Central Park, the course Atlanta loves to hate, is probably the most underrated in my mind. Admittedly, I avoided my relatively short drive to check it out since the redesign in 2013 based on some random feedback. Now I wonder why I waited. The course simply has a lot to offer, it's challenging, and it's very fun to play.

Those that prefer lengthy courses will feel right at home. After all, the 18 hole, 6890' track (7490' with 20 holes) only has three of them ringing up under 300'. With an overall hole average of around 375' from the longs, you will need your big arm more often than not. The short pads, shaving off nearly 1000', brings eleven holes to under the 300' mark and makes it a much more manageable layout for all players. Before you bombers get too excited, don't expect to just grip and rip out here. Sure, as you might expect, there's are a few open shots, but you'll need some accuracy too. While I do think the longer throwers have the advantage here, a sharp shooting noodle arm can probably edge out a wild throwing distance driver on a good day.

The course itself is a sprawling layout. It's a big loop winding through the park bringing in lots of features. There's a creek here, coming into play several times, and it's equipped with bridges where they're needed. There's plenty of elevation too, bringing in lots of variable shots. I like that both the up and down throws are mixed with open and wooded fairways. And of course, you cannot discount the wind on the open hills. Once in the woods, look out for some longer, tighter, and demanding fairways. If you cannot reach the basket off the tee, perhaps your best course of action is a thoughtful drive and play to the basket for par. Nothing wrong with a 3 on a lot of these long, wooded holes out here as a 2 on the scorecard can be a bonus. But, there are some shorter must make 2's in the woods as well. Finally, to round out the diversity, look for some lightly wooded holes with a couple punch-out/punch-in shots as well. Of course, you'll find some tunnels, right to left shots, and just about everything in between including a steady dose of OB's.

There is some talk of long walks between holes. However, a couple of them have been mended with some bonus golf, specifically holes 3B and 8B. This brings the course to 20 holes and patches up the disconnect between the biggest gaps between 3/4 and 8/9. It's a great way to link the main course should you decide to make use of them. I felt like the only other walk long enough to even mention was along the nice creek, in the woods, and out of the hot sun. I happened to enjoy the break myself.

Plentiful parking, a kiosk, and a practice basket greet you to the course. As you play, you'll notice benches, tee signs, and rubber tees. Multiple tee pads and pin locations keep things fresh, provided they are regularly rotated. The two pin positions drilled into large rocks are a cool feature, especially the one that creates a slightly elevated basket with the creek close behind.

Well the most pronounced weakness hands down are the tee pads. Rubber pads, which aren't my least favorite normally, just don't work well once they start showing their age and are not placed on level, prepared grade. All the things you might expect in this situation are here. You'll find slick, bumpy, uneven, and tattered conditions with most of them. Note that replacement pads are at least in the discussions if not already in the works and will hopefully be installed soon. Given the present course, it will raise its rating at least a half point.

Baskets are tough to spot first time out and it had me walking some fairways to find them both to spot the basket itself while also figuring out current pin placement. Playing without a map the first time may have you scratching your head a time or two looking for the next hole. Take note that knowing that bonus holes 3b and 8b are present will help (I didn't know of them prior to my round and threw me off).

Lots of folks complain about some of the walks. While they were noticeable, they did not effect my enjoyment of the course at all. Just thought I'd mention them as they seem to be a point of contention to some.

I like to get away when I play golf so to speak. Here on a few holes, you don't get that feeling. Some areas have a sort of industrial feel to them, around the detention pond for example. Others have you interacting or at least playing close to other park activities. You only get off the beaten path on about ½ the holes.

Otherwise, most other things you may view as a negative out here won't be unique. Just the same old personal preferences that vary from person to person.

This course does a great job mixing both fun and challenge. With the shorter pads, there is an option to add more fun to the mix too. I feel like there is something for everyone here and it's a good place for newer players to come and take their game to the next level.

The local club takes pride in the course, is actively adding improvements, and is quite welcoming. For the Facebook user, look them up if you're visiting (Central Park (ga) Disc Golf). Post that you are looking for a guide and you are sure to find a friendly local or group to show you around. Note that there is some regular doubles action at the course too.

- Multiple tees (blue, red white).
- From tee to basket, holes are challenging and for the most part fun to play.
- Variety of holes: some are open where one can "grip it and rip it", others are in the woods and demand accuracy. Elevation changes uphills and downhills, as well.
- Course and park were in good condition: grass mown, baskets in good repair.
- Practice basket with distance markers.
- Parking is very good and near first hole and practice basket.

- Signage: I had a map of the course and still would've been lost if not with a group who'd played the course before. Directions to the next hole are poorly marked (and often not marked at all), and the few painted on trees and rocks are easily missed. This is my worst complaint about the course, and it could be improved tremendously with a little effort.
- Nos. 9 and 10 are very isolated from the rest of the course and you have to know (or have a map) or you'll miss them completely.
- Long, LONG hikes between many holes. I realize this is possibly unavoidable, but it contributes to the issues of getting lost if one does not really know where one is going.
- Baskets are not very visible at all. Some bright orange or bright yellow paint along the tops would greatly improve visibility.
- Chains are not DISCatcher, and i had a couple of putts slide off the chains and to the ground. Yes, that's partly on me, but when I hit the chains and am punished, I don't like that.
- Tees: rubber tees are damaged on many holes. The footing is also not great on some of them.
- Other park users are all around and must be watched for.
- One pretty much as to start at Hole #1 and finish at #18; #9 is literally at the other end of the course and park.

I really think this course is good, challenging and fun, and would be a premiere course if some work was done on the tees and especially the signage and directions to the next tees. There is likely no way to minimize the hiking distance between holes, but that would be acceptable if the trails were much better marked.