White Settlement, TX

Saddle Hills DGC - Old Layout 3

3.735(based on 15 reviews)
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2 0
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 382 played 306 reviews
3.50 star(s)

An unpolished gem 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 3, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-land is well utilized, great design
-huge variety in tee shots
-water and/or elevation in play on most holes
-concrete pads on each tee, original alternate tees still exist but the natural pads are getting worn
-dual basket positions on most holes
-creek is calm and shallow, though the reeds are getting tall near holes 1 & 19
-practice basket
-kiosk at start of course (map is the original 9 holes though)
-i enjoy the course's rugged terrain and unique holes
-the "back 9" has been redesigned and rerouted, i think it is better now
-nice neighborhood, right off the highway

Cons:

-original holes 4 & 5 are both gone now
-difficult paths and hills for those balance-challenged, especially hole 14 and new hole 5
-water crossings can be flooded in wet season
-water crossings on back 9 have few places to cross, needs bridges or stepping stones
-a few areas prone to getting muddy/swampy
-no restrooms or water fountains
-needs new signs once the newest layout is finalized

Other Thoughts:

I've played this course in it's many incarnations over the years. I have always really enjoyed it and I still do. The original 9 holes was one of the best 9 hole layouts I've played. The original 18 layout was great too, though on the rugged side. The course finally has one concrete pad on each hole though now it seems to be losing holes one after the other. And that seems to be the big problem here: the constantly changing layout. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case for the foreseeable future too.

The park is excellent with lots of cool terrain features. There is a creek that can come into play on 8 holes and there are elevation changes on 9 holes, some of them significant and not just for Texas. The concrete pads are in good condition but the alternate tees are not in great shape, nor is the temp rubber tee on the new hole 5. The baskets are in good condition but the creek crossings are still sketchy. The ruggedness of the land has its charm but is typically bemoaned by locals or anyone who prefers their round to be a walk rather than a hike.

I think the round is diverse and a lot of fun. Holes 8, 12, and 15 are still good holes with fun tee shots and all the extant holes from the original 9 are solid. The area containing the original 9 is more polished and park-like while the other area across the creek (the current middle section of the course) is more rugged and has many tighter fairways and more significant elevation changes.

For those that remember the older layouts, original holes 4 & 5 are both gone and they've been replaced by one hole that throws down the hill and across the creek. The original hole 12 is now two holes (unfortunately; i thought that was a great hole), there is a new hole 14 (kind of like the original hole 13) and a new 15. A few holes have been reordered on the "new 9" but apparently holes 9 & 10 will be removed soon. Also, I don't know if that includes 11's tee. So at some point the course will have to be totally renumbered but the bigger problem is that the 19 holes will be reduced to 16 with no room for more, except maybe by bringing back hole 8 of the original 18 or if they get hole 4 back.

I really hope this course can get its layout woes solved so that improvements can begin regarding renumbering the holes, getting new signage, and addressing some of the tees. Saddle Hills could be a great course but either way it still has a lot of fun holes and offers a good white level challenge. For now, the map here is accurate except hole 4 is gone and the new temp tee for 5 is in hole 4's fairway. It's worth your time whether you're local or a traveler, just remember to bring the map and appropriate shoes for the hike.


**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
I gave instructions for finding the new map on the course conditions part. the baskets were re-numbered on 9/24/17 and the new layout is in place. I will close this layout on dgcoursereview soon and open a new course under Saddle Hills ver3.0 soon. If folks would look at the course conditions before going to play then it would solve many issues with the course.
0 2
Can't get right
Experience: 8.8 years 25 played 16 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Amature's Beware 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 23, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very technical course. Not for the feint at heart. This course will challenge veteran players.

New design to add 10 holes is always good.

Cons:

Redesigned from a 9 hole to an 19 hole. Holes were not remarked and were confusing. Still needs work I think.

Baskets could use some color so they are easier to see in the woods.

Average players will lose discs without spotters. I lost an hour looking for two of my drives. only found 1.

The footing on some of the cliff faces will get you hurt if you are not careful.

Other Thoughts:

I tried to play this course for the first time over the weekend. Wow...

I have to admit that I had to walk away after 6 holes. I was confused on where to go on a couple of holes, and the struggle to find drives off the tees on a couple shots was taking way too long. The lessons here are two fold:

1- never play an unknown course by yourself.
2- bring a map (or someone familiar with the course).

