Pros:
-Sky High DGC is located in Angeles National Park, 7500-some feet above sea level. Stunning scenery showcases the surrounding mountains, dotted sparsely with stunted shrubberies, thorns and pines. The course plays up and down ski slopes on fairly treacherous terrain. Guests must sign waivers for dangers such as falls, bears, mountain lions, or rattlesnakes, of which apparently there are quite a few. The proprietor had recently moved one large black rattler that kept appearing on the same hole. Despite the dangers (or maybe because of them?) this course is utterly epic.
-Elevation galore! Elevation loss and/or gain provides the main challenge throughout the 27 holes. Every up and down is used to its utmost potential, creating a weaving path across the mountainside. Risk/reward situations abound: many holes have clever pin positions that challenge players' accuracy with severe rollaways into large buckthorn patches or off the side of the mountain. No pin position was unfair, but with wind the course definitely makes even experienced players rethink throwing favorite discs due to the risk of losing one over the edge.
-Mandatories and a scattering of mature pines as well as the occasional shrubbery provide line-shaping opportunities. A clever trick of design encourages right-handed anhyzers yet the thin mountain air renders all but the most robust turnover shots unmanageable. Discs seem to fall "heavier" and putts often fall short without compensation for the altitude. Throwing here is like throwing on the moon, in the most spectacularly awesome way!
-Great signs that give hole history, alternative pin positions, and accurately describe the hole at hand. Trash cans and occasional places to sit. Pro shop sells hot food, discs, etc. The lodge has restrooms.
-Camping on site. The camp hostess, Aurie, is awesome. When someone questioned the rise in rates from $12 to $20, Aurie put her hand on her hip, looked at the huge cloudless blue sky arms-reach above us and said, "How can you complain when you're so close to Heaven?"
Cons:
- Rubber tees are uneven in places. One or two are eroded or rutted out by rainwater. I can't mark the course down much on this though, as concrete tees are not allowed in national parks, the hills are used in winter for skiing, and the natural erosion of the mountain-side all prevent proper tees from being added.
- $7 for a day pass. $35 for a yearly pass. Definitely reasonable for out-of-towners, and certainly a deal for the year's pass if you plan on playing here regularly.
- The course was pretty trashed when I played it; however, the area had just experienced 30-45 mph winds after a steady deluge during the previous days. The wind/water knocked or washed a lot of trash onto the slopes, spoiling the natural beauty in places.
Other Thoughts:
- Don't miss the "bonus basket" after #27...my group missed it despite it being clearly marked on the map. Speaking of which, be sure to grab a map at the pro shop. It makes navigation a snap.
- Be certain to sacrifice a disc off the ledge near hole 11. Sacrificing discs appeases the discin' gods as well as sends your plastic on a much-deserved vacation to Las Vegas.
- Be cautious. "Full shoes" are required, hiking boots recommended (although I got through totally fine in light tennis shoes). Dangerous wildlife and treacherous terrain should be taken seriously. Don't fall down on or get bit by nature.