Urbana, OH

Urbana DGC - Hilltop

45(based on 19 reviews)
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Urbana DGC - Hilltop reviews

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15 0
lukedpt
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.3 years 72 played 51 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Wanders through "Frontierland"

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 2, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Concrete tee pads
-Tee signs are present, not very accurate for distances but helpful to understand the fairways
-Discatcher baskets in good repair
-A lot of diversity in required shots and shop shaping
-Many changes in elevation lead to interesting game play
-Mix of wooded and open golf, leaning more towards wooded
-There is a porta-john, but it really needed to be emptied when I played
-Lots of available parking
-2 holes have triple mandatories, leading to some interesting shot shaping
-A number of holes have long and short baskets

Cons:

-Inaccurate tee signs
-The drainage in a few areas was a problem, leading to some swampy conditions
-No drinking water available
-Only a few baskets have markings towards the next tee

Other Thoughts:

As far as Ohio courses go, this has some of the most interesting terrain and elevation in the area. I was told by the course ambassador that this area was actually a part of the local Ren-Fair, called "Frontierland", but was taken over when the course was built, so a few vestiges still are around, including a miniature log house, a metal conastoga wagon, and a playground. These add charm to the course as well as obstacles. The course is actively being updated, including new basket positions and I was told new tee signs are coming soon as well. The visible work being done has made me rate it higher than it's current state, since I know those improvements are inbound. Definitely worth a drive, especially if you're in North Dayton. Keep an eye out for tournaments here, I hear they're ridiculous and a good time.
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2 3
Bub2010
Experience: 151 played 13 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good Course with a variety of shots 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 1, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Variety of shots to be had on the course and a few interesting obstacles on a couple of holes. Some decent mild elevation shots. Shorter and longer holes are both present.

Other Thoughts:

While not the best course in Ohio by far it is definitely a pretty good one. If you happen to be within 45 minutes of it or so it is worth the drive.
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7 0
ad166809
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 55 played 24 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Melvin Miller 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 29, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Baskets are in good shape and catch a lot of discs if you hit them in the center.

Tee pads were in good shape. I went in January and they were still good.

Map Markers and Next Tee signs on the baskets are great at this course. This speeds up play so much. The map markers are fantastic with yardages and showing obstacles on the map. These are kept in really good shape.

The course design is great at Melvin Miller. It seems like every hole just gets better and better. You will start off on 1 and 2 and probably wonder how this course can be rated so high but just wait until you get to the woods holes. Once you play all the woods holes you get a pleasant surprise by coming out to #15 which is a long downhill hole. The next holes are mostly all wide open and will please the long bombers.

There are a lot of benches and trash cans out here for the people that are playing a more relaxing round. You will see a decent amount of trash throughout the woods of this course but I am not giving it a con because the lazy people that leave trash throughout the woods when there is a trash can right next to the hole, shame on you.

Major elevation changes at Melvin. Holes that I can specifically think of #2 (major uphill), #5 (decent uphill) #8 (major major downhill), #15 (major downhill) and #17 (major uphill). I really enjoyed the elevation changes on this course.

There are some holes that I felt like were for sure epic. #8 with its massive downhill. I am not sure what hole # it is but the hole with the wagon is awesome. #15-#18 are almost all epic with its scenic view of the park.

Restrooms are by parking.

There are a variety of hole distances at this course. You really dont get to your super far one until #15. But the last 4 holes will challenge your distance.

You will absolutely use a variety of shots at this course. There are short opens (#1-#5), short woods (#6-#7, #9-#12), long open (#15-#18), and long woods (#8 & #14).

You will see a mix of tight technical and open bombs. For the people that can really bomb it you will like the last 4 holes. If you can throw for some decent distance you will like the first 5. For the people more interested in the woods holes like me you #6-#14 and should be able to get a few strokes back on your long tossing friends. I play with a lot of left handers and FH throwers and they tend to tell me the course is one of the easiest on lefties. So if you are LHBH or RHFH this course will probably suit you well.

