Pros:
(1.885 Rating) A quirky open niner with one fantastic tunnel shot.
- REC FRIENDLY - A nice generally unassuming layout that will work for Beginners through Recreational players. Very little thick overgrowth, even in the woods. The odds of losing a disc is near impossible, except if one is thrown up high in a tree or if it has been forgotten.
- TEES, SIGNAGE AND BASKETS - Always a nice start for a course when the basics are done well. The tees are concrete and measure 5 feet by 8 feet while the baskets are MachXs. The signage was minimalistic, but I think it may have been in the process of being updated. The tee markers were numbered posts, but with a blank wood sign mounted to the post.
- NAVIGATION - Ok I suppose. There's a course map by tee (1). So as long as a player snaps a photo, they will have a reference to check if they question their next move. A photo of the map also gives players the distances for each hole.
- QUICK PLAY - A single should be able to complete a full 9 in about 30 minutes. Groups of 4 should probably finish in under an hour.
Cons:
A strange layout that provides only the basics.
- DOUBLE BASKET USAGE - The reuse of basket (3) on hole (9) makes no sense unless they lost a basket on the course before making the signage. When I got to (3), I was personally confused and accidently played to basket (8) as it looked more attenable. I didn't realize my mistake till (8). This layout oddity is going to become an issue when several groups are on the course.
- MULTI-USE HAZARDS - Holes (1) and (2) will not be available if a baseball game is going on. By judging the baseball diamond field's condition, it's likely rarely used and is probably abandoned. A walking path is in play on 8 of the 9 holes, but it will be easy to see path users due to the openness. Hole (1) has a business property fence along the right side basically the whole way. I could see other reviewers taking off substantially more rating score for just this aspect.
- HOLE VARIETY- Below average in general, but for niner, probably above average. Mostly an open layout but with one long tunnel shot and some pockets in the woods. The holes have a decent mix of distances for an all par 3 (low 200s to low 400s). Also, there's a mix of skill difficulty. For example, holes like (4) and (8) fell like novice level shots, while holes such as (1, 2, 3 and 7) are at least Intermediate level. Elevation is mild with a few shots around the 10-foot grade change range.
- AMENITIES - 8 baskets on a 9-hole course with a practice basket makes no sense. As noted in the pros, the tees and baskets are adequate. I liked the chill area at tee (5) as well. That's pretty much it for course amenities. Restrooms, playgrounds and shelters are in the park too.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - If grading on a curve, I give hole (7) a B+. It's a really nice looking fully wooded tunnel shot requiring subtle line movement. The rest of the course? Perhaps a C- grade at best. Way too open for my tastes. Man made structures can be seen basically the whole time except on (7). Note, I don't recall a fence on (7) as noted in the prior reviews. It could be there, but I had such a fantastic throw that I may have gotten tunnel vision walking up fairway. Hole (7) was the sole reason why this course came in at a low 2.0 rating instead of a 1.5 in my books.
Other Thoughts:
In the words of the Gambler, "Know when to fold them." Deuces Wild is an odd little course that will honestly only work for those on the south end of town. I liked holes (4-7), but if the rest were to be deleted from my memory, I wouldn't care. Don't come to this course expecting some disc golf epiphany. There are some fun shots here for sure, but all average courses can say that. This is a utility course that will provide a service to the locals but that's about it. Players outside the area should only consider this course if they are looking for a laid-back round and are in the neighborhood. I would recommend checking out Hickory Hills to out of towners first, followed by The Backyard.