Harrisonburg, VA

Westover Park

Permanent course
3.425(based on 36 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Westover Park reviews

Filter
9 0
dino2disc
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.6 years 72 played 39 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A nice hilly woods challenge for all levels 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 24, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Variety: the 2 baskets on most holes make for really different experiences. I played the 'long' Green baskets, which involve more trees in your way and narrower, more challenging lines. The 'short' Yellow baskets are definitely a LOT easier. If I'd been playing Yellow I'd have had three drop-in birdies, and I almost had an unintentional ace when I hit one of them off the tee trying to fly past it to the Green basket (wouldn't that be quite a story?)!

- The Hills: Great use of topography in the layout of the holes. You're challenged right off the bat with three steep uphill holes in pretty dense woods, and the rest of the course includes mostly uphill and downhill layouts too. #19 and #4 through #7 are the only flat holes here.

- Though there are abundant thin trees on virtually every hole, they have few low-hanging branches. It also seems like the park staff trims low branches off them throughout the entire park. That means that despite the high tree density, you at least have open throwing lanes between the trunks and beneath the branches.

- Excellently detailed tee signs with aerial photos of the holes in summer. Wish every course did that!

- A practice basket, and plenty of parking right by where you begin and end your round.

- Though there's a few exceptions (#4, 12, 13, and 20) most holes are well away from the other park amenities.

- Nice long concrete tees for every hole but #20.

Cons:

- As some others have described, the small trees make for a "low ceiling" and the potential of bad kicks off their trunks. It's not quite enough trees to make it plinko, but it's definitely close on some holes. In particular, #1, 3, 7, and 17 could use removal of a few trees to create better defined fairways.

- #18 is the only real chance to let loose off the tee with a bomb. Otherwise, there's never enough space to launch something high and over the trees.

- Some of the holes get too congested. #10 & #11 are definitely the worst offenders, where on #10 you throw right over/past the tee for #11. Me and the group behind me had to wait here for 10 minutes while a dad and his two young kids at the #11 tee paid no attention to the backup they were causing...

- Closely-packed baskets on some holes make it unclear from the tee which belong to which hole sometimes, at least if it's your first round here. This happens with the baskets for #8 and #14, as well as those for #10 and #13. Study the map and tee signs closely and you should be able to figure it out though.

- The tee sign for #17 is missing, and the tee for #20 is astroturf rather than concrete (didn't bother me, but might bother some). Also, the course map shows the tee for #20 in the wrong place - it's actually on the gravel path.

- The tee sign for #13 is wrong/outdated. It shows only one basket (the Yellow one), but there is a Green basket about 50ft beyond it and to the right.

Other Thoughts:

- Overall it's a fun course with nice variety (both by hills and multiple baskets) that requires precision way more than power. Accept that you are going to nail a couple trees and they'll rob you of what would have been easy birdies and pars on a few holes. But also know that a lucky bounce or a lucky shot through the trunks can get you an unexpected birdie opportunity too.

- #20 is unique: throwing uphill right over the bridge, stream, and brush to baskets flanked by a retention basin. Never seen a hole with cool obstacles like that.

- Glad I stopped to play during a road trip down I-81. Definitely worth heading a little out of the way to play.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
LeeZ
Experience: 4.3 years 16 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Tough Beginner Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 1, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of parking and easy to find.
Two baskets on every hole makes it a challenge for everyone.
Concrete tee pads are in good condition.
Great use of elevation change and one small creek comes in play for the last couple holes.
Short technical course for people that enjoy this type of disc golf.

Cons:

The tee signs were not very clear and some tee pads are missing the signs altogether which makes navigating this course difficult at times.
Busy place lots of people and traffic on the holes close to the road and buildings.

