Pros:
Note: I played Winthrop the day before and after the USDGC, so all the ropes were up, benches and shade structures at every tee-pad, tournament tee-signs, the caddy book, the environment... What more could you want?
Pros:
- This is GOLF. Winthrop Gold (with the ropes up) is the closest thing to "ball golf" you are going to get in DG. Mowed grass, defined fairways, OB, water shots, and perfectly designed holes make it feel as if you're playing a championship PGA course.
- The Ropes! I hate to say it... but without the ropes this course would be regular. They really tighten up what would otherwise be an open course. Holes 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 had fairways modified by ropes.
- Par 68. I love the Pars set for the course. Perfect use of Par 4's and 5's... and, they're gettable. Every hole on this course is birdie-able (for the advanced player), the way golf should be.
Cons:
- Not too many cons in the USDGC layout. However, playing this course without the ropes up would, to me, be a CON. Navigation might be a bit rougher (especially with two courses sharing a section of land), and the long walks far less forgivable. The experience would be all together different.
Other Thoughts:
- 5 Discs?? Winthrop Gold, in the USDGC layout (with the ropes up), during tournament week, is just one of those DG experiences you have to have. You feel like one of the Players. Every shot requires focus. Five foot tap-ins are knee-knockers... the championship tournament atmosphere and pressure of knowing this is the only time you'll get to play this exact course... it's exciting - 5 discs worth.
- 358 Day Reality? Without the ropes and week of USDGC hoopla, this course would probably be a 4. However, Winthrop would be an EPIC day of disc golf any day of the year. I'm coming back asap!
- My Score: +1 (with 2 triples and 7 birdies)