Gainesville, FL

Northside Park

3.55(based on 30 reviews)
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6 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Running Blind

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 22, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

After seeing that this course was built in 1982 I thought it might be a lot of shorter more line hitting type holes like many others from this time period. I don't know if these long tees have always been a part of the equation but it's certainly more multifaceted than many older course I've played.

It's a pretty park in general with a cool playground and tennis courts. There are two sets of concrete pads on every hole and are pretty long and have an interesting texture with lines or cross hatching.

The signs are quite descriptive and very nice looking and show all of the pin positions and distances from both tees.

The course is park style and longish from the back tees, some big trees and lines to be hit for sure but not too imposing.

The baskets are red handed Innova baskets and though they don't seem new they are in good shape.

You have several holes that play over little bogs and ponds to add some challenge and there is a good bit of OB around the perimeter. It's a pretty good variety and makes for a fun play.

You have benches on I think every hole and some neat elevated baskets and interesting greens that make this 40 year old course fee fairly fresh.

Cons:

Most of the things that are not great here are hard to fix. There are a lot of low spots with a good bit of standing water and you can be in bounds on a fairway and ankle deep in water at least with the current weather.

Navigation is mainly pretty easy but there were a couple of spots you could get turned around, the worst offender was 16-17 because if you pick the wrong way you have to walk a very long way around.

The only other thing I didn't like is maybe 80% of holes are blind off the tee. A couple of holes you see a basket and it's maybe marginally farther than you thought it should be, and you would be right, the right one is behind a tree you you just could not see it. I would probably shoot 4-5 strokes better now that I've seen where the real pins are.

Other Thoughts:

I was suggested this one by a fellow DGCR user, and it was hella fun and cool to play an old course that actually holds up.

Heavy recommend and it's got a good variety for many skill levels.
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8 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
3.00 star(s)

An Ageless Wonder 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 22, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Coming over to Northside Park , a short distance from both I-75 and Jonesville park , I wasn't sure of what I would get from the oldest standing course in Florida ( 1982 ) . I figured some old school short holes with a few trees for challenge . I was dead wrong . The course has Mach 3 baskets , 2 grooved cement tees per hole and at least 2 pin positions per hole . The signage is first rate , with hole # , par , and flight path for all of the pin positions . The grounds were mowed and the grounds were clean and trimmed well . I saw several trash cans during my round . Bathroom was near hole #1 , as was plenty of parking . The navigation was pretty easy , and I think I only went to my online map once . The course is also easy on the legs , since this course is pancake flat . For an older course , it has some length to it . there are 5 holes from the longs that are over 400 ft , #16 being the longest at 497' . One of the cooler natural features is that there are pine needles on the fairways that are so springy that it makes your disc jump an extra 15-20 feet when it hits the ground on a level drive . There were several holes that played close to at least some water . Be a little careful on hole 6 which has some nasty water off to the right , and you have to clear a creek at just under 300' . #7 is a solid hole , with the basket buried in between a grove of trees . For the small amount of trees and growth in this city park style course , it will make the normal player have to work for their pars . The 500' par 3 ' #16 has a basket sitting off to the right , behind some palm bushes and trees . This park population is overwhelmingly disc golfers . I only saw a couple of younger people goofing around in the middle of the back 9 , but saw maybe 20 playing here at 9:30 on a Saturday morning . I imagine the course gets crowded on peak times . Course designer Tim Monroe does a great job by hiding pins behind existing bushes and trees , and still keeping the length up ( up to 5862' ) in a tighter than normal park . A very enjoyable round , connecting with the friendly locals on the course , telling me the course and the local news . Disc Risk : minimal , as long as you don't throw it in the water . Signature hole : #12 , a 400' ( 331' from the shorts ) drive that goes from a flat open shot to a raised thin surface protected by a tree in the front and dry creeks on either side of it .