Other Thoughts:

I enjoyed the challenge but if you don't like playing 18 straight holes without being able to just air one out then this may not be the course for you. Extremely technical and lots of low ceiling which makes it very tough for beginner's. Overall the pros out weigh the cons in my opinion and it's certainly worth checking out.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
9 0
DumfriesLizzie
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 111 played 101 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Solid course in a city park 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 28, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Pretty if well-used park. Kept tidy and feels safe for a central city park. It is though Harrisonburg, VA and not Baltimore, MD!

The park is on a rather steep, sloping plain essentially, and the course runs up and down this plain. There is also the creek plain that has holes 17-21. The sloping plain provides plenty challenge for uphill and downhill shots alike.

Plenty trees all over but mostly nos. 1-4. Opens a little more thereafter. Tightens up again at the 11 fairway, 12 tee, 14, 15, 16. Then opens a bit more with 17 and 18. Even more with 19; nos. 20-21 nearly fully open. Very nice variety of openness and tightness to go with the elevation changes.

I play to the short pin. I think there was one pad and two pins for each hole, but maybe some had two tee pads. Don't remember now.

Popular course but not crowded. Lots of other park patrons afoot.

I think the best hole on the course is no. 19. One of the longer fairways with fewer trees, throwing from an elevated tee.

Cons:

Holes 3-5 have a close OB fence. Not sure you can get over there legally or safely to retrieve a lost disc. I don't mind OB but not to the degree you lose your disc. So far, I have lost nothing here because I lay up and play it safe.

Not a lot of this, but other park users may walk through the course with their dogs while you are trying to throw your shot...

Other Thoughts:

There is an updated scorecard (with more reasonable pars for the longer holes) on the city park's website.

Some baskets are not visible from the tee pad so do study the hole signs at the tee to know where you are going!

The online map may give you the impression this is a flat course. See above; it most definitely is not! You start out climbing (holes 1-4), you are on a crestline for awhile (holes 5-7), then you go down and up and down the sloping plain (holes 8-15).

If you play a fall afternoon, the sun will be in your eyes for at least a third of the holes. A slither distressing.

While I dislike courses with odd numbers of holes (I mean the total is not a multiple of 9), I like this course very much. Shall play it whenever I am in the Shenandoah Valley or nearby Skyline Drive or Charlottesville.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
markmcc
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.9 years 278 played 254 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Trees and Low Ceilings 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 1, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a solid 21 hole course in a beautifully kept city park. The terrain is typical manicured park with hundreds of mature, trimmed-up trees and a completely clear understory. However, the trees are not trimmed up as high as in most parks, so the ceiling is somewhat low and often comes into play. The only brush on the entire course is along the small creek on Hole 21.

The course featured gently rolling hills that resulted in uphill or downhill elements on nearly every hole. Many holes (including the first three) were uphill with quite a low ceiling, requiring low line drives to reach the basket.

The course lacks defined fairways. What you generally see are a hundred trees between you and the basket, with any number of gaps to use in your attempt to get there. This gives numerous options from dead straight to wider paths on either side. Much of the challenge on the course was trying to figure out which (if any) of the many available lines offered an advantage.

The initial half of the course was wooded and tight, with the back half opening up more and more. By the 18th hole trees were less daunting, and Holes 20 and 21 were downright open! Overall some good variety, but not until the end of the round.

Most holes offered two baskets, which are both permanently in place. The short basket is the classic DISCatcher with yellow band. The alt pins are a different basket (Mach V?) that are powdercoated an unusual lime green color. They showed up great. In many cases the distance to the long pin wasn't greatly increased, but it was always offset to bring even more trees into play near the basket.

Good concrete tees, and decent signage along with benchs and trash cans make the course infrastructure very good.

Cons:

This course has a lot of repetitive holes early, consisting of 250' - 350' shots through evenly spaced trees with a low ceiling. While it gives plenty of opportunities to work out various lines, there isn't much variety.

