Akron, IN

The Boonies DGC

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3.975(based on 15 reviews)
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The Boonies DGC reviews

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1 3
Auggie33
Experience: 2 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Really good 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 7, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

It is very easy to navigate. Was very well maintained and I had a great time here. There is only one real hazard and there is a bridge which makes it easy to retrieve your disks.
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8 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice Out Of The Way Private Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 30, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Finding the Boonies DGC is no easy task , but after you locate the property and drive down the long driveway , you will think you are at your own private club . The parking lot is small and on the right and facing the practice basket . You need not approach the main house at all . There is a smaller house just to the left of the practice basket with the box to put your disc golf fee in . Please Pay . This is a private course and it looks like the funds go right back into it . The course kind of flows in a back and forth direction then turns lengthwise and counter clockwise around the property .
The Equipment . There are two tees on most of the holes here . They are rubber mats that are level and seem to work great on both tees . The baskets are Mach III's , numbered and catch well . For signage , there are painted rocks at the tees ( Red paint is short and blue is long ) which is unique . There are also some rocks that help with navigation . Another original aspect of this course is the use of giant spools that you can set you bag on or sit on . I didn't see a kiosk , so you need to print a map to get around here .
The land : The land rolls a little here and some of the later holes like 14-16 have you throwing through a fairway that slopes heavily to the right , where a swamp is . There is excellent use of what looks like a large Indian Mound that runs through the middle of the course and affects some of the holes between maybe 4-13 . Also there is some marsh that involves some of the holes , maybe 6 , and over the mound around 11 , 12 , and 14 ? Remember to go from 15's basket , which is behind the owner's house and back of the property, and make a long walk to #16's tee , which you are now in the front of the property . You might be confused and try to play the #14 hole again which is to the left of 15 .
The Highlights : The course is not going to blow you away with it's length , although there is a long hole on 15 ( 713' from the blues ) that runs on the far side of the property .But it will make you work with your control . Plenty of variety here . #4 is a tight 404' drive slightly upwards to a basket with small trees substituting for a green . #9 is an over the hill throw 310' to the basket sitting a little lower than the hill . #13 is a snaking 320' hole that puts the marsh into play . Of course , there is the long 713' #15 , and #17 , a long double fairway which slopes downward to the right ( where the swamp is ) and trees everywhere with low ceilings .
I don't know how much play this course gets . I think I saw the owner when I was driving towards the lot , but saw no one else , which means you won't be rushed or have to wait at holes . Not a fast play . It took me a good 80+ minutes to play this course . A foursome will take 2 1/2 - 3 hours to play all 20 holes ( 19 & 20 were added to give you something to do while walking back to your car , not easy holes )

Cons:

Navigation : This course might benefit with a better online map or a good kiosk here . A transition or 2 over the hill , and from 15-16 ( back to front of property ) can be confusing . Remember that when finishing the 18th hole , you are at the beginning of the driveway . Whether you choose to play the final 2 holes ( I did not ) , you have to turn around and take the long walk back to your car .
#2 The grounds : The upkeep was pretty good on the back of the property . Since there is some marshland in the back , it looks like it could be perpetually soggy . Wear waterproof boots when playing here . After #15 , there was out of control grass and overgrowth on the front of the property . Add that with the slope of the property and you have a recipe for a lost disc . Same goes for the last 2 holes . The overgrowth was out of control on the right level side of the fairways on them . If your disc is in there , good luck .
Disc Risk : I saw some good chances here of losing a driver or midrange . Any clip of a tree with your disc , or even a rollaway , and one of your favorites may be lost for good . The overgrowth I mentioned previously can result in a loss .
Pay to Play : Some don't like it because of the free courses around . I personally do like it when it is privately owned because of the personal care it receives . I normally leave more than what the owner asks for just because I know most of it will go back into the course .
Spray on some Deet . Bugs can be bad near the swamp and the marsh .Watch for poison ivy . I kind of with there was some type of shelter or chill area to relax after a round with your buddies .