Cons:

#1 safety . Some of these fairways are set a little close to each other . Since this is a great beginner or casual player course , a shank or errant drive could hit another player playing a different hole . #2 Elevation . If hills are your thing , then this course might bore you a little . #3 I don't know whether to count this as a con , but I was gypped out of the last 4 holes ( 17 , 18 , 19 , and 20 ) due to construction . This also claimed the kiosk and an alternate tee pad for #1 . It was said that the course has a tendency to hold water , but it was bone dry when I played it . One of the locals said that the park board was going to try to look into a redesign of the missing holes , but ,,,,,, .

Other Thoughts:

As much as I was disappointed about not playing the last 4 holes of this 20 hole course , I still left impressed that a 1982 course was alive and well here in Gainesville . Since it is so close to I-75 , and really only 20 minutes away from Jonesville Park , this course is a no brainer . The fun factor is strong here . and it is more challenging than it looks . My Recommendation : This course is suitable for anyone from families and newbies , to the seasoned AM and Pro working on their midrange , drive and precision game . PLAY IT !!!
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7 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.2 years 652 played 631 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Established Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

(3.203 Rating) Florida's oldest active course. The years of love has gradually improved this course.
- CHARACTER - All the bells and whistles that you'd expect of an established course with a big club following. Pre round goodies includes a practice basket, course map and community board. Two sets of concrete tee pads and each are with their own seating and signage. Lots of multiple basket placements. It seemed like every hole had at least one alternate location. Upon finishing, there's a shelter with picnic tables and a restroom building.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - Two set of tees with a nice difficultly level separation, Northside has managed to find the perfect middle ground between too easy, and too hard. The course has probably attracted a wide range of skill levels. Several open-ish longer holes (+400 feet). Mildly spaced fairways in general with just enough obstacles in play from the back to make an advanced player work for it. Also, several guarded basket placements that will dictate the ideal angle to attack from. In addition, if I lived in the area, this is the type of course I'd bring a newer player too.
- FORGIVENESS - The overgrowth is very minimal for Florida standards. Errant shots will usually still have an open lane towards the basket. There is some water in play on the last couple of holes. Be sure and error to the left on (18).
- CHALLENGING - The back tees at Northside Park are tougher than I was expecting. The all par 3 course averages 335 feet from the back. Figure a couple down to even for an advanced player rated around 950. Rec players should play the front tees and will probably finish a few over.
- TEES - Numerous newly poured tees of above average size. However, there were still a few of the old ones. It appears from reading an earlier review that the process to pour new ones is still ongoing.
- NAVIGATION - I personally did not have an issues. I snapped a photo of the course map and it kept me on track thru the entire round. I will also note that this course in perfect for disc golf strollers.
- QUICK PLAY - Other than at prime times, I think Northside will play surprisingly quick. I played all 20 holes solo in under an hour. This translates to about 2 hours for four skilled players on a non busy course. However, expect extra waiting during prime times, this course get heavy use.
- MAINTENANCE - Course was in great shape during my round. No trash and numerous well spaced garbage cans. Mowed fairways with minimal overgrowth and no dead tree limbs in the fairways.
- NIGHT GOLF - If this park is open, I would not be surprised to hear of a night league occurring during the winter.
- HISTORY - The oldest course you're still able to play in Florida.

Cons:

A great everyday course with only a few preference issues.
- UNIQUENESS - About average, but for courses I've rated 3 or above, its subpar. Most fairways only have a spattering of trees in play. Baskets are lightly guarded in many instances. Pocket shots are nonexistent or lightly defined. No par 4s or 5s although (15) could be labeled as such for rec players when in the far position. There's a water clear shot on (19), but it's so short that the exhilaration in clearing it is lost.
- ELEVATION - Zippo. They don't get much flatter.
- SPACING - With the lightly defined fairways and tight layout, you can expect some discs to find other fairways. I'd keep my head on a swivel here.
- SAFETY HAZARDS - Unless I missed something, but when playing (18) to the far basket placement, the optimal line runs adjacent to the shelter. I had to baby my drive to avoid the possibility to nailing someone in it.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Average. No unsightly holes but no standout holes either. (18 and 19) where the water comes into play were the only holes with some natural flare. I typically can recall an entire general hole layout from memory for months, but I was not able to so for this course. To many holes have the same look and feel.

