Columbia, SC

Owens Field Park

2.985(based on 25 reviews)
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9 0
Bennybennybenny
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 305 played 287 reviews
3.00 star(s)

I'll Give It A 3

Reviewed: Played on:May 20, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Owens isn't my style of golf. But it's kept up well, has nice signs and pads, and I found some of the holes to be quite interesting.

-#2 is my favorite hole. You throw into a wooded tunnel guarded by mature trees. #5 is a neat par four starting off in the open and cutting hard to the left up the hill. The tee shot starts off beside the gravel road on the right side, and there's a mando pointing left, so you have to throw straight instead of trying to reach the landing zone on a wide hyzer.

-#7 offers a hanging basket. #14 in the par four position is elevated on a cylinder shaped concrete stand. Few other greens tucked into the woods that influence the shape of the ideal shot.

-Nice concrete pads, nice tee signs, baskets catch well too.

-Multiple pin positions on most of the holes and alternate pads in case of fairways that might be too close in proximity (see cons below).

-Good variety of challenge. #6 is a well designed pro par three. Slightly uphill in the woods straight ahead. The fairway gently slopes downward on the right side. It's wooded, but the fairway is more than 30' wide. #13 reminded me of #5 at WR Jackson. Not quite as great but still is a nice pro par three. Very tight, almost as tight as it gets at Owens. Many holes are around the 300' range and give multiple options on how to tame them. The tightest hole however, was only 205' from the long and 160' from the short. That is #20. Fairway is no more than 15' wide the whole way. Throw your straightest putter or mid. Very rewarding hole and was definitely one of the highlights.

-There's an orchard on the first hole. Sounds like it's there for special events.

Cons:

-It's not my cup of tea. Personally don't find it fun, aside from some of the holes on the front nine. It's quite flat aside from a few holes with minor elevation change. You'll find some serious elevation in Columbia if you play CIU DGC or Earlewood. Owens does not have that appeal. It felt quite insipid once I got to #11. After #16 the blandness stops, but not for good reason.

-#17 is awful. It's a putrid sharp dogleg left. No problem right? Just throw a big skip shot? Nope. Full of logs and other debris all over the fairway. Roller? Nope. Won't do either. The woods are dense on this hole. It's incredibly bad. Luckily, #18 is interesting enough. But #19, nope. Just a bland open shot across an old field. I liked #20 a lot. Not sure how I felt about #21. It's a dogleg around a ball field.

-Serious issue with #8's green and #9's long pad. #8's green is directly in #9's fairway. The basket for #8 is about 40' straight ahead of #9's long pad. The alternate pads can back up for it in some ways but honestly, I think #8's long pin is unnecessary. Neither of the holes are particular fun for me either.

-There's a long walk across the field and road to get to #17. #18 was a little bit tough for me to find. It's adjacent to hole #2. Just walk toward the fence that you'll see once you cross #2's fairway. You'll then see #18. It's shorter hole by the fence.

Other Thoughts:

-I usually rate courses based on how I feel. That wouldn't be fair for Owens. It's clear that the locals really care about it and do what they can to keep it in good shape. The fairways make sense and are well polished. Some of the greens are very interesting. It's just not my style of disc golf, but I can say for certainty that it is a well designed course and great for what it is for. If you prefer elevation and holes with appearances that are a little more distinctive, then this course might not be for you. It's worth checking out still. If you are like me and love elevation, there's a pretty solid chance that you'll will forget that you are in Columbia. It feels like the South Carolina coast. It's funny how Columbia's terrain changes.

-Of the Columbia courses, I'd say Owens is the most traditional along with Crooked Creek. Earlewood is the oldest course in the area, but it has quick elevation and different style par threes that require a variety of throws and with very distinctive appearances. Southeast is longer, mostly wooded with several trees probably hundreds of years old, and consisting of a few open bombs that come unexpectedly. The new CIU is easily the most "out there" with its serious elevation change, water hazards, par fives, and basket positions near ravines, rocks, and drop offs.
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12 0
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 318 played 306 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Hodgepodge Equipment but Convincing Design

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 15, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

A mostly-wooded track with challenging holes and a bit of quirk.

-Amenities: A mix of tees, often multiple pin positions, DISCatchers, tee signs with all info except current pin position. Good paths between holes for navigation. Occasional taped spokes and Nex-T signs. Other than tee signs, no element is 100% consistent, but they're mostly all decent throughout.

