Anderson, SC

Trails DGC

3.255(based on 22 reviews)
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11 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Textbook woods golf

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

In this weeks installment of Moose finds a course near the highway we try the Trails in Anderson, SC.

If you are a course designer who has a smallish wooded plot, there is a lot of positive you could take from this one and implement on many properties.

16 of the 18 holes are wooded and even on the two "open" ones you have some challenge present either in the form of a small gap to hit or a guarded pin.

For the most part the course winds through the woods with a little bit of elevation change, a creek in play on about 6 holes if I remember correctly and one longish open hole to make you throw a driver.

I attacked this one with mostly mids and putters but did break out a fairway a couple of times and a Carnivore on the longest hole(375ish open shot).

They did a nice job with the pads they are concrete and mostly nice and level, only one or two with cracks. The baskets are disccatchers that are mainly wrapped to look orangish which was a fine choice for woods golf. Signs were nice and seemed accurate, though a couple faced an odd direction.

Fun factor is pretty high, and I think glow dubs here would be an absolute hoot.

Cons:

It's a smaller wooded property with the challenge that entails. Some of the lines are tight or an odd shape for the new player and if you are mainly throwing hyzers backhand or forehand it's not going to be easy, though once you can manipulate a disc it's certainly not that hard.

It's probably more fun than the objective quality is high, but I do give points for fun and this course has it.

The safety and navigation are the main issues to me and they go hand in hand since some of the pads are only 30-50ft from the previous pin and you could easily overshoot and be close to the next group, in some cases you couldn't see them off the tee. The other issue is you have to cross over previous holes about 3 times, so if it's busy you need to be heads up.

The 10-14 interchange was the worst piece of that, which sucks because all of those holes are strong. They just play in weird spaces, and to change the direction and fix it would make two of them inferior holes.

Other Thoughts:

It's not a legend, but it is a worthy course and I had fun playing it. If you are on 85 with an hour to kill that's about all the time you would need to play it and I doubt you would be sorry you did.
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8 0
Bennybennybenny
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 305 played 287 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A wooded course demo 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 17, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

-This course doesn't take up a ton of space in this large park. But it's probably in the most ideal spot. In the wooded area. All except a couple of holes here are wooded. But they are all different from each other. To add to that, many holes have alt. pin placements.

-Has a killer start with hole one. It was in the long pin position, which is 326' long. This is probably the best hole on the course in my opinion. The hole is pretty tight most of the way but has a fair line. I threw a mid range and cleared the line and was able to obtain a birdie. Hole two was a fun ace run. Has two routes. The right route is much safer but has a couple a trees to sneak past. The left route is pretty much where "sketchy" is the pro route. It's tighter and more demanding, but if you think you can ace this hole, you'll more likely be taking this route.

-Benches are on most holes if not all. And we know who to thank! Jacob W. Barfield and GBS Lumber. Course isn't very hilly, but there are some elevation changes that are nearly significant.

-Nice use of an island green on #11. Man made, and with an established drop zone about 49' from the basket. Hole is 191' and straight. Very fair with a nice additional challenge to it. Teaches newcomers a little something special about disc golf.

-There are some fairways that are unusual and won't be fun for newcomers, but I think they are all fair. They'll teach beginners the importance of carrying more than three discs (something I NEVER could get across to the other kids at Bonclarken when I was a kid). You'll need overstable high speed drivers, stable midranges, slow putters, different weighted discs, and a lot in between here. But it'll really teach you the fundamentals of disc golf.

-Three practice baskets in the open across the road.

Cons:

-Some of the baskets are a bit damaged with graffiti. A few of the new tee signs are missing or damaged. I think this one of those courses that gets a ton of foot traffic. It's pretty short and has a well diverse set of holes that are all reachable. Which makes this a course for anyone. A church leader could take a large group of kids here (like mine did) or a local pro could kick back with some buddies and play a casual round. This all being said, the graffiti and the damage to the tee signs could be seen by others as a lack of respect. That newcomer may want to know the distance of the hole, or the shape of the fairway, or if there's another pin placement. Or that local on the next hole may have helped out with those tee signs. It's terribly wrong to destroy the work that someone else had done. And these baskets are long term assets with a depreciable value. We don't want them to depreciate before their expected service life, but they do with all that graffiti. It doesn't always come off easily.

