Pros:
(1.573 Rating) A very wide open layout that will be welcoming to beginners thru lower recreational players.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Due to only a few overgrowth areas and no water hazards, this would be an ideal course to bring a beginner to. The course is also good for novice and recreational players depending on personal tastes.
- QUICK PLAY - I think the course plays really quick for an 18. I did my blind solo round here in just over 45 minutes. I think this will translate into 90 minutes for a group of 4 seasoned players.
- FUN FACTOR - I think The Tiger Trail course has somewhat of an easy going feel to it. As mentioned, no hazards and little overgrowth. There are lots of birdie opportunities for rec players and ace runs for higher skilled players. There's also a few opportunities to air them out for players that max out at 325/350.
- ROOM TO MODIFY - I checked Google maps and couldn't help but notice that the University has some completely unused wooded areas on the north portion of the campus. Why the layout didn't encroach at least a couple shots into this area is mind boggling.
Cons:
Skilled players attending school here will be throwing safari rounds.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - Recreation players who are able to throw 300 feet should have no problem breaking par on this course. Advanced players that go to school here should probable be able to throw rounds below 45 routinely. There are a few tee shots over 300 feet, but there are even more tee shots that are 250 feet or less.
- LACK OF SHOT SHAPING - With the extent of the openness, one can expect a round with very little thought process on the tee. Most holes I just looked at the hole distance, and then quickly grabbed a disc and threw. Way too many holes can be attacked from every angle.
- CHARACTER - Below average, but perhaps it's just a matter of time before this young course starts getting the typical amenities. Hole signage is simple. No community board or course map currently on site. No restrooms or shelter near the layout and only one set of tees.
- LACK OF ELEVATION - The site in not flat by any means but just about all the elevation changes are minor. Figure the most any one hole changes is 15 feet with the slope angle never exceeding 15 degrees. The course however should be great for disc golf carts.
- UNIQUENESS - In addition to a lack of elevation, way too many open plays. There are four holes out here without a tree in play. Thirteen of the remaining fourteen holes I'd classify as lightly wooded, and only one holes, (14) I'd label as moderately wooded. There is no water in play. There are a few nice swales around baskets that could bring in a death role, which is where the disc catches an edge and roles 30 feet or more away.
- WIND - I didn't luck out, there was a lot of wind the day I came out here. Considering the openness, I'd bet that it's not an uncommon occurrence.
- RAW BEAUTY - The upkeep at the University appears to be solid. The slopes of the open fields and some fringe wooded areas add to some appeal. But again, the biggest issue is the lack of trees in play. Please plant some trees UWA.
Other Thoughts:
One of the lower 18s I've scored. It's not that the course is a terrible experience, it's just that average courses that I've been playing are offering so much more in both game play and amenities. The Tiger Trail will however fill its role by introducing the sport to more players as the layout is about as forgiving as they get. Players that prefer even just a modest amount of technical challenge will have to go elsewhere. There is just nothing here that gets the imaginative juices flowing.
- NAVIGATION - Its marginal. Despite no map on site or online, the course is traversable, but not a walk in the park. I found all but (5) tee sign and (16) basket. The course makes a counterclockwise loop, starting at five o'clock. Most tee signs are viewable from the prior basket. A few of the original signs have been replaced by the cheap vinyl and aluminum prong ground signs similar to those from campaigning politicians.