-Woods Balance: A good mix of woods of varying thicknesses and open holes. The exact tightness of shots really stays fresh throughout the round. The ability of Owens Field to take you on a changing journey through the 18 holes is reminiscent of Excellent courses.

-Multi-Tees/Pins: Lots of holes have alternate pin placements and/or short tees, which provides good variety.

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: Predominantly wooded with a lot of slightly quirky but really fun holes. Low ceilings throughout force really committed shots, as do the wooded fairways. Fairways have routes, but to run them smoothly you'll have to come up with a creative throw (think of manipulating angles on over- and understable discs). A handful of par-4 holes are on the shorter end but not necessarily gimmes. There are some easier twos but quite a few full sends in the woods. On the whole, I found it to be full of both birdie and bogey chances, favoring fully committed shots of your choice.

Cons:

-Mid-Fairway Entrances: A number of the paths between holes dump you a few dozen feet down the next fairway. It would be good to keep your eyes active at these moments.

-Long Transitions: Mostly in traveling across the field from (7)-(8) and (16)-(17), but also (14)-(15). UDisc will help for these long walks. The rest of the course navigates quite well.

-Construction and Inaccessible Holes: I gave up on the course after (17). The route to the remaining holes was blocked by a new fence separating the ballfields from the rest of the park. I think there's a long way around, but it wasn't worth it for four holes.

-Tees: Some turf tees are uneven, and others are rubber matting that doesn't offer the best grip. There doesn't seem to be any predictability to the series of rubber, turf, and concrete.

Other Thoughts:

Admittedly, my experience so far with Harold Duvall courses is not as much as many people. However, in my limited experience, this feels like it has his fingerprints all over it for fun, challenging, and slightly unorthodox shapes. It feels like the same style of golf as the Winthrop Gold course, but intermediate level and wooded. (On the other hand, I don't know if this current version of the course is really his design or someone else's, so I could be wildly off-base.)

There are some clear issues laid out above, but the fundamental character of the course is really enjoyable. To me, it earns a Very Good.

~Similar Courses: Tyus Park (Griffin, GA); a hybrid between Crooked Creek Park (Chapin, SC) and WilCo (Leander, TX); tinges of a longer Rosewood-Dekalb (Redan, GA).
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12 0
Jaysauls
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.7 years 129 played 71 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Ugly Duckling to almost a Swan 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 24, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I've been playing this course for 10 years and for most of the previous 9 I would have rather played a sand-spur laden course barefoot than play Owens. During this time the course had some of the ugliest holes on the planet. The loose-sand tee pads and tight claustrophobic, unsightly holes was just not my cup of tea. But now, a decade later and a ton of work has turned this quite ugly duckling into something more palatable. Maybe not a swan, but it's getting there.

By the replacement of hole #18 & #2 (ugly enough to be featured in a Saw Movie) this began a needed healing process. #2 is now an attractive fairway, and #18 has been bulldozed (yah!) and positioned elsewhere.

The fairways have been nudged wider (locals will barely let you remove a limb) and some holes slightly tweaked. With the additional of real tee pads (some concrete, some...not sure what they are) the slipping/sliding when you plant is a thing of the past; the tees a thing of relative beauty.

But not all was non-appetizing with Owen's in the early years. There are dual tees on most holes. The Long (or Black tees) is very challenging. The Short (or Red tees) is a birdie fest. I always found the back 8 (there's a soccer field that splits the course) were more open and forgiving, while the front 10 much more tight and demanding. And with the additional of solid tees the course has gone from a 'I'd rather listen to politicians babble than go play Owen's' to, 'Y'know, this place is alright. Doubt it will ever be 4-stars, but definitely a solid 3.5

#1 - if not familiar with the course, can be a devil to find. You'd think it would be obvious, but it's tucked back in a corner away from the skate bark and all places you would see.

The navigation - for a while - is straight forward.

#2 is a really pretty anyhyzer/forehand tunnel shot

#3 is a stupid tight, pitch your putter up to the short tee and reset. Not a fan at all from the long.

#4 is super tight,narrow ace-run shot. But hit anything and you're fighting for par
#5 a par-4 placement shot. throw 300', land a the base of the hill, then pick a narrow line to the basket.

#6-7 are just continuations of the same narrowing fairway, with #7 being a cool hanging basket on a tiiiiightening 5' wide fairway

#8 is a wicked tough 3 that I totally dig. Throw a tough s-turn shot to line up for a run at the basket

#9 is rather pedestrian. Throw over a small ridge to a basket either right, left or long center. The ridge is like the one on #2 which I wish they would flatten. doesn't affect the flight, just gets in your head.

