Danville, VA

Ballou Park DGC - Course #1

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2.25(based on 10 reviews)
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Ballou Park DGC - Course #1 reviews

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10 0
pmay5
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 480 played 245 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Ballou #1 - this is the one to play first 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 16, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Concrete tee pads, small tee signs to point you to the basket that is mostly right in front of you.
The DGA baskets work fine for this short course.
A good mix of up and downhill holes, enough trees for shot shaping, but only one hole that could be called tight.
Serves well as a warmup for the 18 hole course also in the park, or as an activity for those in the park for other reasons.

Cons:

The tee pads can be uneven and raised off the ground, so you have to watch your step.
Everything is pretty old, don't believe it has been updated since it went in.
The tee signs are pretty small, but since you can see just about every tee from the last basket, it's not a big deal.

Other Thoughts:

This course starts near a parking lot at a high spot in the park and even has a course map there. This is completely separate from the 18 hole course in the park ( I never saw any of those holes), so you shouldn't have to worry about crossing courses.
Playing in January, there were no leaves on the trees, so the few trees for shot shaping had less of an impact than they would in summer.
As I mentioned, this is a family/beginner friendly course with elevation change on just about every hole. #1,#3 and #4 all play downhill, #2 is the flattest of the nine, then after #4, you turn around and head back up to the start, #7 is a valley shot, so pretty much level.
While most holes require some shot shaping, but mostly distance control, #4 requires both. Longer than most at 258', it also has the most trees to avoid on your way down to the basket.
I stopped by Ballou when my wife and I were in town RV shopping. Somehow I convinced her to let me play this course, I think it was the 30 minute time limit I set. So I threw 4 or 5 in my Towch and ran a lot of the holes, well at least the downhill ones. I got done in 20 minutes and she asked if I wanted to play more, told her that's fine, I will bank that 10 minutes for the next such occasion!
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10 0
mshelton
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.9 years 140 played 32 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Putt putt for the fun of it 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 25, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well maintained park
Nice concrete tee pads
Signs with distances and picture
Great for beginners and upshot practice for advance players
Good mix of terrain and trees without being overly complex to discourage new players

Cons:

Baseline baskets, some in need of repair

Other Thoughts:

Was passing through the area and stopped to play course #2 but decided to play this one first. Seeing the low review rating I was not expecting much but was surprised to find a fun and useful little course.

The park itself was kept up nicely, grass mowed and no real debris or trash on the course. The course can be played entirely with a putter for an intermediate or advanced player and to me seems to be a great place to work on your upshot game, I know some ADV players can shoot 7-9 down here consistently but AMs could really get some good work in on the course. A nice layout for new players also as there really isn't anything that's going to discourage them too much but still provides a challenge.

If you're stopping by to play course #2 then this one makes for a nice warm up. The baskets aren't top notch but seem to be fine on a course like this. Maybe it used to be in worse shape and that's why the older reviews are poor but it was fine and fun when I played there. I'd definitely like to have it down the street from me in my hometown for an evening practice.
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6 0
KenTyburski
Experience: 15.1 years 156 played 5 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Putter practice + Creative challnge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 9, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

* Elevation changes
* Easy to navigate
* Nice spread of old-growth trees and fair foliage obstacles on most holes with little overwhelming "rough"
* New tees, signage, and a kiosk
* Good for beginning players

Cons:

* Short and straightforward holes - not as fun or challenging for advanced players
* Older baskets in some disrepair
* Flight lines not always maintained (sometimes all foliage with little choice of clear path)
* Course could use "beautification": better maintenance and care of grassy areas, adding trash cans, etc.

Other Thoughts:

This course is great for beginners, because there is little guesswork to play; most of the holes are very simple and straight. Advanced players can work on line shaping and their putting and approach game. Recent upgrades kick this course up a notch, but there is still work to be done.

If you are looking for a challenge, try one of two "safari" layouts (distances are approximate)...

9-hole: 1 Tee to 2 Basket (420'), 3 to 4 (475'), 5 to 6 (460'), 7 to 8 (250'), 9 to 1 (150'), 2 to 3 (500'), 4 to 5 (225'), 6 to 7 (175'), 8 to 9 (375') - Total approx 3000', Par 30. You walk two circuits of the course.

18-Hole: Complete 9-hole safari (front 9) - 3000' out. Back 9: 1 to 3 (600'), 4 to 6 (480'), 7 to 9 (375'), 2 to 4 (750'), 5 to 7 (440'), 8 to 1 (340'), 3 to 5 (380'), 6 to 8 (390'), 9 to 2 (200') - 3880' in, Par 31. Total - 6900', Par 61. This layout makes five total circuits of the course.

Enjoy!
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6 0
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.7 years 278 played 273 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Better than Expected 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

I expected this to be smaller than it actually was. Of course, that is partially because the holes are a bit longer than the hole info here indicates. I'd say about 20-30 longer per hole. I think this is because the course has been updated at some point, with some of the tees moved around. (And the tee signs looked very new, so I wouldn't be surprised if a lot has changed since some of the older reviews)

It's also partly because was expecting pitch and putt and it isn't quite that. I think the shortest hole was 196. Yeah, you still will be fine with a midrange and a putter, but its not a novelty course. It's just a fairly short course that feels somewhat dated.