I like the course enough to want to go back and try again, and I ran into a couple of players that were more than helpful, including one of the course designers. Everyone was helpful.

Good work on the layout gentlemen. A couple of signs on the tees and at the baskets to point out the next hole would make this course stellar.
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
Unfortunately you hit the course at the end of yet another redesign. I put a "course update" and how to access the the hand drawn map on the course conditions section. The new layout will have a hi-def map ready soon and we will have another course page on here (dgcoursereview) soon. Check the Patriot Disc Golf Club facebook page for updates before you come out and it will be a better experience for sure.
3 0
ivanhenson
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 12.8 years 664 played 218 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Way better when dry and mowed. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 30, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good layout lots of elevation changes. Also lots of different type of shots. Variety is key here it is very easy to play on weekdays. Not allot of traffic at all.

Cons:

Multiple tee markers for each hole. #4 is gone. #3 is hidden. A few blind shots. #4, 18 and 19 don't have tea boxes. One or two blind shots are disc eaters. When wet lots of creeks to cross over and you will get wet and muddy even a few days after rain.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very interesting course. I do rally enjoy the variety of shots. Some easy some hard. Some hills actually hard to climb. If older or out of shape 2 or 3 holes may really be hard to get to.
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2 0
Itstchalk
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun course all around 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 23, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Concrete Tee Pads
Lots of trash cans
Great variety of shots
Good use of elevation changes
Start by the parking lot/ end by the parking lot
Pretty fair course for both R and L handed players

Cons:

Horrible signage (although not nonexistent)
Somewhat hard to follow
Not updated in Udisc
A couple bridges over the creek would be nice

Other Thoughts:

I stopped by and played this course on my way back into the DFW. I really like the close proximity to the highway. The road to the parking lot is pretty rough but not the worst I've seen. I like that you start and end right by the parking lot. This course hadn't been mowed in a while, I'm assuming due to recent rains. I was really impressed with the variety of shots this course allowed you to throw. That tied in with the elevation change was a lot of fun. There was a nice mix of open/technical shots. On a few holes the pin had a "Next Tee" arrow which helped with navagating quite well. I do wish somebody who plays this course regularly would update the new tee boxes in Udisc... That would help greatly. I think my only major complaint is no tee box signs with distances. Maybe after course updates are complete this will happen. Seems the course designer used what they had well and made a fun course. All in all I would play this course again, and maybe try to make a mini if any are held here. I'll for sure come play again!
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2 6
jdb7122
Experience: 5 played 4 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Poor design leads to no meat in the middle 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Course starts nice
Course finishes nice
A fee good holes

Cons:

No congruity
Hard to navigate, poor design for many of the holes
Power lines come into play on one or 2 holes
Really poorly designed middle

Other Thoughts:

Not a course worth driving across metroplex for
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
We have worked hard to put diversity into this course. Too many of the same kind of holes makes a course get old quickly. Some of the holes were designed to use the power lines as obstacles on an otherwise open shot. The "middle" holes are more technical and provide a great and rewarding challenge to experienced disc golfers. If you want a couple of nice trees on an otherwise open field for every shot, Saddle Hills is not the course for your.
This reviewer hasn't logged in since Nov 16'. It seams they had a very bad round and took it out on their review or had an ax to grind with Jeremy or I.
4 1
Pizza God
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 36 years 1689 played 554 reviews
4.00 star(s)

don't play by yourself 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 25, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Cement tee pads
posts marking hole numbers
From heavy wooded to wide open holes
From flat to drastic elevation changes
Multiple pins
There are long grass tee's marked

Cons:

back holes are pretty rough, you need a spotter on a few of the holes
It would be nice to know the distance from the tees to the pins
need a bridges to cross the creek

Other Thoughts:

1 first played the original 9 holes right after the course was installed, you can still see the original map near the new tee box on hole 1.

Now the course is 19 holes and it is a challenge to your game. You start off simple enough, downhill 300 ft hole.

Then cross the street for a hole you don't want to overthrow or your down the hill and in the creek.

Hole 3 is a crazy little turnover that you have a huge hill right in front of you.

Hole 4 is the exact opposite of 3, you throw with the basket down the hill.