This course is an overall challenge. You will really start to notice it more on the back than the front. But once you get to the holes that are tucked in the trees and the ones where you need to throw for distance you will notice its not as easy as you think. Really try to keep your score low on the front because the two times if play MM its much easier than the back.

Parking is great, starts you right next to number one. I have not been there when its busy but there is always a lot of parking when I have been there.

This is a scenic course. Once you get through the first 5 holes you almost feel like its just you and your group out there playing its so secluded. I love the old school yard equipment that is around the course. Never seen anything like that it gives it a unique touch. Once you pop out of the woods on #15 you can really take in the scenic view of the park and the drastic elevation changes that you have played through. Just a unique and great look to this course.

I live an hour from MM so I have never played in an event there. I am sure they have regular events to play in though for how high this course is ranked.

Locals were very nice and friendly.

Cons:

Unfortunately I have to give Melvin a con on the foliage. I only say that because there are so many sticks and logs right on the fairway in this course. I threw a tomahawk on one of the holes and literally skipped it off a log and added about 50 feet.

No camping

No running water? From what I saw there was only a porta-potty.

This course can get slightly crowded. We had to let a couple groups play thru when we played as a foursome. It's fine because the course is so awesome but I do have to give it as a negative because it through my off my a game a little bit.

Other Thoughts:

MM is a really great course. You almost don't notice how great it really is until you get to the last 4 holes and go wow that was so much fun and now I get to end with this view! I really really enjoy this park and understand why it is ranked so high. Melvin is in my top 3 courses that I have played and I would encourage everyone to give it a try. It has been well worth the hour drive I made to play it both times.
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3 0
Briggs1832
Experience: 7 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

First time impression 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

I've only been playing disc golf for a couple of months and have played 7-8 different courses but this is by far my favorite. The course is set up in a beautiful manner. It allows for all types of players to have a great enjoyable time while still managing to be challenging for those who play a bit more competitively. It's not all long distance which is great for new players seeing as they traditionally can't throw as long as a veteran of the sport could. Not everything is a par 3. In my opinion that's great because I'm tired of playing a course that has a par 3, 400ft hole. It's impossible for people like myself to get a decent score and enjoy the game. This course has a bit of everything for everyone and I absolutely loved it.

Cons:

I did think that the first 5 holes and the last 3 or 4 holes got confusing at sometimes. I had to walk to the pin to see if it was the correct one for the hole. Other than that fantastic course.

Other Thoughts:

If you're stopping through Urbana it's a great 18 hole course for any person to try.
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3 2
aaronjernigan
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Home Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 9, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Concrete Tee Pads
Clearly defined directions
Tee Maps
Variety of Challenges
Elevation makes things interesting. Tees that shoot down hill and uphill.
Very well trimmed and maintained
Practice tee
Designated parking.
Playground near hole #1 for children if you bring any.

Cons:

If you go during certain times of the year, as with just about every course in Ohio, you need to watch out for poison ivy in the thick overgrown out of bounds woods. In addition the weeds can get pretty thick in areas where the course is not mowed.
Ticks are bad this year. Stay out of tall grass if possible.

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course to play. We bring my 20 month old daughter in the stroller and play 9 holes. We also come with a group of 5-6 people and play 18 holes frequently. The elevation brings a characteristic unseen at many other courses in the area. This is a must play course if you are in or around the area of Urbana. The town also has great food and coffee. The depot coffee shop and Mumphord's are excellent places to go after the game.
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2 8
Loddydoddy13
Experience: 16.1 years 54 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Melvin Miller 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 28, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great park disc golf course. Course layout is amazing. Wonderful variety of holes from open to wooded, up and down, and left and right. Well maintained.

Cons:

The course is relatively short as a whole.

