Orlando, FL

Bill Frederick Park - Turkey Lake

3.645(based on 54 reviews)
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14 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
3.00 star(s)

T1 is solid, if not a Terminator 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 26, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

I found T1 to be a very solid course, it makes a golf style double loop from the central starting point where there is a gazebo, bottle filling station. Gives you the ability to start on 1 or 10 if you wish to skip a slow group.

Of the three courses on the property this one was by far the most played. I saw only one other person on T2 and no one playing the woods course, while this one had 5-6 groups. Small sample size but it seems most loved.

Signs are pretty good and lay out the general idea of the holes, next tee signs tied to the bottom of every gleaming white Veteran basket make most navigation very easy and there are bag hangers on many holes.

Most holes have two tees, the are at least 4x8 maybe longer and many have the added texture that used to be more common on pads, though it's beginning to wear down.

A couple elevated baskets on some of more open holes add to the challenge.

Many holes are the type where you have to hit an initial gap or a singular shot shape and then you will be in at least a par position.

Holes are somewhat tree lined, but to call most of this course wooded would be generous. Uses mounds and what little elevation is available to pretty solid effect.

The lake comes into play on a couple of holes to give you a nervy putt near the water.

Cons:

It's a very basic thing, but in the heat of a Florida summer it stood out, very few benches. I didn't really notice until I got to 10, but there is almost no place to sit down.

For all of its pros, it's not a wow factor course. Every hole is solid and valid, but I can't think of a single one that was amazing to me. Also comes off pretty righty backhand heavy. The holes are open enough that there are many ways to approach them, but almost always the righty backhand is the best route.

Other Thoughts:

Good flow, easy to follow and I would happily play again.
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8 0
KenanFlagler01
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 195 played 190 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Florida course, on par with T2 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Original Course at Bill Frederick Park (or "Turkey Lake" or "T1") is located at the back of the park, right next to T2. I think the ratings for all three courses are about right. I have the Woods Course at 2.5, the T1 at 3.5, and T2 at 4.0. But that has more to do with challenge than anything else. All three are well-designed and very fun. I actually thought T1 was the highest on the Fun Factor scale of the three courses, slightly ahead of T2. It's also at least as pretty as T2. Intermediate players (like me) will find something to like at each course. Advanced players will gravitate to T1 and T2. I think only upper Advanced to Pro players will have anything to quibble about at T1.

+ I'm discovering that this is a personal pet peeve of mine: I hate it when courses label their layouts with color schemes that contradict the PDGA guidelines for Novice, Rec, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro. Bill Frederick nails it with proper labeling for layouts on all three courses. There is a White (Intermediate) layout on each of the three courses. That's the layout I played. The Woods Course is the easiest of the three, T2 was the hardest, and T1 was in between, each one was appropriately labeled White/Intermediate and fell into the 880-930 rating range for a par round. To me, this is very helpful in comparing courses across the country and finding the best tracks to challenge you.

Here are the layouts for each of the Bill Frederick courses:

> Woods Course: Red/Rec, White/Intermediate

> T1: Original Course: White/Intermediate, Blue/Advanced

> T2: The Turkeynator: Green/Novice, Red/Rec, White/Intermediate, Blue/Advanced, Gold/Pro

+ Of the three tracks, T1 generally stays the closest to Turkey Lake. Wind is a big factor coming in off the lake. The rolling hills, palm and pine trees, and even "Beware of Alligators" signs make the Turkey Lake Course -- at least in my mind -- the realization of ideal Florida disc golf.

+ As mentioned above, I think T1 is the most fun at Bill Frederick (at least at my skill level, even when playing the Intermediate layout on each course).

+ I picked up maps to all three courses at the front gate. They are helpful for navigating the courses. Without maps, there are places you can get lost. But I will say that navigation at T1 is the most intuitive and easiest without a map of the three courses.

+ Good tee pads and signs marking the two layouts, with the layouts pictured and correct yardage listed.