Other Thoughts:

The first course I ever played in Florida and it has aged gracefully. I currently have both Northside and Jonesville rated within 0.25 of each other and I have a sense that there is much disagreement among the locals over which is better. If you like courses with lots of amenities you'll love Northside. If you prefer to have a bunch of shot shaping technical plays, you'll enjoy Jonesville more. Personally I enjoyed them both.
- BOGGY - I read a bunch of reviews regarding soggy conditions. The course look like a place that doesn't drain well. However, I played during the middle of the rainy season and got a completely dry course. My advice would be to check rainfall precip totals. Often in Florida during the rainy season, an area will get 10 inches of rain over a week stretch, but then only an inch or two for the rest of the month. Most Florida courses will flood somewhat when getting a weekly deluge like this.
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5 0
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.9 years 242 played 194 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Florida's Oldest That's Still In The Ground 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 15, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Florida's oldest course with basket targets, that's still playable. 20 holes in a moderately wooded setting with virtually no rough so the chance of losing a disc here is very small. Except for the water hazards which expand and shrink based on the amount of rain received. Like most Florida courses, this one is best played in the wintertime. The course is very popular and boasts a large and competent league.

Cons:

Being an old school course, there are a few cons. Some of the concrete tees are breaking up, but I did notice some newer tee pads so hopefully, they are being updated. Some of the tee pads are aimed at old pin placements and are not in line with the newer pin placements.

The park is very popular with those that don't throw also, so keep an eye out for walkers and bicyclists passing through.

Other Thoughts:

A great course to throw a fun casual round with your buddies.

The course is heavily played so if you are coming to bang out all of the Gainesville area courses in one day I would recommend playing this one first.
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4 0
Funleavy90
Experience: 10.2 years 13 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Dont underestimate this course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Very clean and well maintained.
-Course is easy to navigate.
-Open field to practice drives (parallel to #16)
-Practice baskets (near playground and technically hole 20).
-Trash Cans on every hole!
-Concrete Tee Pads (both AM and Pro).
-Two pin positions each hole.
-Trees "strategically" positioned to offer technical shots.
-Hard to lose a disc unless you find water which there isn't much except for 5,7,12,18,19
-Lost and Found box on Info Board with timely return

Cons:

-Poor drainage, you will walk with soggy feet when it rains. I suggest waiting two days after a solid rain before playing.
-Some holes are close together. Look before you throw.
-Course is very flat.
-Ponds by #18-19 eat a lot of discs. Suggest taking "the safe routes" if you're new to the course.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I enjoy playing here and Jonesville. I play both courses each weekend and try to visit both during the week.

Great course to learn the sport for novice players at the short pads.

Keep in mind, if you're planning to visit Northside Park. League events are Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:15 PM and Sundays at 11:30 AM. During these times, waiting time can be extended due to an increased number of players attending the course. However, you'll be offered to play through. Refer to the info board at #1 for further detailed information regarding league events.
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4 2
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.7 years 278 played 273 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Solid 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 24, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Solid course that may not thrill you but won't disappoint you either. There's a lot of water, and while there may not be any true carries, the canal is present on many holes. It's nice when it border one side of a fairway. It's even better when you have to cross it. Hole 5 is probably the best of the course, with the bridge over the canal. The water isn't so deep that you shouldn't be able to fish a disc out of it but it's a nice bridge that does impart that victorious feeling when you cross it, having successfully driven across it.  
It's also a fairly easy play, suitable for quick rounds and players of all ability levels. There isn't much brush so the frustration factor will be low for beginners. The canals, which add difficulty for veterans, should have less affect for the new players, who likely won't throw far enough for them to be in play. Tees, baskets, everything here is pretty much solid.

