will know next time we play

- The signage is great, but indicates silver and gold baskets. We played the golds and never saw a second basket on any hole

- Restricted hours. No play in the summer, No play on Saturdays. Makes for a lot of traffic when it's open

- It ends a little weakly: the final five holes are all open and long; while it feels good to throw bombs, the holes lack the kind of uniqueness of holes 1-13. The exception is the narrow slot in the wall of trees you have to throw through on #17, but that hole has been compromised by construction, causing the tee to be moved forward and down from a dramatic shelf

Other Thoughts:

~ A course that never lets up. It exhausts you mentally because of the concentration and strategy required for every shot

~ My "acid test" is to see how many holes I can remember a week after playing a course one time. Sankanac was the fourth of five courses we played that same day (OK - we're nuts, but that's not the point here...) - and a week later I could recall 17 of Sankanac's 18 holes


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9 0
itsRudy
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.7 years 73 played 62 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Best $3 I Ever Spent 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 6, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

My review is going to just put more foot-steps on very well-trodden ground, so I'm going to say most of the previous reviews were correct, Camp Sankanac is indeed a phenomenal course.

I first played here over four years ago and my skills were such that I could highly appreciate the course but simultaneously hated that it reflected my poor skills and distance. Most holes beat me rather than the other way around. Truly, best for intermediates and up. If you consistently shoot 250' or less, with few throws in the arsenal, a trip here will do more to inspire you to become a better player than be an actual enjoyable round. And that's okay. It's why I came here only about once a year despite being close-by, to measure my progress.

You'll also see a variety of terrain that you won't normally see in a single course. However, most elevation is bookended, meaning it either tees or baskets are on hillsides and most of the fairway on grassy fairway. Some exceptions like #3 and #13 though. Right handed and left handed players are served evenly.

The last years I've seen changes in the course, some positive. Now many of the water crossings, like on #10, are heavy duty steel I-beams, rather than the half-rotted logs.

++++Holes #1-13 are the reason I play disc golf.
+I consider #13 the hardest hole I know. Sometimes I just manage par. Sometimes I just stop counting and want it done.
+Well-illustrated tee signs.

Cons:

My favorite portion of this course is #1-13. Once I leave forest, the rest of the holes might be okay but just don't give me the same feel and I'm just throwing to walk back to the car. Maybe an unfair assessment, because I'd welcome them in most other parks, but a testament how good the first 2/3s of the course is.

This place is a navigational PITA sometimes, especially newbies, but after 5 visits (over 4 years) I'm still pulling out my phone to find the next tee at key points. All the wooden hanging 'next tee' signs I seen were broken laying on top of the basket. #2 backtrack to forest #3 tee is probably the hardest to find. I was left guessing every time, after a year passes and my memory fades. Bring a map.

I think there used to be two baskets for some holes, silver and gold. Idk if the silver ones are temporarily gone this year, but they were gone as far as I could tell. One basket per hole is how I prefer it anyway. Some baskets were replanted, sometimes just a foot away from the old location with the old foundation still in place.

The tees are not a problem (well, the steep drop off on #4 is a bit scary) but a complete mix. Some cooncrete, some rubber pad, some cinderblock, etc.

How well this course plays depends how empty it is of day campers. I've come here and the usually empty parking lot at end #2 is filled. Layup throw. The field at #5 with kids. Layup throw far away from them. The downhill bomb #7, full of kiddie soccer players. Complete skip. That sort of thing. (Course was not marked closed btw).

Call ahead, if no answer check the facebook page dedicated to this course. Closed summers (Memorial Day - Labor Day), and when first tee has orange cone or sign. The mandatory sign in materials box is sometimes empty, so, yeah.

--Yeah, if you don't layup when you know you should, multiple points of waterloss possible. Except for a few like #1, most are retrievable if you're willing to get wet or have a ring of summoning handy.