+ Fun and challenging mix of holes and risk/reward factors. The lake comes into play on a few holes. There's also some artificial OB paths to add to the challenge. There are two elevated baskets on hills, making for terrific death putts and fast greens. While T1 is the most open, accuracy is required and there are trees, water, and rough areas to contend with. It's not a hyzer fest. Great course design.

Cons:

I struggle with where to rate and rank Turkey Lake. As mentioned above, it's on par with T2 in terms of the Fun Factor and aesthetics. T2 certainly far outpaces T1 in terms of challenge. I almost rated both courses 4.0, but settled on a 3.5 for the Original Course. If 3.75 were an option, that would be my rating for this course.

- Of the three courses, the grass was by far the longest and most in need of being mowed at T1. I imagine T2, as the headliner course here, comes first in the maintenance pecking order.

- Being a Florida course, there's not much elevation to speak of, although they made a good run at creating some elevation with the few rolling hills they have and a couple elevated baskets.

- Watch out for ants and alligators!

Other Thoughts:

I would have no problems paying $5 just to play one round at Turkey Lake. Lucky for all of us, $5 gets you in to all three courses! If you only have time for a couple rounds here, make sure Turkey Lake, the Original, is one of them.
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5 0
JLethal2
Experience: 12.8 years 38 played 17 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great place to play Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 25, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a beautifully designed park for a disc golf course. This entire park contains 3 18 hole dg courses but this review is based solely on the Turkey Lake (T1) course.

The layout of this course is very well done. It utilizes the best features of the land for play and takes you on a nice journey down to the lake and back up into some more wooded and guarded areas.

As I mentioned...playing down near the lake with risk of water coming into play will surely challenge you especially with the windy conditions that often accompany the water holes. But this gives this course that extra character.

Elevation...while not extreme, you will encounter some very nice elevation changes with this course. Right from hole 1 playing downhill through almost a miniature canyon and then the holes leading down to the water and then back up from the water all have some nice elevation changes...always a plus for FL courses which are mostly flat.

While this is a shared park you will not need to worry about hitting anyone as the course design is intended to be away from any areas that you would see other park goers.

The park is very clean and well maintained, there are permanent concrete tee pads and the signage is decent. There is a small pro shop on site when you enter the park that will sell some discs and other items.

Cons:

Not many cons about this course other than the basket type I feel could be better. Currently they are Chainstars which personally I am not a fan of just in terms of visibility.

The course is located in a State Park that does charge to enter. While it's not much it will cost $4 (per car) to enter the park to play.

It can be somewhat confusing the first time you come here to find where you are supposed to park and locate the first tee pad. The disc golf courses are in the back of the park.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, this facility is top notch and if you are a disc golfer this place is a must visit if you are visiting the Orlando area. There are 3 18 hole courses here that sure to challenge all skill levels. If it weren't for the terrible I-4 traffic coming from the Daytona area, we would play here much more. But we always enjoy making the trip over for the Turkey Trifecta. But in my opinion, the Turkey Lake (T1) course is the best of the 3.
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4 0
LeftyRob
Experience: 24.3 years 46 played 16 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Enjoyable afternoon 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 13, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Some surprising elevation changes for a Florida course! Not immense hill-climbs by any means, but enough to change your perspective and make things interesting. A beautiful park setting, yet not many other players or campers for a mid-July day. A good variety of holes. Some short, tight lines - the 10th comes to mind - , a few where the basket placement is near water, so overshooting even a little comes at a cost, and a few more that are fairly open, providing of course that you negotiate an obstacle of some sort placed in your line.

Cons:

Only thing missing in my view was a true bomber hole or two. It's not necessary to make a course enjoyable; just a preference for me to want to get a driver out of the bag a couple of times! A bit of a walk between some of the holes, but not enough to be off-putting, as the map handed out by park staff kept me on line. Not a big fan of "blind" tee shots (especially on a first visit to a course, as I have to walk out from the tee and see what I'm aiming at), but only one such issue on the final hole.