Cons:

It does seem to be very swampy, and there was standing water approaching the fairways in January. I can imagine this place being very unfriendly in wetter months. The water in canals is good; getting soggy feet while walking on the fairway is unpleasant. There weren't many places where this was a danger. But from the lay of the land, I'm pretty sure it is a problem often.
But the main thing that keeps this course from being top-notch isn't what is there. It's what isn't. There aren't any signature holes. There aren't really any challenging holes. (really too open) There is no wow factor. There isn't much that will be remembered after you leave. And there isn't any elevation. It's solid, three-star golf that you will enjoy, but shouldn't go too far out of your way for. And 19 and 20 feel tacked on and not needed, I think the course is better without them.

Other Thoughts:

EDIT: I've since had the opportunity to play the course multiple times and to experience league days. The first change I would make is the comment about the marshy nature of the landscape. Playing in May, even after a storm, I've never experienced the course to be as bad as I did in that first winter round. So I would state that I was probably just unlucky that day.

On the other hand, the course navigates pretty badly for non-locals and I'm surprised that I did not mention it initially. I brought some new players to the course to introduce them to the game and was surprised at how many times I was confused, even after having played multiple rounds.
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1 0
icandisc
Experience: 11.7 years 60 played 9 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 16, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Small seasonal water features only spot you could lose disc
a/b hole locations keep things interesting
Easy to play without a map

Cons:

Lack of terrain

Other Thoughts:

Overall a nice course in a park that is almost completely dedicated to disc golf. Course in general is well shaded, and weaves through a mature pine forest. Apart from a shelter and a couple tennis courts, it's all discs. You won't be interrupted by others not discing. Located in the city but still easy to get to even from the highway. Definitely worth playing if you are passing through.
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2 2
Shreddedcoconut
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 3, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Clean tight little course. Plenty of well thought out lines and many alternate routes. Really good flow. Lots of trash and recycling cans around course. Really nice bathroom near hole 1 with water fountain. I met friendly folks to play with every time I went out there. Nice tee pads. 2 pin positions on each hole. Baskets near water.

Cons:

Tee signage could be improved. Missing some signs. The nice blue signs don't have the B pin position on them. No signage to next tee.

Other Thoughts:

As a newer player this was a really fun course that was open enough to really develop my longer throws. I had a lot of fun here.
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1 3
pimpski03
Experience: 13.2 years 5 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Decent course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 12, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

T pads were a good length with plenty of grip. There were trash cans or recycle bins at nearly every hole. course had plenty of shade for hot summer days. The biggest pro I can think of is, its a disc golf course!

Cons:

The course seemed very congested compared to what i'm used to playing. This seemed like it should have been a 9 hole course, but they managed to squeeze another 9 holes in there making it 18. The baskets were extremely hard to see and a lot of the signs were broken on the next T pad which made you wonder if you were on the right fairway.

Other Thoughts:

I drove 40 miles from NE florida to check out this course because it had pretty good reviews. I dont think I will be returning. If i were making a drive i would play ed austin, ronnie van zant or one of the many great places in ocala.
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0 5
Luke Francis
Experience: 11.8 years 5 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging course! Swampy after rain. Makes it fun. They have pro and amateur tee off points. And the water hazards sneak up on you.

Cons:

im afraid of snakes and the park ranger said water snakes were everywhere.

Other Thoughts:

Sometimes you have to search for pins.
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5 0
Kurt Hodges
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.8 years 18 played 18 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Challenging, short course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 21, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

There are dual, concrete tee pads on almost all of the holes. Also, the different tee pads provide a uniquely different view of the hole and bring different trees and obstacles into play (i.e., the longs aren't just 50 feet longer in line). The long tee pads seemed to provide a challenge for the pros; as the best score I saw in the tournament (from the long tees, long pin placement) was a 5 under 49. While the course isn't all that long, around 5,000', the designer made good use of the saw palmetto and most of the pins are guarded or hidden (so that shot placement is needed to get birdies). On many of the holes, a local on our card, had to show us where the pin was; because from the tee pad, you just can't see some of them if you don't know where to look.