-The big steps down #9 tee are really hard on my knees. They are pretty huge, I feel like a toddler climbing down them. Everytime I'm here, I wish they added half-steps in between, just some tall cinderblocks or a couple 6x6 staked down would do.

-#11's ladder up the hillside is sketch, especially the first step which looks broken and propped up by cinder blocks.

-#17's long tee is MIA, even before the construction. No tee signs, only the shorter starting pad across the street to give a clue. Without a map, it's a total guess.

Other Thoughts:

Amenities: None seen on course.

#1 starts you throwing over French Creek. I estimate about a 20 ft to water, 75 ft over water, before crossing the road and a steep upshot to the basket in the hill.

#2 is a long right curve along the road, over a gravel parking lot right of a small red building, with the basket on the very edge of French Creek.

#3 is a short but uphill right curve in the forest.

#4 is a big downhill semi-tunnel throw, until hitting the grass field 2/3s way through then right. A good forehand wins strokes here.

#5 is a 556ft grass field throw, moderately downward. Big arms win. Basket near trees.

#6 tees off on ground about 30 feet from water. It's another throw over French creek, aiming for a gap in the treeline opposite side. Cross a swinging bridge (zip close your disc bag and pocket your phone). Rest of fairway is across width of the back edge of a soccer field to uphill basket.

#7 is another big downhill, starting from tee above last basket over the soccer field. This time favoring RHBH. Basket is in opposite diagonal corner, tucked away in forest and near creek's edge.

#8 starts off as 200ft of forest tunnel before entering a lightly wooded clearing. Going immediately about 30 degrees right (2 o'clock) is steeply forest hill, an upshot to Basket.

#9 Tees off very high up, down with the fairway 'S' curving gently first to the left and near the end to the right. In the middle is an extremely scenic grove of trees that will do their best to punch your disc down. Weave between them to find the basket near the water's edge again.

#10 invites you to throw a short 220ft to basket, nearly straight. First 90ft normal ground, then the rest a curvy stream that will probably eat your disc. It's retrievable but you'll have wet clogs and pant the rest of the round. Cross the I-beam bridge halfway through.

#11 is another short one. Starting flat grass 3/4 distance, then another small stream guarding a steep hillside. A 4x4 limber border protects any disc landing close to the basket from falling downhill, but anything that doesn't quite make it all the way up can fall off down to the stream. Next hole straight back.

#12. 250ft wooded tunnel shot.

#13. Throwing a through a wood structure that looks like a fort. About right for this hole. Goes straight a short bit afterwards and makes a 2-3 o'clock turn right. Rest of fairway is an uphill figure '8' with forest inside the stacked circles. Good tee-offs can quickly become double bogeys here.

Now we start the open hole portion of the course.

#14. This is a long walk left. 560 footer. Tee off inside a gathering of tree over a raised fairway embankment with a drainage ditch on left and hill on right. All grass. Basket on left, hidden by tall pines and utility shed.

#15. Another long one, 580 footer. Going diagonal across large field with a cluttering of trees in the middle. Basket in a circle of brush.

#16. Grass field, treeline on right. Basket straight on a bit to the right. Pine trees coming on left closing the gap mark the distance to the basket.

Walk the nearby trail down the road, but go left before it ends, onto grass.

#17 should tee off by tree before road. Rubber mat across street used to be the short tee. Going over street and then field, aim for gap in trees in distance. Basket is uphill behind it.