Other Thoughts:

I'm a lefty, but can play either FH or BH. I found it interesting, having played both the original and T2 courses on consecutive days, that the original course was much more a RHBH (or forehand for me) track, whereas T2 was a LHBH run. I doubt it was done by design, but it was fun coincidence. The water bottle station was a great idea, but it was so hot (96 degrees) that the water produced was worthy of filling a bath tub!! If you have time, squeeze in a couple of the courses here. It's worth your time!
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1 2
Mbaldwin601
Experience: 16.2 years 18 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 19, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

A beautiful disc golf park. It's the original park at bill Frederick park, you can tell I was designed first. Great holes, good distance. Nice park all the amenities. Cabins available near hole 1, can make for a great weekend. Some elevated tees with railroad tie stairs etc. My favorite in Orlando, a must play.

Cons:

Some unusually long walks between tees but well worth it. Multi use park with lots of activities.

Other Thoughts:

Great for pros and beginners. Holds major tournaments every year.
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4 1
prerube
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.8 years 274 played 235 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Classic must play for FL players. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 13, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

A decent part of the set of 3 on site, a small slice of DG history.

Awesome water bottle filler at tee 1 and 10.

Bath rooms, disc sales in the headquarters. vending machine at the front. Camping in tents or cabins on site.

Some holes play near water to add some scenery and excitement.

2 signature holes. Hole 10 and 18 were the most memorable holes I have played in a long time. both through over valleys and required you to hit the correct line and and hit the window.

Cons:

More signs needed in park to guide you to the back. I wadered around T2 and Woods for 40 minutes looking for any sign of the course.

Hole #2 and #14 are insanely unsafe with modern discs. I was uncomfortable throwing, but would be petrified watching new players. I had a long second shot that would have hyzered into the parking lot if it were not for a single branch on #2, and a griplock on hole 14 can be lethal. The long pad on 14 is not a good addition. just 20 feet longet with 2 trees touching the pad.

Elevated hole #4. Elevated baskets can be an awesome addition, but it was not done right. it was elevated just to put a few more branches near the basket. Hole #7's elevation was done better.

You have to walk back the length of hole 14 to get to 15.

A few holes played close to tents and campers, but the tents may have been outside their aloted area, so I cant fault the course without more info.

Other Thoughts:

Maps available, but they were no help.

$4 per car covers all 3 courses and is worth every penny. ($2 solo player)
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8 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.2 years 652 played 631 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Classic 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 15, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

(3.534 Rating) A true classic of a course.
- CHARACTER - Full of extras and disc golf comforting items. I'll start by noting the teeing experience. Two concrete tees at half of the holes and they are of adequate length. The tees also have good hole signage, are mostly shaded, and there are benches and bag hangers at many if not all the tees. A bunch of pre round goodies as well. There's a water bottle station, port-o-potty, course map and two practice baskets, which was only the second time I'd seen that. (First was Taylor Park in Largo FL.) Other niceties included multiple basket locations, shelters with tables and bridges and stairs at appropriate terrain changes. In addition, the design of these stairs and bridges definitely show craftsmanship.
- COURSE MAP - Be sure and request a map when you pay to enter. Although navigation didn't seem to be too tough without one, I'm still glad I had my map, as I referenced it 3 or 4 times. The course map on DGCR is not up to date.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - I happened to be playing Turkey Lake during a prolonged drought in the Orlando area, and even with that, (dying trees and sandy areas and dead grass) the inner beauty still showed through. A nice variety of older trees, (Pines, Oaks, Maples, Palms, Cypress, etc.) Great backdrop views of the lake on several holes. Also, subtle terrain changes on a few holes, which was a nice surprise for the Orlando area.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - Although not necessarily a beginners course or an advanced level course, the course somehow manages to provide a prefect middle ground. The odds of losing a disc is low, great for beginners. The fairways are just long enough for some advanced players and there's just enough obstacles to make a skilled player work for it. Pros will however, come away unchallenged.
- FORGIVENESS - The odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is low with a few notable exceptions. Throwing long on (3) or throwing right on (5). There is also water in play on (13 and 14) but you'd really need to misfire bad to approach it. Other than the water danger, errant throws are usually not further punished, one of the few benefits of a lightly wooded course.
- TWO MORE COURSES ON SITE - Can you really go wrong with 54 holes at one location?

