Cincinnati, OH

Winton Woods

2.625(based on 51 reviews)
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7 0
Luckj
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 6.2 years 65 played 50 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Classic Course - Great for Young Players 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 8, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very easy to navigate
Rough isn't too thick
Bathrooms on site
Quick to play through
One of the oldest courses in Ohio

Cons:

Teepads are a wreck
Baskets are old Mach 1s I believe
Can get very crowded
Pars were designed for 1980s disc golf

Other Thoughts:

Play the whole course par 3, go early when it isn't crowded and enjoy a Steady Ed course that still has a lot of charm. The whole thing can be completed solo in 40 minutes pretty easily.
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11 0
jjtwinnova
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 8.7 years 246 played 97 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Does this make me Paul McBeth? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Winton Woods is as classic as it gets. Almost 40 years old, this course has seen plenty of rounds, plenty of aces, and plenty of fun!

Playing solo, I got through this course in a half hour, and I was taking my time. The baskets are almost right next to the next tee, and all the holes play as a putter or midrange shot with the exception of two holes.

The fairways were all well maintained, and the chances of losing a disc on this course are slim to none, as you are barely ever throwing to a blind basket. This makes it really easy to get through as a solo player, as well as any novice player looking to try the game out for the first time.

There is a good variety of short shots, with lefty and righty hyzers needed, as well as the ever so popular straight shot. I threw a lot more discs from my bag than I originally expected.

Cons:

Winton Woods is one of the most fun courses you can play, because every hole is ace-able. But that doesn't make it a great course.

The holes don't have real tee signs, but they aren't really needed. The asphalt tees are less than stellar, and the baskets aren't in the best shape. The asphalt ring around the base of the baskets ate up my putters when I missed a putt/parked a drive. (Mostly missed putts)

Holes play close together, and this course gets crowded with casual players. Safety can be an issue, and if there are a lot of players on the course, you will be waiting on every tee.

A good variety of short shots are still short shots. While I threw more discs than I thought I would, that was about 5 opposed to 3. Lots of straight shots that need to hit a semi-small gap through the trees.

Other Thoughts:

Winton Woods is a lot of fun, but falls short of the epic courses that have sprung up in the past 20 years. That doesn't make it not worth a play, just not one to make the best courses in the world list.

According to Udisc, this course is a Par 71. I'm pretty proud of my -28 score of 43. While I know this is more along the lines of a soft -11, I felt like a real pro seeing all the blue on my scorecard. Thanks, UDisc!
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7 1
njgrosser
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.8 years 46 played 36 reviews
2.00 star(s)

#tbt 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is GREAT for beginners and for players looking to better their short game. Only two holes play longer than 200' (and they only play about 310'), so you won't really need more than a midrange here. Every hole has a well-defined fairway that shapes your shot for you, and every hole is an opportunity for a confidence-boosting 2 or a really-confidence-boosting ace.

It plays quickly. A single player can easily play this course in 30 minutes, if not quicker. It is also broken up into two distinct loops of nine holes, so it is easy to start on either 1 or 10. Because it is so short, it isn't unheard of to play 36 holes (or even more).

The course reeks of nostalgia. Not really sure if this is a pro or not, but I think it's worth noting considering how old it is.

Cons:

This course definitely shows its age. The teepads are barely there anymore, but thankfully you don't really need them. The pins are built into concrete pads that form a 10' circle around the pin, eating up discs that hit them. The rough on the sides is THICK, so do your best to not find your way into it. It can get crowded after work or on weekends, so if you don't play quickly you will hold up a lot of folks.

Most importantly, it is just too short and easy for most people. This course is from the era when regular frisbees were used in this game, so the pars are extremely antiquated (the listed course par is 71 when in reality, most experienced players should be getting 2s on almost every hole).

Other Thoughts:

I like this course and respect it for being the "old man in the room" when it comes to Cincinnati Disc Golf. It is a great course for young kids to develop a love for the game. It was great for me when I worked in the area, so I could duck out after work and play a quick round while rush-hour traffic was dissipating. However, outside of that, there isn't much of a reason to drive to this course with so many other outstanding courses in the Greater Cincinnati Area. I always encourage playing a course once, and I do the same here, but I would not recommend it if someone were visiting the city and only had time for one round.
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7 3
Bagger Vance
Experience: 38.9 years 23 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Drivin's for Show, and Puttin's is for Dough 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 15, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Perfect ace race course for pros with pins ranging from 90' to up around 300.
A nice wooded area.
Great trick shot course to use discs in a different manner than you normally might. (ie: Driving with putters, or short dog legs with overstables)
Can run through a round in 30-40 minutes allowing for multiple rounds.
A variety of trick shots.
Great for fine tuning your putting.
Can also be used to teach new and young players how air it out.

