The OutBack

This course is only nine holes, but a true 18 with two different tee pads per basket. A perfect amateur (Am) course because the Am is challenged each time to see if they can go boggy free. Every hole ... show more ›

This course is only nine holes, but a true 18 with two different tee pads per basket. A perfect amateur (Am) course because the Am is challenged each time to see if they can go boggy free. Every hole can result in a par 3 if you throw 250 feet with reasonable accuracy, but at least two holes will require good up shots. About half or more can be birdied with good drives but the same holes can be result in an easy boggy if you hit an obstacle or go out of bounds. The wind can also change the game quickly or a missed put that goes down the hill. I like this course when I want to play two rounds quickly. The tactic is to a fast round is to play the back 4 twice through before returning to the front 10. Beware, hole 9/18 can be tricky which is good to break a tie.

A quirky duel tee 9 hole course. PROS: + NIGHT GOLF + This is the first course I ever bagged at night. Relatively open, few hazards and some street and parking lighting brightening up the fringes ... show more ›

A quirky duel tee 9 hole course.

PROS:
+ NIGHT GOLF + This is the first course I ever bagged at night. Relatively open, few hazards and some street and parking lighting brightening up the fringes of this course. I didn't see anything posted about not being able to throw at night, but it was dark. I may have missed such a sign.
+ NAVIGATION + I got turned around once during my night round as I could not locate hole (8) and I played (17) instead, pretty impressive for someone solo on first play. There is a great course map near tee (1) and it very much helped to check for landmarks around tees for my night round. The tee markers are a little tough to spot at night being just numbered pavers but the map was extremely accurate. I'm sure it's a breeze during the day.
+ MAINTENANCE + The course seems to be a well taken care of. I didn't stumble over anything during my night round. That's always a good sign.
+ QUICK PLAY + Easy peasy. This one should take more than 25 minutes solo and the second loop should be the same. A group of four should easily have the double loop wrapped up in 90 minutes or less.
+ RECREATIONAL FRIENDLY + At 4,562 feet for both 9s, and with simple obstacles, newer thru recreational players will like this course. There are a two longer holes, to test and encourage the development of a bigger arm. There are a couple technical plays to test and encourage the development of greater accuracy. The hazards are minimal and there's just about no overgrowth.
+ ACEABILITY + A bunch of shorties to run at and a few of these don't even have any obstacles. Hole (1) right out the gates is an obstacle free 200 footer where I unloaded 6 shots. The basket is still very much alive. Skilled players that play here routinely should be wracking aces up.
+ CHAINS + Yeah DISCathcers

CONS:
Some spacing issues on the site and an overall unorthodox layout.
- SAFETY HAZARDS - Roads and parking lots come into play on several holes. I was fortunate to play when no one was parked in these lots, otherwise I may have had to skip a hole or two. In addition, Holes (4) thru (7) all seem to play around a multi-purpose field. If let's say a soccer game were being played, these four holes would not be playable.
- 9 BASKETS - Although listed on the course map as 18 holes, there are only 9 baskets in play. Two tees go to each basket. For example, hole (1) and (10) share the same basket and fairway, but they tee from slightly different angles. Thankfully only three of these holes are straight up just distance modifiers.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - There are one or two moderately challenging holes out here, For example (8) and (17) with the double mando. However, to skill players this course is going to be a birdie fest. Counting both 9s, there are eight tee shots under 220 feet. Only two shots exceed 300 feet. There is water in play in the form of a concrete swale on several shots, but it was dry on my play and it seems as though it should only fill up briefly after a big rain. Perhaps the biggest x factor in the challenge is the implied OB roads.
- CHARACTER - A great community board with course map and baskets. But that's all the extra amenities to be found here. No alternate basket locations or multi tees (I gave the course a scoring credit for 18 holes instead of multi tees). No practice basket, hole signage or benches either.
- TEES - Sub-par. As of this review, the tees were natural and are showing signs of minor pitting. They are usable for the time being but it's only a matter of time before they get bad.
- NO ELEVATION - Nothing here is worth noting.
- UNIQUENESS - In addition to no elevation, the overall hole variety is lacking. For the most part the shots are relatively straight with a spattering of tree. No tunnel shots or pockets to hit. No par 4s, 5s or dogleg holes. Other than hole (2), the hole length ranges from 178 to 315 feet. Hole (6/15) is a neat mando using a tree to force shot to either side. Hole (8/17) is a double mando that's probably a bit too tough for the intended audience.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Even at night I could tell that this is not the most beautiful piece of property. Lots of roads and buildings in view. Few trees, no elevation and the one water feature is a concrete clad ditch.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
The Outback for me will forever be known as the first course I ever bagged at night. I had a little twilight on holes (1) threw (3), but after that I relied on my phone flashlight, glow tape and street lights to finish the course. In all, kind of odd course to rate. In my opinion it neither fits in as a D or a D+, but rather in the middle. I liked the idea of adding an additional set of markers to make a full 18, but it's just another round of the same quirkiness as the first 9. The Outback will definitely work for those living in town but its reach beyond that won't ever be realized.

Considering the land that the Church had to use, this is an excellent course with a fun layout. Perfect place to bring people to teach about the sport. Can easily be played from dual pads and even saf ... show more ›

Considering the land that the Church had to use, this is an excellent course with a fun layout. Perfect place to bring people to teach about the sport. Can easily be played from dual pads and even safari for some challenging set up shots. Close to the house and easy to follow. Very well maintained. Getting across the creek can be difficult if the water is up. CAUTION - it can get very slick in the wet months.