Other Thoughts:

I am visiting more private courses than in my earlier years , and am glad that I came to play this course . I wish I had a chance to meet with the owner and course designer , Rick Shoemaker , to get his take on owning a course on his property . Disc golf enthusiasts get used to just traveling to a park , throwing 18 and leaving , and miss out on opportunities to visit private properties , meet people and see their dreams . If it's somewhere that you may return to , it is fun to see the progress in these courses , too . This course stands by itself . Not overly strong , challenging or too technical , but a course that gives you a great amount of variety and his personal touch on course design . So what if it is out of the way ?! It can make it even more worthwhile to visit .A very nice looking property , I think you will be pleased. IMO , a very fun course to play .
My Recommendation . Blue tees for the more seasoned and red for the less ? This course accommodates most everyone , from the father-son players and casuals to the pros that can get some enjoyment from it . Besides , I think what this course needs most is a lot of foot traffic .
PLAY IT !!!
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3 1
DiscBallGolfer
Experience: 15.9 years 24 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Sweet spot! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Two layouts, the red and blue. both offer different challenges are equally entertaining. easy to navigate between tees

private land- owner keeps it in pristine conditions

has a small clubhouse with limited disc selection

likely not to encounter anyone while playing except owner, who is super friendly

rubber tee pads, didn't think id like them but they grip fantastic, almost like them better than concrete.

18 hole course that finishes away from parking lot but owner made up for it by adding two extra holes to lead you back to your car

great routing and use of the land, so many holes feature elevation changes and once you come up around the lake it is extremely beautiful.

Cons:

Too far from my house! Wish i could play everyday!

Other Thoughts:

i leave this place wanting more every time i play it, the owner has worked his arse off to make it what it is, if this course was located closer to a populated town/city, this would be without a doubt once of the best in the state!
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4 1
formerwrestler
Experience: 12 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Awesome course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 26, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Awesome layout! Two tee pads for each basket. Clearly marked with painted arrows on rocks for Red and Blue Courses. Pretty easy to follow course using the guides. Met Rick and he was very friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Only problem we had was going from 15 basket to 16 tee pad. There is a small foot path leading behind the house to the rest of the course. Once we found it, we realized that two arrows meant follow the trail! Not a big problem at all.

Other Thoughts:

Played the course with my 79 year old father. Somewhat hilly in areas, and he was tired when we finished, but it was very enjoyable! We will be back again! This should be on your must play list! $4 per person to play, but well worth it!
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1 0
discingfiend
Experience: 20.7 years 35 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

sweet course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 19, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

pro shop,long holes,wooded,hilly,2 courses!trash cans,benches,there's even stations (green totes) with rubber boots to go in the water to retrieve your disc!

Cons:

if you just play 18 the distance from 18 to the parking lot is a bit long... cement tee pads would be nice! he added rubber ones this year and that's a plus!

Other Thoughts:

Rick is super awesome! this place just constantly keeps getting better! he puts a lot of work into making this place nice!! if you're a serious player you'll enjoy this place!
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1 1
Gizmotronx
Experience: 12 years 23 played 14 reviews
4.00 star(s)

True to the name 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 3, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Setting - Very rural, but not to far out of the way really. Very pretty land, a few places to sit, but nothing for family/others to do. Nice little pro shop on site.

Terrain - Rolling Hills, some water in low spots, wetlands to the south. Makes it all very interesting

Trees - Nice mature trees in strategic locations, not a lot of small young trees in the way

Distance and hole layout - varied and good, except for 19 and 20

Tees - Rubber mats, whether you love it or hate it.

Cons:

Holes 19 and 20 are kind of an after thought so you don't have to walk a long way.

A few of the tees are on slopes and are not even. Throw from the grass

Challenging course not for beginners

Other Thoughts:

Could be buggy in the summer, but I was there in the spring and it was great.
This is a destination course, but don't bring the family. Come with some other serious players and you will have a good time.
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4 1
Radrza
Experience: 30 years 16 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Hidden Gem 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 5, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Very well thought out use of the land. I was really impressed with how well manicured the course was. Well defined fairways, excellent mix of wooded and semi-open holes. Love that there are 2 tee locations for every hole. Truly creates 2 different courses. Nice new baskets, super friendly owner. Rick is super cool and really friendly.

Cons:

Dirt tee pads. Not a really big deal at all, but there were a couple holes that could benefit from something a little more stable.

