Pros:
- absolutely insane bluffs and elevation change
- some of the best risk/reward rollaway type shots I've seen
- good use of next tee indicators in a few places
- concrete tees on most holes
- great variety of uphill, downhill, water hazard, flat shots
- DISCatcher baskets in good shape
- beautiful natural scenery with huge natural variety
- tee signs have satisfactory maps where not damaged
- huge technical challenge requiring good shot variety
- really cool terrain playing over creek hazard on several holes
- bridges over creek where needed
- insect activity tolerable, at least in April
- long with some length variety
Cons:
- some signage in desperate need of repair
- need for many more next tee indicators
- navigation in middle of course becomes extremely confusing
- overgrowth in places makes it hard to follow course
- a few holes play near roads/pedestrian areas
Other Thoughts:
Hummel Park is one of the top 5 courses I've ever played with over 250 played. I was looking for wooded, technical challenge and elevation change. I never expected to find it in Nebraska. I think this is tied with Justin Trails - Big Brother (WI) for most insane elevation change I've played, in the middle of the midwest - I'm floored.
Hummel Park will beat you senseless. It is an absolutely insane workout with more uphill and downhill trekking than almost any other course you will ever play. It is not for the faint of heart or anyone really out of shape. You get quite a ways from your car and won't be back until you finish, so be prepared. You will want at least 32 oz. of water, in my opinion, and probably a few snacks too. The first few holes start off strong with insane elevation change - including the iconic 91 ft. drop on hole 1 - and some major rough. After this, things flatten out for a few holes and the rough becomes far more forgiving. There are ample opportunities early to lose your disc badly off a major dropoff.
The middle of the course starts feeling more like you're in the Rocky Mountain foothills with rockier terrain and no grass. In this section, navigation gets very, very confusing with no concrete tees or next tee indicators, and some tee signs missing. This course is incredible and the main limitations for getting a 5 are the nagivation, the upkeep, and the signage. Honestly, it doesn't deserve above a 4 in its current condition, but with a few improvements this is easily a 4.5 quality course, and this is how I remember it, as a 4.5 caliber course. The tee signs need to be repaired/replaced and some places need to be trimmed back a bit.
You will need every shot in your bag here - being able to throw both forehand and backhand is a plus to fade shots both ways, or at least being able to throw anny. You will have to throw uphill and downhill effectively.
The water hazard here is a small creek that comes into play in the first third of the course - nothing crazy but a cool feature to add intrigue to the flattest parts of the course playing through a more spaced out wooded area. There are plenty of tree hazards here but most of the course plays dense and tight outside of these holes.
I played this course at the end of the day out of necessity but I don't really recommend that. Best to do this one with fresh legs. Par felt fair here but expect the course to be difficult. The course is long overall; there is some length variety, but not much under 300 ft. You will need to bring some arm power as well as lots of accuracy.
This is absolutely a destination course and the highlight of my brief stop in Omaha. While Kansas City has a larger quantity of quality courses, Hummel Park blew away everything I played in KC. Go to KC for numerous excellent courses, but stop off in Omaha for one of the best disc golf experiences you will ever have - if you enjoy elevation, anyway.