Mt. Baldy DGC reviews
9
0
Extreme Mountain Disc Golf 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 27, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
Overview:
First review of a new course that is less than one month old.
This is a very rugged course that is very steep and rocky. This is the definition of extreme disc golf. While most of the holes are not that long, it is not an easy course for those looking for a walk in the park. This course is for physically fit players looking for an extreme challenge.
The course has 10 baskets that play as 18 holes. The course plays up the rocky valley of the ski area "Turkey Run" and back to the main lift. Even though the baskets are shared, they play quite differently up than down. The tees are natural and are currently marked with white paint and some rock cairns. The baskets are homemade DISCatchers.
Currently the disc golf course is free to play. However, to get there on the ski lift costs $25.00 round trip. Parking also costs $5.00 if you do not have a US Forest Service Adventure Pass.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read it all.
Pros -
Rugged Western Disc Golf. Personally I love to play ski resort courses and I enjoy playing rugged and rocky Western courses. This one fits the bill.
Lift. The lift ride up and back is very scenic and enjoyable. Actually the drive up to Mt. Baldy is nice as well.
Change of pace. A rugged and adventurous course. Very different from the other So Cal courses.
Elevation. As with all ski resort courses, elevation is in play. Most baskets or tees are further elevated adding to the challenge.
Weather. The cooler temps on the mountain are a great escape from the heat of the valleys.
Travel Light. Since the holes are fairly short, you don't need to bring the whole bag. I played nearly all the holes with a Leopard or putter. Bring an extra disc in case one goes over the edge.
First review of a new course that is less than one month old.
This is a very rugged course that is very steep and rocky. This is the definition of extreme disc golf. While most of the holes are not that long, it is not an easy course for those looking for a walk in the park. This course is for physically fit players looking for an extreme challenge.
The course has 10 baskets that play as 18 holes. The course plays up the rocky valley of the ski area "Turkey Run" and back to the main lift. Even though the baskets are shared, they play quite differently up than down. The tees are natural and are currently marked with white paint and some rock cairns. The baskets are homemade DISCatchers.
Currently the disc golf course is free to play. However, to get there on the ski lift costs $25.00 round trip. Parking also costs $5.00 if you do not have a US Forest Service Adventure Pass.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read it all.
Pros -
Rugged Western Disc Golf. Personally I love to play ski resort courses and I enjoy playing rugged and rocky Western courses. This one fits the bill.
Lift. The lift ride up and back is very scenic and enjoyable. Actually the drive up to Mt. Baldy is nice as well.
Change of pace. A rugged and adventurous course. Very different from the other So Cal courses.
Elevation. As with all ski resort courses, elevation is in play. Most baskets or tees are further elevated adding to the challenge.
Weather. The cooler temps on the mountain are a great escape from the heat of the valleys.
Travel Light. Since the holes are fairly short, you don't need to bring the whole bag. I played nearly all the holes with a Leopard or putter. Bring an extra disc in case one goes over the edge.
Cons:
Tees. Tee areas could use more permanent markings. Some tees were difficult to locate because the white paint had already disappeared and the rocks used to denote the front line did not stand out in the rocky environment. I expect that as the course is developed, the tees will improve. The tee for Hole 4 is just a wide spot on the ridge. Extreme drop off at the rear of the tee and even steeper off the front. Luckily, Hole 4 is a short downhill shot that does not require any run up. Just don't back up on the tee or step over the front!
Spacing. Many tees were very close to the previous basket. For example, the tees for 3 and 18 are just a few feet from the basket for 2 and 17. However, there is little traffic on the course and it would be easy enough to spot another group of players. There is a lot of land here; it is not really necessary to put the tees right next to the baskets, especially with the dual target use.
Only 10 targets. While they did a great job with the design, I prefer 18-hole courses to have 18 different targets. Not sure why they did not use more land. Hopefully they will expand the course.
Navigation. There are no signs. The map provided was very small and not very detailed. There were no distances listed. I was unable to find the target for hole 11. After searching for nearly half an hour, I had to give up as it was getting late and I did not want to miss the last lift down the mountain. I don't normally review courses when I haven't actually played all the holes, but since there are no reviews, I thought my review would be better than none at all.