-Holes nine and ten play along a walking path. The walking path on hole ten splits the fairway. Personally, I enjoyed hole ten. It's a nice hole that's open and onto a slightly sloping hill. But you may have to yield to pedestrians.

-The first hole may be tough for you to find. A couple of locals told me where to go. Walk past the practice baskets while walking away from the parking lot and cross the road. If you see the fence, take a left and you'll see the course kiosk.

-Every previous reviewer mentioned poison ivy, but constantly having to scratch itches is a notable con.

Other Thoughts:

-This course isn't awesome, but it is fun and very smartly designed. It teaches many lessons as you go along and encourages you to experiment with different discs so that you get the hang out it. Hole two is a hole that encourage a starter to really work on their accuracy, because it's a whole lot funner to throw through the left gap. Hole nine may encourage you to search for high glide drivers that fly straight. It's nice to work on distance. Hole eleven is good accuracy practice that'll give a warm feeling when you make the island. Holes four and fourteen have my vote as the hardest fairways to hit. Probably the hardest holes as well. The fairway for hole four is odd and highly demanding with it's curves. But it's still possible to reach. The title for fourteen is "mission impossible" but believe me, it's reachable.

-Then there's hole fifteen. A hole that gives a feel for how fun disc golf can get. Elevation. Hole is down a pretty good hill and over a creek. Very fun hole that'll encourage you to throw multiple discs on.
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6 1
MadGame32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.2 years 69 played 69 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Father's Day Treat 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 14, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Good Tee pads
-Great tight line practice
-Short course good for shorter throwers
-Goals in great shape

Cons:

-Lack of distance holes to stretch arm
-Some holes appear to be more "throw and hope"
-Tee signs lack detail
-Poison Ivy EVERYWHERE
-Navigation difficult

Other Thoughts:

My oldest son and I came here to play for the first time as a Father's Day gift. The first issue we ran into is UDisc and my GPS both could not find the place the way it was intended. UDisc basically lead me to an apartment complex where I was able to park and play the course, but I do not think Parks and Rec intend you to park in the apartment complex.

Once we got started, the tree love/hate began. There are trees everywhere on this course. While it was handled well on many holes, there were also many where there was no obvious route. Some holes felt like they were "throw and pray it gets through" holes. I agree with an earlier review that says it would be better if a few select trees were thinned to create clear, but still tight, lanes.

There is no real distance challenge here having only 2 holes that allow you to pull out a driver. I would rather have a few more holes that allow a little space to stretch out a drive. That being said, I did enjoy the shade we had most of the round that will make this a nice summer play.

It feels a little secluded. I am not sure how bad crime is in the area, but I could see someone getting robbed having such isolated places in a city environment. We had no problems, but make sure you lock up your valuables just in case.

Overall, the course was not really to our liking. I can see why some would enjoy playing a course like this, but it just was not our cup of tea.If you want tight line approach shot practice, this is the course for you. Otherwise, I would move on to other options.

6/15/2020 Update: Recent storms have naturally thinned some trees. Course opened up a little as a result. Nothing too drastic, but enough to make lines a little better. Really enjoyed my 2nd visit to The Trails.

8/18/2020 Update:
Out of the 66 courses I have reviewed, this is where this course ranks along with similarly rated courses:
Rank-Course, Location
33-Pecan Grove West, Sherman TX
34-Weatherford DGC, Weatherford, TX
35-Timmons Park, Greenville, SC
36-Crooked Creek Park, Chapin, SC
37-USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC
38-Trails DGC, Anderson, SC
39-Shoally Creek DGC, Boiling Springs, SC
40-The Dragon, Purcell, OK
41-Mulerider DGC, Magnoli, AR
42-Lakeside DGC, Elmore City, OK
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4 0
MakAtak3
Experience: 9 years 20 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Short, technical course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

1. Course is well laid out and easy to navigate between holes.
2. Nice mix of flat and elevated terrain.
3. Course is well maintained.
4. Course really challenges your short game.
5. Course doesn't require a big arm to play.
6. Nice mix of dog leg left and right holes.
7. Course has three practice baskets.