Cons:

A solid course, the items below are mostly to show its weaknesses compared to other top Florida courses.
- UNIQUENESS - The hole variety is indeed above average. However when I compare it to other courses I've rated 3.5 or above, it would fall below average among those courses. There's a few slight changes in elevation, water kind of comes into play on one or two holes, a few holes have a pocket to them and there are a few windows to split. The diversity in shot shaping however is what's lacking the most. Most of the holes are lightly wooded and a couple are completely open. There's no huge sweeping dogleg hole. There's a couple of almost tunnel plays, but they lack the full defining features of such. There no par 5 and the one par 4 in very much on the short side.
- ELEVATION - No more than 20 feet of change on any one hole. If you're from south Florida this may seem hilly compared to other courses in the region, but just about every other part of the country would call the course flat. That said, the course does use the elevation well for what was available.
- NOT T2 - I played all three Bill Frederick courses the same day. It ever so slightly appeared that T2 was getting more maintenance attention. There were a few tees needing minor repair. Some of the stone and woodwork for bridges and stairs will shortly be in need of a complete overhaul. There were a few areas cordoned off for construction as well. Maintenance was still better than your average course and I get it why most of the money is flowing to the other courses.
- OPEN HOURS - The park closes at 7pm April thru October and closes at 5 pm the rest of the year. This makes after work rounds real tough to complete and there'd be no night golf.
- WIND - Of the three courses, this one will suffer the greatest impact from the wind. There are a bunch of unprotected and lightly wooded holes right off the lake. 30 mph gust during my visit.

Other Thoughts:

The Original Turkey Lake course is a classic as advertised. The course however is beginning to show its age and has a bit of a dated feel to it. On its own merits, It's well worth the price of admission, but I probably wouldn't pay $2 often considering the other options in the area. However, when coupled with T2 and the Woods course, $2 is a bargain.
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0 6
Flicker55
Premium Member
Experience: 10.1 years 63 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

good course, but. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 16, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

3 courses in one park, good facilities and parking

Cons:

sugar sand not good for carts on about half of the course. People picnicing on fairways and not happy about being nicely asked to move. New part as you go into park needs alot of work with one hole not even found by 6 people looking.Mismarked holes on most so confusing and I do not think a disc golfer designed it, not a good layout on most of it. Best to skip this part.

Other Thoughts:

when I travel to other areas to play new courses I usually realize how great the courses we have in Ocala area. Still love playing other courses.
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7 0
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 382 played 306 reviews
3.00 star(s)

scenic old school course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 24, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

-beautiful park overlooking Turkey Lake
-long and short tee pads
-tee signs and bag holders
-subtle rolling hills giving minor elevation changes on several holes
-scorecards w/ map
-practice basket
-pay to enter the park, no hoodrats
-locals and parks dept seem to get along and have the best for the courses in mind. a few people were out there managing changes and improvements being made to the courses when i started my round.

Cons:

-needs a new map to reflect changes that have been made to some holes, finding hole 4 is tricky if you don't know the holes have changed, 6 & 7 aren't so bad since you can see them from the previous holes
-there are lots of similar shots: mostly wide open with one major tree to avoid in the fairway on the front 9 or wide corridors on the back 9. some of them are really fun but it's a lot of the same
-not a lot of memorable shots other than hole 5, which is actually pretty disappointing for "the water hole"
-very windy off the lake. i'm used to it living over in Texas but I'll bet a lot of vacationers taking a break from the magic kingdom are taken by surprise

Other Thoughts:

The Turkey Lake course set in the pay-to-enter Bill Frederick Park is a fun track with an old school design. In the ground since 1986, it's an interesting piece of history and a great draw since there are also two other sets of 18 holes in the park, T-2 Turkeynator and The Woods.

The front 9 plays a bit more open with usually one to a few trees to avoid in the fairway. I really like hole 1 which requires an accurate controlled tee shot to get to the green. Hole 5 is the water hole but it is really not much of a hazard for the RHBH player unless you're trying to hard and torque one over to the right. The last two holes on the front 9 offer a tighter tunnel shot with a low ceiling, a nice change of pace.

