Course Design Discussion

[scoot_er]

Ok so after having 30+ Rec-level courses do you think Houston should focus on installing quality courses meant to challenge Adv level players?

I have been saying this for 5 years.,.........and we have had only 1 course since then that even comes close to this.

[bmugwump]

Which course are you talking about, Matt? Windwood or the new course at Brooks? I would think that both of those qualify...but you're right, there is a huge glut of "rec" courses in H-town! I guess it's because the developers don't have anybody in their orginizations that actually play? Or maybe they play, but haven't been playing for very long? Wish I knew the answer to that one...of course I also wish I was a better player!

[scoot_er]

Originally Posted by bmugwump

Which course are you talking about, Matt? Windwood or the new course at Brooks? I would think that both of those qualify...but you're right, there is a huge glut of "rec" courses in H-town! I guess it's because the developers don't have anybody in their orginizations that actually play? Or maybe they play, but haven't been playing for very long? Wish I knew the answer to that one...of course I also wish I was a better player!

I am talking about Brooks which I personally think could be a lot better with some specialized work on a few holes....basically I don't think it is ready for an A-tier or NT yet especially when coupled with the original course which I thought was better without the extended tees.

Windwood is a good course but with every hole being a hyzer it is far from challenging for a good Adv player.

[bmugwump]

You should've come out to play Bassackwards...The Wilmont was especially fun (five anhyzers around the wetlands!)...the flags are still there if you're in town & want to check it out!

[ERicJ]

Originally Posted by scoot_er

Windwood is a good course but with every hole being a hyzer it is far from challenging for a good Adv player.

If you want to rip on their spittin' baskets, that's fair game. But your quote above isn't very accurate.

[FlyinBryan]

[ChaseTheAce]

Originally Posted by ERicJ

If you want to rip on their spittin' baskets, that's fair game. But your quote above isn't very accurate.

the natural line on most of the holes at Windwood is a hyzer

2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18 are all hyzers

1, 12, 16 have hyzer routes but could really go either way

although most holes have multiple lines to the basket, the course does tend to favor the right handed player

[ChrisMacG]

Originally Posted by scoot_er

Houston should focus on installing quality courses meant to challenge Adv level players?

This is my new year's resolution; more challenging courses.

I'm in talks with two parks departments about installing some more challenging courses down here on the south side. With luck at least one will pan out.

[FlyinBryan]

I'm pretty new to this sport so I'd like to ask what the more talented/experienced players are looking for to make a course challenging?

[ChaseTheAce]

Originally Posted by FlyinBryan

I'm pretty new to this sport so I'd like to ask what the more talented/experienced players are looking for to make a course challenging?

a course should be balanced with various types of shots (left, right, and straight), challenging lines, and difficulty that is both fair and challenging

more importantly, holes on a course should have score separation with opportunities for "risk and reward." a good hole might have two separate lines to the basket, giving a player the choice between a risky route for 2 but having the consequence of a bad kick that would card a 4, or a safer line to the basket to take a three.

John Houck writes some very good articles about course design for the PDGA's Disc Golfer magazine. he gives insight and explanation into what makes a good hole, risk and reward, etc.