Cons:

1. All holes are par 3. The entire course can be played with a putter and midrange.
2. You have to cross over hole 12 to get to 14.

Other Thoughts:

A very nice course located at the end of Anderson Civic Center. Course is easy to navigate and rewards the finesse touch. A great course to play if you are in the area. Nice course for beginner and intermediate players.
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6 0
DiscGolfMaster
Experience: 21.1 years 77 played 17 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Little Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clean woods. Not much underbrush to worry about unless your throw is spectacularly terrible. Lots of trees though, but most fairways have a nice defined path or two in order to get you to the basket for a bird. It's just a matter of hitting that line ;). Nice signage and the course has pretty good flow. Lot's of benches. LOVED the greens. The holes might have been on the short side, but the pin positions were a joy to get close to. I love a challenge and trying to hit the right line for a good drive and then to have to putt on a challenging green makes for a great day of disc golf.

Cons:

The overall flow of the course was great, but there were a couple times that left us scratching our heads for a minute or two, no big deal though. Hole 4's fairway isn't really a fairway. Looks more like you're playing a second shot that went awry. It's a really short hole though so that kind of makes up for it. Difficult birdie, but easy par. Not that many cons to be honest.

Other Thoughts:

Great little course. If this course had more land to work with and could throw in a few par 4's and 5's, it'd be the perfect course. But as it sits, a par 3 course, it's about as good as it gets. I feel like wooded courses is what true disc golf is all about. It needs to be centered less around throwing 450ft+ bombs out in the open and more about hitting tight lines and finesse. It's disappointing to look up youtube videos of pro games and see them playing on ball golf courses throwing bomb after bomb on every hole. No imagination there and lack of any real strategy. This course IS disc golf. Props to the designers and maintenance guys.
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4 0
revbabb
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Tree-teed-me well 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great course to refine your technical game or sharpen your "cursing like a sailor" skills! It's a maze through the woods that I really love because It plays fairly quick for an 18 hole (par 3) course. An added bonus is being located at the city civic center, there are many stores near by for last minute needs including an Academy Sports and Dick's for disc!!

Cons:

I loved the course but the tee pad signage needed some attention on several holes. If I hadn't been playing with a guy that I joined up with as I was playing (who was a member of that club) several hole placements would have been blind to me.
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7 0
Streetcar
Experience: 13.1 years 14 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Short Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

1. The course is in great shape this year. Usually maintained periodically.
2. Tight course that emphasizes control throws over distance. Great technical course that makes you think about the lines you want to play.
3. Family friendly.
4. Dependable Innova Discatcher baskets. Double chained.
5. Scenic. Nice walk in the woods. Beautiful in the Fall.
6. Good beginner course that teaches you to think about your shots.
7. Good sized concrete tee pads.
8. Hole markings are good.
9. Good variety of shots needed.
10. Alternate basket placements on 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17 add interest to the course and mixes things up a bit.

Cons:

Cons:
1. Next tee signs need some work. The transition from 10 to 11 and 13 to 14 would confuse a first time player.
2. Poison Ivey in the Spring and Summer. Lots of poison ivy.
3. The really good players may not get too excited with this course. Or they may see it as a short game tune up.
4. The walking trails have to be shared with other walkers who are not playing and you have to watch for them. Sometimes you have to tell them to move on.
5. If the soccer spectators are not watching their children playing in the wooded area near 9 and 10, the children will pick up your disc while it is in play. With luck, they will bring it to you....aarrgghhh.
6. Just as in life, there is an element of luck in play at this course; good shots don't always get rewarded here. And that could frustrate you on some level.

