Bowdoinham, ME

Acker's Acres - The Twisted

4.15(based on 10 reviews)
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Acker's Acres - The Twisted reviews

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10 1
tedkeith
Experience: 36.9 years 215 played 9 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Tranquility 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Gorgeous location
Great Signage
Beautiful generous fairways
Wonderful People
Good pads
Pro shop
Benches and table on holes
Fun Fun Fun!

Cons:

Pads a bit short for some
Baskets hard to see

Other Thoughts:

Acker's Acres is a special place! For my game and what I am looking for in a disc golf course it is nearly perfect. This longer course is fair and challenging. The owners are great and the whole vibe here is so nice. In the woods but there is not a lot of trouble on errant shots or tree kicks really. This was course #200 for me and goes straight into my top 10!
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8 0
markmcc
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.9 years 278 played 254 reviews
4.00 star(s)

The Twisted of the Sisters 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 5, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is the longer of the two courses in the complex, playing at 6311 feet for the 18 holes. This gives an average hole length of 350', with individual holes varying from 183' to 700'. Hole 4 (700') and Hole 6 (600') are responsible for a lot for the extra distance, with remaining holes playing mostly in the 300 - 450' range.

The rest of this review is going to be similar to my review of "The Wicked" course on the same property because other than hole length they are pretty similar.

Fairways are fair and occasionally generous, but are tree-lined and in some cases tight enough to require a pitch back into the fairway after a tree kick. Accuracy is far more important than distance on this course. The two longest holes, 4 and 6 are quite a bit more open than the other for the initial portion of the fairway, but tighten up near the basket.

Fairway shapes include several that are absolutely straight, and others with gentle bends to the left or right. Some of the fairways devolve into widely spaced trees with no specific line to hit, but this gives choices regarding paths to the pin.

Excellent concrete teepads and tee signs on every hole. Chainstar baskets are in good shape and catch fine. They are tough to spot and lack number plates, so spotting them from the tee is tricky on some holes.

Ample benches and trashcans, along with a couple of porta-potties out on the course round out the excellent infrastructure.

Cons:

This is a second delightful wooded course on the property, but remains a wooded course with little in the way of variety. The course is essentially flat with no water in play, so the challenge is limited to hitting lines and gaps and then scrambling when you've kicked off of a tree. Not a bad course at all, but somewhat one-dimensional.

A single set of teepads and basket positions limits the variety that you'll find out here, though there is a second course on the same property.

The gray Chainstar baskets are almost impossible to see in the dappled shade. The new bright green flags on this course help some, but the green tends to get lost in the lush foliage of the forest.

Other Thoughts:

In the golf rich P2P mecca that is Central Maine, Ackers Acres is a solid representative. While it lacks some of the rolling hills and clear-running streams of other area courses, it is impeccably maintained and a pleasure to play.

There is a small clubhouse near the parking lot with snacks and cold drinks. I haven't seen anyone staffing the clubhouse either time I've been there but it has been open and purchases are on the honor system.
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9 0
bjreagh
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.6 years 350 played 317 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

COURSE: Ackers Acres is home to 36 holes of just about the nicest wooded courses I have ever played. I will try to avoid some redundancy from my review of the Twisted course, because many of the features here are the same between the 2 courses.

Same- Serene, clean, perfectly maintained. Good challenge but not overkill making it enjoyable for all skill levels. Standard shot shaping past trees through distinct and reasonable fairways. Tees, baskets, signs, navigation all fantastic.

Different from Twisted- Length- nearly 1000' longer, but really most of that is on holes 4 & 6 of 700' and 600'. The finishing stretch of 16-18 offered a nice closing challenge (compared to the couple short birdie opps on the other course). Other than that, individual hole length is reasonable and within the same range and variety as the other course. (so it is not that wicked, you are not having to play 9000' through dense woods up steep elevation!)

Also different is that Wicked is pretty flat (compared to the elevation found on some of the Twisted holes).

And just to be clear, this was 18 completely separate holes from Twisted, nothing shared or overlapping.

COMPLEX: Place was easy to find, ample parking, portable toilets throughout the round thoughtfully placed to be accessed from several holes. $10/day was very reasonable and they deserve every dollar as it is evident the fees are put into making the courses great.

Worker was extremely hospitable and helpful. At one point she happened to be nearby and saw we were searching for my drive, so she stopped what she was doing to help me look for my disc...and she found it (on the grassy fairway of course and not in the rough where I thought I had shanked it- doh!)

Close to several other really good Maine disc golf complexes. This part of the country is loaded if you are willing to pay ~$10/day.

Cons:

This is kind of a weird one, but the names Twisted and Wicked do not at all describe this place. I am sure it is all in the name of being silly (I guess), but it actually might send the wrong message, so don't be fooled- this place is family friendly and the courses are not extreme in either challenge or terrain. (*I played a "wicked/twisted" course that met that description on my Maine trip- it is called Bittersweet Ridge South, and there are a couple others in this area that offer major challenge if that is what you are seeking.)

Given par is a bit on the generous side, but no biggie.

Other Thoughts:

Wicked is definitely the tougher of the two Ackers courses, but my total score on it was only 2 shots more than on Twisted earlier in the day. That just to say both courses can be enjoyed by most any skill level, and are ideally suited for the intermediate level golfer.