A little short. With all the land available, I was disappointed that there was not more distance on the holes. Since there are no distances on the maps or scorecards, this is all estimation on my part. However, if I can reach an uphill basket with my Leopard from the tee, it is by definition, a short hole.
Too Extreme. I love playing rugged Western courses and I love ski resort courses. I don't mind hiking up and down to play these types of courses. However, this course is a bit extreme. And by extreme, I mean dangerous. Several of the targets were mounted up on hills that were very difficult to get up and down. Many of the steeper slopes were covered in loose shale rocks that made footing very treacherous. It is possible for discs to land in places where it would be impossible to take a safe stance behind the disc. For example, the trek up to basket 7/10 is very steep and I worry that disc golfers could be injured. Same thing for basket 3/16.
Cost. Currently the disc golf course is free to play. However, to get there on the ski lift costs $25.00 round trip. Parking also costs $5.00 if you do not have a US Forest Service Adventure Pass.
No kids, no strollers. The terrain is far too rocky and steep to push any kind of stroller. Besides, I don't think they even allow strollers on the ski lift. Not recommended for small kids. Lots of potential for injury.
Temporary Course. Only open when there is no snow on the mountain. This will not remain open during ski season.
Watch for snakes.
Spacing. Many tees were very close to the previous basket. For example, the tees for 3 and 18 are just a few feet from the basket for 2 and 17. However, there is little traffic on the course and it would be easy enough to spot another group of players. There is a lot of land here; it is not really necessary to put the tees right next to the baskets, especially with the dual target use.
Only 10 targets. While they did a great job with the design, I prefer 18-hole courses to have 18 different targets. Not sure why they did not use more land. Hopefully they will expand the course.
Navigation. There are no signs. The map provided was very small and not very detailed. There were no distances listed. I was unable to find the target for hole 11. After searching for nearly half an hour, I had to give up as it was getting late and I did not want to miss the last lift down the mountain. I don't normally review courses when I haven't actually played all the holes, but since there are no reviews, I thought my review would be better than none at all.
A little short. With all the land available, I was disappointed that there was not more distance on the holes. Since there are no distances on the maps or scorecards, this is all estimation on my part. However, if I can reach an uphill basket with my Leopard from the tee, it is by definition, a short hole.
Too Extreme. I love playing rugged Western courses and I love ski resort courses. I don't mind hiking up and down to play these types of courses. However, this course is a bit extreme. And by extreme, I mean dangerous. Several of the targets were mounted up on hills that were very difficult to get up and down. Many of the steeper slopes were covered in loose shale rocks that made footing very treacherous. It is possible for discs to land in places where it would be impossible to take a safe stance behind the disc. For example, the trek up to basket 7/10 is very steep and I worry that disc golfers could be injured. Same thing for basket 3/16.
Cost. Currently the disc golf course is free to play. However, to get there on the ski lift costs $25.00 round trip. Parking also costs $5.00 if you do not have a US Forest Service Adventure Pass.
No kids, no strollers. The terrain is far too rocky and steep to push any kind of stroller. Besides, I don't think they even allow strollers on the ski lift. Not recommended for small kids. Lots of potential for injury.
Temporary Course. Only open when there is no snow on the mountain. This will not remain open during ski season.
Watch for snakes.
Other Thoughts:
I would play this course again and I will for sure take friends and family up to play just so they could experience some extreme disc golf. I also want to bring my mountain bike up on the lift and ride it back down the mountain after playing instead of riding the lift down.
I have never written a review for a course where I did not actually play all the holes. (I could not find the basket for 11). I would rate the overall experience as a 4. The actual course only earns a 3 at this point in time. If they do install some signs and improve the tee areas, I would improve the rating to 3.5. Some additional baskets and holes would increase the rating as well. They have enough land for 18 holes, they should take advantage of it.
I have never written a review for a course where I did not actually play all the holes. (I could not find the basket for 11). I would rate the overall experience as a 4. The actual course only earns a 3 at this point in time. If they do install some signs and improve the tee areas, I would improve the rating to 3.5. Some additional baskets and holes would increase the rating as well. They have enough land for 18 holes, they should take advantage of it.