Other Thoughts:

The Trails is my home course and it fits my game well. The Trails plays in a heavily wooded section of the Anderson Sports Complex, and as its name implies, follows wooded walking trails. With moderate elevation changes, this is not a distance course where you air it out. The creek comes into play on several holes and poses additional challenges. The course is for a technical game and, coming in at 4,400 feet, it is pretty short. It is a well designed short course and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. It will challenge beginners and recreational level players and provide some good birdie opportunities for those skill levels. It will offer many birdie opportunities for the more advanced players. The really good players here use mid ranges and fairway drivers. Using a putter or approach disc off several tees is a pretty common occurence.

Holes that stand out include 1 in the long pin position where a clean drive down the path is a must for par or birdie, 4 with the question mark fairway, and 14 where a well placed hyzer drive into an upslope is a must. Overall, the Trails is a fun course to play in a scenic wooded setting and a great place to learn technical throwing skills and control shots.
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6 0
filobedo
Experience: 18.8 years 289 played 21 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Underrated and understated 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 27, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

One of the best parts of life is when you find a gem like this. I was on the way to Central to play a tournament at Grand Central Station and had always wanted to stop at this course but it never worked out. I stayed in Greenville and got up there a day early and decided to take the 50 mile roundtrip adventure to Anderson because I wanted to play a course I had never seen and never really heard much about it. It was definitely worth the trip! This course reminds me of another of my favorites, Leonard Park in Mt Kisco, NY which is one of the first courses ever and a design by Ed Headrick. The holes are short but fair and very wooded with some elevation. It was also pretty easy to get around with a couple of transitions that could be confusing if you are not patient. Many 2's are out there but some 4's also if you hit trees and get bad kicks. Great course to throw midranges (Rocs, Meteors, Comets). Descriptions are for RHBH and my favorite holes were,
1 - Straight but accuracy is a must for a 220' - 240' slight downhill shot
3 - Slight downhill semi hyzer 240'
7 - Great hole - 250' uphill and around trees but if you throw it straight you have a great chance at 2
11 - Great short, straight and slight downhill 180'
14 - With more clearing could be signature hole. Probably the most difficult teeshot on the course due to elevation and stream on right. 300' maybe
15 - Signature hole - Great straight shot over stream which is probably 180' off tee and trees around, basket is probably 220' - 240'. One of the best holes I have played
18 - Great finishing hole with a short 180' anhyzer uphill shot

Cons:

Some holes could be even better if the teepads were moved back or an alternate tee was added.

You must throw across a walking path on #10 which is a blind shot and dangerous if you do not have a spotter. I would move the tee up to the right but this could still cause problems with walkers. Also the transition from 10 - 11 could be marked better.

Other Thoughts:

I was surprised to see 3 practice baskets because I am not aware of an Anderson DG Club but if this course was maintained a little more it would make it even better. Some areas needed some trimming but most courses do as well. I saw some mob golf groups with what looked like groups of 6 and 8 high school kids, frat rats, etc. but they were all very nice just having a good time. This would be a great spot for an annual sanctioned tournament due to numerous restaurants, hotels and the proximity to I-85.
Note: park in the B parking lot and was across from practice basket 3 by hole 16 and up trail to get to hole 1 or walk up to sign across from practice basket 1 to get to hole 1.
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3 3
Jaysauls
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.7 years 129 played 71 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The good notes on this course is that it's short - can be played quickly, there's not much under-brush to lose discs in and it's well marked. And it's reasonably fun to play. Some of the holes were open, but most were WAY to tight.

Cons:

Okay, I appreciat tight wooded courses as much as anyone, but this was a bit ridiculous. If you can't see a fairway - muchless the basket - on a 250' hole, that's not a good thing. And maybe it's just me, but having to shape every shot to anhyzer out, hyzer back then find a way through a mad tangle of trees ain't all that much fun, not when it's every hole.