Other Thoughts:

Hard to hate a course that gave me 2 of my first 3 aces.
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3 2
tonyfaurot
Experience: 7.5 years 17 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 7, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

my favorite of all the courses i have played so far in my short 4 months of playing disc golf.....played a tourney there early of Dec 2016....got a good club there and they care about this course...up and down ...left and right....you need every shot you got here....good signs and tee boxes.....good challenge for sure....trees and open holes.

Cons:

no cons really...everything well cared for..

Other Thoughts:

just a very nice course with lots of challenge.
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3 0
BMock
Experience: 9 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Melvin Miller 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 3, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very well laid out course.
Makes you use a lot of different shot selections.
Nice signage on each tee box.
Good use of open space and woods.
A few very well thought-out hole placements.
A very challenging course for a beginner or even most intermediate players.
Great park with some awesome views as you play through the whole course.
A few benches are laid out through the course.

Cons:

A few holes could use better signage or arrows pointing to next tee location.
Knowing which basket location isn't easy for someone who doesn't play the course a lot. (There are 2 locations available)
Very few trash cans through-out the course.
Restrooms would be nice addition or more porta-potties.

Other Thoughts:

Played in Cousin Eddie's tournament and had a great time. Great turn-out as well.
Enjoyed this course very much and had a blast.
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2 3
S@wyer
Experience: 7.9 years 9 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Melvin Miller Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 3, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great mixture of holes. Long/short dog leg left dog leg right. Beautiful woods that you can tell had several hours spent clearing it out. One of the best courses I've played in my short disc golf time. Great use of the hills.

Cons:

Could probably use more trash cans but the park was pretty clean.

Other Thoughts:

This course was a 2 hour drive for me but it was worth every mile spent on the road. Wish it was closer to home because if it was I would be on this course as much as possible.
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2 7
Noah.auckerman
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 14, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great course to play on. Set up alot like a real golf course. They really took the time to think of the layout.

Cons:

None

Other Thoughts:

As long as you don't shank your throw then you're going to have a hard time losing your disc. One of the nicest and cleanest courses I've played.
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3 5
Barefooter
Experience: 11.8 years 178 played 16 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Perfect coarse for Urbana! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good mix of shots.
First five holes are good to warm up the arm.
I like the tee pads, i hope they hold up.
This coarse was desperately needed in the area.
Two local dudes are totally dedicated to this coarse, they are champs.

Cons:

The good citizens of Urbana are not good with change, it will take some time for the community to 'get' disc golf, until then, vandalism.

Other Thoughts:

This coarse is 10 miles from my parents house and the 12th coarse we visited on summer vacation, I am very pleased with it, and look forward to playing it many time in the future.
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2 1
jscincy1
Experience: 14.2 years 51 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 14, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Good uses of space
-Fair amount of ace runs for all players
-Good amount of proper shot selection is needed
-There are a few "wow" moments with holes on this course
-New pin positions for 2, 4, 10, 13,17 that are rotated on the regular.

Cons:

-not a fan of the asphalt (even though they have been resurfaced)
-the first 5 holes can be difficult to play depending on how busy the park is
-not enough trash cans and benches
-I feel like 17 is a bit of overkill in distance given the fact it is uphill and even for a intermediate player makes you not want to play the course again. ( edited to reflect that adding of 17 short!)
-Some of the playground equipment is a nice touch on holes... personal though I am not a fan.

Other Thoughts:

The layout of the course worked well with what it had. This course is starting to become a real gem in the area. One of the better courses in Ohio now and will only get better with time!
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3 6
discrev
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 8, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-lots of variety
-minimal weeds and well maintained
-excellent design and holes, flows nicely around interesting park playsets
-use of all types of throws
-the tee pads were once poor but they have redone them and they are now good, the pads are just temporary until they will be paved
-the length of the tee off pad is longer than standard
-great signage

Cons:

-no pro tees at the moment but they will come soon
-once you have gotten into the woods trash cans and benches are minimal

Other Thoughts:

Great course that is comparable to the Medina course in Northern Ohio
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4 0
lildragon
Experience: 28.8 years 110 played 19 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice new course with potential (Updated 6/17/14) 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 23, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Great signage
- Nice flow from hole to hole
- Excellent use of the given terrain
- Practice basket
- Lil bit of everything here
- Great upkeep! It's only been a month since I first played here, and they've redone all the tees and added benches and mulched the heavy mud areas

Cons:

- (No longer an issue, all new teeboxes for every hole!) Broken/Poor asphalt on some of the teeboxes
- Benches?
- Trashcans?