Most of the wooded holes lacked any specific line, which I suppose could be a pro or a con. The trees are so evenly and, is some cases, tightly spaced that the difference between a great shot and a bad kick was only inches. There is definitely an element of luck on many holes as you neared the basket, as you were simply hoping to hit gap after gap between the teepad and the pin.

The course is very compact in some areas, with multiple baskets near each other. The weekday morning I played there was one other player and even then we had to stay aware of each other and occasionally wait a bit to throw.

Other Thoughts:

I imagine that this is a course that could grow on you, as multiple rounds would begin to reveal lines that aren't obvious the first couple of rounds.

I don't think that I'd want to play on a busy weekend, as the proximity of the holes to one another would certainly create some issues.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
0 9
Duke of NY1
Experience: 18 years 21 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

First course played, but still the best one 10 years later 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 30, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Calculated fairways that require a variety of shots in your arsenal.- Easy to play. Hard to master.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
10 0
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 585 played 539 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Throw West(over), Young Man 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 11, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Westover Park is a surprisingly enjoyable 21-hole course. It winds around the park, rec center and swimming pool, giving players a fun round of disc golf.
- I enjoyed Westover more than some other, higher-rated (at least according DGCR's ratings) courses in the region. This isn't a flashy course, but it's a great example of the KISS method.
- Course continually plays up and down the same hills throughout the round. You start at the far right of the park, throwing uphill on #1. That same hill is still in play all the way up to #14, where you're now throwing uphill in the far, back left portion of the park.
- There isn't anything fancy here, just a bunch of decent, slightly-above average holes. The main hole design is this: a fairly straight hole, maybe with a slight dogleg, that has just enough trees players are forced to carve shots around in order to be in birdie range. On almost every hole, even if you hit a tree off the tee, you should still be able to advance your 2nd shot to within putting range.
- Course tends to have tons of switchbacks throughout the round: times you play up then hill, turn around and throw back down hill; times you play one hole, turn back 100 feet to now play the next hole that plays alongside.
- Course is very consistent in terms of layout, design, and length. Average hole is 307 feet along, ranging in length from 204 feet to 472. You want consistency? 15 of the 21 holes range in length from 225 - 360 feet. If you can throw straight 250 feet, you'll be looking a ton of birdie putts to short up-and-downs throughout the round.
- #12 is a fun, simple layout. Sense a theme yet? It's a 344-foot, slight downhill layout with players aiming towards the swimming pool (don't worry, there's a tall fence). There's not a lot of challenge here. It is a simple 3 at worst, for most players. But the backdrop of the swimming pool is a different visual.
- I also enjoyed #18. It's a real chance to unleash a drive, at 472 feet. The sidewalk on the left is OB, but it shouldn't cause much difficulty. Two decent shots will leave players putting for 3.
- Great tee signs. They're a great tool for first-time players.

Cons:

The course layout is tight. The switchback element is there because of the lack of space. You couldn't fit in 21 holes without squeezing in some layouts. Perhaps a couple holes could, and should, be eliminated as a safety precaution.
- Some major safety issues. Holes #3 -5 play right next to a couple picnic shelters. Hole #10 plays right over the tee for #11. If the course is ever crowded, you'll have to be on constant watch for discs sailing from other fairways. Be prepared to skip holes if the park is busy. I doubt park goers care that they're walking through your fairway.
- I probably wouldn't play here if the course were crowded. I couldn't enjoy myself if I was always worried about being hit by other players. Or, more importantly, I wouldn't want to worry about hitting others simply because my shot sailed slightly offline.
- There was no signage for the final three holes - #19 - 21. After finishing #18, I saw the basket for #19 straight ahead. I walked around and didn't see anything indicating a tee marker. Skipped that one and tried for #20. Made an arbitrary tee for the next basket I saw. Made two good tee shots, got ready to putt and noticed I was on #21. Didn't find #20 until later.
- The course is redundant. I enjoyed it as a simple, slightly easier layout. If this were my home course, the closest 18-hole layout to me, I'd want something a little flashier.