Other Thoughts:

If they'd take 1-2 trees out each hole, I think it would be a great litle course. As it is, it ain't all that 'beginner friendly'. My son - 13 - has a decent short game and can pick his way through most courses wouldn't care if he never came back, totally didn't enjoy it.
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4 0
durango
Experience: 35.8 years 60 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Mini golf for discs 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 6, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

-great smaller tight course to practice up shots.
-very family friendly
-Great beginner course

Cons:

-if you want to stretch your big arm this is not a course for you
-dag-um sticker bushes
-no tee signs and "next tee" is not always marked
-several holes have the potential to become quite soggy

Other Thoughts:

This is a great beginner course! "A mini golf for discs" The course is mostly tight holes with a lot of elevation change. even though the course is not too long it still caries your interest throughout the whole course. There are ace opportunities on most holes however you can easily get a 4 with a couple bad bounces. It is well diversified with left, right and straight holes. There is little undergrowth but what is there tends to be barbed so you my pay for a bad shot with a drop or two of blood. The course is located in a large park and kept quite clean, there are two holes where you may have to wait for a runner/walker to pass before throwing. Be sure to take a picture of the course map in the beginning with your cell phone as the course is not marked well, no tee signs.
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7 0
craigd
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.7 years 179 played 118 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Trails DGC 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 5, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Anderson Sports Complex boasts a beautiful eighteen hole course. "Trails", as it's aptly named, plays among the thick wooded areas of the park. Shorter technical holes dominate the layout with a break or two peeking out into some longer open areas. Overall the course rings up at only 4400' with just two holes over 300' with one of them just reaching the 400' mark. Moderate elevation changes mix in a few up and down shots and keep the holes fresh. Opportunities to get in a creek pose as a risk a time or two as well. A good mix of left and right shots added to the variety and helps complete this well rounded wooded course.

Dependable Innova Discatchers are sure to be appreciated as they are easy to spot in the wooded areas. They are all in great condition too. Concrete tee pads also compliment the course. A well designed layout that is fairly easy to follow is quite noticeable as you follow the trails throughout the course. You'll find well marked paths complete with bridges as needed and they were a welcomed touch. Ample parking near the course complete with a practice basket near the lot was a nice perk too.

This is a great course for a quick round. Plentiful birdie and ace opportunities make it a very fun course. I can imagine this course giving a wide variety of scores based on the trees. Low scores would be easily had on a good day but those trees could be punishing on the days when you're having a hard time finding your lines. There are lots of holes that you'll want to throw multiple drives on just for fun.

This is a great course if you are looking for a quick round. Most folks could run through in an hour or less. As a side bonus, the woods provide plenty of shade during those hot summer months.

Cons:

The course could be disappointing and even frustrating for those that are not fans of heavily wooded courses. Likewise, those who like to air it out with longer holes won't find a lot to get excited about either. While there is a decent amount of variety considering the solid woods, it's just a steady diet of short tightly wooded holes. A few times the course can put a bigger premium on luck than skill.

Other Thoughts:

Although this is a relatively short course, it's so fun it shouldn't be a factor for most folks. If you are a wooded course fan you should really like this one. Being that I love wooded courses I immediately fell in love. I'd play this course all the time if I lived in the area.
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5 0
Devon S
Experience: 15.6 years 21 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A tough one, but very nice. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a full 18 hole course that is very nicely done. It's in the woods, you'll see some people walking on the walking trail, but it's very rare. But you will feel as if you're just playing at a disc golf course and not a park with some baskets there. This course is a challenge and will make you a better disc golfer. Plenty of birdie opportunities, but you will work for some Pars. A variety of shots are needed to play this course. It has helped my forehand a lot. Good elevation on some holes. Big concrete Tee boxes are nice. Much bigger than the ones at Timmon's Park in Greenville, SC. The average game will take you around an hour, but it's hilly and you will get a good work out walking this course.

There was a doubles tournament on Sunday July 1st, that people are trying to make a monthly thing, and I expected maybe 20 people to show. But, the number was very close to 50 people. It was a well done tournament, and I'm looking forward to more.

David Barfield did a great job designing this course and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for Anderson, SC as far as Disc Golf goes.

Cons:

It is TIGHT TIGHT TIGHTLY wooded. Hole 4 doesn't even have a clear fairway, it's just trees. Some holes would have a good clear path to take if it weren't for one tree or so in the middle that you'll constantly hit. The woods grows up pretty harshly in the summer so losing a disc is a big possibility out there, it's much better in the fall. The poison ivy is pretty bad too, if you wear shorts you're probably going to get it. Not very beginner friendly.

