Pros:
This just popped up on Disc Golf Review in the last week or so . I was playing courses just southwest of Nashville , and I stopped and stopped for directions for another course . A woman in a yard several miles from here suggested that I play the new Arrow Lake 9 hole course , and gave me precise directions . What The ?!?! . The course sits just outside of Mt Pleasant in an obscure spot . It has a very small parking area , maybe fitting 6 cars . There is a bathroom right next to the lot and hole #1 .
THE EQUIPMENT -- There is a nice kiosk with map near the parking lot . Take a picture of it . The tee pads are natural-dirt , cut out of the grass . The tee signs are cut brick set protruding inside the tee box , with hole # , par , and flight path . It was done as art . Kind of cool , except for being placed in the tee box . I couldn't identify the make of the baskets , but they were orange and were numbered .
THE LANDSCAPE -- Gardenia/Clark Park looks new . The course sits in a football field rectangular shape inside a cement walking trail . The holes move clockwise after #1 . . There a just a few mature trees in this rectangle , but the parks service has planted more trees and bushes to serve as obstacles in the future . The park was mowed and looks constantly maintained . There is a level part to the rectangle , and a slightly sloping part that will affect some of the holes .
THE HIGHLIGHTS -- None here , but the course is a fun fast play . #1 is a short downhill warmup for the arm , then #2 goes right back up the slope , maybe playing like a 300' hole . The distances put on DGR are listing 3 300' + holes , Well ,,, if they say so .
DISC RISK -- LOW . You will have to put forth your best effort to lose a disc here . The park is clean . There is NO overgrowth , and the holes are short .
THE TIME -- After looking at the kiosk and getting my bearings , it took me maybe 25 minutes to play all 9 here at Arrow Lake . A foursome will get through here in under an hour for sure .
There is a garbage can near the parking lot , please carry out what you carry in . Also , there are a couple of picnic tables behind the lot , where you can relax after a couple of rounds
I don't think this course has any following yet , so you may have it all to yourself .
Cons:
#1 SAFETY -- I mentioned before that Arrow Lake DGC sits inside a cement walking trail . It actually runs along the inner edges of it . There were walkers taking advantage of the trail the whole time that I played . For the sake of an extra a couple of minutes , make sure they are a safe distance before throwing . The course is open and can be windy .
#2 NAVIGATION -- The course is an easy follow with a map , but if you forget to take a picture of the kiosk or print the online map , you may be wandering , since the tee signs sit in the tee box and can't be spotted from any distance . which brings me to ,,,
#3 TEE SIGNS -- While nice to look at , they sit in the middle of the tee box and stick up 2-3" . This is going to be a tripping hazard , if not an ankle-sprainer . I guess it is in the box for mowing purposes , but might I suggest pulling it out of the tee box and burying it flush with the ground .
#4 CHALLENGE -- This is a pitch and putt 9 hole course . The holes are short with little obstacles to shot shape , just straight ahead and open .
Other Thoughts:
I give Mount Pleasant credit for opening up a course in a small park to introduce disc golf to the city . I hope the locals take advantage of it . If so , the Parks Department may reshape it a little , and add new obstacles in the future . No variety here , but it's fun and peaceful .
MY RECOMMENDATION -- This is a wonderful course for intros and newbies , even the 1 disc player . Almost impossible to lose a disc and just enough downhill or uphill slopes to learn control and distance . Local families that like this game can come here for an after dinner round or weekend play for exercise and bonding . Locals can meet up and hang at the picnic tables between fast rounds . There is nothing here for intermediates on up , but if the course isn't in much use , they can safari some holes , work on an aspect of their game , or try a new midrange or putter out . Not exactly right off of I-65 or a major roadway , travelers may want to skip the course here unless near Mt Pleasant visiting . Course Collectors will love the fast play without the frustration of looking for their discs , and combining this course with 3 others close by on Rt 43 , The Farm , Columbia State , and Woodland Park . Only If In The Area , Try It , if you have an hour to spare .