Other Thoughts:

My buddy and I felt so fortunate that we found this course. It's absolutely beautiful and cheap to play. I really hope more and more people discover this course because Rick just added one of the better courses I've played in Indiana and it needs to be experienced by all. Every golfer we encountered on the course was super friendly. Great owners tend to have great patrons. We will be back!
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8 0
ajbova
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18 years 112 played 94 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Hidden Gem 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Intermediate level course that would be difficult for beginners.

Baskets - 18 DGA baskets that are very new and look great. On back of baskets, there are the par labels for each tee.

Tees - 2 natural tees per hole (red and blue). The lines are different for each hole. Some holes red is longer, others blue.

Signs - Tees are marked with giant rocks. Red tees use red paint blue uses blue paint. Each rock lists hole number, distance, and par. Rocks throughout the course point you in the direction of the next tee. Course map available at pro shop.

Variety - Has wide open holes, wooded holes, short holes, long holes, uphill shots, downhill shots, water hazards (several), tight fairways, blind shots due to elevation, and holes on the side of a hill. Very challenging course.

Water hazards - Several holes border marshes, a few border a small lake.

Easy to navigate.

Pro shop with plenty of discs and maps. Workers and home owners are very friendly and helpful.

Trash cans, recycle cans, and table at every tee pad.

Playground and swings on site (if you bring kids).

Very peaceful and scenic. Designer did amazing use of land. Very spread out.

Cons:

Some holes red tees are harder and some holes blue is harder.

Walk from hole 18 to parking lot which spans the distance of holes 16, 17, and 18. Also had to backtrack entire fairway of hole 6 to get to 7.

Easy to lose disc in water (not necessarily con, but more of challenge factor).

Course needs signs at the tees due to the blind shots. The rocks are very helpful and point towards the basket.

Poison ivy throughout course.

Natural tees aren't level but didn't effect me.

Other Thoughts:

This is one heck of a course. It's very scenic and peaceful. I played with my girlfriend (beginner) and she had a tough time here. We saw a snake and a few deers which was an added bonus.

Concrete tees and signs would take this course to the next level, maybe even to championship level.

On back of baskets, there were pars written in three colors; red, blue, black. Maybe a third set of tees in the future?

Either way, I absolutely loved this course. It was worth the $4. I will definitely try to play it again. I wish it was closer. I'm not often challenged like this. I would recommend it to any intermediate or advanced player.
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1 2
Chris Bickle
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 23, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

It's a private course owned by a great guy that pours alot of work into it. Brand new DGA baskets. nice little pro shop with drinks and adequate discs and apparel to buy.

Cons:

a bit long for us back hand wusses. water plays a part at times

Other Thoughts:

great pace to meet with buds, flip for teams and enjoy a great course. really some great holes! no doubt in my mind this course will become a favorite for many.
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5 0
Pat.C
Experience: 8.8 years 45 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Stumbled on to this one 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 23, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a very nice moderately difficult course. If your rating is 900 you should expect to be a few under par here. If you are 960 player you will have an opportunity to score very well but will still need to make some shots. There is a good variety of turns, hills and use of trees. I found it fun to play.

Cons:

Young big arms will not be able to air it out. None of the holes are open grip it and rip it.

Other Thoughts:

The course was pretty well marked with rocks next to the tee pads with distances. There were also some rocks with red arrows directing you to the next tee. There is a small club house (was closed when I was there) that I believe may have discs for sale. There is a course map available in a bin at the clubhouse that helps direct you around the course.
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7 0
Central Scrutinizer
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 34.8 years 167 played 17 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Fun Course That All Skill Levels Can Enjoy 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 19, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Most holes take advantage of moderately swooping elevation and at least some well-placed mature trees if not a little more...a third of the course has a medium amount of obstacles for a decent challenge. Some nice windows with multiple choices from the tee too. Some basket placements taking advantage of elevation for more interesting upshots as well. The holes were purposeful and fun to play, plus visually appealing.

A quiet, remote location. Tranquil and beautiful. You've gotta love these rural private courses!

Nice Mach V baskets. Dirt tees are still in decent shape, and I don't imagine this will get anywhere close to the traffic a course near a more populated area would get, so they'll probably hold out much longer than most would.

There is even some water in play in a few instances, but it's not the sort of thing that's evil or perilous at all.

