Pros:
- three loops that generally wrap back around to parking lot
- basket color specific to the loop you are playing
- $5 to play this absolute gem is extremely reasonable
- nice full color tee signs with maps
- some holes have multiple pin positions
- beautiful mature forest property with fantastic elevation change
- iconic "standing rocks" are all over the course, some massive
- high level of technical challenge with heavy woods and elevation change on almost every hole
- challenge level is manageable for intermediate players; not incredibly difficult
- tons of deer throughout course if you like wildlife sightings
- property is used to its fullest potential in every way
- continual improvement/addition of meaningful holes over the years
- good amenities: port o potties, benches, garbage cans
- navigation is very straightforward throughout the vast majority of the course
- some built-in stairs on slopes
- beautiful views of large lake on east loop
- rocks and logs used to build pathways into some slopes as needed
- west loop has several longer holes to offset relatively short course
- some woodchips applied in areas to help with mud
Cons:
- baskets for mid loop appear to be the oldest and are harder to see
- rubber tees were surprisingly anti-slip, but still just ok
- hole 6 throws straight at tee pad for hole 7
- a few areas could use some more built-in stairs
- could argue lack of a true water hazard is a con
Other Thoughts:
I have been playing disc golf for around 18 years, but realistically started traveling heavily to play about 3 years ago. In all this time, there are a few memories that really stand out. I came to Standing Rocks expecting a great course, and it did not disappoint. It unquestionably exceeded my high expectations. This is without a doubt one of the coolest courses I have ever played, and it's probably a tossup between this and Sandy Point for my favorite course in Wisconsin.
This is where I feel like pay to play is a good thing - a reasonable, low fee for not 18, but 33 holes of disc golf, which clearly goes back into the course. I would rather pay $5 to play an immaculately maintained world-class course than play a run down one for free. Even if a course is pristine on day 1, it requires constant upkeep and it is clear that is being done here. Standing Rocks is in my favorites list, which to date includes only 10 of the 211 courses I have played.
Standing Rocks makes incredible use of the property available. Almost every hole has intense elevation change in a beautiful mature forest setting. Fairways are not pinholes in general; they are fair and provide some space, but there is plenty of technical challenge. Rollaways on the hillsides are definitely a factor and will have you carefully choosing your disc. There aren't a ton of holes here to air out long-distance drives, but there may be 5 or so like this in the 33 holes. Otherwise, it is more of a technical game, forcing the ability to throw straight, big hyzers, layups... there's so much variety here you will have a bit of everything.
The baskets are different on each loop, with mid loop having the oldest, uncolored baskets. I started here before official sunrise and it was REALLY hard to see these baskets. I would recommend waiting a few more minutes than I did or maybe starting with east loop which may have the most visible red-banded Mach V baskets. West loop has blue bands. However, from a flow perspective I think the best thing to do is start with the mid or west loop. The east loop starts between holes 6 and 7 of the mid loop, so it makes sense to jump over to east, complete it, and then finish mid. This is now clearly marked with directional signs which is great for this unintuitive flow of the course.
Since I played in October, fallen leaves were prevalent, but they weren't deep enough to really hide discs terribly. The deer were out in force, and the same mom and adolescent fawn held up my throws on hole 3... and then over an hour later, clear across the course, did it again! They were very curious about me and kept approaching, which was kind of amusing.
Honestly, I was tempted to give this one of my elusive 5 scores. It really is that good. What held me back? Mostly nit-picky things. A 5 is really supposed to be a perfect course that cannot be improved in any way - that's a really high bar. My cons for Standing Rocks are mostly nits. Some may feel some of the holes could be longer, but there are 33 holes and plenty of technical challenge - I'm not sure you WANT this course to be longer. It is a pretty intense hike and you will be worn out after this course. Hiking boots are recommended, and it would be almost criminal not to play the entire course, as all of it is so fantastic. There are a few really steep slopes that could benefit from some more built in stairs, and the rubber tees are just ok - but honestly, they grip better than most rubber tees I've played. The middle loop baskets could be replaced someday with something brighter, but they catch fine. There are no water hazards here, which is about the only real "missing" element - I don't think this is required for a perfect course, but it does add another dimension. The one safety hazard I noted was overthrows on hole 6 go straight at hole 7's tee pad - not the best layout, but this was literally the only issue I saw.
On the east loop, from high up on the hills you overlook a large lake through the trees which is a neat view. The small to huge standing rocks everywhere on the course also add a neat element. The west loop was probably my least favorite... which is to say "3 out of 3 amazing loops of disc golf." It has some of the longest holes and a couple of flatter holes, but still is excellent golf and in the same spirit as the rest of the course. If you polled 10 people, I think you'd get a pretty even mix of favorite loop.
This course originally was just one loop and has been expanded and refined over time. It is clear it continues to be improved. This is some of the best disc golf I've ever played, and I drove from Madison up to Stevens Point just to hit this course before heading back south - totally worth it. If you are within several hours you should come out of your way to play this epic course. It's one of the coolest disc golf experiences I've ever had.