#10 is the first GRIP AND RIP, easy par 4, tough 3

#11 just a loooong flat anyhyzer shot

#12 straight out from the longs, From the short tee is a cool long, high anyhzer shot

#13 will test you...350' straaaaaight tunnel shot Go for broke and it can eat you

#14 is another great grip and rip. After your drive have to finesse your shot to the basket either hidden right or left

#15 currently a boring flat hzyer shot. When they remove mount Vesuvius off the old fairway, it will be better.

#16 has been cleaned up a ton, but still just another long, flat hyzer shot to the basket

#17 a much shorter version of #13. Simple toss for birdie

#18 kind of a filler hole. Just throw 300' to a basket straight out on a ridge. Either long slow fade, or slight anhyzer over a ball field

Cons:

Navigation from #7 to #8 and #16 to #17 can be confusing. Finding #18, if you've never been there, you'll spend an hour walking and trying to find it. (hole is to the right and around the ball field.

You will also have to be on constant lookout for walkers, bike riders, soccer players etc. They will act like you are in THEIR way at times

Other Thoughts:

Course is so much better than it ever has been. There are die-hard Owen's fans that will say it has always been great! With all the small issues it has going on, will probably never be rated excellent, but it is now pretty dang good.
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4 1
MadGame32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.2 years 69 played 69 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Tight Lines 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 3, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Goals in great shape
-Tee boxes were fine
-Navigation tricky at times
-Needed phone to find first tee
-Bathroom near first tee.

Cons:

-Park felt kind of shady. Probably due to the heat, but it was mostly empty.
-At least 3 holes are super tight. (Con for me, but some may like that sort of thing.)
-Gamecock country (big thumbs down) Go Tigers!

Other Thoughts:

I pre-played this course to have an idea of what I was walking into for the "Oh Yeah" tourney coming up in a couple weeks. I joined up with a couple of locals with very good forehands. They showed me the course as we played from the black tees.

Based on rating, this is a middle-of-the-pack course for me. The only wow factor I took away was how tight some of the holes are. (3, 8, and 13 specifically)

I was also impressed by the new "hard sand" tee boxes. I only got to play on one, but they felt awesome. If they hold up, they could be a great option for future courses.

There was really only two holes where I could rip a drive, and that is my favorite thing to do. On a positive note, this would make a great course to practice hitting tight lines.

7/22/2020 Update:
Out of the 65 courses I have reviewed, this is where this course ranks along with similarly rated courses:
Rank-Course, Location
26-Boyd Pond Park, Beech Island, SC
27-Golden Grove Farm & Brew DGC, Piedmont, SC
28-Riverview Park, North Augusta, SC
29-Granbury City DGC, Granbury, TX
30-Owens Field Park, Columbia, SC
31-Hampton Park Baptist Church DGC, Greenville, SC
32-Pecan Grove West, Sherman TX
33-Weatherford DGC, Weatherford, TX
34-Timmons Park, Greenville, SC
35-Crooked Creek Park, Chapin, SC
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7 0
theDud3Abid3s
Experience: 8.7 years 9 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Diamond in the rough, challenging but fair 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 4, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

• Variety of fairways that encourage different throw styles
• Nice selection of open and tight fairways (though definitely leans towards tighter fairways overall)
• Short and Long tee pads offer flexibility in hole difficulty to make the course more welcoming for first-timers/beginners
• Nice mix of short and long holes
• Some very pretty holes and overall a pretty park with Williams-Brice Stadium Looming in the background

Cons:

• Navigation. First timers will have trouble navigating the course
• Dirt Tee Pads. Most are level and clean but it's still a detractor, especially in inclement weather
• Some holes have a standing water problem after hard rain
• Trash: It's a heavily trafficked, urban park, and some holes seem to be magnets for people to drop trash. It's not awful but it's definitely notable on a few holes.
• Some fairways need TLC to help make upshots more manageable when recovering from a bad tee shot

Other Thoughts:

• A challenging, yet fair and rewarding course.
• It's a Gem to have in downtown Columbia and a nice compliment to Southeast and Earlewood
• If you want to improve your game this course will force you to play smarter and develop additional throw styles
• Despite the cons, it's definitely a course I'd recommend and some TLC would make the course that much nicer.
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6 1
S.Cann
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.9 years 156 played 82 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Best in Cola 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

-This course has a good bit of difficulty to it with tight fairways coupled with longer throws. You need a variety of shots and good execution in order to score well.
-Multiple pin positions on most holes adding variety for locals who play it often. There are also short and long tees on every hole making it a more versatile course and a little more inviting to newer players.
-You really feel isolated out on this course. Just you and challenging disc golf.

