Don't judge a book by its cover. Pursuit at Asbury Academy is a course where the first impression isn't an accurate reflection of this layout.
- Pulling into the school, you notice this is an older school building. Then, the first basket you may see is an older, portable basket. Then, on the way to the first hole, you may notice multiple baskets spread out across an open field. Did I really drive out of the way for this?
- Finally, you play the first hole. Tee shot is between the tees to a basket close to fence. Not a bad opening hole. From there, the course takes off.
- The course kicks it up a gear starting on the second hole. Here you begin a four hole stretch of wooded holes. They're all pretty short; #2 is the longest of these at 207 feet, but it's also downhill. #2 and 3 are the most enjoyable in this stretch.
- #6 is a 235 foot (approx.) split dogleg with a basket hidden behind a of trees and underbrush. Path to the right is wide open; left side is a narrow gap.
- #7 is like #1 in that it's an open, slight downhill hole. #8 is the most questionable layout. It's an awkward dogleg right to a basket along the edge of the tree line.
- #9 is the longest hole on the course at 260 feet. It's slightly uphill, mostly open, with a single large tree protecting the left route to the basket.
- The course's baskets themselves are in good shape. I have no idea what that single portable basket closer to the building is for.
- This is an extremely beginner/student friendly layout. Wooded fairways are wide enough to allow additional margin for error. Big arms also aren't needed.

Course still seems to be a work in progress. Most tee areas are marked by four flags. Some holes - #1 & 7 – didn't have them.
- Next hole signs would be helpful. When I played, the UDisc map wasn't even complete. I had to add the info for several holes. In case there ends up being an issue with the map in the future, blame the other guy.
- Tee signs would also be nice. So would accurate hole length measurements as a couple seemed a little off.
- Course isn't targeted at more experienced players. With an average hole length of just above 200 feet, experienced players can easily play with a putter and a midrange.
- As stated above, I would tweak #8's layout a little. The idea is there, the execution is a little lacking.

Between seeing zero reviews or discussion of this course on local FB disc golf pages, I didn't know what to expect. Then, seeing a lot of holes stationed in an open field, I immediately wasn't thinking much about the Pursuit course.
- I'll be clear. It's not elite by any standard. But, it is a quality, short school course. A course doesn't have to be long to be interesting. That's true for here.
- I like how #5's tee is right next to the railroad tracks. It's an interesting view. Don't know how often, or if, trains run this line.
- Being a short layout, there are plenty of birdie and ace runs here.
- The open holes were perfectly suitable. There was enough variety in them that none felt like a throwaway or an easy, boring layout. Holes #6 & 7 have a nice flow to them.
- You could easily play through twice in 45 minutes or so. If you're already here, might as well take a little more time for a second nine.
- A quality school course, for sure. A decent nine hole layout. Not too far from Rankin or the Bear to make a slight detour.

The Pursuit DGC is a short nine hole course at Asbury Academy that makes use of natural tees and new DISCatcher baskets. Upon arrival at the school, I admittedly rolled my eyes when I saw five baskets scattered around an open field. I immediately knew I was in for another lackluster school course. Spoiler Alert: I was wrong!

Starting at Hole 1 I realized that despite the mostly open fairway, there was actually a tight gap to hit in order to park the basket down the hill. The next four holes snaked through the woods behind the school, and continued to utilize the elevation available extremely well. There was a nice mixture of both uphill and downhill throughout the course. Hole 2 was when it really hit home how decent the course was actually going to be.

Even the open holes managed to feel fun, with Hole 7 being slightly downhill with thick tree line behind the basket to punish overthrown drives, Hole 9 plays slightly uphill, and Hole 6 is played as a big hyzer around a clump of trees & bushes. Hole 8 played as a big turnover to park the basket.

The course would benefit from better tee markers. Right now they are marked with white flags stuck in the ground. One or two had some cones set up as well.

Tee signs would also be a huge benefit, to help find some of the tees. Hole 8 was particularly tricky to find the tee for.

Some of the wooded fairways had some noticeable debris off (mostly downed trees and thorns) in the rough, which could create some less than ideal lies for young students playing the game.

Most players will only need a midrange and putter here.

The course also suffers from the same cons other school courses struggle with. Be sure to respect the school and do not play here during a school day or during any school event.

I was pleasantly surprised by Pursuit DGC, and think that with a few improvements it could become my favorite Lincolnton course, even with only 9 holes. For now I am going to give the course a 1.5 rating, but feel like even by adding in tee signs with hole distance and par labeled would be enough to bump my personal rating higher. When visiting family and friend in Lincolnton, I would gladly play this course again.

Favorite Holes: 2, 5, & 6