Bud Hill , THE RIDGE , is one of 2 courses on private property . Be patient finding this place . Your directional guide can easily mess up out there , and this place sits pretty far from everything . There is a long gravel driveway leading up to the clubhouse and the course . The Clubhouse features a guestbook , memorabilia and places to sit and swap stories with the locals between and after rounds . There is a Port O Let near the parking lot . The parking lot isn't big , but the owner will let you park in the grass in case of an overflow of cars . The Ridge course starts behind the clubhouse about 40-50 yards . It is on the opposite side of the gravel drive pointing towards the pond .
The Equipment - There are cement tees now . They are smallish at about 6-7' X 3-3 1/2 , but they are a step up from worn carpet .There are 2 tees on most of the holes . Signage is adequate in the short positions , giving just what is expected . The baskets are older Chainstars , but catch well .
THE LANDSCAPE - This course doesn't roll as much as the Original , but there is some decent elevation here . Mostly woods holes , but fair lanes . This area must have been a bear to clear out . Not quite as scenic as the Original course , but still a great walk . Water only comes into play on hole #1 which is really a hard deuce . The grounds were mowed for the big amateur tournament the following day and the trees were cut back nicely .
THE HIGHLIGHTS - This type of course will not feature those . If you want highlights , play the original . If you want some fun factor , play here . The toughest hole was #1 . The tee is elevated , and the basket sits on a lengthwise ridge with the pond on the immediate left and a sloping hill on the right . No sense losing a disc on the first hole . There was a hole ( I think #15 that was a downhill run at a high hanging basket . Some risk/reward there . . Many of these holes are short and technical . You might get away with a couple of midranges and a putter . There are still many varying and right to left holes .
THE TIME - It took me over and hour to play , but only because there were people at most of the holes . On an emptier day , you will cruise this course in 50 minutes .
If you don't make a run at the first hole and dig your drive into the hill like I did , then your disc risk is low . There are several blind basket placements at the Ridge , , but the course is pretty cleared out and as long as you watch your flight path and not land up in a large tree .
This could be an excellent warmup for The Original , or just a laid back round without much exertion .

#1 Challenge - Many will think the course is too easy . Well , it's supposed to be . Don't be all geared up just to be let down .
If the course gets crowded on a weekend and evryone flocks to the Ridge , make sure you don't throw around a bend and catch someone looking for their disc off the fairway . Don't make it a bad day for either of you .
LACKING AMENITIES - It was okay with me , but instead of nice blue waste cans and benches , they had random chairs at a lot of the holes and some regular trash cans. Not a problem with me , but worth mentioning .
CALLING AHEAD - Many are used to just showing up at a course instead of asking permission . Hey , The course owner and wife are great people . Honor them with courtesy .
Make sure you bring bug spray .

This is a great alternative to the Original . Something more low key , and you are able to make it a quick play if you become pressed for time . Long time course owner Danny Daniels has put a lot of time , money and effort into making this private playground an experience . I met him while he was mowing , and he is one of the nicest guys and represents disc golf well . There is a donation box near the liability waiver papers . It is expensive to keep up a private course with no outside funding . Make sure you donate some money to a great cause . I am sure most all of it goes right back into the course . Private course like these make you feel as if you are part of something special , and more welcome than Rec. Commission parks . I bumped my rating about half a point because, " how many private course that you will play in your lifetime feature 2 separate and full 18 hole disc golf courses ? "
My Recommendation - The Ridge is just that little " extra addition " to this property . I played alongside a whole lot of rec players , good players with less talented girlfriends and wives , newbies still getting their feet wet . There were also some better players that were just working on their short technical game . Pros might find this course too easy and boring , but still could use a few holes as a warmup for the Original .Coming to this course is less about The Ridge , and more about the Destination . PLAY IT !!