A large yard shed acts as a small pro shop! A modest amount of Discs, shirts, and some snacks appear to be for sale (it was locked when I was there during the work day). There is even a picnic table with a deck umbrella there where you can hang out between rounds...and it appears some speakers are mounted so you can take in some tunes as well. Maps are available on the door.

Their outdoor wood-burning furnace apparatus sure smelled good when I was there...

Cons:

Some tees were a tad slippery. I'll give that a pass for it being late December and there being no snow.

Holes #16-#18 are on a narrow strip of land only 1 hole wide that leads away from the course. You then have a 1,000 foot walk doubling straight back to the parking lot/pro shop/Hole #1. To be honest, I can't blame them since they needed all of their property to get all 18 holes in the ground and these are probably the three most challenging and interesting holes. I certainly need the exercise.

Same thing for Hole #6. It's one of the better holes, mostly wooded with a fantastic set of windows from which to choose on the tee. Due to the limit of the property and a swamp, though, you have to double all the way back to play Hole #7. Not really that big of a deal since it's about 230' or 250'.

I certainly wouldn't cut this much slack for that much extraneous walking on a public course. :)

If you're a cashing pro player, you'll have no problem smoking this course. I'd venture to say you'd still have a good time, though. Think of it as Flip City Lite. (I'm a middle-aged former mediocre Am-1 player with not much power and I shot even for the two rounds).

Other Thoughts:

It appears as though every inch of land was utilized to make 18 holes comfortably. I assume the fences define the property. There are some areas beyond a fence (near #9?) that looks sweet but it's probably not theirs. Same deal for the open field opposite the driveway where you do all of that walking after Hole #18. Probably not theirs either.

When they're not home (such was the case for me), there is a jar at the pro shop for you to deposit $4...and what appears to be an internet-type camera aimed at it from through the window. Clever! I hope they rake in the cash...

Little Bighorn isn't too far away and is also worth a visit since you're out here anyway, and I hear that the Peru courses are good too if you're venturing in the opposite direction. I found it helpful to pack a lunch since you're...out in the boonies and all.
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15 2
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 315 played 266 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A Rural Excursion Well Worth the Trip 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 23, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- The Region, South Bend, and Peru all have solid discing communities, each with a good variety of courses. But connect those three points and the majority of the area contained within consists of the most rural, depressed, rust-belt contaminated communities imaginable. Boonies DGC, established 2012, provides a very solid option within this Disc Golf No Man's Land. Located a bit north of Peru on private land, this 18-hole course opens at 9am and closes at sunset.
- Great use of elevation. Rolling elevation is used throughout. A sort of small ridge divides the property in two, with holes situtated on, along, and across it as the course flows through the property. # 4's basket is placed on a sloped green with many mature tree trunks guarding the approach. The ground slants down to a lake behind # 9's basket. # 16 presents a straight forward ace run with one catch: the green and entire fairway slopes steeply to the right, where the marshy edge of the lake awaits. Each hole presents some wrinkle in elevation, and while nothing is incredible in scope, all is super solidly implemented throughout.
- Great mix of distances. Many holes are beginner friendly, or straight up ace runs. Birdies should come free and easy for most experienced or advanced players; however, several longer holes really help separate the lesser players from those with big arms. The different lengths are distributed evenly, and blend seemlessly together.
- Broad, grassy, well-defined fairways play through a variety of mature trees; a few tighter fairways (#'s 6, 10, 11, 12 and 17) force players to hit specific lines to pick up birdies. Punishment is very fair. Thick grass strips separating adjacent holes from each other might annoy those that dislike tall/thick grasses as a hazard; however, only terrible shots end up in the grass, and it's used sparingly.
- Water comes into play in a couple of spots. Several marshy areas were dry when I played, but look as though they are wet most the summer. # 9's green fades away to the lake that runs the length of one end of the property. #16's fairway and green rollaway hard to the right, with the lake/marshy area waiting.
- Dirt tee pads; yes, this is usually in the Cons section. You can probably chalk this up to the course being so new (not to mention a bit out of the way), but these are the best dirt pads I've played on. No ruts, well compacted, well marked (each with two large stones), and great footing. How well they stand up over time remains to be seen. I do not know if an upgrade in tees is in the works or not.
- Flavorful and effective signage. Stylized red stencils decorate large rocks at each tee and list the direction of the pin, distance, par, and hole number. Each hole sports clearly marked red arrows stenciled onto rocks. By following these, and from using the map provided on the proshop door, everyone should find navigation a snap.