Hole 5 is an elevated tee shot with the basket way back on the other side of the creek. There is a big tree hiding the basket.

Holes 6 and 7 are tight though the woods, these holes are the worst about holding water and can be very muddy after recent rains.

Hole 8 is a blind, across the creek and up the hill shot.
Hole 9, 10, 11 and 12 are run of the mill disc golf holes, each has it's own character and uses the elevation and trees to make them interesting.

Hole 13 and 14 are crazy shots that are hard to describe. Mando an 13 make you throw to the base of the hill to try to hit the uphill putt. 14 is like 3, you have a HUGE hill right in front and the basket is 200 ft after the top of the hill. Not an easy hole at all.

Hole 15 is probably the best/hardest hole on the course. 150ft of flat to a 200ft downhill fairway with tree's you only see the top of. The creek is 30 ft behind the basket so an overthrow is wet. With the wind, even a 3 is tough on this hole.

then back to the open regular type of holes for 16 to 19.
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2 2
jcat1183
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Saddle Hills 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 24, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One of my favorite courses in the DFW area. Now with 19 holes and new concrete pads this is a course to check out.

Pros: Variability. There is very little overlap between holes. It is rarely packed. Well maintained and the layout frequently changes.

Cons:

Cons: Signage is needed. #5 and #14 can throw your navigation off if you are unfamiliar with the course. Standing water can be an issue after heavy rain on a few holes.
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4 0
hotstang
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.9 years 452 played 59 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Saddle "HILLS" 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 23, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great Layout.
Challenging Shots.
Good use of elevation.
Very physical course.
Brings a good mixture of lines and shots.
Not just a big arm course.
Placement is key.
New Teepads.
Good flow. But.


Cons:

No Tees signs.
Mach 2 baskets.
No Bathrooms.
Old course map on one (9 hole).


Other Thoughts:

Great course just a work in progress.
Needs a lot of TLC.
No Playground.
Not recommended for beginners or lower level players.

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Designer response by Johnyfo8
The course receives an enormous amount of thought and precise grooming (TLC) to maintain the difficulty, diversity and fun that was put into the redesigned layout. Many trees, bushes and "rough" areas were left on purpose and some discgolfers may want a course that is completely free of "rough area" so they never lose a disc, this is not the best course for those players. There has to be a good level of risk/reward built into a course to keep it interesting for all levels and abilities for many years. A new High-Def map will be uploaded to dgcoursereview, discgolfscene and pdga.com by the end of 2015 and it will be posted on the Kiosk by hole 1 soon as well.
2 1
huntin4hitters
Experience: 37 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great course! awesome variety of shots, scenery, etc.

Cons:

No teepad signs so if you dont know the course there are quite a few blind shots. Could not find gold tees (the longer ones) on some holes.

Other Thoughts:

Great course overall, I know it was just recently redesigned so im sure signage and more is to come in the future. Would definitely recommend this course though.
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
We were only able to choose one tee location for the new cement pads. Some holes we used the long and others we used the short. Long and short alternate tee pads are currently being evaluated and will be in place for next year. The small gold tee markers are not used at this time.
2 2
perm
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 1, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is an extremely underrated course that has a little bit of everything that any avid disc golfer would enjoy. From tight tunnel shots that require pin point accuracy, to long blind shots that require every shot in the book, Saddle Hills is a challenging and exciting course to play. Large concrete tee pads along with clearly marked trail pathways to each hole, improve overall aesthetic qualities of this course. Personally, I would like to see some pro tournament events at Saddle Hills one day.

Cons:

They need more alternate pin placements throughout the course to change difficulty level.

Other Thoughts:

highly underrated...
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
Alternate pin locations are being evaluated this summer (2015). Each hole should have 2 pin locations requiring different shots by September of 2015. A second set of T-pads will be added next year (2016).
3 4
TWD1
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Love Saddle Hills 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Well thought lay-out with plenty of variation. The course does Not get boring. Great mix of long, short, wooded, and open holes with a creek strategically in play on many of the holes. Really nice elevation changes too. Great course to play!

Cons:

Not really much to say negative. Except maybe that the tee signs are not in place yet. But I know that is next on the local club's list, and from what I have heard, the club is really working hard to get everything in order. There are guys and gals out there every week working on the course...

