Pros:
This 9 hole course with brand new Innova baskets was installed in June, 2010 for the purpose of teaching high school students the sport of disc golf. A nice welcome board was constructed and installed by hole #1. Brand new paver tee pads were recently installed by an Eagle Scout and numerous volunteers. Log benches- made from the downed trees caused by Hurricane Sandy exist at 8 of the holes.There is a little variety- a downhill shot (hole #1), a nice winding hyzer (hole #2), a short shot across a gully to an elevated basket (hole #3), a neat little shot around a batting cage (hole #7), the obligatory bomb (hole #8) and an uphill shot to finish (hole #9). Hand made "next tee" signs attached to each basket make navigation simple. Permanent tee locations are marked with painted wooden 6 x 6 posts with small signs listing hole number, par and distance; professional grade signs will be installed in 2016. There is space at six of the holes to lengthen the distance if a greater challenge is desired. The grounds are well maintained, and this course serves as both a great training location for those learning the game and a fun little area to play recreationally or to work on your short game.
Cons:
This is not a course designed with the advanced or professional player in mind. Limitations with surrounding athletic fields and the need to supervise classes playing the course limited what could be done when designing the layout. Public use is restricted to weekends, off school hours and when athletic fields are not being used. Holes 5 and 6 are repetitive in design. Goose and deer droppings sometimes present on areas of the course.
Other Thoughts:
Freehold Township High School has the proud distinction of being the first high school in New Jersey to have a permanent disc golf course installed on its property, the vision of Physical Education Teacher Frank Gualtieri, Supervisor Pat McEvoy and Principal Elizabeth Higley. Its purpose is to implement the game into the P.E. curriculum and introduce students to this fun sport. A lot has been done aesthetically to make the FTHS course a nice, recreational playing experience. This course is a training facility- not a course for challenging rounds among advanced players- and must be taken for what it is. It's unfortunate the vast wooded property couldn't be incorporated into the layout. Consider playing this course along with the 9 hole course at the Manalapan Rec. Center 15 min. away then head to Thompson Park in Jamesburg for a more challenging 18 hole course!