Other Thoughts:

Westover Park is good for what it is. Don't expect greatness. Enjoy a course where you don't need to throw many drivers.
- Due to the lack of variety, I was surprised this course measured longer than 6400 feet. It felt shorter than that, probably due to throwing mostly mid-range discs off the tee.
- The positive of all holes being close to 300 feet is that there are plenty of chances to park tee shots. My tee shot on #17 - a 246-foot hole - resulted in a tap-in birdie. Ace runs on holes like this feel much better than ace runs on shorter holes.
- The first two holes might be two of the most difficult on the course. Both play uphill, creating longer layouts. It also doesn't help that #2's basket was in a different location from the tee sign. The course is front-loaded and played much easier. Don't let a rough start discourage you as it gets easier from there.
- This is the perfect 'tweener rating. It's not quite a 3.5-level course, but it's better than a 3.0 rating. The safety concerns are serious enough to take points off for, resulting in a 3.0 rating. I'd rather play Kiwanis in Staunton than here. Better yet, drive 45 minutes to Walnut Creek. Still, this is a decent course that has plenty to offer.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
hyzerkite
Experience: 25.8 years 202 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

short distances low ceilings 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 31, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

This place is worth playing. If you can throw through gaps and not try to birdie all of them then scores can be lower than my Halloween round today. While staying at the Nutt it is a half hour away and worth the trip. Poke and pray but on the gentle side. I remember thinking this the most tech course for having almost zero rough. Tee signs are all there and it is very clean. Skatepark and pool on site at rec center. Bag hangers galore. Can play this course with a driver mid and putter. Fun 21 holes.

Cons:

The lanes through the small diameter timber are sometimes only a few feet and require lots of flip hyzer work and the dangers of bouncing discs into roads and other park traffic can be elevated with a busy park. Rollers work wonders/disaster here. Small property was definitely used to full potential without gutting trees out to make wider fairways.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 21 is a good open bomber with a creek just short of 400 feet. Easily reachable from elevated tee box. Crown jewels are actually both post hole 18. 20 is great example of cool but dangerous. You throw down a walking path over a bridge. So cool when nobody is in the park could be a hazard with some traffic like a quarter of these holes. I enjoyed my morning round thoroughly this Halloween and can say it is the first VA course I have played. I can assure you it will not be my last. 3 disc rating for cleanliness and tee signs and good discatchers. Course itself is a longer dinker with potential.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 2
jeffboi
Experience: 9.9 years 14 played 14 reviews
3.50 star(s)

So Much Fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 13, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a great course. It is very well marked and super easy to navigate. The tee boxes and baskets are in excellent shape. There is some nice use of elevation. The lines are tight in spots but totally fair and doable if you can play a nice control game. Everyone we met on the course was super nice. I would gladly play this course on a regular basis if I lived in the area. This is what recreational disc golf is all about.

Cons:

There really are no major cons here, this course is fair and tons of fun! The only bad things I could possibly say are that it is not a championship course because of the lack of OB and water hazards; and there is only one set of tee boxes - I like to see forward boxes for players who can't throw it 350+
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 1
splatbaseball51
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15 years 182 played 58 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A touch repetitive 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 26, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has a lot of the amenities I look for when rating a course. It has excellent concrete tee pads for the first 18 holes. DISCatcher baskets, informative tee signs, bag holders, the works.

Some of the shots are pretty cool. I especially liked hole 1. There wasn't too much in the way of elevation changes to be utilized, but the course did what it could.

You'll be throwing all of your discs off the tee's. Some shots require drivers, some mids and some putters. There is variety when it comes to distances and rights and lefts.

Although hitting trees over and over could get frustrating, this course would be more beginner friendly than most courses. You'll have virtually zero chance to lose plastic while honing your gap-hitting skills.

Cons:

The course is too repetitive. I felt like every hole was a slight alteration of the last. This is mainly due to the park landscape itself. The entire place is somewhat evenly littered with evergreens which will have you guessing if you've already played this hole.