Cons:

There were no water fountains or water faucets to fill a water bottle. Also, one of the tee pads is carpet. Because the course has to make use of available space, there are a few holes where the tee pad is too close to the basket from the previous tee. On a couple of occasions I looked to see a slightly errant tee shot almost hit me. Pay attention when things are busy!

Other Thoughts:

Northside Park is a moderately short 18-hole course that requires some control to score. From the short tees, a solid intermediate player should shoot par (54) or slightly under on this course without too much trouble. I am an 875 player and I shot 59 & 55 during a local C-Tier tournament from the short tees. Someone who regularly fairway drives 325-350' (under control, not just powering up across a field) has the opportunity for a birdie on 80% of the holes. I really enjoyed this course and the local disc golf club does a great job keeping the course in shape.
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0 3
debuck03
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Northside Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 10, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great layout for an 18 hole course. Many open fairways and baskets. Course actual has some tee markers from old UF golf course.

Cons:

No water fountains. Only one faucet to fill up water bottle from. The bathrooms are rough (prision style) no doors on stalls. Your probably better holding it or leaving and coming back. There are a couple of dark water ponds that disc tend to go into and are hard to find.
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6 0
denny ritner
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.9 years 170 played 113 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Florida Classic 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 17, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good tees, baskets, signs, benches, trash cans. Attractive park setting with some canopy for sun protection. Logical course flow that returns to the parking area after 9. Virtually no schule that makes it difficult to lose a disc.

The dual tees provide a fun challenge for all player skill levels. The long tees are right on for blue level players. There is a good variety of shot shapes and distances and several of the holes have multiple options that require some thought.

This is the site of Ken Climo's first pro victory, the home course for the founders of the Fabulous Florida Tour, and the place that the Gurthie brothers grew up playing disc golf. It's about 15 minutes off I-75, so I'd recommend you put it on your "must-play" list when visiting Florida.

Cons:

The course can get very swampy following big rains.

Many of the holes crowd each other a bit too much. Pay attention to other players on the course as discs can get into other fairways and come into yours. The design could have been better in this regard as there is additional room around and within the course that could have been better used to provide a better safety buffer between holes.

The bathroom is one of the most disgusting places on earth, worse than county jail. Make sure you make a pit stop for #2 before getting to the course.

Other Thoughts:

Don't be a dirty discer. Leave the course cleaner than the way you found it.
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7 0
cefire
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 24.8 years 1123 played 136 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 23, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Challenge factor: One of the best things about this park are the dual tees which really add nice range in challenge level. The short tees are short enough to be gentle on newer players while at the same time exposing them to tight lines and some true 'rough' areas in the form of low bushes or groupings of trees. The longer tees make for a very challenging par three course (perhaps one par four mixed in) for even very experienced tour players. There are many birdies to get out here but trouble usually isn't too far away and poor drives usually result in a scramble to save par.

Dual fairways: My favorite course feature and Northside has several of these - dual options off the tee which are relatively equivalent balances of skill/risk/benefit. Its rather easy to do out here because of the terrain and the way the trees are loosely grouped on many fairways.

Navigation: Navigation is pretty straightforward (other than problems just associated with the construction) - we had to backtrack once to find a hole but that was because we weren't really paying enough attention, not because of poor signage or flow.

Empty: We played on a warm, sunny weekday in January as we were taking a road trip from Orlando up to Augusta, GA and the course was nearly empty with only one other disc golf group and no non-disc golfers in the park. I'd imagine the course might get a bit busier on the weekends, but if you can play during the week, you'll have blissful solitude!

Cons:

Lack of Elevation: Northside has great variety in terms of shots required off the tee - the only thing missing is elevation. The park is quite flat (its Florida!) with only a few bumps, which the designer has taken advantage of.