I'd like more holes like 9, because the holes are mostly under 300'. Hole 10 if you throw to the right, you're on a soccer field, and sometimes games are going on and you run the risk of throwing in the middle of a soccer game. Baskets can be hard to see, and there are no signs on the Tee boxes due to the course having to be redesigned because hole 3 was on private property. Hole 3 was the coolest hole, in my opinion, at the park, and it's a shame they had to change it.

The course can be confusing, people go from hole 9 to 15 on accident a good bit, maybe they'll get tee box signs soon.

Other Thoughts:

This place is better than Darwin Wright, and it's great this course came to be because driving to Easley or Greenville just to play a good 18 hole course was annoying.
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3 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 548 played 429 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Happy Trails 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 27, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The Trails DGC is a quick and quirky rides up and down wooded slopes with short holes allowing many birdie opportunities if you can make some tight turns and negotiate the gaps in between the numerous trees. The pace of play is quick and the accuracy is key. All holes had concrete tees, and I think signs may be in the works, as posts marked each one. The Discatcher baskets are often hidden from view off the tee pad, but they are all there and catching well. The longest and most open holes on the course are 9 and 10, playing next to an asphalt walking trail. Aside from that, it is consistently heavily wooded and elevation changes are prevalent on many holes as well. The fairways are well mixed in right and left turns and the greens reachable with good throws. Well shaded and very nice in late summer afternoon.

Cons:

The short overall length of the course may be a con to some players, but I was able to enjoy it. The course is compact and sometimes baskets or tees are near to one another. The layout was weird in a couple of spots. No benches were available on the course, and trash cans were also rare. Mountain bikers rode through more than once during our first round. Pedestrians may also be present.

Other Thoughts:

I found the Trails DGC to be fun, even if the trees were nearly impossible to avoid. I wish I would have putted better, but I felt happy after two quick rounds, with scores of 57 and 54. Definitely could have shot under par on a good day. Reminds me of Timmons Park, with more trees.
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2 0
tiger5
Experience: 13.8 years 23 played 23 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 4, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Update:
There has been some work done to the course as far as walking paths from hole to hole. The last time I played this course was in the fall before all the greenery came back. The first couple holes are almost impossible to find a good line. If I hadn't played the course before I would have had to walk 1/2 way down to see the basket, which I had to do a number of times. In the fall this was a great course because you had to hit tight lines and navigate around trees. But now that the leaves have grown back you can tell the holes they cleared out and the ones where they just put in baskets. The back 9 wasn't as bad, but those are the holes where trees have been cleared out. It's looks as though they're in the process of doing some work around the first 3 holes as far as lining walk ways. Several of the tee signs are missing, hopefully they are remaking them. I still enjoyed the course just looks like it need a little maintenance after all the rain the upstate's been getting. There are several places you could lose a disc now.

I would call this a hidden gem. First because it's pretty much hidden and second because it's a really good course. Lots of elevation changes and great use of landscape. You have to work for birdies and what little water there is can come into play on a number of holes. Pretty good signage throughout the course, no real benches but nice bridges. I live about 15 min away and love this course. There's a practice basket near the tennis courts and the entire course is fairly well maintained.

Cons:

I think they could have made this course or at least several holes a little longer, there is a good mix of long and short holes but there's more potential on several holes that's for sure. They could put two more bridges on the back 9, hole 11 to 12 is just logs pretty much and a little sketch for some people.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very good wooded course and one that does require some skill to score well. Can't really think of a boring hole on this course, possible birdies throughout and these trees can either be your best friend or unforgiving.
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5 0
JBryant
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15 years 107 played 46 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Tight but Sneaky Good 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 30, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Excellent tee pads. Baskets are nice discatchers.
Lots of different shots required here because you still have to navigate tight wooded lines, right-to-left shots, left-to-right shots, etc...

This course really stresses taking your time and analyzing shot selection.