Cons:

-Owens Field Park is rough around the edges. It lies in a low-lying area which is flooded after a good rain. The tee pads are gravel and dirt which are severely eroded. This course could really be upgraded just by adding concrete tees.
-I had a guide with me while I played who knew the course, but I could definitely see some areas where it would be easy to get turned around. I would suggest a map or guide when playing the course. The course also doesn't loop around all that great and has several weird/long transitions between holes.

Other Thoughts:

I was surprised by how good this course was. To me, the overall rating does not reflect the quality of this course. While it is still a little rough around the edges, it's just a fantastic disc golf experience that gives you that secluded feel in the middle of a metropolitan area. Overall, this was my favorite course of the Columbia courses. I will definitely be back!
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2 10
drj1807
Experience: 10.8 years 4 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

WOODS WOODS WOODS 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 23, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Pretty area/course. Nice layout and variety of holes.

Cons:

Hard to find your way around. TOO MANY trees. Like playing in dense woods with no clear fairways and such on MANY holes.

Other Thoughts:

Official Home course for USC's disc golf team.
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11 1
JJJJ
Experience: 16.6 years 16 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Fun Challenge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 5, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course has a good mix of left and right, somewhat long and short. It rewards shot shaping and being able to throw straight. Mid range game and approaches will need to be on point to score well here. There are a couple of true par 4's which is nice.

I really appreciate that they took the time and effort to actually cut out fairways instead of just sticking baskets in random open places.

Cons:

The only hole that I have a real problem with is 18. The opening to throw through just isn't big enough. I consider myself to be pretty good, but that gap is just not consistently hittable.

Other than that, navigation is the biggest problem with the course. It's a nightmare for beginners to get around the course, and the walk from 16 to 17 is just awful. The giant field in the middle causes this problem, but there has to be a way around having that trek in the middle of your round. 7-8 is a decent walk too, but not nearly as bad as 16-17.

When it rains, the course can start to be unplayable in some spots. The water does not drain at all and just creates a lake and/or mud pit. This also causes the mosquitoes to be a huge pest in the spring/summer.

Holes 15 and 16 turn into parking lots sometimes when people park there for soccer and lacrosse games and it makes the holes unplayable which kinda puts a damper on the end of your round.

Other than that, a few of the holes could be a little wider, but that's not really that big of a deal to me.

Other Thoughts:

Owen's Field offers a true challenge for a change, much unlike Earlewood. Some of the holes' lines are a little too tight, but for the most part they are all fair. There are a few holes that stretch out 400+ feet, but really only one or two that you can really let it rip on. The rough is thick and punishing for bad shots and you can easily not get out of the woods if you try to go at the basket instead of a safe play. There are one or two short, ace run type holes that offer a nice break, but they too can turn deadly if you throw it badly. This course gets a bad name from beginners and players who can't score well on the course. It's a good course, regardless of how well you can score on it.
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6 3
terryjoshbennett
Experience: 11.7 years 10 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great course, but long 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 13, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is very challenging. It's surrounded by woods, so that makes the challenge exciting. If you want a long day of disc golf, this course is for you.

Cons:

It's very spread out, making it difficult to find some of the tees even with a printed map. Because of the wooded area that surrounds it, you can easily lose a disc. It is so hard to find the next tee on MANY shots.

Other Thoughts:

Great course overall, but it needs some updating with the navigation. The tees need to be renovated and more plainly in sight. If you're used to playing wooded courses, this one is DEFINITELY for you.
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15 1
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 585 played 538 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Underrated, yet can still be better 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 11, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Owens Field was a surprisingly good course. IMO, it's the best course in Columbia, offering a mix of length, challenge and a variety of layouts. And yet, there's still work to be done to make it as good as it could/should be.
- There's a great variety of holes - solid range of holes from tight-tight, quasi-tight to open; longer holes, several short ones (under 200 feet), some holes have sharp doglegs (#3, 5, 8) to straight. Course has several holes with slight elevation - #4 is a solid, tight, slight downhill hole; #5 has a decent uphill second (or third) shot to the basket - but still lacks the elevation of Earlewood.
- Good flow of hole layouts. For the most part, you get a good variety from one hole to the next; whether it's a tight layout followed by a (more) open; short followed long; dogleg followed by straight (or dogleg left followed by dogleg right on 11 & 12). I never felt I was playing the same shot two holes in a row. As a general rule, the holes on the right side of the park (#8 - 16) were more open than the holes on the left side of the park (#1 -7, 17 -18).
- Course offers a good fun factor. Sure, there are some frustrating holes and more clean-up is needed (see below), but I was quite surprised how enjoyable most of the holes were. #1 is a good starting hole. Among the highlights: I really liked #4 (listed above); #5 & 7 are good, tight layouts; #14 was an enjoyable par 4. If you can throw accurately, you can shoot a low score. There's a huge risk/reward factor here.
- Most holes offer a long and short layout, which should appeal to most DGers.
- Very good course map. Course map and scorecard have been updated as of 2011. First timers will need a map to navigate their way through the course.
- Interesting park location. I like having the park/course right across the street from an airport. I didn't see or hear any planes land while I played. I don't know how often the airport is used, so I'm sure at time if there's a lot of plane traffic, it might be a negative. Otherwise, it's just a cool visual.

Cons:

The biggest, most pressing need at the park is that it needs a serious dose of some major TLC. The rough/weeds/underbrush/woods need to be trimmed back/cleared/removed in a major way on some parts of the course. The problem was most obvious on three holes - #2, 5 & 18. #2 felt trashy, and more like a path through the woods than a disc golf hole. #5 needs to have a more defined fairway on the transition from the grass to the woods. #18 needs more of a clearing, both to the sides and above for the tee shot, plus a major cleaning along the left side - both the underbrush and the homeless camp/trash area. Other holes could use some work on as well. One or two workdays for the local club should essentially fix this problem, so I'm surprised it hasn't been done yet.
- Some people are going to have a problem with the course layout. As stated above, the course is broken up into two different nine hole layouts on two sides of a large field. That means you have two long walks crossing the field - from #7 to 8 and #16 to 17.
- Signage could be improved. Between the online map and signage on course, I'll give that a B+. There are a lot of extra walking paths that weave throughout the course, they do a relatively good job. However, on some hole, the signage showing long and short tees could be better, plus the arrows pointing to the next holes could be improved. For example, I saw an arrow on a tree pointing me towards #11, so I started walking that direction. After finding the tee for #15, then the basket for #11, I realized the tee was right there, and not off to the right. More consistent signage would help, as would...
- Course needs tee signs. Part of the beauty of the course is the amount of blind tee shots. For first timers, you tire of walking holes in advance to scout the basket. Tee signs help, plus they show alternative fairways/routes you may not see during a quick walk through.
- I mentioned the problems above, but I thought #18 was the worst hole on the course, and a bad way to end the round. You're throwing in the woods, to an extremely narrow fairway. Once you clear the woods, the rough is ridiculously thick on the left-hand side (to the point you're lucky if you can throw a shot 10 feet). Finally, the basket is to the left, in a clearing past that thick rough. You could easily score anywhere from a birdie to triple-bogey here, and lot has to do with luck.

Other Thoughts:

This is Columbia's best course, but it should be better. Simple, general maintenance would go a long ways to improving it.
- Based on other reviews and ratings, I was surprised how much others didn't like Owens and how much I did.
- There are still other ways to make this course better. It'd be nice to see a couple longer holes, especially in some of the tight, wooded layouts. There's a thin line between tough, but fair (a la Nevin) and just unfair. There close to being on the wrong side on several holes, especially if they aren't cleaned up.
- As said, there is a lot to like here. This isn't a place for a quick round, it's more of a grind. If you want a quick, easy round, then play Earlewood. If you want to challenge yourself, you need to play Owens.
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9 1
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 382 played 306 reviews
3.50 star(s)

underrated and very challenging! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 14, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-very challenging wooded course
-lots of very tight lines, interestingly shaped fairways, double fairways
-great, well-thought pin positions
-dual tees on many holes
-baskets in great shape
-signs are there and have diagrams but are old and some are broken (didn't see the new signs others mentioned, maybe they went up after i played?)

Cons:

-navigation is pretty poor in some spots, map doesn't help since it's the old layout (didn't see any of the supposedly new "next tee" signs or new tee signs)
-rough is very rough, lots of thick foliage off the fairways
-most of the fairways are fair but a couple are bordering on sadistic. hole #3 comes to mind
-a few of the holes are far removed from the rest of the course
-shady neighborhood

Other Thoughts:

This course offers a real alternative to the style of play over at Earlewood Park, the other course in town. This is a much more modern, challenging wooded course. There are legit multi-shot holes, super tight wooded alleys, open bombs, you name it. The only thing missing is elevation change.