(2.650 Rating) A very short technical course.
- FUN FACTOR - A boat load of fun to play for those that don't mind throwing a short layout. It's basically an ace race course, as really no modifications need to be made. Numerous sub 200 foot plays that will have skilled players eying the chains. I had an empty course, so I unloaded the bag on a couple holes. This is the perfect place to warm-up before tackling the big boy course, or to unwind with a couple drinks afterwards.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Although more constricting than the Original Layout, the fact that so many holes are sub 200 feet makes this layout more approachable for beginners than the Original. Also, only one hole has water on this layout, hole (1).
- CLUB HOUSE - I wish every course had a 300 square foot clubhouse to relax at post round. The clubhouse is complete with numerous chairs, TV, poker table and memorabilia. Be sure and sign the guest book too.
- MULTIPLE COURSES - It's always a bonus when there's multiple courses at one site, especially for a course bagger like me as its two for one. I think the combo here at Bud Hill appeals to two different types of players, which is obviously better than having two similar courses.
- SHOT SHAPING - Lots. Any player that craves short crafty holes may love this layout.
- QUICK PLAY - Figure 45 minutes for a solo first timer and 90 minutes for a foursome.
- RAW BEAUTY - A touch above average. The fact that the course is mostly heavily wooded with lots of elevation changes in the 10 to 20 foot range really appeals to me and I think many other players as well. The run-down look of the baskets, tees, signage and seating brings the score back a bit. I scored the course roughly a 3 out of 5.

There are some substantial deficiencies and preferential issues with The Ridge.
- TEES - They are pretty bad. Mostly rubber or carpet mats and many of them are not in the greatest of shapes. There are multiple tees on most of the holes but the condition factor was consistently poor for both front and back locations.
- BASKETS - A mix matched set of basket types. A couple were damaged and/or rusting as well.
- SIGNAGE - Almost nonexistent other than hole numbers. Several baskets are blind so I found myself running up several fairways to check basket placements. I also had to guess distances as well to determine how must muster I needed to apply to my putter.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - As an intermediate player I found much of the course to be a birdie fest. Many higher skilled players won't like this course as lower rated technical players have the potential to beat them as the constricting fairways will be an equalizer. Drawing a 3 on the scorecard for a 150 foot hole will tick some players off.
- NO BOMB-IT HOLES - Players that like to admire their 450 foot tee shots will likely not enjoy this one shorty. I think every hole was sub 300 feet.
- QUIRKY LINES - I did not like 3 or 4 lines on this layout. If I recall correctly I think hole (9) was my least favorite where a sub 150 foot basket placement was near impossible to get it inside the circle. The fairway line is slightly uphill, bends 90 degrees right and has to stay low due to all the branches above. (2) and (4) were also very short 90 degree benders.
- OVERGROWTH - More constricting and less thinned out than the Original Layout. Not horrible by any means but players will end up in some thicket several times due to ricochets.
- MAINTENANCE - Not maintained as well as the Original Layout.
- PARKING - A gravel parking lot.

Players that like short technical layouts and that aren't concerned about being wined and dined with aesthetically pleasing amenities could really like this course. If I lived in Memphis, I'd probably hang with the Original, but I'm sure I'd work this one in on occasion. I think this layout would catch on more with some upgrades and the tweaking of a few lines. Players traveling through the area and stopping by Bud Hill should definitely consider playing both courses. They are both fun in their own unique ways.
- NAVIGATION - Ok I guess. There are no maps for this layout so I had to rely mostly on a few directional cues between holes and intuitive paths. I went the wrong way a couple times, but again, this layout is so short that it really didn't negatively impact my experience. I walked around aimlessly for about 5 minutes total.
- UNIQUENESS - About average. There's some elevation, one water play and some twists and turns. Holes vary from completely open to heavily wooded. The biggest missing item as stated in the cons is hole length. Thus, there are no multi play holes here as well.

