Pros:
Willow Valley is a quiet 18 hole course located on a private horse farm. The course plays through the rocky woods located behind the working horse stables. There is a variety of shots and smart use of the limited elevation. I played this course as part of a disc golf road trip playing 12 states in 12 days. This was the only course I played in Rhode Island.
Rocks
The entire property is covered with grey moss covered rocks in every shape and size. These rocks are used extensively throughout the course to provide challenge and unique pin locations. Except for a few ferns and some smaller trees, there is very little underbrush under the canopy. There are also many moss covered stone walls that run throughout the course. Some of the old rock walls line the fairways to designate the OB, while others provide built in obstacles.
Pay to Play
Please be sure to sign a waiver and pay the $5.00 fee before you begin play. Be respectful to the owners that have opened up their private property to complete strangers. Be that awesome disc golfer that makes them glad they are doing this.
Rhode Island
One goal on my 12 state trip was to play the top rated course in every state. I searched using the "Top Rated Courses" for each state which only lists Ninigret in Rhode Island. I prefer to play well maintained courses that are easy to navigate and that led me to choose this course. I am very happy with my decision and I am glad I got the opportunity to play this wonderful course.
Fun
If I had to sum up this course with only one word it would be FUN! It was also fair and challenging. While it is not the most challenging course I have ever played, it is certainly one of the most fun and unique courses I have played. The designer did a great job using the small elevation changes for maximum effect.
Amenities
In addition to the wonderful slate tee signs on every hole, there were flags on every basket. The flags are a welcome addition that makes it easier to find the grey targets in the grey woods. Many holes have benches and logs for seating. I can't remember if there was a restroom in the parking area. However, this wooded course is very secluded, so there are plenty of opportunities for privacy.
All 18 in a row
Once you leave the parking area, you will not return until you complete all 18 holes. The first tee is a short walk from the parking area. There are plenty of signs to lead the way to the first tee. Plan to take all the water and supplies you will need. Don't forget, you need to pack out all your garbage as well. It is a pretty spread out course, plan accordingly.
Unique Variety
The giant maze of moss covered rocks gives this course a very unique vibe. Most of the holes are located amid the trees, while several traverse a tranquil meadow. While this is a wooded course the fairways are fair and don't have a lot of underbrush The course had OB clearly marked on several holes to add challenge for tournament play and more advanced players. Additional challenge comes from the unique location of the targets among the rocks.
Private Property
Be respectful of the owners and their neighbors and avoid loud cursing on the course. Please pack out all of your trash and do your part to keep the course clean so the owners will want to continue sharing this disc golf course.
Temporary Targets
The course uses target with temporary bases. They are not permanently installed. However, most baskets have placements that have been built up and leveled for the targets. Every target has a next tee arrow to get you started in the right direction.
Tees
The natural tees are very well marked and maintained. Some tees have been framed and gravel has been added for leveling. Others are marked by only a couple of bricks. I played on a rainy day and didn't have any problems with the natural tees. There was no standing water or mud around the tee areas.
Handcrafted Signs
Each tee sign is made from a piece of slate that has been hand painted. At first, I didn't realize exactly how detailed these signs were. When you take a closer look, each sign shows Clearly these are the most unique tee signs I have ever encountered. Each sign includes the Hole Number, the Par and the Distance as well as as OB areas. Each uniquely shaped slate sign included a full hand painted map of the hole. Map includes geographic features like walls, trees, rocks and paths as well as an arrow to the next tee.
Navigation
Even though there was no map available, the course was easy to follow. The first tee is a short walk from the parking lot and the path is well marked. Each hand painted tee sign has an arrow to the next tee. Each basket had a next tee arrow attached to the basket tray. I almost got led astray at one hole where another player decided to spin the basket and make the direction arrow point the wrong way. Luckily, I had my map and was already anticipating the next tee was in the other direction.
Well maintained
Everything was clean and well maintained on my visit. There was no overgrowth here to steal your wayward discs. There was no graffiti, trash, butts or broken bottles. You can see there is a lot of ongoing work taking place. There were a couple of old vehicles and farm equipment on the property, but they add to the rustic feel and don't come into play.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
Yes to kids, not sure I would want to bring a cart or stroller as the grey rocks are everywhere and make for tough rolling. Once you get started, you don't get back to car until you play all 18. You may be able to cut out a few holes between 6 and 15 to make it a little shorter.
Worth it
It was a pretty easy drive to the course as it is only a mile or two off 1-95. The cost of $5.00 was very reasonable for such a fun course. I hope the owners make enough money to make all their hard work worthwhile.
Cons:
I am trying to think of some cons and I honestly can't think of anything that I didn't like about the course.
Natural Tees
I guess the course could use some more developed tees, but the current tees are very appropriate for the location.
Other Thoughts:
Fun
Some things are worth repeating. I found this course very fun and interesting. I am very happy with my choice to play Willow Valley Farm as my only course for Rhode Island. This type of private farm course is one reason I fell in love with disc golf in New England. If you only have time for one course when you visit, this course is the place to play.