The hole shapes here are very unique. You will rarely step up to a tee here and be reminded of another hole you just played. The tees, pins and obstacles are all in the right places to really make you think hard about each shot.

I wish I had some better comments to add here but my experience was rather atypical, I hope. A thunderstorm came out of nowhere and from the time it took to hole out on 6 to tee off on 7 a wicked intense downpour started that lasted 15 minutes with whipping winds and thunder and lightening. I was teeing off in an ankle deep, fast moving creek on hole 8's teepad. Still finished my round but there were quite a few underwater teepads; I couldn't even get to the long tee on 12 there was so much water.

Anyway, the course is tough but lots of fun. I shot poorly but still had a great time. The dirt pads and old tees are sufficient but some new signs, navigational aids and concrete tees would really kick this place up a notch and probably draw in many more players. With some love and amenities this could be the premier course in town. The course rating does not do it justice, this is way better than 2.5 stars. This is the place to come to if you're in town looking for a challenging round as the other course in Columbia is an old school style birdie-fest.


**Like this review? Hate it? Message me and let me know why! I want to make them better!**
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13 2
sillybizz
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 22.2 years 407 played 392 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Old Reviews Are Obsolete 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is one of those uncommon instances where the course was better than the actual rating here. This course has been newly redesigned and the navigational issues previous reviewers had a problem with I did not experience because of the new signs leading you around here so this is why older reviews are now obsolete.

This course has some really tight lines and very punishing fairways that adds serious challenge and produces big scores on very short holes if optimal lines are not met. Some reviewers have complained about unfairness in these holes and this I semi agree with. On some of these tight holes (the par 4 350 foot hole #3 comes to mind) luck is a factor but playing the smarter lines will still give you an advantage and help you score lower over time; it's like how professional poker players don't always make a hand or win a pot and sometimes get unlucky but over time they will see a profit, holes on this course are the same way. The longer par four holes are a great complement to the wooded holes as these are a bit more open and offer a couple of fun double fairways, hole #10 comes into my mind right away. What I really love about this course is how it makes you think. You really have to know your discs and you have to have a plan of attack to find your way and plenty of times throughout the course you will be making decisions that affect your score drastically.

Cons:

Like I said I didn't have the navigational issues that previous reviewers have because of the new signs and the redesign but there are still a couple of head scratching moments out here if you bring a map. Yes I said if you bring a printed map it's actually worse than just playing it blind because the map here is old and outdated. The old 15 and 16 were across the large soccer fields and now you don't make that jump until 17 so don't bring a map just pay attention to the next tee signs and you will be fine.

There were a couple of 'clunker' holes here that I just didn't find all that appealing or interesting, in fact maybe even borderline annoying. Hole #1 isn't a terribly designed hole it's just not up to standards that the rest of the course sets and being this is the first hole I expect more. At 260 feet or so this is an easy two for most advanced players and is a heavily RHBH friendly hole. Hole #5 is a RHBH hyzer from an open spot next to a walking trail towards a gap in the trees and then up a hill to a guarded basket. This is another RHBH/LHFH hole that is listed as a par four but the distance and the line make this is a tweener. This is one of the only holes on this course where I prefer the short pad, even though the short pad is a 120 foot ace run.

Other Thoughts:

There are some crazy holes on this course that you may never see anywhere else. The lines are hard and the rough is thick so be ready to throw many get out of trouble shots, this is a good course to practice them on. Remember that some of these holes aren't made to be aced or even get a two so remember this when choosing your shots and this should help you to stay on the fairway and reduce your scores. This combined with Earlewood Park is a nice one-two combination if you are in Columbia.
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1 10
joe_kool315
Experience: 13.5 years 68 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 20, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Tons of work has been put into this course over the last year. Some hole redesigns were mandated by park changes and others have been implemented to improve the course. Concrete tees are going in and most holes will have 2 concrete pads in the coming months. Baskets have been re-powder coated and signage is being updated. Brewery less than a mile away doesn't suck either, even if your round did you can go have a couple tasty adult beverages and ease your pain.