Along with the repetitiveness, there are several instances of "spray and pray" shots. You'll just have to throw your tee shot and hope you don't get chopped down. Many holes don't have a defined "shot".

Some holes are long, but the low ceiling will prevent you from going over the top or throwing rollers. It forces you to throw a line-drive up the middle and hope you don't strike a tree. It forces your hand too often.

There are several shots that require you to literally throw over the next tee pad (hole 10 is an example). There was a party in front of me on hole 11's tee. It is literally directly in line with 10's tee and basket. Not sure how this could happen, but I'd suggest relocating some baskets to better accommodate park traffic.

Other Thoughts:

Easily the best course in the area and I'm sure it gets the most traffic. The course could benefit a lot from a few tree's being removed (which I hate having to do) and a few baskets relocated to accommodate flow/safety. Not a bad home course, but lacks the necessities required to make me want to write home about it.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
baronbrapp
Experience: 7 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Worth playing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 20, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Very well maintained. The grass is short and there is very little underbrush. I didn't see any trash. Signage was good.
Great for practicing your midrange game. There are an abundance of trees, so I was required to be a lot more creative than usual. I threw forehand rollers, skip hyzers, a scoober, and a grenade spike in my two rounds. I also had to throw several anhyzer putts to work around trees. It's great practice in hitting your intended line and keeping the disc low. Due to all the tree hits, it's good for breaking in discs.
The course was nice and empty when I played.

Cons:

There are a ton of planted homogenous trees on most holes. If you can't hit your lines, you're going to get frustrated fast.
Your DX type discs will emerge two levels more understable.
If you like throwing distance drivers, you won't get your fix here.
Some holes play across others. Wasn't an issue with the vacancy when I played. Some tees require backtracking from the previous basket - just pay attention where the signs mark the next tee.
There are good views but most of the time you're in the woods.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, good for practicing the midrange game and challenging your creativity.
Definitely worth a play if you're in Harrisonburg. I'll definitely play here again. If you have time or are going to be driving East on I-64, Walnut Creek Park outside of Charlottesville is a spectacular course and would recommend that over this course if you could only play one.
If you're stuck on the I-81 corridor, I actually think the Staunton course (20 miles south) is more fun.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.7 years 297 played 197 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Westover Stopover 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 14, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice concrete tees(holes 19-21 are carpet), nice tee signs, bag hooks, and Discatcher baskets with 2 pin locations. Great slope of elevation to play over and is designed into the course nicely. Small creek comes into play on 20 and 21. Kiosk by hole 1, navigation is fairly easy without a map. Very well maintained and clean course, no underbrush to lose a disc in. Great for beginners and more experienced players. Nice pavilions, bathrooms and pool.

Cons:

Not much to complain about. The close proximity of holes to each other and some other areas of the park create some safety issues. The repetitiveness of the low ceiling cedar shots. No indication of pin location.

Other Thoughts:

Westover is a quick and fun stopover off I-81 in Harrisonburg/JMU. The GPS coordinates took me to the back of the park by hole 15 so I started there. The course is obviously loved by the maintenance crew and local players.

This course will really test your vertical control as well as the horizontal playing through all the cedar trees, but more so tests your vertical control because you can miss your horizontal line and get lucky on most holes, but too high and you will get knocked down trees and too low in you are hitting the ground. The elevation slope combined with the low ceiling is often the change of the challenge of your line, so you have to hit your 20 degree uphill line or downhill line on holes. You would think the roller would be a prevalent shot here, but the ceiling is often too low off the tee. Once you get to the back 9-21 things open up a little bit and the last few holes have a couple intermediate level more open par 4s. There are a few ace runs as the course is relatively on the short side. The back half were my favorite on the course. There is not much that will really wow you here, but if you are looking for a nice fun quick course to stop and play on I-81 this is an excellent choice.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
0 4
SMontgomery
Experience: 13.5 years 49 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 28, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety of shots. Trees force you be accurate and on your game.