Cons:

Scout troops or families with kids throwing frisbees is not uncommon, especially on the weekends.
A little disappointing they removed so many trees a few years back, as the difficulty of learning this course and the challenge to throw a perfect -18 is what was so great about it.

Other Thoughts:

Most underrated course in Cincinnati.
I always tell players who mistake this course as too easy for its short distance, to come prove it, (playing all par 3's) "come show up and throw a -7" ...they all laugh and say they will throw an -18, and i say, "i didn't ask for an -18, i asked for a -7" ...and they all end up even or over par, digging their discs out of the woods.
Its a trick shot course you have to get to know and you will love.
Getting a group of players together that know the layout and know their bag, the course is super fun and becomes a game of who can keep up by duecing every hole versus whos falling behind.
"Drivin's for Show, and Puttin's is for Dough"
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6 0
NewOrange
Experience: 54 years 4 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

1970's Style Frisbee Golf Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 12, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Decent Baskets, Flat/Easy to Walk, Easy navigation. Takes less than an hour to play 18 holes.

Cons:

Very short/average distance per hole about 200 ft. Some tees too close/near previous baskets, a bit dangerous. Very little ground cover, just bare soil (often muddy) and gravel which can scratch spinning discs. Also, there is a 10 foot diameter blacktop ring around the base of each basket, which yields large skips on up shots.

Other Thoughts:

Ed Hedrick designed this course when discs were large, slow flying frisbees. In the late 70's/early 80's the course had MANY more trees to shoot around, some in the middle of the existing fairways. There were less straight shots which currently exist. Modern discs should not be used on this course, rather, Wham-o frisbees should be thrown, perhaps just one or two per player. Ed would have liked players to experience "old-school" "frisbee golf".
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7 0
onthemile
Experience: 13.8 years 122 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Hone your upshots on a historic course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 22, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

+ Accessible. Whether you've been playing disc golf for a few days or a few decades, you'll appreciate the hassle free nature of Winton. Mostly flat, minimal thorns, and only a few chances for a lost disc.
+ Quick. While some courses in the area ask you to set aside 2-3 hours for one round, you can probably play 5 laps at Winton in that amount of time.
+ Historic. Winton is Steady Ed original and one of the oldest courses in Ohio. Play the course just once and you can really gain an appreciation for the how far the sport has come.
+ Fun! I think of this course the way a pro golfer might think of a casual putt-putt outing. No windmills though. I always leave Winton thinking I'm much better than I really am.

Cons:

- Simple. I would never go so far to say this course is boring, but you may want to pass if you are looking for a serious challenge.
- Crowded. Some days are better than others. Stop by on a summer evening and you'll stand in line on every hole.
- Muddy. Always. The course gets so much traffic that some of the fairways are just one long drainage ditch. Bring an extra towel and watch your step.
- Repetitive. There's 8 or 9 holes here that play the same. The design does a good job spreading these out and punctuating them with more unique lines.
- Tattered. Some tees are nearly washed away and the baskets need some TLC. Buy an annual pass if you get the chance and know that your money might eventually go toward some much needed improvements.

Other Thoughts:

As others have advised, don't skip a chance to play Winton Woods just because you've heard how basic it is. If you give it a chance, I promise you'll be back for more.

Be advised that the course is very much geared to casual and first-time players. In the two years I've been playing here I've seen middle school gym classes, church youth groups, large families, etc out on the course. Do your best to show these future pros that disc golfers are patient, friendly, and respectful.
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5 0
BillyBoy
Experience: 10.2 years 682 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Billy Boys Review 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 1, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A great course for beginners to learn on, and for experienced players to practice on. This original Steady Ed design helps new players learn different types of throws and lets them focus on accuracy more than power. For the advanced player; think of it as a great practice course. Each hole has multiple approaches, can be easily birdied and even aced, but if you miss the ace you may trade your birdie for a par or worse. Think of it as a nice technical course without having to bother with drives. Play a day here and your short game will improve for sure.
This is a busy course so plan on meeting new people of all levels of play, yet, amazingly, you can finish a round in 20 - 40 minutes. The course flows very easily so you don't need to worry about finding your way. There is plenty of safe parking, bathrooms, and water at #1, #9, & #18. There is a practice field for drives next to the parking lot, but there is no practice basket for putting. The basket for #9, however, serves well for putting practice if the course is not too busy. The flora and fauna is as beautiful and divers as any course in the region, If you are there first thing in the morning, you may even see herds of wild turkey.