Cons:

still a few holes with dirt pads but will be fixed soonish. this is defiantly turning into a must-play course for travelers

Other Thoughts:

Still a challenging course and will force you to throw most of your bag. Shot selection and type are key on several holes.
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3 9
filobedo
Experience: 18.8 years 289 played 21 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Underrated course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 6, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One of the most underrated courses in SC. The course has changed over the years with a couple of holes added and the old #2 being eliminated for the skatepark but I still enjoy it. Favorite holes include #2 which was a hole that was reversed with the redesign, #3 a tough hole for a 3, #4 and #7 are fun ace runs, #10 is a challenge,#13 a narrow long hole, #14 a long placement hole and new #18 is a challenge to get out of the alley and putt for 2.
Great mix of woods and open shots. Short and long tees.

Cons:

I would like to see #8 to be redesigned with the tee being moved.

Other Thoughts:

Many people do not like this course but I have never really heard any good reason why. Skatepark is also at course.
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3 10
topflight
Experience: 32.7 years 174 played 13 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Its a big fat 2 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 7, 2006 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

its a disc golf course. i hear it has been redesigned...whew. otherwise a waste of baskets.

Cons:

where do i start? the fun factor...it just is not there. the risk/ reward is not worth it. some distances make no sense. signage was aweful.

Other Thoughts:

More than 8 years have past since I last played this course. I have heard that there are drastic improvements.
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9 2
DSCJNKY
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.6 years 682 played 129 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Way better than a 2! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

- I'm So Happy... that I don't always pay attention to the courses disc rating when choosing whether or not to play a new course... This course is WAY better than a 2! It does have some SERIOUS flaws, but shot quality alone makes this course a contender.
- Sick Golf. There are some SICK ass shots here, with several Par 4's (or even 5's). Extremely demanding, extremely precise, extremely tight with some of the most extreme rough I have ever seen. Several holes have "landing zones" that MUST be hit to be successful, forcing you to PLAY GOLF.
- Surprisingly Secluded. Even though you're in a fairly large park, next to an airport, two fairly busy streets, and a neighborhood... the course seems secluded. Several times I forgot how close we were to civilization... It's a jungle in there!

Cons:

- Lack of Actual Tee-Signs. They did have some colorfully numbered 6x6 posts with some having painted hole layouts; however, with Holes this demanding, you have to have good tee-signs with detailed layouts, distances, OBs, Mandys, Par, and next tee locations.
- Navigation. Even though they had multiple directional aids installed throughout the course... and, even though WE HAD a MAP, WE STILL GOT LOST... (and I'm normally really good about finding my way around courses, ALONE; not to mention in a group of 3 experienced players). Because there were so many trails leading in all directions around many of the pin locations, it was often hard to determine the most logical route to the next tee... And, because the tee-pads were dirt, they weren't all that visible and you really had to rely on stumbling upon the 6x6 tee-post.
- 2 Missing Holes??? We never did find holes 15 or 16 (or was it 17 and 18?). According to the map we were supposed to be playing Hole 15, but the tee-post and basket said 17. And, the map showed two holes (17 and 18) that we never found either. So either we didn't play 15 and 16, or we didn't play 17 and 18... either way, we missed two holes.
- Trashed, LITTERally. Wow! This course had so much litter it wasn't even funny. And, it wasn't from the disc golfers! Some of it was due to the holes paralleling city/neighborhood streets and was trash that had blown into the park and become intertwined with the vegetation. A lot of it was from the overflowing trashcans that looked like they hadn't been picked up in months. And some of it appeared to be from people just blatantly littering. Several baskets were surrounded by "picnic" style trash, as if people thought the baskets were trash cans and threw their trash in them... only to have it fall through the cage and surround the pin.

Other Thoughts:

- Lost, but Loving It. Even though we had so many issues with navigation, all was forgiven each time we found the next tee-pad because the shots were DOPE. Hole after Hole - lost, then rewarded... lost, then rewarded. It was great!
- Not for the Faint of Heart. This course is Tight, Thick and Punishing. Anything less than the most controlled drive will be punished... often requiring a pitch out. They did have Am "tees" for most of the holes though.
- Walk the Holes, Throw your Putter. I've learned my lesson through playing courses like Nevin and Stumpy Creek... walk the holes so you know where the optimal landing zone is and throw your putter/mids so you can stay on the fairway and out of the rough. Good Luck!
- My Disc Score. I realize that I am in the minority here by wanting to rank the course so much higher than the rest of the reviewers. But, the quality of the shots alone deserves more than a 2. I would love to have given an even higher score... but the laundry list of cons prevents me. I would definitely play here again.
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7 2
DiscChainBasket18
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.8 years 98 played 60 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Missed potential 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 9, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging layout. Short & long holes. Six par 4 holes. Five holes over 500' & two over 600'. These are holes where you have to plan each shot out. I love it! Dual tees. Innova Discatcher baskets. Lots of long tree lined 'tunnel' shots. Lefts & rights. Open to wooded & vice-versa. Practice basket by hole #1. Creatively designed wood tee (& next tee) signs. Mando's. No water in play! Plenty of parking. Favorite hole: #8 the 'snake hole'.