The back 9 has more trees but the fairways are mostly very wide corridors with a line of trees on either side and no obstacles in the middle of the fairway. Hole 14 is an exception with a super tight window off the box and hole 13 has a picturesque backdrop of the lake on a slightly downhill drive.

The course has changed over time and seems to be going through some further changes as well. It will be nice when the work is done and new signs and a new map can be made. I'm sure Orlando sees a lot of traveling golfers so an accurate map and accurate tee signs for the current layout really make a difference for first time players from out of town.

Overall, it's a fun round with great views but not a lot of memorable holes. The true advantage is having this style of course directly alongside the newer T-2 course with its more modern design. $2 a day for two courses without the riffraff is a great deal, even if there are quite a few pedestrians about in some places.


**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
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12 0
pmay5
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 480 played 245 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great views, great course, great start in FL 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 11, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good concrete teepads on every hole, two per hole, baskets are in good shape, mostly isolated part of this large park. Bill Frederick Park is a large park right near the heart of Orlando on scenic Turkey Lake. Very clean course, you can tell the locals keep up with that aspect also.

There are many different activities at this park, and there is a walking path and camping near the course, but they only affect a couple of holes and can be mitigated pretty easily.

Great views of Turkey Lake, especially on the early morning I was the only one on the course, except for a few long legged cranes walking by as I putted. They stopped to see if I made the putt, I didn't.

The course is laid out on mostly open terrain, with the trees there to force you to shape your shots. Even though there is a lot of shoreline available, #5 is the only hole where you could splash a disc. But it is a hyzer drive for us righties, so it can be managed.

Another good hole is #13, downhill towards the lake, there is a straight line available, but you could fade left toward the lake. I threw a forhand to a more open path and it faded right back into the fairway. #10 was fun, short ace run over a sandy area, reminds you where you are. #18 was a surprise, tight tunnel shot through the trees, the only one on this course.

Cons:

Biggest con I had was that "Opens at 8AM" means ,opens at 8AM for this course. Large iron gates locked for the night, but they did open right at 8:00. I would have preferred a little earlier start.

The tees signs were a little dated, could use an update, but they are part of the history of this course. Not a huge problem, since you can see most of the baskets from the tee.

Other Thoughts:

Speaking of history, I understand this was one of the first permanent courses in Florida. A nice start on my DG history cred. The attendant at the gates was helpful, $2 to play, but well worth it. They have discs to rent at the gate, I even left one I found on the course, I asked him to call the number, or add to the rentals.

Really glad I made this my one and only chance to play in Orlando.
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1 4
freddysez
Experience: 16 played 16 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good Show 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 23, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

The layout and navigation flows splendidly, strategic trees around baskets add creativity for approaches, and the wind is a heck of a factor on several holes. I love hole 10 on a elevated tee to a slightly elevated basket heavily guarded by trees. It's a treat playing a course for the 1st time without having a tough time getting around on the course.

Cons:

The park offers a lot for non disc players so naturally some folk aren't paying attention

Other Thoughts:

Bathrooms are always a plus, let alone clean ones. So glad I went! Hey look 2 clowns with nothing better to do said this review wasn't helpful
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8 0
nevets4433
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 62 played 60 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Thanks Bill! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 25, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautifully manicured course that takes a nice walk on the terrain next to a beautiful lake. Holes 3-5 along the water are amongst the most picturesque that I have played anywhere.

Most holes are fairly open with strategically placed obstacles that allow the golfer to really pick their own line and try to hit it. Good throws tend to yield birdie throws, but bad ones may find the frequently placed OB as definied by the many roadways and paved bike trails.

Great tee boxes for both the front and back tees, as well as wonderful signs that help navigation, clearly mark OB, and usually have signposts to hang your bag.

A few holes really stuck out to me. 9 is a really nice tunnel shot that finishes next to the parking lot, so if you only have time to make a 9 hole loop, that is available. 13 by the water is also really beautiful.

This is Florida's oldest standing course which is in and of itself pretty cool (as reported by the course, though this may be questionable).

Multiple practice baskets to warm up by the first hole. There is also a really nice kiosk which suggests proper tee boxes by estimated player rating.