You will not find a nicer pair of wooded courses anywhere. This place was pristine, serene, and just made for a relaxing couple rounds of disc golf.
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2 0
HumorMe
Experience: 9.9 years 21 played 12 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Very enjoyable mid size course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 22, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Well maintained (hard to lose a disc, except under leaves this time of year)
- Good baskets
- Good tees (could be a bit longer)
- Several portable bathrooms along the course.
- Benches and picnic tables on most holes
- Clear signs
- They sell water (stay hydrated!)
- Owners are marvelous
- Each hole has a distinct lane, although some are quite tricky.

Cons:

- Very popular. Can run into some big groups. On the other hand, this is a pro if you consider that regular traffic is still the best way to keep a course maintained.
- Very limited disc & food selection in the shop
- It's a small acreage to fit 2 courses on. They've done the best they can, but tees can be near baskets.

Other Thoughts:

A little longer and more wooded than the other course. In my opinion, there aren't enough mid-size courses like this in Maine. Most are either too short or too long. More 6000-footers would be nice. Anyway, this is one of the good ones.
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2 3
Geer_Boggles
Experience: 13.8 years 7 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Acker's Acres - The Twisted 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 12, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very technical, winding fairways.
Great distances and variety, from a few under 200' to a monster 700 footah.
Pads are solid and level.
Has rest benches along the way and halfway in has a roofed picnic area with a portapotty (well maintained).
Has camping right on the course and can play as much as you want when you do.
Prices are very reasonable.
Great environment/atmosphere & great owners.
Course is well maintained and tree placement is phenomenal.
Has rentals on site.

Cons:

Not much of a pro shop, few discs to choose from.
Not enough parking for how popular the course is.

Other Thoughts:

The Twisted is my favorite of the 18 hole courses at Acker's. This was a most recent addition and has been a blast to play every time. The variety in hole distances combined the technical requirements of this course is pure bliss.

I've played many other courses in Maine and this is my absolute favorite. The owners, Dave and his wife, are great people. You won't find a friendlier bunch. The relaxed atmosphere is very welcome. If I play disc with anyone, my first choice is always Acker's Acres.
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2 4
cmcnamara
Experience: 5 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One of my favorite courses. Good variety of drives and shots. It's a heavily wooded course, but there are no holes where you'd have to rely on luck to nail the perfect shot. Some of the fairways are stunning; the fairway for hole 6, along the grassy grove among the big pines is awesome. Dave and Barb are great owners.

Cons:

It can get muddy when it's wet. Not much for a pro shop.
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1 5
mslebzak520
Experience: 10.7 years 20 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Challenging wooded course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 6, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great course if your looking for a longer wooded technical course. A few 2 drive holes and some interesting layouts. A couple ace opportunities but more so a good place to practice your tight long game.

Cons:

Marshy in areas and a few baskets could use better signage. $8 all day is a little pricey.

Other Thoughts:

Love this course! Highly recommend. Will return as much as possible..
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4 0
xZombiEx
Experience: 18.8 years 41 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

The more challenging of the two 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Course is very challenging and well maintained. There are a good mix of holes to dig out the distance drivers, and the fairway drivers. (Hole #4 is over 800ft) You are going to be forced to throw some understable discs, or have the control to make a stable disc play an 'S' curve. There is also a good mix of holes to make an ace run at. Fantastic mix of everything!
They have a food truck now that sells a mix of your standard hamburgers, dogs and fries all the way through to a variety of gluten free options including pizza. Very convenient when you are spending the day at the course!

Cons:

Course is right in the middle of the woods, so bring the bug spray!
Holes 7 and 9's baskets finish very close to one another, so if the place is crowded people on the tees might be yelling "FORE!!"
Website upkeep is almost non-existent, so if it is a long drive for you to get there, just give the shop a call, or add them on facebook.

Other Thoughts:

The owners of this course are simply the nicest people you will ever meet. They will both be there to greet you as soon as you arrive in the morning, and will be sure to say goodbye before you leave. The upkeep of the course never stops. (seriously) They take snowmobiles out in the winter to keep the course playable, and are out doing raking, mulching and removal as soon as the snow is clear. If you ever find yourself in Maine, don't miss a day out here.
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5 0
Ringthembells
Experience: 8 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Just awesome 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 30, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

First off, their website still says this one is a 12-hole course, but as suggested here the Twisted is a full 18, seperate from the Wicked. Just an all around pleasure! This is certainly the more difficult of the two courses, with some beautiful fairways, but just more strategically placed trees. Though the pars are pretty decent for each hole. Just like the Wicked, each hole looks gorgeous and it was each new hole was a fun discovery.

Cons:

The only con I can think of is that the website is clearly not kept up with, but probably because Dave and his wife are literally always out maintaining the course. So for better or worse, you might get up there and realize that there is a big event.

Other Thoughts:

Dave was there to greet us and told us building and adding to the course was an addiction, and man does it show! Of the awesome courses up this way, I would have to put this one above LAvalle and Sabattus and that's saying something.
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4 2
Rhyno14
Experience: 9 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Very Well maintained 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 19, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Owners are great people. Course is often in great condition and very well marked. There is a good amount of diverse shots. The baskets are decent.

Cons:

Mostly wooded with a limited amount of open holes.

Other Thoughts:

Great all around place to go spend the day for $8! Snacks and beverages on site. Grills to cook on if you are compelled to bring hot dogs and burgers.
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