#18 One last bomb over grassy field going downhill at end. Lots of trucks and park equipment and wood storage on left. Slight left curve before basket ends, sharply left tucked in forest.
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4 0
PRC90
Experience: 7.7 years 20 played 18 reviews
4.50 star(s)

An excellently thought out course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 30, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Memorable and Challenging design
Wonderful risk/reward, variety, accomodations
Decent parking
Good signage
Almost always a place to rest your bag before tee off


Cons:

Very limited hours of operation

Other Thoughts:

Camp Sank is an absolutely must play in eastern PA. The course features one of the most varied designs over all kinds of terrain. You will find yourself reaching in and out of your bag changing shots from hole to hole and there is almost always a risk reward play and this course is not shy on humbling you for not laying up when you should have. The walk can be a bit tiring with all the traversal but you will find frequent places to rest and set your bag which was very convenient. I can see some holes that may cause back ups or confusion but the implementation of an island with a drop zone is really well done. I think the hours are unfortunate as a disc golfer but i have to respect what works for the operators and I'm happy I can play the course at all. The course is missing a couple of concrete pads from being a complete set and I think that would solidify it as a true 5/5 course.
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2 3
ruraljuror
Experience: 30 played 9 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A Pennsylvania Gem! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Gorgeous and spacious. Get ready to walk!
-Different challenges and variations on every hole--get ready to for a trial
-Signs and benches near every tee
-Camp staff are super friendly and generous

Cons:

-I live 2 hours away (ha)

Other Thoughts:

-One round registered 6 miles according to my tracker, ha
-Big arms, come here!
-Course is a MUST play in Pennsylvania
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7 0
Ckab610
Experience: 9.8 years 40 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Wide Variety 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 9, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The course has a wide variety of shots that test all sorts of skill levels and uses many of your different discs. The camp staff when we played was very friendly and helpful as well as the locals that we joined for a Thursday evening doubles round. Once you get past hole 6 and 7 the course pretty much becomes your own and you will not run into many people and have an incredible feel of having the course to yourself. The par fours were challenging and made you earn your par! The water holes were fun and not to hard to get across or not a high risk for loosing a disc.

Cons:

The course is closed during summer hours from memorial day to labor day due to day camp usage which is understandable. The baskets can reject discs pretty easily because they are a bit shallow and homemade but locals said they are working on a fund to replace them.

Other Thoughts:

After visiting a bunch of different courses around the South Eastern side of Pennsylvania this is def in my top 3 kept saying to my buddies this course is awesome. The variety keeps the course interesting and not stale. Enough that we squeezed in three rounds and were not bored at all during them! Apparently its off the beaten path and a hidden gem because when we told the staff we were from Colorado he was taken back and asked how we found out about the course! Would def recommend this course as a must to check out if you are around and it is open.
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11 0
adlacro
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.8 years 149 played 125 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Sankanac 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 28, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

It is a fun, well-spread out course with a mixture of flypad and concrete tees. To make your pars, you will need your entire bag of long-range drivers, accurate approach shots, and good putting as always. There are a number of signature holes here with lots of water OB challenge (but the creek more often than not is shallow enough to retrieve errant tosses). Along with the mix of OB water, there are other challenges. There are a few fast greens on the course. There is a good mix of lefty and righty holes with some elevation changes. The course is currently raising money for new baskets, so it is totally worth a nominal fee ($3). A few minutes from both the Pike and 422. Well maintained.

Cons:

This is not so much a con, but it is noteworthy that the homemade baskets are similar to DIScatchers. These ones are not as deep as your traditional DIScatchers, so take note when putting. I personally have no problem with the restrictions on the course, its property, and its actual purpose, but others may. Please leave your objections at home, and observe all rules. The last thing you want is a course like this getting pulled out of the ground because somebody decided not to follow the rules. Hole 11 should be water OB only. Asking for a 225 foot uphill shot to get 220 feet on their drive with a well protected basket is kind of asking for too much.