Cons:

- The flow is awkward in a couple of spots. # 6 plays down a wooded lane, and then backtracks the length of the fairway to # 7's tee. # 16 is a bit of a walk from # 15, but the most egregious walk can be found after finishing the course. #18 leaves you by the entrance, with a fairly lengthy walk back down the driveway to the parking area. On non-busy days, one could easily make up safari holes back down #'s 18, 17, and 16 to alleviate this minor inconvenience. Regardless, #'s 16 and 17 are certainly among the best holes on tap, and well worth the extra walk at the end.
- Dirt tees. Though I also listed this in the Pro section, without upgrades the tees will eventually become worn and detract from play.

Other Thoughts:

- Approaching The Boonies via 31, the nearest semi-major highway, immediately drives home the namesake of the course: we're talking Indiana super rural. I passed a sort of farm machinery graveyard as the road turned into dirt/gravel. It looked like a sort of post-Apocalyptic Mad Max starter-kit parcel of land. Rick's property and the course are down the road a bit, thankfully.
- Much of the land feels almost like a public park, with green lawns and a wide variety of mature trees. The lake and children's playground equipment on #'s14 and 15 add to the park-like vibe.
- Pay to play. $4 during the summer, $2 during winter months, I believe were the prices listed at the club house. Be sure to put your cash in the jar if Rick isn't around!!!
- The listed pars are fairly forgiving. Beginners will find the pars to be fair, but advanced players should play everything as a par 3.
- Rick's obviously put a lot of thought and work into this course and it shows. Exciting and challenging holes will leave discers of all stripes desiring a return trip, regardless of the distance off the beaten track.
-UPDATE 6/15/2016: Rick's added rubber tee pads, as well as a whole new set of blue tees. The shorter blues offer a great alternative to the standard red course. In general, the place has really matured into a well-groomed course. The pro shop has ice cream and discs. Rick's added two holes to alleviate the long walk back after 18, as well as a short A hole to get back up to the house. He's put in a metal bridge over one of the wet spots and also removed the playground area to provide a small area for camping. If you're interested in camping, hit Rick up! With all the improvements, I have adjusted my rating upwards a half-disc.
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4 1
supernaut
Experience: 110 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Off The Beaten Path 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

A challenging course with lots of trees to wind through, some hills, and nice scenery. Brand new Mach baskets, directional arrows to next tees, realistic windows, and a small pro shop with course maps attached to the door. (Sign said shop was closed till spring) Trash cans at every hole and park benches to sit on throughout the course. Holes range from 150 to 500 feet with multiple lines on most.

Cons:

No concrete pads is probably the only major con. When throwing on holes that are 400+ feet good footing is essential. Maybe there are plans for them in the future. Long walk from 15 to 16. Holes 16-18 play along the driveway that takes you onto the property so you have to backtrack after 18 to get to your car. However they are fun tunnel shots with lots of trees to wind through. Hole 18's basket is near the entrance of the property.

Other Thoughts:

This course was very fun and challenging to play. The sign at the entrance was very helpful because it's literally on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Some of the holes you can't see from the tee so you may want to find the basket before you shoot. (Hole 4's pin was confusing to find) This course will challenge players of all skill levels and is worth the drive if you have the time. I would definitely play it again sometime!
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2 4
CraigM
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

"boonies" 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 20, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Awesome course! Nice use of terrain and landscape. A little rough but just ads to the challenge. Pro-shop to get any necessities or concessions

Cons:

A little "hairy" at first but getting better and better each time I play.

Other Thoughts:

new course.
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2 6
kisersorsay
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

the boonies 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 17, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Challenging course with a good mix of long and short holes. Mostly wooded with a premium placed on accurate drives. Many elevation changes for a mostly flat area. There's a nice playground for kids on the back nine.

Cons:

New course so it's still getting broken in...the rough is rough, but will get better with more play.

Other Thoughts:

I like it better every time i play it.
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