North Peninsula Rec. DGC reviews
8
0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
20.9 years
550 played
429 reviews
Peninsular Party! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 22, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
This is a bad mamma jamma. The pictures on the course page are taken by me on the day I visited. I think I caught it during happy times, but I still spent more than my share of time sweeping legs through tall grass looking for my plastic. She did claim my Champion yellow Archon on hole number 5. You won't hear me complain though. The fairways had been cut, there were no mosquitoes, and I played fairly well. I played 10 courses on my trip to Alaska and this was my second favorite, right after Kinkaid. It is slightly easier, I scored WAY better.
The sign posted on the fence as I entered the course indicated a bear had been spotted on 8-10-2019, just 12 days earlier. Signs were still posted for bear and moose from the previous summer as well. Honestly I was a bit nervous on the first couple of holes, and was looking over both shoulders frequently. Once I got into it my nerves calmed and I think the adrenaline spike may have helped me play slightly better.
From the first tee I saw that North Peninsula Rec DGC could be a special kind of course. Two concrete tees, with very nice signs. Fairways mowed like any country club would be, and punishing tall rough lining each side waiting to claim errant drives. A slope running downhill toward the hole that wasn't insignificant, and clusters of big trees that take away a lot of airspace. You have to take the obvious line and keep it close to avoid being cut down by branches or swallowed by grass. And on the horizon a DISCatcher stood begging me to jingle those chains. Almost perfect for an opening hole, but the bearanoia was a bit much.
Other holes on the course after hole 1 had fewer trees, shorter distance, less elevation change and/or inspired more average levels of inspiration. That doesn't mean there were not any more great holes. Swerving fairways requiring nearly pinpoint landing zones (2 & 3). Baskets placed strategically in pockets on the fringes of the tree line to limit approach angles (3 & 4). Sharp doglegs on long holes that turn to the left or right to emphasize the distance control (11 & 12). Mandos through windows in between trees marked with white tape circling the trunk (7). Par 3 holes that are realistic chances at a deuce to keep your spirits up (6 & 15).
The sign posted on the fence as I entered the course indicated a bear had been spotted on 8-10-2019, just 12 days earlier. Signs were still posted for bear and moose from the previous summer as well. Honestly I was a bit nervous on the first couple of holes, and was looking over both shoulders frequently. Once I got into it my nerves calmed and I think the adrenaline spike may have helped me play slightly better.
From the first tee I saw that North Peninsula Rec DGC could be a special kind of course. Two concrete tees, with very nice signs. Fairways mowed like any country club would be, and punishing tall rough lining each side waiting to claim errant drives. A slope running downhill toward the hole that wasn't insignificant, and clusters of big trees that take away a lot of airspace. You have to take the obvious line and keep it close to avoid being cut down by branches or swallowed by grass. And on the horizon a DISCatcher stood begging me to jingle those chains. Almost perfect for an opening hole, but the bearanoia was a bit much.
Other holes on the course after hole 1 had fewer trees, shorter distance, less elevation change and/or inspired more average levels of inspiration. That doesn't mean there were not any more great holes. Swerving fairways requiring nearly pinpoint landing zones (2 & 3). Baskets placed strategically in pockets on the fringes of the tree line to limit approach angles (3 & 4). Sharp doglegs on long holes that turn to the left or right to emphasize the distance control (11 & 12). Mandos through windows in between trees marked with white tape circling the trunk (7). Par 3 holes that are realistic chances at a deuce to keep your spirits up (6 & 15).
Cons:
If the course is not mowed I could see how it would be far less fun. I went into the rough searching for discs at least 4 or 5 times and felt fortunate to only lose 1. The short tees make things easier, but this still may be a bit extreme for beginning players with control issues.
I felt fortunate not to be fighting bugs off at any point in my brief trip to Alaska. Conditions were dry, and smoke from fires was the worst hand nature dealt me. In wet weather I would guess bugs and mud could make the circumstances less enjoyable.
I felt fortunate not to be fighting bugs off at any point in my brief trip to Alaska. Conditions were dry, and smoke from fires was the worst hand nature dealt me. In wet weather I would guess bugs and mud could make the circumstances less enjoyable.
Other Thoughts:
I arrived here just after finishing Kenai Eagle DGC, and being disappointed with the (+1) 55 I had scored there. The second round of the day rejuvenated me fully. Par for North Pen Rec DGC is posted as 65 from the long tee pads. This feels slightly too generous, but I shot a 59 and left there very happy. 9 birdies compared to 3 bogies and 6 pars.
Where I live in Kansas there are a few courses with tall prairie grass lining every fairway to give it the links feel. None of them are able to incorporate beautiful forrest like this. The great layout and challenging terrain are unique.
I've played over 430 courses now and I am having trouble drawing good comparisons. In peak form I would say this is in the top 25 courses I've played. Destination is remote, and it would be a bummer to travel a long distance to find maintenance was less than ideal, but if you catch it at the right time... If you don't it is still a wonderfully scenic drive through the mountains from Anchorage, and maybe you tear it up on Kenai Eagle instead!
Where I live in Kansas there are a few courses with tall prairie grass lining every fairway to give it the links feel. None of them are able to incorporate beautiful forrest like this. The great layout and challenging terrain are unique.
I've played over 430 courses now and I am having trouble drawing good comparisons. In peak form I would say this is in the top 25 courses I've played. Destination is remote, and it would be a bummer to travel a long distance to find maintenance was less than ideal, but if you catch it at the right time... If you don't it is still a wonderfully scenic drive through the mountains from Anchorage, and maybe you tear it up on Kenai Eagle instead!
4
1
SaltyDawg
Experience:
20 years
51 played
6 reviews
Nikiski DGC 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 6, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
Long Fairways
Technical Shots
No Crowds
Challenging Play
Technical Shots
No Crowds
Challenging Play
Cons:
Tall Grass in Summer
Mosquitos Galore
Mosquitos Galore
Other Thoughts:
I played this course the 1st week of June. The first 7 holes had received some love and attention. After that the course had not been mowed. The grass was pretty high, and finding discs was a challenge.
The course is situated on a huge piece of land and there is lots of space to play. The layout is good and I would imagine that during the spring and fall it would be truly epic. In the middle of summer without further clearing/maintenance, it might become virtually unplayable.
PS There were lots and lots and lots and lots of Mosquitos. BRING DEET.
The course is situated on a huge piece of land and there is lots of space to play. The layout is good and I would imagine that during the spring and fall it would be truly epic. In the middle of summer without further clearing/maintenance, it might become virtually unplayable.
PS There were lots and lots and lots and lots of Mosquitos. BRING DEET.