Other Thoughts:

I'm glad I got to play a round here. I met Pastor Jeff, who put this gem in the ground and is continually working on keeping it nice. Although the long holes were out of my range, this should be a must play on your course list for this area. Just keep in mind when the course is open and make the time for it. You'll be glad you did.
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12 0
Wagatron
Experience: 19.2 years 92 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Support this Local Gem!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Camp fully deserves the 4.5 "Phenomenal" rating, and fully deserves to be in the top tier of Pennsylvania courses. With 6 holes playing over water, and 1-2 holes with water nearby the course will challenge accuracy and placement. Long drives on open field holes are needed to attempt birdie runs, shorter holes have defined fairways, and sloped greens. Overall the course par is correct to more advanced players. It is my belief based on experience that the top level courses need a certain "Wow" factor, which camp has plenty of. From island uphill greens, to tight tunnel fairways, long variable terrain open field drives, swinging bridges of water, and to the long downhill OB threated 2nd shot on 18, the course is challenging and memorable. Worth every penny.

Cons:

Three words; Hours, Thorns, Baskets. Like other reviewers state the Camp is a fully functioning camp, and the keep the peace with campers, and continue the business that existed before the course was installed. Hours are from 9-4pm on weekdays and weekends. Course is closed Memorial-Labor day, and there are groups who rent the property to hunt in the fall. (ORANGE CONE ON HOLE MEANS COURSE CLOSED) Questions can be directed to the building on the left of Hole 1 as to course hours.

The sticker bushes, and thorns are brutal. Is it a true negative against the course...no. The fairways are well designed and you have open spaces to place the disc. If you are off course it is not fun. The result, throw a conservative shot if needed and save your legs. It is worth mentioning to be prepared.

The baskets are homemade, and while they are serviceable, they are not to the standard set by other elements of the of the course. I know that the pay-to-play factor is raising funds to provide new baskets.

Other Thoughts:

Please support this local gem. In the Montgomery/Chester/Berks Counties this is the gold standard for other courses to beat. The negatives are worth negotiating to spend a few hours on a course that will challenge every shot in your bag.

It is worth noting that at tournaments and events held at the site that Pastor Jeff (course designer) has emphasized the camp has a full time staff of counselors willing to meet and speak to any disc golfer needing the services. The course has been crafted with a lot of time and dedication, I am confident the staff would be just as dedicated to people playing it.
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3 4
revans1009
Experience: 10.5 years 13 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Awesome course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 13, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Course has it all - sprawling layout, wide open holes, tight wooded holes, water and out of bounds "hazards" that are challenging yet manageable..and it is all in a beautiful area.

Cons:

Wish there were clearer markings for both hole layout and next tee box. I was fortunate to have been playing with a group, otherwise I would not have known where to go on several occasions. This is significantly overshadowed by the play of the course itself.

I heard it closes all summer long.....

Other Thoughts:

This became an instant favorite. There is so much good about this course it's hard to summarize. Fantastic.
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8 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.7 years 297 played 197 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Sank your Battleship 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Private 18 hole course of impeccable variety and aesthetically pleasing natural scenery. Phenomenal use of the land features, creek, and available elevation. Excellent risk vs reward on most holes and some tricky basket placements. Decent signage, single tees and baskets.

Cons:

Some nit picking that shouldn't really keep anyone from playing. Poison ivy is fairly bad in some places off the fairways. A little tricky to navigate in places. Decent chance of losing a disc. The white baskets can be hard to see. Limited availability of playtime.

Other Thoughts:

Camp Sank is the most varied and unique course I have played and the fun factor is off the charts! Somehow there are more downhill shots than uphill shots/walking or it just seems that way. There are ace runs, deuce runs, and some hard birdie 3s. Some tight shots through the woods, some wide open, and others meander in or out of the woods and open. Uphill, flat, downhill, and rolling elevation. Right, left, and straight shots. The suspension bridge on hole 6 was quite thrilling to walk across and I had to walk in rhythm with the bouncing of the bridge, and by the time I got off the bridge I couldn't walk right for a bit. The next hole 7 is a fun downhill bomber, then hole 8 par 4 is one of the more unique holes I've played which starts out flat and through a tight gap to a more open landing area for the next shot to the right and it goes uphill quite a bit. The following hole 9 was almost complete deja vu of Morraine hole 7, but a difficult par 4 this time around, and I was pumped to hit a 40' putt for a birdie 3. Hole 12's hallway shot is reminiscent of Blue Ribbon Pines infamous hole 4, but shorter. Hole 13 reminds me of Tyler with the wood bunkers and tight gaps. So many awesome and unique holes here, I have this as my personal #2 course in PA behind only Nocky and not by much. I highly recommend to any player and hope to make the trek back soon!
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4 5
kafbucks
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Definitely would recomend 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 12, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Beautiful course, this course has just about every challenge a disc golf course could have from water (about knee deep) to woods, from open fairways to narrow, from flat lands to hills that goes straight up. Signs to the next hole are easy to find so navigation shouldn't be a problem.
The Course is very well maintained.