Loads of other amenities in the park including multiple well-kept bathroom facilities are really nice.

It looked like there were some discs to buy or rent at the entrance to the park but I didn't stop for them.

Cons:

Only a few here.

You have to pay to enter the park (but $2 is definitely worth it).

The holes by the lake really have a lot of bugs (nothing they can really do about that).

Hole 12 plays a bit close to the campground for comfort.

The trees and bushes on 18 tee could use a slight trimming to help clarify the line.

Other Thoughts:

What a great park! And this course is only 1/2 of it. Make sure to check out T2 while you are here.

(there were 2 extra holes, 6A and 6B there when I played. I am told they were for an upcoming tournament. Im not sure they are absolutely necessary and the course flowed a bit better without them in my opinion)
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0 2
boursin
Experience: 12.2 years 13 played 13 reviews
4.00 star(s)

good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 17, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

challenging, short holes and longish holes, Great scenery,good pads good baskets. some elevation (for Florida). Nice locals who helped me find a couple of holes.

Cons:

alcohol police, do not drink on the course because if you get caught you will be asked to leave the park.

Other Thoughts:

Nice course with a variety of looks. Next time I will play T2. the lake is beautiful and the grounds are very well maintained.
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3 7
Sorg67
Experience: 5 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

First Time on this course, Novice 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 1, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Very playable for novice player. There was enough foliage to require shot shaping, but shaping within the capability of a novice player. As a novice, I cannot speak for the appeal to a more advanced player.

Having played the other Turkey Lake course now, I will add that the original is completely different and provides an entirely different experience. I played them both today and enjoyed them both. They will help you develop your game in different ways.

Cons:

None

Other Thoughts:

May be my new favorite course. Will definitely play here again.
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2 2
edwardnaylon
Experience: 9 played 9 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Amazing scenery on this course and lots of bird chances for higher skill levels. 2 tee boxes per hole.
Good signs, easy to navigate. Great for all skill levels. Well manicured at all times of the year.

Cons:

If they moved the holes every now and then, that would make this course a fw rating points higher. But thats about it

Other Thoughts:

I love this course and never get tired of playing it
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3 2
Peter S
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 29.8 years 165 played 32 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Turkey lake 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 3, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

More hills than most Florida courses. Not as busy as the free Gordon Barnett park due to the small enterance fee. Restrooms for the ladies by parking area & others along the course route. Long & short cement tees. baskets always in good shape.

Cons:

I dare you to find some. Sometimes other park users in your way but that's not the courses fault.

Other Thoughts:

If playing Orlando on the weekend you can avoid the crouds at the free Gordon Barnett park which is always busy.
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11 0
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 48.9 years 242 played 194 reviews
4.00 star(s)

My Magical Kingdom 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 1, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a truly fun and scenic course, with old trees, a large lake and featuring central Florida style rolling hills.

Two sets of tee pads on every hole that are large and grippy. Informative signs at each tee show hole layout and distance.

Very nice bag hangers.

Nice baskets.

Plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, benches, garbage cans, and restrooms.

Very clean, and highly maintained course.

A well-established league, that hosts some of the biggest tournaments in FL. Very friendly locals that I'm guessing are used to seeing out-of-towners.



Cons:

There are a couple of minor navigation issues. Ask for the map/scorecard when you enter the park, it will help.

This is a multiuse park with many nonDGers wandering around and through the course.

Other Thoughts:

This course is located in a spectacular park, that features another 18 hole DG course on site. Camping, fishing, a children's farm area, and many other activities. I could easily bring the family here for a long weekend, to a week or so, and everyone, including the nonDGers, would have a blast.

I know that I might be in the minority here, but I prefer this course over the other one at this park (T-2). This course IMO is more scenic and has more varied type holes. It's a little shorter and more open than its big brother, but also more fun. This is one of my personal favorite Florida courses!