Construction: This is just a temporary con but when we visited, the course was under a bit of construction making hole one a bit difficult to find and eighteen difficult to play. The construction looks like it has been a bit rough on the course as well, eroding a lot of turf and replacing with mud. Even without the construction, it seems that this course probably has a few problems with mud, especially where small streams criss-cross over fairways.

Other Thoughts:

Northside is a solid, challenging course which has a very relaxed feel. The course's best feature is its ability to provide a flexible challenge for both advanced and newer players. I'd also imagine that Northside makes for a spectacular tournament course.
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5 3
DelightSquad
Experience: 13.7 years 43 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Swamp Slingin' 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 18, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I reviewed Northside when I was fairly new to the game and realized how much better it is now that I'm a regular DGer.

Northside park is truly a well designed course as far as flow, shot variety, and errant shot protection. Big groups frequent most days of the year but you do not often have to worry about long waits and most players are accustomed to letting you play through.

What I thought to be a more straightforward course at first became a playground for shot shapes. You can get by without tons of shot variety, but the best players out here diversify.

Northside's local league, the Chain Hawks, is a huge player out at this course. They provide weekly events, tournaments, and good, friendly people, who put in the effort to keep this place nice for all. Anyone who loves DG and lives in Gainesville or the surrounding area should jump on in any Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday.

-Benches
-Trash/Recycle cans everywhere
-Friendly locals
-Practice basket
-Dog friendly
-Two Pads for each hole
-Good baskets

Cons:

-The bathroom. What a mess. Should be replaced with a new, and much nicer one soon.
-The occasional civies on the course. You might see a herd of wild children running about or the rare bag lady might try to empty your pockets.
-murky ponds that can take discs for good.
-busy days seem to bring a Frat party ever once in a while. It can be exhausting playing behind a group of 12 with one disc each.

Other Thoughts:

This will be and has been the site for many great tournaments.

NP is my home course. I love it and live it. After getting somewhat obsessed with this game and traveling all over the state, I still get a special feeling at Northside. With not many courses in the area, Gainesville is super lucky to have Northside Park.
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9 0
mattdabbs
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.8 years 104 played 61 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 17, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has a lot going in its favor.
- The bathrooms and parking are right next to tee's #1 & #10. This is so helpful when courses are able to do this so it gives it the feel of a front and back nine where you can get to your car or the facilities at the half way point.
- This course isn't competing for space and so you rarely have to wait on other park users to throw.
- The course has few "gimmie" holes. Some appear easy or short but you still have to hit the right line to get your birdie.
- There are some holes that will challenge your arm, especially 16 & 18
- Water comes into play primarily on holes 7, 12, and 18. The little pond between 7 and 12 is roughly waist deep if you have to get in it but it will eat up your feet with some kind of nasty in there. There are also water snakes in there. I have never seen any gators on 18 but it sure looks like there could be some in that swamp at times.
- Variety of shot shapes and distances.
- Roller friendly
- The people are friendly as well. I have never seen a crowd there but I am sure it does at times due to limited number of courses in the area.
- Short tees are useful for those of lesser skill level and make the course significantly easier to play.

Cons:

Very few cons for this course:
- No practice basket
- Signs need replaced. These things are old as dirt. They are part of the personality of this course but they really could use an update.
- The water is unpleasant if your disc goes in there. Just don't stay in there very long.
- Drives can be repetitive as so many are just straight ahead with no real dog legs.

Other Thoughts:

This course is beginner and pro friendly depending on which tees you play. There is just enough canopy to provide shade on very hot and sunny days. That also provides plenty of trees as obstacles to make you really have to think about your shot. Throw in the hand full of longer holes that give you easier lines to the basket and this course provides plenty of fun regardless of your skill level.
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2 0
stimpsonhoek
Experience: 14.9 years 15 played 7 reviews
3.50 star(s)

fun in the shade 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 14, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very nice layout. Some of the best tee markers i've seen, though a couple were missing. Even points out location of next tee, so make a mental note. Concrete tees are in good shape. The plethora of trees provide good obstructions and plenty of shade in the florida sun.