Cons:

The only complaints I have is that its at a camp so its limited on when you can go, it's closed every Saturday and between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and closed a few days in October for hunting season. If I really wanted to nit pick I could point out that some of the rough is totally unaccessable so if you're disc gets in there your probably not getting it back, but that's at maybe 1 or two parts of the course so I didn't fault the course for that. Though there is a strong possibility of losing discs at this course so if you play here I suggest putting your contact info on the back of your discs in case someone finds it.

Other Thoughts:

Over all this course is fantastic. A few very minor complaints but nothing that wont stop me from coming again and again. I encourage anyone who can throw a disc to try this course, but if your new to the game, you may want to tee off from across the water unless you want to get wet for your disc.
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1 5
owvanguard
Experience: 15.8 years 170 played 34 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Metal Bridge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course has everything. Some holes go over a decent size river, some throw down a big decline, some through across huge fields, some throw up tight hills, some are technical, and some are roller friendly.

Cons:

This is a private course and is often closed

Other Thoughts:

Each year I try to make it to the KenCrest Cares Classic held each spring.
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16 0
raynger27
Experience: 12.6 years 62 played 19 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Camp Sankanac 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 28, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Camp Sankanac was one of the most beautiful and interesting courses I have ever played. The scenery, hole layouts, and overall appeal of the course are unbelievable. A combination scorecard/map is available at the first tee and is very useful for navigation. The course starts off with a beautiful shot over a creek and just never slows down after that. Water (nothing too deep to lose a disc on most holes), elevation up and down, open fields, woods, and interesting basket placements. This course has it all. I have only played the course once, but I can honestly remember each and every hole, even now, one week after I played. Each hole has its own unique appeal, and not one of them is vanilla. The available map and next tee signs made navigation a snap. Outhouses were available, and rubber tee pads are large and in great shape.

Cons:

As a private course, the hours you can play are severely limited. No Saturdays, and closed pretty much all summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and for part of hunting season. On a positive note, the informational email address listed on their website was quick to respond when I inquired about operational hours. Definitely reach out to them the day before you go (at a minimum) and you should be all set. The minor hassle is definitely worth it. One minor thing I noticed is the catch area of the baskets (the chains) seemed shorter top to bottom than all others I have played on. This made for a smaller area to aim for, and I definitely dinked some off the top ring as a result. Still, not bad at all for homemade baskets (and if this was my home course, it would make me an extremely good putter at other courses). Also, the tee signs were very descriptive, but some were hard to read since they have been out in the elements for awhile. They could use some sprucing up. These are the few minor things that kept this course from being a 5 to me.

Other Thoughts:

$3 to play, but a great investment. I hear the money is being used to purchase new baskets and maintain the course. So, where the money is going is evident. There are a few longer walks, but these aren't an issue at all to me because they allow the most interesting parts of the land to be used on the course. No walk is that long, and if you are out for a day of disc golf, additional walking should be the least of your complaints. I played with a buddy who also had never been here before and it took the two of us ~ 2 hours to get through 18. Some days the course is only open for 4 hours, so it's the perfect chance to get in 2 rounds, if you have the time and endurance for the walk.