Cons:

The Tee pads are pretty broken up in places and the signage has long since worn to unreadable, though you really don't need the signage to play. The baskets are old and broken in places, but somebody does make repairs as needed from time to time. The baskets are set in asphalt circles that can damage you discs, so plan on some wear. There are some pretty nasty thorns around so be careful if you end up in the rough. Not much poison ivy or poison oak to worry about, but it is there. While this course does play fast and easy, allowing you to play many rounds in a day, the tee pads are often right next to the previous basket. So, if you are playing on a pretty weekend afternoon, plan on spending some time waiting on other players.

Other Thoughts:

There is a $3 per day parking fee ($10 per year).

For the beginner:
This is the place to start! Don't be shy about asking for pointers from the more advanced players, either. Most people here are happy to help.

For the advanced players:
Don't turn your nose up at this course right off. Play a few rounds. I'm sure you'll find it far more enjoyable than you had expected at first glance.

For everybody:
If you have some time, explore the rest of the park. Winton Woods is huge and has a lot to offer.

It should be noted that many trees had to be removed over the last couple years leaving the course more open than before, and many of the pictures out dated.
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3 1
ERKelated
Experience: 8.9 years 10 played 2 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Meh 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Short. Flat.

Cons:

Tees are in horrible condition. Holes are surrounded by concrete and gravel. Fairly easy to lose a disc in the brush.

Other Thoughts:

An odd course to play. The holes are all fairly short and there aren't any hills so you would think its a decent course for new players, but the trees and brush make it easy to lose/damage a disc.
My main gripe is the concrete around the targets. If you don't sink your put you are going to scuff up your disc.
I do not recommend playing this course with your good discs.
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3 0
DGDanG
Experience: 25.6 years 28 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Learned to Play Here 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Technical holes that require finesse and well thought out approaches.
- Short course, able to be played in under a half hour walking.
Holes 1, 9, 10, and 18 all converge at the center of the course by the restrooms, making a start on either the front or the back easy.

Cons:

- No holes over 300 ft.

Other Thoughts:

This course is where I first learned to play disc golf. I was horrible, even here, going over course par with disc golf discs... but now, 14 years later, it is still one of my favorite courses to play, if for nothing other than nostalgia. This is, I believe, the oldest course in Cincinnati, if not all of Ohio, and is an original Steady Ed design. I'd heard that this was originally a 9-hole course, but I have always known it to be the 18 short holes that it is now.
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8 0
mrclc
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.6 years 733 played 46 reviews
2.50 star(s)

A Slice of History 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 9, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Winton Woods is a quaint, throwback course northwest of Cincinnati that serves as a little time capsule of the early days of our game. An original Steady Ed design, the history alone makes for an enjoyable round. It helps that most holes--while considerably dated in their design--have an elegance to their simplicity. Every hole is an ace run and birdies are never out of reach, which is enough to entertain for a round or two.

The course attracts a varied cross-section of people, making it feel more like an open activity area than a disc golf course. During my rounds, I saw families playing with children, younger teens playing with dollar frisbees, casual players holding one or two discs, and serious players with full bags. Personally, I enjoy the fact that Winton seems to provide an inclusive disc golf experience in line with the spirit of the game.

Asphalt tee pads are small but functional, and you won't require much of a run up anyway.

Navigation is no problem when the course layout is a logical, ball-golf style figure 8 comprised of two 9 hole loops.

Cons:

Safety can be a major concern here, as most teepads are painfully close to the previous basket. If there's no one behind you, it might be wise (and courteous) to wait for the next tee to clear before throwing your own tee shot.

The course can get very crowded due to its popularity and the popularity of the park as a whole. Be prepared to wait more often than not.

Skill levels beyond rec likely won't find much challenge or intrigue here. She's a beginner and rec course through and through.

Strange asphalt circles at the base of the baskets can eat up non-premium plastic. Not sure about the purpose there.