Cons:

Navigation is a problem. They need a few more 'Next Tee' signs to help with flow. The course map seems inaccurate. We were unable to find hole #15 & #16. Play with a local the first time if you can. There is heavy trash & hobo camps in the woods. The tee pads are dirt. Pretty flat course, not much elevation change.

Other Thoughts:

We played this course after Earlewood. It is longer & much more of a workout. I enjoyed the challenging long shots. This course has not been rated very highly & I never could figure out why. It has a lot of potential. The neighborhood is not that bad. Personally I'd rate the course higher if they had the full 18 holes installed.
They have a new skate park here, soccer & baseball fields & other activities for kids.
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11 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Old School Course! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 17, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

If you're older than 50, then you'll probably understand what I'm saying. This course is like an "Old School Course." Back when they starting building disc golf courses for the locals who wanted to play. You weren't worried about concreting the teepads, dirt was fine. No-one was in the business of selling fancy metal tee signs. You just had someone make yours out of wood. You didn't particullarly worry about next tee signs because most of your player base were locals. This is a moderately, challenging course due to some very tight lines and it's length.

Cons:

The course is mostly a convoluted, confusing disaster to try and follow. there seems to be two sets of baskets numbered 15-18. One finished way over yonder beyond the soccer fields and other finishes back by the # 1 tee box. Unfortunately, I finished the 18th way out yonder and had about a 1/2 mile hike back to my car. The neighborhood is extremely sketchy. I'd be a little nervous about wandering through those spooky old woods alone. Reference Sam The Sham & the Pharrohs song here for you in the over 50's once again. Probably owing to it's sketchy neighborhood, the beginning part of the course had an ugly, trashy feel. I personally didn't witness any decomposing bodies in the woods.

Other Thoughts:

Go with a local, preferably a local packing heat. He can help you with navigating this mess. He/she can provide security. And he/she can help you find your lost discs in the deep, dark rough of the woods. And when you're driving to this park and think you're lost as you drive through industrial areas and you come to the airport. Nope, you're here. Just get out before it gets dark.
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10 1
Unkles27
Experience: 16.9 years 80 played 14 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Interesting Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 18, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of variety to be found on this course, some really tight shots, some open ones, all of your shots will come in handy to shoot a decent score. Some good risk reward situations where going for it will either pay off nicely or leave you scrambling for a bogey. Offers more length than the Earlewood course across town. Some decent use of terrain with one particulary nice uphill shot and a fast downhill green. Decent tee-signs help you figure out where to go, and a detailed map is provided online. Teepads, while dirt are generally in pretty good condition.

Cons:

Even with a map I would consider this course hard to navigate, although I think they made some changes so it would flow better than before. More than a few really tight fairways that could frustrate the beginner and the experienced player. You will hit your fair share of trees.
The course plays in the woods around a series of soccer fields, so particularly during the weekends the park can be extremely crowded. It also isn't in the best of neighborhoods, but with a little common sense you should be fine. Dirt teepads.

Other Thoughts:

I thought that this was a fun course to play, given what it offers. It is a good contrast to the other course in Columbia with its added length. If you only have time to play one course I would say Earlewood, but Owens shouldn't be disregarded. You'd save time by printing off the map, and even more time by going with a local.
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6 0
Shooter McGavin
Experience: 3 played 2 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Hard Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very challenging course, not for beginners. This course does not forgive bad drives down its narrow fairways. For more experienced players this would be a good course to work on accuracy. Was not crowded when I played (5:30 on a weekday) but there were a lot of people on nearby soccer fields.

Cons:

Do not even try to navigate this course without a map. Not well marked and the dirt tees can be hard to see (compared to concrete tees). Can be very frustrating with all the tree coverage. A lot of trash in area.

Other Thoughts:

I think everyone in the area should play this course at least once. If you are visiting Columbia and looking for a course I would play one of the others.
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