My home area is the Lehigh Valley, and I drove about an hour to get to Sankanac. I would have to place this course up there with Nockamixon (and maybe Jordan) as the best I have seen. So many of the holes here are unique and interesting in so many different ways, it's fantastic. I don't want to give a hole by hole account because others have done that very well already. Don't let the hassle of the hours here dissuade you from coming. Figure out a way to get here when they allow you to play, you won't regret it.
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14 1
iHitTree
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 96 played 38 reviews
4.50 star(s)

DG Heaven 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 16, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The Sanktuary is like the perfect "suburb" course, hanging in the dead middle of the scale--heavy woods on one end of the spectrum and open rolling hills on the other side, this pup having an even amount of both. I love the hybrid nature of it. There are big hills all over and plenty of water obstacles from French Creek and its tributaries snaking through the land. Tighter shots on wooded holes can beat you up, and most holes with open shots have the basket tucked away to add difficulty. Also, it seems this course could get windy in the fields, adding some difficulty, but it was calm today. Large tee pads with wooden painted signs showing you par/distance/OB/water were great. THERE WERE SCORCARDS! Courses in the area rarely seem to have these, so A+ there! I can't comment on navigation because I played with someone who'd been here before, but it seems pretty self intuitive getting hole to hole. Find 2 and 14 might get tricky. The bible camp aspect of the "campus" dotted and bordered certain holes with cool buildings, cabins, churches and other pretty scenery. The course was very easy to find. There are only par 3's and 4's and it is tough to shoot par here. Be happy with anything under 70 for this par 60 or under 65 if you're a seasoned player. There was an AMAZING bridge that bounces and has wire guides across the water on hole 6 I think. That was awesome and unique. This course is up there with Nocky and Tyler, it is that good! GET TO THIS COURSE!

Cons:

There's a lot of poison ivy, a lot...wear pants and be careful off the fairways. The hours for the course are a con. I understand since it is a bible camp that the course is closed during the summer and on Saturdays through the year. Sunday 11-5 and weekdays before 3pm are the open times in fall, winter and spring. Some shots mix in a bit of luck when there's trees everywhere but most shots are fair. That's all I can criticize this course for and it didn't hurt my experience at all, just trying to be objective.

Other Thoughts:

The course starts out with an immediately intriguing shot off the tee of hole 1 across a large creek, beyond which your ideal throw continues across a small road stopped by a wall of a hill  with the basket 15 feet up or so. Hole 2 is bordered on the left by first tee's said creek with brush and woods on the right, leaving a narrow fairway, encouraging a long slight anny for RHBH dodging some small trees dotting the fairway. Hole 3 tightly wooded--skill shot for your initial gap but mix in some luck for later in the flight path to get it to the basket. Hole 4 is a great birdie opportunity through tree gap right in front of tee pad downhill and out into a field with basket tucked away on the right out of view. I'm LHFH/RHBH (due to a lefty baseball swing earlier in life) so this was a big anny for me, but a nice RHFH playing the fade would work well to set up a birdie. Hole 5 is a wide open 500+ ft. par 3, but it's wide open, so you should be able to park your 2nd shot under the trees that the basket lives near (if you hit these, you'll most likely still save par). Hole 6 is a tough gap over a creek through a semi-narrow tree gap. If you make it through, your second shot is slightly uphill, but easy from there. Hole 7 is similar to 4, initial tree gap, open field downhill and long for a 3. Hole 8 is a narrow tree tunnel...tough one. Hole 9 is visual art--a highlight hole. It has lots of narrow tree obstacles but they are small little guys in a grassy knoll--a unique blended open/woods feel for this 500+ par 4.