Other Thoughts:

Get out and play this course when you get a chance. You won't be disappointed.
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1 4
AthruZ
Experience: 12.6 years 29 played 9 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Lots of Potential in the Future 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 7, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great use of land. First few holes are really awesome and fun to play. Grass is well kept and good use of elevations.

Cons:

This is an up and coming course that will be awesome once things are taken care of.

No tee signs to help navigation. It's best to play with a local that knows the course.

Cannot find baskets on some of the holes.

A creek runs through the course. Need wooden bridges to help people get across.

Other Thoughts:

Right now, this course has a lot to be worked on. Once the back 9 is playable with maps, tee signs and navigation signs, this course will be awesome. I do hope that they will continue to take care of the course and make it much better by keeping up with the landscape and clearing brushes, debris, etc.
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
Wooden bridges are not an option at this course. The city doesn't want permanent bridges put in that may inhibit the flow of flood waters. The only option right now, because it is such an active flood plane, are the large rocks that are in place.
3 4
WookieFlash
Experience: 10.4 years 23 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Foot in Mouth 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 3, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course layout

Concrete tee pads are nice addition

Multiple pin positions

19 holes!

Hole 14!?! That's just plain fun.

Cons:

Still working through re-numbering the holes, but otherwise a very fun course.

Other Thoughts:

I am very willing to admit when I am wrong. I clearly wrote my last review to early. I don't think my review was wrong (and it definitely was not due to a bad day). I feel as if I jumped the gun and judged too quickly of people who were improving a course that was not great before. They had a lot of work to do and I'm very happy to say they have done an amazing job. Well done Patriot Disc Club. Big time kuddos.

And now I'm removing my foot from my mouth.
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5 0
aclay
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 39.5 years 309 played 234 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great redesign 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 18, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

-- Elevation changes. There are uphill throws and downhill throws.
-- Variation on the length and difficulty of holes. Plenty of birdie chances, but there are also longer holes and tougher holes where a 5 or a 6 is not out of the question. Also, there is variation in terms of open/tight holes.
-- Water is in play on nearly half of the holes. The creek isn't very wide, but the holes are designed to REALLY bring it into play. Excellent use of the creek.
-- Other than a walking path through two holes (18 and 19), this is a dedicated disc golf park.
-- Practice basket.

Cons:

-- Creek crossings were treacherous. It had rained recently, and that added to the difficulty.
-- Concrete tee pads were nice, but they were not level with the surrounding ground, making them something of a safety hazard.
-- No facilities.
-- In two spots (4-5 and 11-12), you walk back through the previous fairway and potentially put yourself in harm's way.
-- Holes overwhelmingly favored RHBH throwers.
-- No signage with map or distance. Also, most holes and baskets were numbered incorrectly. This is mostly leftover numbering from before the redesign.

Other Thoughts:

-- A 3-foot long poisonous snake made one creek crossing especially interesting.
-- Cacti are plentiful, particularly on No. 14. Ouch!
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Designer response by Johnyfo8
The correct and safe trail from 4 to 5 has been marked and it goes up the hill, to the right and to the back of #5 tee pad. There are two trails that go up the side of the hill from #11 basket to #12 tee pad that do not lead people into the fairway for #12.
3 1
Johnyfo8
Experience: 12.1 years 111 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Dynamic course with great elevation changes 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 30, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has everything to enjoy and challenge your game. The creek, elevation changes and overall diversity of holes are some of the best in north TX. The redesigned course flows incredibly well and there are 19 holes now. The holes are very different and there are only a few holes that need a similar type of shot. It has Uphill, beautiful downhill, tight shots, long and short shots as well as turning shots. This course reminds me of Bicentennial in Crowley and ZBoaz in Benbrook. It isn't as frustrating as those courses though and that makes it better to me. It also isn't quite as long, so you can get a round in a little quicker.

Cons:

Signs on each hole would be great but the map on dgcoursereview is good. More trash cans, better bridges through the creek and more benches would also make this park perfect.

Other Thoughts:

This plays like a completely new course. It was heavily redesigned in the winter of 2015 and the biggest improvement that finally puts this course on my "favorites" list is the huge cement tee-pads. Hole 5 and 14 are my favorite but the whole course is excellent. Saddle Hills is sure to soon be a favorite of experienced players and those that like a challenge. If you are in the Fort Worth/White Settlement area or passing through, then you have to play this course!
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