Bud Hill's Ridge course is quite distinct from the Original version, playing almost exclusively through the woods and with most holes under 250 feet or so. The focus is on tight, controlled shots with many birdie opportunities. The elevation is similarly as integral, varied, and well-used as in the Original course. This layout certainly offers a distinctive alternative to the Original that makes technical golf accessible to players with even meager max distances. Beginners can get some good exposure to tight windows and line shaping that won't beat them down too hard, and more experienced players can warm up for or cool down after the Original course. The layout is definitely engaging relative to its modest length.

Some of the holes on the Ridge course are overly quirky, making for some awkward shots. These can even lead to some really short layups off the tee for lack of an ability to run the basket. Such holes are common enough that they seem to undermine the course's technical appeal and make it feel a bit more on the gimmicky side. On the whole the course's short nature often feels a bit cramped.

Navigation can be a bit tricky as the course is not well signed and the walking paths are not always obvious.

I was told that the Ridge layout had been affected by some fallen trees. I can definitely see that being the case, and if so, the present layout being a compromise to adapt to the new tree cover. If so this could explain some of the awkwardness I encountered.

I personally found the Ridge course to be nothing exciting but this in no way tempered my enthusiasm for my visit given how awesome the Original course is. The Ridge is worth bagging while you're here, but focus your energy on the Original course.

This 2nd 18-hole course is a great complement and contrast to the original Bud Hill course. It is primarily a short wooded technical style course. Baskets are all quality and navigation was a breeze. Each hole has a basic numbered tee sign beside the short tee. Every hole supposedly has a 2nd longer tee (I saw most of them, but since we were playing from the signs, I just forgot to find them all.) For most holes, a 3 is fairly easy, but here the battle is for birdies, and quality shot making is required to score low.

Though you can get by with only mids and putters, the course still requires a variety of shots- straight, left, right, up, down, level. Fairways are well-defined and narrow enough to require an accurate line to get your birdie. There are several mando trees to avoid "short-cuts" to the holes around the bigger bends, adding to the risk/reward factor of these holes- go for birdie or risk a mando penalty. There are opportunities to get creative off the tee and try shots you might not use regularly (side arm, tomahawks, high hard cuts, etc.)

The basket locations are superb, tucked away around a corner, placed behind trees, on the ridge by the pond, etc. I don't generally prefer hanging baskets, but the one on this course just makes sense being on a downhill slope makes you really think about going for it or playing it safe.

The signs didn't have distances, which I would have liked, but since the holes are all under 200' one should be able to judge distance with the eye.

The tees are either natural or rubber pads (concrete to me is always preferred, but are not really necessary here as a run-up drive is not needed, and I totally understand not pouring concrete all over this privately owned wooded hillside.)

There were 2 newer trial holes inserted in around hole 4, but these 2 holes play in a wide open field and to me, being a different style from the rest of the course, detract just a little. But they are set up to where these holes are optional with no extra walking or confusing the navigation.

I found this course to be really fun as: 1) it was not exhausting physically or mentally, 2) it still requires thought-out and well-executed shots, and 3) it features many ace runs and birdie chances. The Ridge is designed to be exactly as it is, and I believe is an excellent example of how to design a course of this style.

It only takes about an hour or less to play this course, and is a nice warm-up to or change of pace from the original course. Danny, as always, was great and so kind to open his courses for play. Having 36 holes at Bud Hill only makes this an even better destination area and one of the best places to play disc golf in the country.

Great small course to work on accuracy as opposed to distance. Some very tight fairways with lots of mandos requiring accurate shots on every hole. Many birdie opportunities and ace runs. Pin locations are great and flow naturally with the landscape. Navigation is also extremely easy.

Sadly there were no holes at all for any sort of distance driving. If you're playing this course there's no need to bring anything other faster than a mid range. However, this really isn't much of a problem considering the original Bud Hill contains some longer holes right next door.

A solid course. Well maintained and very fun to play. If you have the extra time play the Ridge, but honestly I would probably play the Original course twice rather than play each once.