For the back 9, hole 10 is a big birdie opportunity. A lonely big tree in the center of the hole and a creek on the left are the only work-arounds. Hole 11 is tough because you must make it beyond the "wall" as everything but the drop zone pad is OB before the wooden 6" tall boards that block discs from rolling back down into the creek. Hole 12 is a neat and tidy 263 ft tree tunnel with a 10 foot wide fairway. Middy or fairway driver all the way (maybe putter for some).  Hole 13 demands a big high anhyzer for RHBH, since there seems to be more empty space higher up through this obstacle rich tee shot. The basket is out of sight due to a right bootleg. Hole 14 is wide open from the tee, have fun! You can reach basket on 2nd shot tucked into a nook on the left after the shed. Hole 15 is another wide open 600 ft. par 4 with a big bush about 400' down the fairway. 2nd shot should reach the basket for a birdie opportunity here! TAKE THE TIME TO NOTICE THE PIN POSITION OF 16 ON YOUR WALK  FROM 15, because it can be deceiving from the tee. A big anhyzer meant to break right after 275' should direct you near the tucked in basket on the right 330' out. Hole 17 is initially open and slightly downhill, but the tree gap protects the basket from what otherwise could be an easier birdie for this course's standards. Hole 18 is a monster 675 ft. par 4, and to boot, all the TG to the right of the tee is OB, leaving you a narrow fairway to avoid the penalty stroke. Play an over stable disc that fades hard and throw it flat and slightly over the OB to get a nice fade back in play to set up shot 2. The basket is reachable on 2nd shot since you have some elevation to play with, however, it is out of sight tucked into a nook on the left. If you avoid OB from tee, par is fair and birdie possible. 
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3 4
mseeke
Experience: 15 years 23 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

The New King in Chester County 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 31, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is challenging, beautiful and fun. The holes use a perfect mix of elevation, woods and open shots. There are places to rip and places to thread. The scenery is off the charts and makes for a great round. Even the little touches are cool (suspension bridge, rope swing). The place is clean and friendly with great parking and the course winds around and brings you right back to the car. It is easy to navigate too.

Cons:

The ONLY con is that you can't play it whenever you want. It is very generous for the camp to open their doors to huckers like us, and I appreciate every minute they give us on the course, but this is the kinda place you catch yourself thinking about in the middle of a work day. I now look forward to the fall for Sankanac as much as football season.

Other Thoughts:

There is a lot of elevation changes on this course. Be prepared to walk up and down a lot of hills. if you aren't ready, this course can make you feel it afterward.
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10 0
sloppydisc
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.3 years 201 played 147 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Kinda cool 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 19, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Full 18 hole course tucked into a private camp. Smooth, flat rubber pads that worked well. Hand painted signs at tees showing hole layout and distance. Baskets were all in good shape.

Plenty of next tee signs to help with navigation. Paths were well kept and easy to spot. For a private course everything was extremely well cared for, and clean.

Beautiful piece of land for a course. This course did a great job of showcasing the variety of terrain on the property. There were tee pads on hills, baskets on hills, open grass fairways, wooded fairways with tight pines, and wooded fairways with scattered large mature trees. Plus the creek or creeks that run throughout the property are used often. Instead of playing through one kind of hole or terrain repeatedly this course offers you many different looks and feels. That felt fairly unique from many of the courses I've played.

Hole length variety was decent. There are quite a few long holes that will test your arm, but some shorter Ace possibilities are mixed in often enough to keep you from getting worn out.

Basket positions seemed to be well place on almost every hole. Hillsides are used several times, and the open holes usually tuck the basket near some mature trees or back into the woods.

Cons:

Tee pads were fine, but rubber mats can get slick in bad weather. Concrete would be a nice upgrade. Not a major issue, but could be if it gets wet.

By my count there were 9 shots of the tee that required a straight shot. Some were shots that were down tunnels, or between trees and gaps, but straight none the less. Not a course that requires a ton of line shaping or precision shot making. There is some here, but straight length of the tee is more helpful here.

Silver baskets were hard to spot in some places.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very nice course. My cons definitely are probably a personal preference. There are probably enough technical shots here to keep most players honest, but the focus seems to be long and straight. Still, you do need to thread a disc through some trees at times, so you can't just play with no control.

