What is the best course you have ever played?

[skipache]

riverbends is not on my list of best courses i have played just my favorites, i just like it out there and the river is pretty cool, i would agree however that stony creek is the better course

[skipache]

i won $120 in the ace pot throwoff for the Gale Vaughn Memorial there too so meybe that has something to do with it.

[Bruce Brakel]

i won $120 in the ace pot throwoff for the Gale Vaughn Memorial there too so meybe that has something to do with it.

I was actually going to suggest, from my own experience, that winning an ace pool there or winning a tournament there might have something to do with it.  I have a fondness for Coldbrook in spite of it being a crappy little course with pinball routes to the basket, holes dangerously close, a crossing fairway or two, and a righty route on every hole.  But I won a Super Tour ace pool there and a B-tier in advanced, so the course is o.k.    

[stpitner]

i won $120 in the ace pot throwoff for the Gale Vaughn Memorial there too so meybe that has something to do with it.

I was actually going to suggest, from my own experience, that winning an ace pool there or winning a tournament there might have something to do with it.  I have a fondness for Coldbrook in spite of it being a crappy little course with pinball routes to the basket, holes dangerously close, a crossing fairway or two, and a righty route on every hole.  But I won a Super Tour ace pool there and a B-tier in advanced, so the course is o.k.    

crud.  using that logic I clinched my first tournament victory at Leo Leathers (multi-course event)... does that mean I have to say that it's an ok course as well?

[Mukey]

Yeah, my 1st tourney ace was at Fairfield this year & I like that course, but compared to some others it's not as great.

[tacimala]

See, my one tourney ace was at Timber Ridge in Kalamazoo. The course is awesome, but they are pulling it until worlds in '08. I hold the one and only ace on the course so that is something I am excited about. The course is in my top 5, but was quickly there after about 8 or 9 holes.

[Chainmeister]

i won $120 in the ace pot throwoff for the Gale Vaughn Memorial there too so meybe that has something to do with it.

I was actually going to suggest, from my own experience, that winning an ace pool there or winning a tournament there might have something to do with it.  I have a fondness for Coldbrook in spite of it being a crappy little course with pinball routes to the basket, holes dangerously close, a crossing fairway or two, and a righty route on every hole.  But I won a Super Tour ace pool there and a B-tier in advanced, so the course is o.k.    

crud.  using that logic I clinched my first tournament victory at Leo Leathers (multi-course event)... does that mean I have to say that it's an ok course as well?

Hmmm, I just thought all courses sucked.  wait, maybe its not the courses, maybe its...nah, those course sure do suck. Haven't played a good one yet.

[can't putt]

Well, I haven't been playing long, but I try to sample as many courses as I can.  My hands down favorite is Idlewild in the Cincinnati area.  For me, this course has everything -- narrow fairways in the woods, broad open shots, elevation ...  But what really makes it special is the attention paid to individual holes by various groups.  Each is unique in its own way, with custom benches, retention walls, flower pots, PDGA walk-of-fame ... very cool.

Honorable mentions in no particular order:
Mount Airy -- Cincinnati
McNaughton -- Peoria
Hiestand -- Madison
Granite Ridge -- Highbridge
Woodland Greens -- Highbridge (tree gnomes!)
Maytag Park -- Newton, IA

Most overrated course that I see mentioned alot:
Sinnissippi -- Sterling (I like the front 9, but the back is just ordinary)

Worst 18+ holers:
Gillette, WY
Modesto, CA

Only two aces to date, #1 at Streamwood and #16, long at Jericho Lake.  Yeah, I like both those courses, but neither makes my 'A' list!

[Abelardo Arenas]

Most overrated course that I see mentioned alot:
Sinnissippi -- Sterling (I like the front 9, but the back is just ordinary)

One of the most underrated is Lake Eureka. I've played at least 45 courses in Illinois & 10 in Wisconsin, and this one rarely gets talked about. It's worth a stop if you ever head down toward the Peoria area.

[K.C.]

One of the most underrated is Lake Eureka. I've played at least 45 courses in Illinois & 10 in Wisconsin, and this one rarely gets talked about. It's worth a stop if you ever head down toward the Peoria area.

AMEN, brotha!!!  This course is wonderful, and a MUST play if in the area.  Every hole leaves you thinkin':  dang, that was fun...I'd like to throw it again.  We did a Peoria "tour" last summer and hit up all the courses down there in a day trip...and that course stays in my memory even more than McNaughton, and I love McNaughton!

[Mike S]

Is Eureka 18 holes now?  When I played it, there were 12 holes and it was very well put together.  Lots of tight shots but all do-able.

[CEValkyrie]

Is Eureka 18 holes now?  When I played it, there were 12 holes and it was very well put together.  Lots of tight shots but all do-able.