Nice short addition to the full-length Bud Hill.
Good 'Skill Check' for Big Arms.
Many women and ams use the course.
Fun walk in the forest.
Many challenging putts.

SOOO many left to right shots!

Keepin it short cause 'Mr Mirth' gets it all right on. See his review. I would again add though: Nearly every shot is left to right. Otherwise, a really nice addition to the longer Bud Hill course. And the overall Bud Hill complex is one of the best ANYWHERE. A must visit. Try to get to the 2 Forest courses just down the road too. You can get a full 3-4 day visit in without running out of great disc golf.

Bud hill is a disc golf mecca. The original course is a strong 5 star course. This is an interesting little course to add to your visit. Very tight and heavily wooded. A few mandos, which I don't necessarily love, but which make the course work.

This feels like a work in progress, and it is not as good as the original course.

We sped through the course on my visit, so I am not sure I got a full feel for it. Having this little pitch and put makes Bud Hill all that greater.

The Ridge serves as quirky little bro to Bud Hill, proffering a rapid fire challenge through thickly forested hillside. Largely left to right narrow lines with constant elevation, some extreme doglegs and numerous mandos, each shot requires thought and skill. Don't be misled by the short length of these holes (all but one less than 200') as you must hit the lines to get the birdies! It's not poke n hope: Throw straight or expect a pitch out; Miss the mando, take a stroke and putt from the drop zone; Hit the mando long or wide and expect a challenging upshot/ putt, or worse, suffer a hard kick with likely "plinko" effect. A few tricky pin placements (steep incline, enveloped in bush, guarded), a handful or more ace runs, a hanging basket and arching tree tunnel, all bolster this tee-to-green experience.
Most tees are of adequate size with rubber surfaces, although the pro pads are natural, not entirely finished and subject to change. Several tees are wooden decks with non skid surfaces protruding from the hillsides; necessarily, these make for some fun downhill, aroundhill, uphill lines. Baskets are a decent mix match of hand me downs from big bro and catch as expected. The signs say merely "hole1, hole 2, hole 3, etc." with the distances written on them. Never the less, the course flows well enough and is easily followed.

Ordinarily I might criticize the signs, the tees, the potential for throwing onto or "plinko" into other holes, but this course makes for a fun challenge and a fine contrast to its big brother. Although a little immature and rough around the edges, The Ridge will no doubt grow into something worthy of Bud Hill's brotherly pride.

18 holes in 43 minutes was, I think, a first for me. All but one of my tee shots, and a handful of single step forehands, was a stationary throw. The holes flew passed (pun intended) and I enjoyed the fast flowing challenge of these short, technical, skill-honing touch shots. Leave your bag and have a drink before teeing off, you'll be back soon enough. Pick a putter, perhaps a mid, maybe a multipurpose disc; One or two is all you'll need with this quirky quick compliment.

Number one pro: it's at Bud Hill AKA disc golf heaven
Shady. On those hot summer days you'll stay a little cooler in here than out on the original 18 at Bud Hill.
Technical. Tight, turning fairways that force you to shape shots, however, even though the fairways are tight, they are well defined--it is not a pinball type course.
Short. If you feel like throwing long, play the original 18. The short Ridge provides a nice contrast to the main course.
Adequate signage with hole number and length.
Adequate tees.
Foolproof flow. Hard to get off track.
Great elevation changes.
Plenty of seating.

There are far more right turning fairways than left turning. I actually really like this about the ridge because it is a great opportunity to work on my forehand (I am a righty). However, in a competitive situation (I know at least some womens divisions play this course during at least one tournament.) it would give an advantage to Either LHBH or RHFH players.

I am trying to be objective, but I love Bud Hill.
The Ridge 18 was just completed this year so it is still very wild. Over time it will become more "beat in" and manicured like its older brother. The high rating is by virtue of being part of a 36 hole complex complete with club house.