With the creeks and woods this course is set in the best description I can give of my round here was simply pleasant. There are a few long walks between holes, and you could complain about that, but even then this seemed to be a stress-free course with lots of nicely designed holes to keep you entertained. Along with Tyler State Park I would consider this a must play if you are in the Philadelphia area. And if you like courses that offer a little bit of everything then you may even rate this course a little higher than I did. Lots of good stuff here, but to me it lacked the one WOW hole I look for in top notch courses.
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7 0
urwatuh8
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 215 played 20 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is set on a religious camp/retreat with a tranquil, serene atmosphere to match. Quiet woods and hills, with a stream running through. Course is well maintained -- the baskets are in tip top shape and the bridge over the stream on hole 6 is sweet.

The hole design is great. There's a wide range of shots, with lots of decisions to be made. And the holes don't feel cookie cutter at all. Some favorites: Hole 1 plays across the stream, then into the woods on the side of a hill. Hole 4 is a steep downhill out of the woods followed by a hard right. Hole 9 starts on a hill and makes you choose between going over the trees and dropping a long way, or trying to sneak underneath. Hole 11 is short, but goes over a creek through some tight windows to a steep green. Hole 18 is a long drive along a gentle hillside, followed by a tight turn into the woods.

Cons:

The biggest negative is access -- this great course is not open over the summer or on Saturdays. The rubber teepads can be slick from rain or snow. Several holes overlap, which could be a safety concern if the course was crowded (only at tournaments). The course flows pretty well, but could be confusing going from 2 to 3, 13 to 14, and 16 to 17. I would recommend a map your first time.

Other Thoughts:

Because the course has stayed clean and DGers have been respectful, the camp approved adding three more holes in the fall. Please keep up the good work - pick up any trash and pursue your vices elsewhere.
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10 1
RamsFan1
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.5 years 91 played 91 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Who Would've Thought? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 8, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 scenic holes spread around a bible camp/retreat in Spring City. A welcome board and scorecard box greet you by hole 1. Good variety of both technical and open shots in which elevation and distance make for challenging golf. At least 5 of the holes require throwing over water- a huge plus on any course- and a walking suspension bridge spans the tee box and basket to hole 6! OB areas keep you honest without being too intrusive. Homemade baskets are of good quality and rubber tee pads are of adequate size and in good shape. Illustrated signage with the hole number, par and distance are beside each tee box.

Cons:

Tee shots off holes 1 and 4 and approaches from 6 can get way too close to the next tee box. Shallow basket catches can lead to spit outs. More "next tee" arrows would be helpful, as walks between several holes are a bit lengthy. Only one permanent tee pad and basket location for each hole. Benches/bag poles would be welcomed at each tee box. Beware of fishermen and pedestrians at several holes. Course is by invitation only and is closed for the summer months.

Other Thoughts:

When told a disc golf course existed at a bible camp, I was skeptical. My fears were unfounded- this is an excellent course on a magnificent piece of property. Camp Sankanac offers a unique and peaceful playing experience and a number of both memorable and enjoyable holes starting with throwing over the water to an elevated basket at hole #1. A combination of uphill, downhill and tunnel shots with both right and left dog legs create great variety and maintain player interest. Kudos to Pastor Jeff for his design and vision. Call and obtain permission to play before driving here
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2 5
DAMAGER
Experience: 15.7 years 9 played 9 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Course if you can play it. 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

Each hole is fun to play and designed well. It never feels like the same hole twice. This course is good for any skill level. It's built on a very nice property that's great for a disc golf because some holes go up, down, left, right, through woods, over water and out over open fields. Just navigating the course is fun.

Cons:

Not open to the public all the time. Just showing up on a Sunday may result in getting back in your car and going home. So make sure to call first.

Other Thoughts:

I wish they would give out public hours and just stick to them.
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