Cons:

Muddy after a rain

Other Thoughts:

This course had a little bit of everything. No holes where you could let one fly because there were trees everywhere. I like the tight and technical.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
forehandfranz
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31.8 years 226 played 128 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Disc in Harrisonfordspielberg 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 9, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is located in an immaculately maintained city park. Just imagine park grass and LOTS of skinny trees on a hill that slopes from one side of the park to the other. You play mostly heavily treed fairways for 18 holes, then play 3 holes on (relatively) flat ground with far less trees so you can finally unwind once you are warmed up. The land is well utilized, using the hilly terrain - the only thing missing would be a hole that goes cross-slope. Finesse is required on all holes, even the longer ones. This is a great place to bring beginners, as poor shots are not punished severely (recovery is usually from mowed grass- there is very little "rough")

The amenities are great - it has mowed grass, and very little underbrush - really no chance to lose a disc here. The tee pads are very grippy, and the signs are excellent, and help you find your way.

Hole #21 really sticks in my head as unique and fun. You tee from an elevated position across a grassy field with an OB fence on the right. There are no obstacles until the last 100' (or so) where there is a hallway of large trees with the pin at the end. A creek is about 15-20' behind the pin. You can throw a flick to the left of the hallway of trees to sneak around or a backhand hyzer over the OB to the right (hoping the tree branches don't catch you and drop you OB). Or you can go straight down the pipe. I like holes that give you choices!

Cons:

Safety factor - somewhat dangerous - many of the holes are crammed way too close to one another, such that there are too many opportunities for players to get hit with stray shots. Holes that collide are in the zone of #8-14. The worst offender is hole #10 that goes directIy over the tee of #11 - waaaaat? I would recommend they shave a few holes to alleviate this (there are 21 now, so there's certainly room to breathe.)

As another reviewer said, the course starts with 3 uphill holes which is a bit repetitive, and not the most enjoyable way to start a round. All courses need uphill shots, but many find them to be the least fun to play.

There are 2 poke & hope holes (7 & 10) that have no really legit lines off the tee. Being 10 goes over another 10, this could really be eliminated.

Other Thoughts:

I found playing here enjoyable. I think the thing to take it to the next level would be to improve to safety factor by eliminating/changing a few holes in the middle. Less is more, in my humble opinion. Even if it means less than 18 holes.

Be aware that the tee to hole #12 is at 7:00 from pin #11. I got confused by seeing the tee for hole #13 straight ahead, which seemed obvious to be the next tee.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
roadtrip
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 28.8 years 200 played 22 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Close to the highway. Close to scenic/fun downtown Harrisonburg. Feels safe parking/walking the course solo (even with a packed car, even with hobos hanging out in the park). Great tee pads and signs on 1-18. Carpet tees on 19-21 (pretty nice carpet, pleasantly surprised). Bag hooks on the signs.

Many of the holes are dotted with moderate sized cedars. Grassy fairways (no rocks, poison ivy, snakes). Nice moderate elevation and variety of shots. With these trees you need to shape your lines under 10 feet high. That can be fun with the uphills and downhills. Mostly easy to find each tee and each basket. Beautiful mountain views.

Pretty impressive public pool on the property, playing 80s classic rock (may be a con for some). They fit as many holes as possible on this course. Very well laid out. Also - very friendly/inviting locals. And several fun ace runs.

Cons:

No benches or trash cans and no open bombs. A few 400+ but the cedar scrubs block an open bomb. Holes can be congested. 19-21 aren't well-marked. Hobos hanging out in the picnic areas (they were nice, but my mostly-good drive almost pegged them). Twice I threw at the wrong basket. May feel repetitive throwing through cedars.