Yes, quite a bit of redesign. 2 of the open holes in the northeast corner of the park were removed for 2 better holes in the southwest corner. I agree this is a very nice course with lots of elevation and trees. It now has cement tees too. Add some long tees and this place is sweet!

[Mukey]

Yes, quite a bit of redesign. 2 of the open holes in the northeast corner of the park were removed for 2 better holes in the southwest corner. I agree this is a very nice course with lots of elevation and trees. It now has cement tees too. Add some long tees and this place is sweet!

Were those the two holes that played across the small creek with the trees & shrubs? If so, that's great that they took those out, they were the 2 most boring ones when I played.

[K.C.]

Until I played the River City Rumble in Davenport, IA, I felt the Canyon was the best.  Boy has my mind changed.  Davenport is a temp course so it is only available once a year.  Don't miss out on next year's.  This course has everything, and then some!  I was 39 over par for two rounds and took 6th in Advanced!!!  Numerous routes, LONG uphills and even longer downhills with water in play on quite a few holes.  This is EPIC golf!  If you're not ready to get knocked down on the dirt numerous times and get back up a few , DON'T COME.  I would say thios course is WELL beyond the abilities of the average Int. player.  Virtuall Pro/Adv. only.

I will be signed up for next year's as soon as reg. is open.  Don't miss out.  Besides it's so close, how could you?

My list is at 70 different courses played right now, so I've had my fair share of experience!

Tafe, and anyone else wanting to play the best course around (if not anywhere):

West Lake has the approval to be permanent.  After so many letters of gratitude were written after the Rumble this year, they have agreed to let us put the course in permanently (with the possibility of adding two other courses out there eventually, the land IS seemingly endless).  The course will probably be temporary still for this year's Rumble (which is an A tier, on Mother's Day...mark your calenders), but will be permanent shortly after.

Hope you, and all others, are able to come up for the tournament...and get hooked on the course.  It'll eat you alive...and you'll love it!

For some more information:  http://iowadg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=407&start=0

The site for the tourney is now up and "running".  We will be adding more in upcoming months, but the basics (and of course online registration) are there:
But, online registration is available as we've taken in a few already.  Rockford - QC, just under 2 hours.  Chicago - QC, vicinity of 2-3 hours...and well worth the trip.  Hope to see many of you there. 

http://www.rcrumble.com

[the_lung]

Paw Paw. 

[Working Stiff]

I have played mostly in Missouri, and my favorite courses down there are Sioux Passage in St. Louis and Water Works in Kansas City.  Anna Page in Rockford is my favorite in Northern Illinois.  By that I mean the older course. I have not played the newer one enough to have an opinion.

[J.R.]

I haven't played that many courses, but over the winter I was in Northern California.  There's a course in Novato (about one hour south of Santa Rosa and 1-2 north of San Fran) that is amazing. 

You do have to pay $5  per day as a park fee but it's well worth it.  The park is around a lake and the course it set on the side of a hill.  The setting is unbelievable.  I didn't hear a single car the whole time I was out there.  You really feel like you're out in nature.  A couple of deer wandered through the course as we played.

Lots of elevation change, and lots of trees, but a good mix of holes and shots required.  There are Am and Pro tees, and 3-4 pin placements on every hole.  Also a 1000+ foot flat hole if you're into that kinda thing (the only 7 I've ever shot that didn't make me want to quit the sport on the spot). 

Highly recommended if you happen to be nearby.  At least 2 hours to play 18 as it is very spread out and worth taking your time on.

[ChiBlender36]

Haven't played too many courses, but hopefully that'll change this summer and into the fall...my short list

1)  Sandy Point Disc Golf Ranch   (WI)
2)  Madison Meadows (Lombard)
3)  Oak Brook Course (IL)
4)  Prarie Park (DeKalb)
5)  Commons (Lombard)

i know it's short, but definately gonna play Jericho, Lippold and as many others in DuPage/Kane/Cook as I can this summer...and i want to head down to Peoria some too

[CEValkyrie]

After playing West Lake Park in Davenport, IA i'd have to say it's one of the most scenic and demanding courses i've played.

[Chad Eng]

Thanks for the kind words, Brett. We've got more courses on the way, also, so you'll have to make another trip down to see us. For the record, I've got two other courses (both completely different than the existing course) designed at West Lake. I have already proposed an additional course at West LAke when I proposed the original course. The county is "seeing how the first one works" before investing in additional baskets. But based on the response from the tournament (and if enough people write them letters about their awesome park), it is a very good possibility.

Thanks again for coming down, Brett. Next year, we'll see you in the top 4!

Chad Eng
TD - River Cities Rumble
West Lake Course Designer