Other Thoughts:

The course starts you off gently with some shorter opening holes. Then you get some nice "pick your poison" lanes as you wind thru the woods. There are some interesting sculptures/playground obstacles as you play which add some character, like the train. The last 4 holes were my favorite as they're in a wide open area with good length so you can grip and rip for those nice bombs.

All in all it's a great start for the course. I would rate it higher if not for the poorly made teeboxes on some holes. For a new course that's just a letdown. There are large chunks missing from at least 2 or 3 boxes, you'd swear they were there for 10 years it's that bad. I would love some long teeboxes too, but you can't always get what you want :)

(Update 6/17/14)

I would rate the course a 3.75 now!

They have re-done every teebox on the course, which was sorely needed on some holes. There are also many new benches placed strategically around the course and they have mulched the areas that were mud swamps.

Makes a nice course, that much more enjoyable already. I would rate it as a 4.0 if they had long tees too :)
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6 0
AnimeJ
Experience: 11.8 years 14 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Another solid course in the area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 11, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Very well laid out
- Requires a well rounded shot selection
- Excellent signage
- Navigation is generally easy and intuitive

On the whole, this is an outstanding course. It's a relaxing round for a more advanced player, and a challenge to those who are of more intermediate or beginner skill. All holes have a clearly identifiable line to the basket, with several in the woods requiring good control in order to hit them.

While the majority of holes aren't particularly long, save 17, the course presents a cohesive, enjoyable experience from the first hole, to the 18th.

Cons:

- Some teepads need work
- The transition from hole 13 - 14 could use additional signage to clarify flow
- No benches on any holes
- Very few trash cans on the course

Most of the issues with the course are of a facilties nature. Things like a bench here and there, or trash cans, or the difficulty in finding a restroom(I was unable to locate one in the park). However, none of these things, save teepads, are major detractors from the expereince.

Other Thoughts:

As I mentioned up front, this isn't a particularly challenging course in the same way that Buck Creek or HAH is. However, I don't really feel like that's a major issue. The course feels a great deal like Englewood, which is a personal favorite in the area, and having another course of that caliber is exceptionally welcome IMO.
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10 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 397 played 383 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Excellent Variety 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 15, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The only course in Urbana, Ohio, Melvin Miller comes out of the gate strong. The brand new Innova DiscCatchers on all 18 holes (plus a practice basket) are numbered and have next tee arrows, even though course flow is relatively intuitive in all but one spot. There are large boxed asphalt tees, trash receptacles, and it's obvious when you get into the woods that the work crews here have lovingly spent AGES clearing brush and the most obstructing trees.

Don't let this course fool you: if you're an advanced disc golfer, don't bail out on the first few easy holes. They're just a warm-up. You big arms will get your chance before it's all over. You'll play five park-like holes up and along the hill, enter the woods on 6 thinking the fairways are going to be too generously cleared, then you'll likely crack a grin when you come to hole 7. A beautiful lane 275 footer where a good shot will dig into the ridge below the pin, but where a tree kick OR a rollaway putt spoils the deuce.

Just when you think all the holes are easy rhbh fades and hyzers, you'll encounter the big down hill, left to right sweeping hole 8, the ridiculously guarded L-R 9, and so on. Gradually, you'll work your way from easy looking ace runs on the anny (again, rhbh) hole 11 and the fade 13, through the longer, wooded 14, and pop out into the open for the finishing holes, two of which are over 400 feet, and one humongous uphill 540 footer that tees off between the trunks of an old tree in the corner of the park.