Other Thoughts:

Supposedly they redesigned the course a few years ago. I'd played the old layout and avoided it on subsequent road trips. Now it's back among the tops of my I-81 courses. Harrisonburg is a cool little stop too. Plenty to occupy a family while you throw. Plenty of places for beer/food after a round. Lots of the holes are shoot-and-pray - trees without a tunnel. Sucks when you miss your line but cool that you have to pick a line when the terrain doesn't give you an obvious choice. That's an added challenge.

Highly recommended among the I-81 courses.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 2
KimBrennan
Experience: 43.5 years 161 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 17, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Paved tees (except on 20, 21). Good transition between holes. Baskets marked with the hole number (usually visible from the tee). Fairways are mostly grassy, with little underbrush. Benches or bag hangers at most holes. Community center has indoor bathrooms, water fountain, vending machine.

Update: Hole #2 now has an alternate location which is very tight. Hole #13 has an alternate location which is not as far up hill. A recent reviewer commented about carpets for the tees on #20, and #21. That was temporary for the Rocktowne Classic tournament.

Cons:

No alternate tees. No permanent alternate baskets. Outdoor bathrooms locked in winter months. No outdoor water fountains. 19 is "non-playable" if children are present (safety issue).

19, 20, 21 do not have permanent signs, pads, or benches/hangers.

Other Thoughts:

First few holes are up hill shots and give a negative first impression of the difficulty level of the course. Most holes are relatively short, through wooded fairways. Make it through the trees on your tee shot and you have a lot of birdie attempts.

The tee pads for 19 (formerly the last parking space in the lot) are now more clearly indicated on the foot path. "Short" basket location on 19 is close to the road (OB). "Long" is a nasty right dog leg.

The more I play this course the more I like it.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 4
JGraham83
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

1st time playing in VA 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 29, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful scenary on many holes. Great workout going up and down on the mountain. 1st time I have ever seen a course with 21 holes.

Cons:

Hole 19 (I think it's 19) doesn't have a pad and the signs seem to change daily showing where to throw from. I wish there was something more permanent there.

Other Thoughts:

Right next to the rec center with a nice pool, waterslides, basketball courts, and a skate park. Fun for the whole family.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
ljs48069
Experience: 11.8 years 47 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Tee Pads & Cider trees. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Fresh new tee pads make Westover much more enjoyable (no concrete pads on 19-21) . And safer!
-New tee signs/post with an overhead view of the hole with tee pad & pin location(s) with distances.
-An abundance of cedar trees provide shade year round and make for a challenge (one I appreciate). Even if you shank a drive off the tee there are still lines to the basket.
-Although there are many trees the grass is kept up and cut.
-The park also provides shelters with tables, restrooms, playgrounds, skate park, pools, and an indoor recreational center.
-The addition of 3 new holes loops the course much closer to the putting basket and provides players that like to air it out a chance to rip it.
-Most holes have an alternate pin location to give it a change up.

Cons:

-The low ceiling from the trees make it tough so be ready to keep it low.
-The park is used by the whole community so there are some holes more than other that do have other park goers on them.
-Not many trash cans on the later holes so throw trash away early (you can always carry your trash out too :)).

Other Thoughts:

Overall the course is surely one to play. There are one or two holes that you have to walk back from the pin to get to like hole #2 pad is along the fence line to the right of #1 - #6 is back to the right from #5 (I think the other flow easy enough to find). The course club is also growing and always welcomes new faces.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
FredVegasDGC
Experience: 37.8 years 92 played 11 reviews
4.00 star(s)

New & Improved 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 17, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is in a nice community park. Large patio area & picnic tables are near the course. Park benches are very near all through the front 12 or so.

One thing about this course is keep it low. It is an unusual challenge for players used to open courses. It can be a little tight and an errant disc may come close but I don't see it as a problem. Great elevation changes (#1 & #2 are uphill and a good workout) The flow of the course is ok, I had no problem finding the next tee. Concrete tee pads are in good shape.