*Note: This is not the oldest course in Florida. The oldest course still in the ground is Northside in Gainesville which predates this course by four years. Cliff Stephens is also older than T1.

http://www.pdga.com/course-di...-golf-courses
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0 3
TeeRex
Experience: 11 years 7 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Orlando Favorite 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 2, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Love the concrete pads. Signs at every hole make ID easy for first time at course. Nice layout, mild skill levels, opportunity for aces exist here. Plenty of facilities for rest room. Bag hangers at holes, some rest benches. They sell some discs at front entry office.

Cons:

Just that it rained on us here, but hey, it is central Florida.

Other Thoughts:

Have only been playing since May 2013. I was able to go 4 over par first time on course. Mostly a par-3 course.
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4 1
Charbachuk
Premium Member
Experience: 15.7 years 178 played 16 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Beautiful Course. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 9, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Course is located in a beautiful neighborhood and more importantly inside of Bill Fredrick Park.
- Tee-pads are all perfect size and in really good shape.
- Plenty of shot variation; every shot that you have in your bag will be used on this course.
- Rolling winds and elevation change really add an element to the game not often seen in Florida.
- Beautiful scenery and wildlife; the majority of holes run along the shores of Turkey Lake providing some great photo opportunities.
- Course can be difficult; depending on the wind, this course can be one of the harder courses in Florida in my opinion. With that being said, if you can keep your shots low and putt well it is very easy to score really well.
- Although this is a "longer course" it still has a few Ace Runs; Hole #4, #10 (I have an ace on this hole), and Hole #14.
- Signature hole in my opinion is #17; longer shot that moves up, then down and right to left to a landing zone made of beautiful Florida sand.
- Playing course from the short pads actually makes this a different course than playing from the long.

Cons:

- Tee signs are old and from experience of playing a tournament here, not very accurate with distance.
- Course does not have a very efficient flow from hole to hole; if you are playing it for the first time get a map from the park office or play with a local.
- Lacks signature finishing hole; Hole #18 is a blind shot over a ditch up to a small fairway which leads to a tight shot to a guarded basket. No real shot for birdie, I've only seen one person birdie it and it was an amazing shot.

Other Thoughts:

- This course ranks in the top ten in Florida for me; It has everything a disc golfer could want plus some more.

- This is definitely a course i would take a day trip to play; play T-2 and the Gordon Barnett courses, or just check out the Orlando night life.
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11 0
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.7 years 278 played 273 reviews
3.50 star(s)

The Original is Worth a Play 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 10, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Naming the second course at Turkey Lake "T2: the Turkenator" was apt, though that moniker says more about the original course than anything else. Turkey Lake is much like the original Terminator. In relation to the big man on campus, it's low-budget. It lacks the big effects, the blow-your-pants-off moments. And maybe it's just a bit cheesy, and relies a bit on nostalgia. But it's still follows the same story as the big-money sequel. And it's well worth playing.

Like big bro, the course plays through a mix of fields and lighly wooded areas and comes close to its namesake lake on a few hole. There isn't a true water carry, but drives off 5 should hang out over the water for a while if you want to avoid the outcrop of woods. The lake is in view for a number of holes, but with the exception of 4 (where you would have to overshoot by about thirty feet to hit the lake) you are teeing off away from the water.

Still, there are a few really solid holes. 10 is a nice ace run, shooting over a gulley and towards a basket that hides behind a solitary tree, approachable from either right or left. 18 features a similar throw over a gulley, but instead of landing near the pin, a well placed drive leaves you on a narrow fairway leading to a guarded basket.

The signs are old but still in good condition and accurate for the most part, although a few baskets may have been moved. The par lables have faded, although that's just as well since they don't make too much sense. There is a par 3 that is considerably harder and longer than the par 4 which precedes it.

And there's a great flow. The front nine circle in a huge loop that descends to the lake and climbs back to the start. The back nine loops around the other way, into the woods and towards the highway.

Cons:

So what's not to like? Well, there are a few tosses that interact with walkways. (3, 6) There are a few fairways that I've seen being used for other events. (8, 7)

There's not too much length and there's not a ton of difficulty. Too many holes don't require control and many fairways are just too wide.

Other Thoughts:

I play this course about one out of every four visits to the park. It's a good, fun course. It's just not T2.
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