Tee signs list only hole number and old, outdated pars. Play it as a par 54 and you're still likely to have an exceptionally low round.

Other Thoughts:

Like all parks in the Great Parks system of greater Cincinnati, a pass is required ($3/day, $10/year). Some might see this as a con, but the fee is minimal and the resultant benefits shine through in the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities.

The casual atmosphere and limited challenge make Winton the ideal place to introduce spouses, children, and other newbies to the sport of disc golf. Go show someone who's never played what all the fuss is about!
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5 0
esc1
Experience: 10.7 years 26 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice Little Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 24, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

+ Quick play through with a nice flow
+ Beginning, middle, and ending at the same place
+ Woods that are not too thick
+ Plenty of parking right next to the course
+ Lots of ace potential

Cons:

- Lot of baskets too close to the next tee
- Tee pads are also showing some age but not too slick
- Cement surrounded baskets
- No distances indicated
- Pretty busy

Other Thoughts:

There are no waste baskets, but since there is a restroom at the middle point I feel this does not matter. The course is very clean. I had fun here and can't wait to play it again in the fall. The 12th hole is a beaut and certainly my favorite. Won't need a big driver here, just some finesse. Definitely a good course for anyone starting out.
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3 0
trumbulldore
Experience: 20.1 years 21 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Winton Woods DGC 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 14, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Quick Rounds
- Good short game practice
- Great for Beginners

Cons:

- Course needs update/remodel
- Can get crowded

Other Thoughts:

This course has it's downfalls. It is not in its best shape, it definitely needs to be fixed and updated. Fact of the matter is that this course is a great learning course. Want a harder course? look at the course map and go to one. This course is best used for working on Fairway - Putting, you will not be driving unless you're new to disc golf. Go play this course. It's a classic and great practice for the most underrated part of disc golf, short game
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7 0
Eric troll Biscuits
Experience: 35.7 years 31 played 28 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Troll's Review 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 3, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Its one of Ohio oldest, so you can see what old school disc was like, back when people called it Frisbee Golf, before had we even had "disc" or fancy plastic

Its a family course, short and easy, stroller friendly, A great way to introduce the sport to, new, and younger players.

Its only takes about 40 minutes at most to play 18, good for lunch games

Cons:

Its a county park, so it can get crowded
Rangers are aware of what disc golfers may carry, hide your beer! Have a park pass...

Its more of a rocky, concrete fairway, so its hard on pro and dx, plastics

Other Thoughts:

This is where I lost my Disc virginity, I hit my first tree, and ace here, as well as to drive 300 ft. learned my hyzers and anys ... So be careful when challenging me at winton.

I do make certain trees mandatory to give a little challenge

Also its a great course try switching style, go forehand all day,(if ur rhbh)

Good for a putter only challange
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5 0
pmorgan1214
Experience: 12.8 years 46 played 13 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Winton Woods 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Ok so time do Winton Woods. This course is for beginners. People looking to just have fun and get outside. For serious disc golfers, we just come here to try to get an ace. 2 holes are over 275 feet.
Good things about this course is if you are looking to get your first ace or hole in one this is the course. The baskets are nice 24-28 chains and catch the disc very well. So if you hit the chains good chance for the ace. I do bring all of my discs here and try for the ace. If you are older the course is not very large and is not hilly. But honestly if you are serious disc golfer you are going to be disc golfing at monroe, idlewild, banklick, osage disc golf courses.

Cons:

There are a few cons to this course. First the tee pads are very rough and have cracks. Around all of the baskets are concrete and gravel. if you throw too hard then you will have your disc skip 20 feet passed the hole.

Other Thoughts:

Not a bad course for beginners. I love going to this course just to ace or work on midrance. If you get a new disc and need to see what it does without any risk of losing it this is that course. Other than that not much hear other than acing or if your a beginner trying to learn this awsome sport. By the way it does cost money to get in sometimes if they have someone there. It is 3 dollars per day and 10 dollars for the year to get to all hamilton county parks. I also have not night disc golfed this course but that would be fun and i think exhilirating. Enjoy this course if you go to it.
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8 0
sgamerp
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16 years 99 played 73 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Great for what it is. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Cement Pads - (See also Cons)
- Baskets - Nice baskets
- Perfect pitch and put course with a little bit of challenge
-Cleaned up - This place is in very good condition. Looks like it's mowed fairly regular although I only played two rounds on the same day.