Cons:

Conrete tees were a little short for my run-up, but only slipped off the edge a couple times. Had rained a few days prior so course was a bit swampy in some places, keep the weather in mind. Baskets are slightly hard to see sometimes. Hole 13 was the X on the tee sign, not the tee pic.

Other Thoughts:

Fun course, and there's a couple others nearby so if you want a long day with many holes, hit them all. We went here first then finished at Barr, a 9 hole course that was empty. We were the first ones at northside and it quickly filled up. No issues with the crowd though. And remember to backtrack towards the bathrooms/parking lot for tee 3.
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2 0
lakitu
Experience: 28.8 years 17 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

In the Ponds 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a fun and challenging course. Its a great mix of longer and shorter holes. The drainage ditches and water areas and the road keep you in check. Its one of the very few courses in Gainesville and its a good one. It has nice concrete t-pads and most of the markers are good.

Cons:

Watch out for the water features! Wear your waders after a big rain storm. Also look out for loud, drunk herds of frat boys from time to time... just let the herd pass.

Other Thoughts:

After hole 2, walk in the opposite direction of where you would think to go. The t-pad for 3 is towards the restroom.
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4 0
jeremytf
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 37.8 years 43 played 17 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 7, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Loved the variety of hole lengths - from over 500' down to ace opportunities.

-Variety of hole design requires a mix of different discs and throws, some open holes and some tight holes

-Challenging course, but includes short tees on most of the holes that would help beginners

-Plenty of tree obstacles to make the course interesting but not much underbrush, so I wasn't afraid to lose discs, except possibly in water

-Tee pads are rough concrete, so they are slip-resistant... although some of them are starting to crack a bit. It's not enough to affect your throw -- yet.

-The signage is very helpful and detailed

Cons:

-A couple of the tee signs were missing

-Locating the baskets, especially on the longer holes, was sometimes difficult, even with the detailed signs. It didn't help that most of the baskets don't have legible numbers on them. There were several holes where I just trusted the sign and drove in the general direction of the basket. On hole 13, the sign wasn't very accurate (or possibly there are two pin locations?) so I didn't throw at the correct angle.... frustrating.

-The course is almost completely flat, which doesn't help with drainage:

-It had been a damp week and there was a lot of standing water on the course, although almost all shallow. I still had to get my feet wet and spent a lot of time wiping of my discs. Half the fairway on hole 16 was a lake, up to about a foot away from the tee pad.

Other Thoughts:

I used to play this course regularly but that was about 8 years ago. Reading some of the other reviews, I was lucky to go fairly early in the day because it wasn't busy at all for me. I'm used to playing flat courses in Florida, and this one wasn't any different... if they could fix some of the signage problems, that would be the only "con" that actually makes the course less fun. Most of the rest of the items are amenities and don't affect how fun the course was.
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5 6
Dave242
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 29.8 years 393 played 271 reviews
3.00 star(s)

B for a Bit Boring for me 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 8, 2004 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

What I personally like and how this course stacks up:
1) Holes with good risk/reward -- C-
2) Holes that have rewarding birdie opportunities -- C+
3) More wooded than open - lots of variety of shots required caused by hole shape and topography -- C+
4) Natural beauty (Appalachian beauty preferred) and seclusion -- C
5) Multi-shot holes with defined landing zones, good risk/reward and multiple options to play them -- NA

Other Thoughts:

I ranked this course subjectively based on my own personal enjoyment factor...more accurately my "personal addiction factor". Since I have played a decent number of courses (115 18-hole, 50 9-hole as of early 2009), my hope is that players/explorers who have similar tastes will find my ratings list helpful as they chose courses to play and explore.

Over time, I expect to fill some of my reviews in with more descriptive verbiage...if what I say adds anything to what has already been written. For now, my list is more important to me than the verbiage of my reviews.

I fully expect others with different tastes/philosophies to disagree with me. See my profile for my rating philosophy.
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