And the holes, while short, bring a little something to the table. For the lengths involved, there's a lot of elevation. You should be able to work that Buzzz in just about every way you could want. If I was a local, I'd play mid-range rounds and putter rounds here all the time.

It's also a great warm up or the second Ballou course. Again, each time i played Ballou 2, I'd leave the bag in the car and play a quick round of Ballou 1 first.

And it almost goes without saying that this would be a great course for beginning players. Unlike many shorter courses, these play like shorter versions of "real" holes. Those who are just learning to play could have many frustration free rounds here.

Cons:

But of course, it is a short, easy course. The longest hole is 255 feet and there aren't many trees or other obstacles to make that distance seem tougher. Even intermediate players will fail to find it of much interest other than as a training ground or warm up.
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1 4
mcannon246
Experience: 13.7 years 65 played 9 reviews
2.50 star(s)

great warm up couse for the big course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 23, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

fun warm up course. also great for beginners. its a good place to take your family who hasnt played ever. I played with my dad and he scored 6 over and i shot 2 under but still had fun

Cons:

pretty nice course of course its only a 9 hole's
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1 0
sopelis
Experience: 13.3 years 17 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

lunch break course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good beginner course. Also a great warm up course for the on-site 18 or for those trying out some new techniques or throws. You really can't lose a disc. No wild bush or bottomless pits. Unless a squirrel takes off with it you're good. Love the fact you can finish it in about 20 minutes by yourself. Good lunch break activity.

Cons:

Poor condition of baskets and tees. Baskets are old and don't hold anything with the single rusted chains. I usually 2-3 putt at least once since a disc will go right through. Of course I blame the basket for that. Only 1 tee box.

Other Thoughts:

If some time and effort were put into fixing it up a bit with some minor changes in hole locations, updated baskets and some TLC to the tees, would be a 2.5-3.
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4 0
Behindatree
Experience: 14.8 years 17 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

beauty is in the eye of the begginer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

As many have said this is not a very challenging course for pros or even ametures. However I have not found a better course to introduce someone to the sport. This course is absolutely perfect for someone first time playing. You can get familiar with the fun of the game and get used to the characteristics of the discs without the frustration of hitting a million trees or fetching discs out of the river that too often makes someone first time the last time. Course is short and simple yet still offers lots of elevation changes and a few decisions on shot selection. Course can be played effectively with just one or two disc which is another great reason this course is good for begginers

Cons:

Again not much of a challenge. Some very short holes and not much variety. Some holes cross a small creek that could use a crossing in the wet season.

Other Thoughts:

Even if you are a pro this place is good to bring someone new or even your kids and let them learn the sport and while your there you can work on your form and try maxing out your effective distance with your putter all while looking like a super hero to your guest when you drop the deuce on every hole. And when they are confident enough to move up there is a 18 hole course on site
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7 0
Olorin
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 44.9 years 966 played 116 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Short and hilly 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

*Elevation changes galore! The course plays down a big hill then back up, so there are no flat holes. 5 Up/ 4 Down.
*It's quite open so the course is easy to navigate, and it's hard to lose a disc.

Cons:

-The course has a scruffy underdeveloped feel to it. The grass was patchy and scraggly, with bald dirt spots. The tee signs were just little 5x7 cards, the tees were dirt spots with some roots in places, and the baskets were old with only single chains. The tees also had no framing, and there was not even a front line marked.
-There's not much variety to the fairway shapes; only 3 holes have left or right doglegs. (6 St/ 2 Lt/ 1 Rt) In addition, the terrain is all very similar with a mixture of grass with varying amounts of scattered trees.
-There are no amenities of a map, score card, practice basket, benches, etc.

Other Thoughts:

Course Level = Red (most suited for Juniors and Intermediate players rated 825-875)

I wonder if most of the energy and attention are now being given to the newer 18 hole course in the same park?

With every hole 150-230 ft long, there's very limited length variety, and the course is too short for experienced players. It's most suitable for kids and new players.

NOTE: Look in the "Links/Files" section for my files with Hole-by-hole evaluations, and a more detailed Overall review. You can also read more of my reviews and rating notes at the Yahoo Group, DG Course Reviews
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1 2
brian j
Experience: 15.7 years 121 played 10 reviews
1.50 star(s)

leave the bag at home 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

this is a good course for newbies or anyone who needs to practice with there putters. also the course is easy to find in the park and easy to follow. there were flags on most baskets pointing the way to the next tee.

Cons:

no real challenge. a pro should shooot -9 here. also natural tee pads and baskets are old.
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2 0
gottafixit
Silver level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 21 years 862 played 68 reviews
1.50 star(s)

pitch and putt 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 17, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

On site of another 18 hole course, great for beginners, some challenge with trees and elevation changes

Cons:

This is a old course, baskets have a single chain ring. There is no map. Tee 5 I couldn't find. A little bit a walk from basket to tees.

Other Thoughts:

This course is old and has been pretty much replaced with the new 18 on the same location. This would be a great place to start newbies and anyone that likes pitch and putts, There wasn't a overall map but the tee signs were easy to spot and i didn't have a hard time following the course.
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