Cons:

Pads- Aren't pointing towards the baskets which makes it a little hard to tell sometimes where to go.

-Cement Under Baskets - Not on every hole but a few holes have it which can take a toll on some discs.

-Teesigns - They have something that tells the number but not the distances or placement

Distance - A few too many holes under 150 and none over 300

Glow Golf - They only run tourneys/events for this. We camped thinking that we could play glow because we camped which is not part of it. We didn't beg at the front but we called and asked to rent it and they said no.

Other Thoughts:

For what this place is it's top of the line. If it had some good tee signs and the tees were pointing at the baskets I may rate it as a 3.5.

DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A TOUGH COURSE. This place is perfect to make you feel good about yourself after a nice long day at Idlewild.

We went with a group of 8 guys and played 2 rounds in 2 hours. First round half of us finished and the second round we did only ace race rules.

This is the perfect Starter course, that will make a good rec player have a run at every hole as an ace. I played with a zone, ion and a Roc3 and had almost every shot needed for this place.
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1 1
preludedrew
Experience: 16.8 years 82 played 43 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Finish in an Hour 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 10, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

A creative and well balanced practice course. Tough enough to work on your game, but easy enough for beginners.

Cons:

Very short holes. The longest hole is maybe 290 ft.

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this 18 hole wood course, its easy to navigate, reminded me of a shorter, easier Huston Woods. Many Ace worthy holes here too.
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3 8
Chainchaser
Experience: 15.6 years 41 played 14 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Beginner course only 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 25, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Played one time and really not worth the effort!!

Cons:

Could not list them all because it was just a bad experience. Others say it is a nice course so maybe I will give you that but with the land available why not spread it out a bit!!

Other Thoughts:

Watch out for high speed discs coming from the tee behind you. Almost hit us as chuckers throw nukes at 150FT Holes!!
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1 3
robertpaulschehr
Experience: 23.6 years 5 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 17, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is an easy course but always fun, It is simple to follow the holes since the paths are just for the disc golf. You can play 18 in under an hour with a group.

Cons:

The disc catcher location plate at tee have been covered by sign for hole number. Often have to wait to play winton woods is popular. A good number of trees were cleared making the course easier.

Other Thoughts:

Great place to start playing
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12 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 397 played 383 reviews
2.50 star(s)

How Lo Can You Go? 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 21, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Casual and Rec players will really enjoy this relatively short 18 hole course tucked into a large wooded county park on the north side of Cincinnati.
Competitive Rec players shoot under 50 on this course, which can definitely be an ego boost. Higher level players definitely consider this one a 'pitch and putt', or play the whole way for aces (only two holes are longer than 240', and none reach 300').
There is an annual New Years' Day Tournament held here.
Asphalt tees and adequate baskets loop for a front and back nine of tree-lined fairways with definite right, straight, and left-hand bends (in that order of prevalence).
This course doesn't really have a 'signature hole', though the tiny (90') ace run #11 tucked just behind a pair of trees (aimed right at the 12th tee!) is 'memorable'

Cons:

Aside from the shelter across the driveway from #4 basket and a couple of nearby fields, this section of the park has limited amenities for non-players.
The fairways can get really muddy in rainy season, and the old asphalt can get slick.

Other Thoughts:

Hamilton county park passes are $3/day, but only $10/year with coupons and access to all the parks, including several area DG courses.
As with other county park courses, the easiness of this course adds to the casual player popularity (and thence crowdedness).

Edit 30 months later: The Winton course has seen a lot of loss of its Woods in the past couple of years. Meaning that in just that short of a time, holes 2, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 & 17 have completely opened up new lanes, and more holes are wider and more accessible. So Open players who formerly shot for scores around 40 have lately set course records at 36. One top pro actually had rounds of 37 & 37 in a tourney, and I think he had to settle for 2nd!. I'm just saying, Winton is even MORE of a casual course than in the past, and you might want to take that into consideration of you're looking for more of a challenge or more of an ace-deuce fest.
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1 2
morgantobin
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Pleasant Stroll 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 11, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Course can be played in about a half hour for a small group.
Not a lot of trees/obstacles on the fairway.

Cons:

Course is very muddy when it rains.
Tees and signs are in need of updating.

Other Thoughts:

Course grounds are fairly well maintained and track is easy to follow.
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