The park itself has almost everything you'd expect in activities for the rest of the family (see park website link for some details).

In all, I felt there were several memorable holes out here, with some difficulty for the Intermediate level player (where I'm at), but enough fun ace - deuce holes to keep it light and fun. The variety is impressive and well-appreciated.

Cons:

It is an absolute shame that he asphalt tee pads didn't set up right. They are crumbling to gravel in spots, even though they've just gone in.

There are too many places on this course where hikers and other non-disc golfers WILL be in the woods with you. You'll usually be able to see the play equipment, but note that there are two pieces IN the 12th green. Even if a thousand warning signs were put up, it is up to the disc golfer to NEVER release a disc unless absolutely certain even the worst shanked shot is safe, so be alert when you play, please.

The one spot with difficult course flow is between the 13th and 14th holes. You'll cross the service road, note the arrow on the tree pointing the way, and walk a muddy/ swampy (in springtime) path about 400' to the next tee.

Other Thoughts:

Don't turn in at the main park entrance, but drive on to Edinger road next to the woods. You'll see baskets on your left, then turn in and park near the practice basket.
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3 0
DiscCommander
Experience: 12.2 years 19 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Nice course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 8, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Starts out on a couple of nice warm up holes that are fairly short, then you get a little more technical entering the woods, about half the course is wooded and has a lot of right turning holes. The tee pads are longer so your run up is better. The baskets are marked with arrows for the next holes and are easy to follow. This park is really neat though it also has a skatepark and an rc car track.

Cons:

Even though the tee pads are long they are asphalt, never seen them like that before, they are not in the greatest if shape either. Kind of ashame this being are new course. I'm not sure how busy the park is in the summer but the course is close to a few playground equipment.

Other Thoughts:

Drove about an hour to go play this course and I am really looking forward to playing it again real soon
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3 0
jimcramer24
Experience: 13.8 years 26 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

fun little course 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

Nice use of the land. Lots of fun holes.

Cons:

Most of the markings are good directing you to the next hole. There were a few holes that were a little confusing on where the next one is, but other than that, not bad.

Not all tee pads are done, but I could find a spot where the pad will be eventually, so it wasn't bad either.

Hole #1 may be a challenge to play sometimes, as it seems that a lot of people park along the road there.

Other Thoughts:

What a fun course to play. With the exception of hole 1, all the holes were accessible and a ton of fun to play.
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5 0
cad77
Premium Member
Experience: 19.9 years 273 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Something for Everyone 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 21, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice use of elevation. Wide, beginner friendly fairways in the woods. The recycled asphalt teepads will be nice when they are all installed.

Cons:

This is a multi-use park, and the potential for problems with non-golfers on the fairways is very real. Several holes have old playground equipment right on the fairways. This afternoon, spectators for the softball games were parking their cars on fairway #1, and I counted at least three dozen beer cans lying on the grass around the practice basket and tee #1. Very disappointing, and I did not expect that a family-friendly park would put up with that kind of behavior.

Other Thoughts:

Interesting layout, with several bomber holes for the big arms, and nice, wide fairways in the not-too-technical wooded holes. Right-handed players will have to bring a good anny or sidearm game to make par on several holes in the woods. Personally, I would have preferred tighter wooded holes, but beginners shouldn't have too much trouble, and pros can shoot a lot of birdies in these woods. Several fun downhill shots, and the uphill shots are not that difficult.
This is a brand new course, and once the tees are completed, and signs are installed, it should be a very popular course. The old (probably unused) playground equipment on some of the wooded holes will probably be removed (I hope!), or else some real problems could develop.

Now that the tees and signs are in, I had to give the course a 4.0. My favorite holes are the more technical ones, numbers 7, 12, and 14, but this course is full of fun holes.
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