Portage Park is a lovely, woodsy 9-hole course with moderate elevation changes throughout. A mature deciduous tree canopy shades the course and should also limit undergrowth and risk of disc loss. I did not anticipate enjoying this course quite so much, but my modest expectations were easily exceeded.

Satisfying variety in hole lengths, fairway shapes, and elevation changes. Distances range from 180' downhill (with a tricky mando) to 366' uphill (listed as par 4). Fair fairways, with some tighter and others more forgiving.

Each hole features short and long rubber tee pads mounted over framed stone dust. Tee signs at each short pad include distance and par from each tee and a rudimentary but helpful map showing mandos, man-made obstacles, and the flight shape required.

I love that the first 6 holes play more-or-less downhill, the last 3 holes play back uphill, and yet somehow the course finishes back at the starting point. Kudos for that, I say! This magic trick also facilitates playing one round from the short tees followed by one from the longs, or vice versa.

White-painted baskets were numbered, easy to spot, mounted level, and caught well. Hole #2 has a raised basket. Short walks between holes and easy navigation, aided by orange "next tee" arrows clipped to the basket spokes.

Drainage was excellent, despite the fact that every other course for miles around was muddy and squelchy after a week of rain.

Hole #1 plays downhill towards a small "shed" housing bathrooms, which are open in the summer months. Bathrooms are not in the direct line of fire, but people walking around the building might be at risk. Otherwise, the designers did a pretty good job of avoiding conflicts with other park activities.

Some of the framed rubber tee pads sloped enough to affect my run-up. I had no problems with slipping on a damp spring day, but I would be careful if the pads were wet or muddy.

This is not a bomber course, if you like that sort of thing.

Portage Park is well-suited to beginner-intermediate players who enjoy woods golf, but there is enough challenge (and distance on a few holes) to entertain advanced players. If I had a course like this nearby, I would play here often.

Caveat: I have inordinate affection for well-designed, short woods courses with elevation. Adjust your expectations accordingly.