Since my last time here the local club have added new tee signs with bag holders. Also there are 3 new holes that are in the open part of the park that the guys with big arms are going to enjoy.

Cons:

Not many cons for me. I have the feeling that some players won't like the low ceiling of the front 9 and the heavily wooded nature of most of the course. But is't a unique challenge.

Other Thoughts:

I like this course. I even had a few birdie opportunities. If you are a control player you will like this course.

The addition of 19, 20 & 21 were created for the guys that like to air it out.

If you haven't played here in a while it would be a fun day to stop by and play it again.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 2
Edgar Allan Bro
Experience: 15.8 years 10 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Mixed Feelings 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 3, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

First thing that I enjoyed about this course is the nice grass and park feel. There are no bushes, no brush, and no thorns. It's all trees that have no limbs below ~6 1/2 feet.

There is a practice basket at the entrance of the park, very close to the first tee pad. There is also a bulletin board that has a giant map of the course, score cards, and flyers about events and such.

The tees are concrete and level.

There are pavilions all around the course that have benches incase you get tired.

There are uphill, downhill, and flat holes, 90% of which have low ceilings (~10 feet or less) which requires power, precision, and control.

There is a shopping center near by (less than half a mile) that you can purchase drinks at if you forgot to bring them.

Cons:

The bulletin board had score cards, but it did not have pencils or pens.

It is easy to get confused on the course because it is so cramped (I'll get to that) so print a map. It will come in handy...

A few holes (I think it was 14-17) have very wet mud and puddles from rain that happened a week ago. This is the type of mud you step in and slip/slide, not the type that makes you feel "stuck."

There are many playgrounds and pavilions scattered throughout the park. Children are running around and parents aren't always watching. Don't be surprised if someone is between you and the hole...

Joggers/walkers are in the way. One guy single handedly made us wait for a total accrued time of about 10 minutes. He tried to jog past the holes we were on, he was actually quite respectful, but he was always in the way because of the next course flaw..

The holes play over on themselves worse then I have ever seen. My brother and I were caught between one guy who was ahead of us (he was two holes ahead and still in danger of getting hit/our disc getting in his way) and a group behind us. The course is far too cramped to enjoy on a busy evening, I'm sure... This was almost a problem on a Monday evening.

The signage is also a con because it lists the distance and Hole number. There is no par, no overhead view/idea of where you are going, nothing.

Some people may not like the noise of the park. There is a skate park and water slide/pool area directly beside some of the latter holes. There is a fence separating the course from the pool, but with how windy it was, my disc almost got taken over the fence.

UPDATE: I added .5 back and deleted my bad experiences with a group of locals. Every course has their bad batch after much thought, I cannot take away from the course as a whole because of one event.

Other Thoughts:

If you can throw powerfully and straight, uphill with a low ceiling this is a birdie run waiting to happen. Many holes are ace runs, actually. If you cannot get the balance between low, accurate, and powerful, this course might get a little irritating. I won't say frustrating because no matter what you do you are never in any real trouble, there is always at least one line to get you to the hole, and with the majority of the holes being 200-350 you aren't very far off usually.

All in all if you take away the social aspect of the park this is a 3.5 course. But adding in the almost inevitable joggers and children coupled with poor signage and it should be a 3.

On a side note, they were putting in 3 more holes (one of which cannot be played if there are children on the church playground right beside the hole -- there is a sign that says this).
These three holes are almost wide open and look nice, but one of them (20) finishes with the basket ~5 feet from the road and the tee is beside the basket throwing almost directly to the tee pad before (more of the course playing on top of itself).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 4
Henryjaydunn
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Trees 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 20, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Great tee pads
-challenging lines
-clean park
-very hard to lose a disc

Cons:

-Few open drives
-park goers can get in the way

Other Thoughts:

-Up and down hill shots
-signs at the holes coming soon
-This course will make you hate trees
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top