I tried to find this course's proper thread but couldn't (so sue me because I'm blind ) so started another one. Wow, I'm impressed! First time (this past weekend) playing the course. I've played somewhere between 150-200 courses (too lazy to tabulate them right now) and this lays somewhere in the top 25 for sure! I know I'm a sucker for Hemlock forests but there are some beautiful holes here (if you like tight foresty dark greens and browns with rocks and elevation). And the deep woods just smells great! And super quiet (except Blue Jays and the Berkshire winds). The land was used, IMO, just about as well as I envision it ever could have been...and it's a great piece of land. I'll definitely be back.
I could not agree more. Dave Balkema, aka Keema, has a gem out there in Conway. There is great distance variety. Elevation change. Great greens. An overall fun disc golfing experience every time I have played there. I do believe Dave is an old-school pdga member (#792) with amazing knowledge of how lids/discs fly. I've learned lots from him and valued every moment I spent working on Dave's course with him.
Playing a course like Highlands of Conway is a breath of fresh air after playing the majority of disc golf I play in central MA. Can't wait to go play there again...
Patrick Harris wrote:I've been there couples times in the past two years. Been paying to play there. Even during winter (the actual snowfalls in 2010)!!
The only two downsides of this course are very poor signage and poor tees. I do LIKE the hole layouts.
This course has been around for more than 5 years and there's not much of improvement since it was first installed in 2005.
So, where the money go that we have been dumping at?? Don't tell me that its for tax stuff!!
Just make the tees better and install better tee signs and the course will be golden!!
The "suggestion box" is located right next to the "donation box".
Whenever the heck I get some time to get back out there, I'd gladly meet ya and work on a tee box or two. This summer, NP. Maybe even Keema will come out there with us
Hell, if it were my course, I'd make it $10. It's still worth it. Funky tee's and all.
Dave Jackson wrote: The "suggestion box" is located right next to the "donation box".
I know that, I have been dumping 5 bucks and suggestions to that boxes for the past two years and so have other players too but we do not know what the owner are doing with this money. I remember few years back, he claimed that he needs the money for land tax purpose. No mentioned about course improvement at all. That's the only disappointment I have about this course.
He probably still hasn't even recouped the cost of the baskets yet...besides I sure wouldn't blame him if he wanted turn a profit. I love this course and it's right next to my folks house, so I play it just about every holiday Anyone up for a round Thanksgiving day around 1pm?
Jeez, just the fact that there are garbage cans and a johnny on the spot make it worth the fiver. Def one of my favorites. Great place to escape the sun on those supa-hot days.
While you technically are correct regarding the tee boxes, of ALL the courses I've played this is the one that I'd never really 'concrete' or 'rubberize'...because it would totally take away from the rustic, woodsy ambiance of the whole experience! Besides, there's hardly a 'full pull' on the entire course (and if you DID do a full throw...and missed your line...you'll pay DEARLY ) so you really don't need great footing in a stand-and-deliver mode of throwing....
I've got to agree with Karl on this one. Leave it as is. That place is naturally mystic. I don't even know if that last sentence makes sense, but whatever, the place is awesome. I've got to get back up there soon.
I played there Saturday. The course is in great shape. A bit of trash around as the barrels are all full but otherwise it is in excellent shape. So fun playing that course. Love the powerline view of the valley.
The Highlands of Conway is one of my favorite courses. It makes excellent use of elevation. Its scenic. Beautiful trees and rock formations on an ancient ridgeline. Gorgeous views. Its fun to play and doesnt leave me feeling too inadequate. Life happens and peoples priorties change. The $5 bucks goes to the privilege of playing disc golf on a beautifully private disc golf course in the storied Bershire Hills. Next time I visit Keema's course I'll bring a couple of trash bags along with me and hopefully leave it better than we found it. -ANDY-
Last edited by Andy Neal on Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
chris gagne wrote:Ya Sean.....Highlands might be a good place for the Franchi/Walker-Gagne/ Graustein rematch
Do I smell a road trip? All the place is missing is a pub nearby to grab a bite to eat on the bike ride out there before we start playing. We'll just have to pack the cheese and crackers like always and eat at the picnic table on 10(?).
Sometimes I wonder, "Why is that disc getting bigger?". Then it hits me.
Resurrecting this thread.... Anyone know how to get a hold of Dave B.? Since he hasn't posted here in a dog's age (literally), would appreciate a way to contact him. Thanks.
I played there a month or two ago and the place was still as magical as always. The shorter course layout is fantastic. I can't wait for the day to get back out to that course again with a chainsaw, brushcutter and weedwhacker. I think this course is top 5 in the state (Nantucket-Maple-Buff-Highlands of Conway & Flatrock)
) so started another one. Wow, I'm impressed! First time (this past weekend) playing the course. I've played somewhere between 150-200 courses (too lazy to tabulate them right now) and this lays somewhere in the top 25 for sure! I know I'm a sucker for Hemlock forests but there are some beautiful holes here (if you like tight foresty dark greens and browns with rocks and elevation). And the deep woods just smells great! And super quiet (except Blue Jays and the Berkshire winds). The land was used, IMO, just about as well as I envision it ever could have been...and it's a great piece of land. I'll definitely be back.