Cons:

-Brush is thick in spots and briars are a killer.
-A few hole more luck than actual disc golfing.
-Not close to me otherwise I'd play it more often!

Other Thoughts:

Dwight Park doesn't hold a candle to this course.

If you are in the upstate this course is a must-play.

Doesn't get the love and rating it deserves.
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2 0
ChaseReamer
Experience: 3 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good cool course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Cool temperatrue, through woods course (great during the summer)
-Great concrete tee pads
-Nice Woods course with a few open field throws.

Cons:

-Somewhat confusing course.
-Signs are placed awkwardly
-A lot of short holes

Other Thoughts:

The course overall in my short disc golf career is my favorite. Its cool during the summer and its like a nature hike as well. Its challenging and it's possible to lose a disc over a ridge or on a bad through in a small creek bed. Overall a good solid place to play but not to hone your skills but rather more of a place to practice them!
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9 1
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 585 played 539 reviews
3.00 star(s)

One of my favorite short courses anywhere 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 7, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Trails DGC is a perfect model of what any short course should look like. Course offers lots of fun, plenty of birdie chances, potential ace runs (especially 11 & 15), and has a great risk/reward factor. There are still a few kinks to work out, but I have no doubt they'll be taken care of.
- I absolutely loved this course. It's a great wooded course. If we had a rating specifically for fun factor, this would be a 5.
- Great use of the terrain. A couple holes have good elevation (both down up & downhill shots), other holes have great strategically place baskets (near drop-offs, behind trees, next to thick brush).
- Plenty of fun holes that offer chances to be aggressive and/or creative with your shots. Great risk/reward factor on most holes.A good throw can produce an easy birdie, but if you just miss your line, you're going to hit a tree, or land in some thick rough. The only holes I consider not realistically birdie-able for the average player (300 foot driver), is #9 & 14. #9 due to its length, #14 due to the tight hole layout - straight for first half, slight uphill, dogleg left to basket protected by trees.
- Great course for all skill levels from first timers to advanced players. Average hole length is under 250 feet, meaning you don't need a big arm. Only 1 long hole - #9 at 400 ft, which is also the only open hole. Accuracy is more important that distance here.
- The first six holes (#1-2 & 4-8) is a great strettch of enjoyable holes. They're all in the same ballpark in terms of distance (208 - 264 ft), all offer birdie chances, plus have a degree of difficulty.
- Course has good amenities. Nice tee pads, great tee signs on front 9; back 9 should be in soon. The entire park has great facilities, and there are plenty of restaurant/gas stations just up the road.

Cons:

As mentioned above, there are still a few issues to be addressed. When that's done, this list will be very shot, and also outdated.
- This is just a temporary issue, but missing a hole is a problem. #3 was pulled recently, so the course is currently only 17 holes. I only found out about this after walking through the front 9, then finding 2 locals. The good news is that I updated the course info page. 2 days later Roadtrip played, and, as his review states, was able to avoid the same problem I had. Just another great service thanks to this site.
- No tee signs (yet) on the back nine. Looks like they'll be in soon, which will make this point void.
- There were several confusing transitions between holes. After finishing #2, and then by passing the defunct #3, you have to walk past #5 to get to #4. On the back nine, after playing #13, you cross the #12 tee to get to #14. When tee signs are put in, that should (hopefully) eliminate this problem. If not, a simple solution would be to put the hole number on the "next T' signs.
- On several holes, there's no middle ground between fairway and rough. On #2, the basket is 10 - 15 from some thick, overgrown rough. I had a harder time climbing through the thorns to get to my disc than I did making the birdie putt. Also, there are piles of branches, logs, etc. on some holes. Again, give it time and this will be gone.
- Some holes play extremely close to each other, meaning you'll need to keep an eye out for discs and other DGers. These are the ones I noticed most are: fairways for #12 & 14 are right next to each other, (heading the same direction), only separated by a creek. Tee shots that don't curve right on #18 are going to land near tee for #1. Stray shots from #13 might land in #12 fairway.
- Apparently, the idea of "if you build it, they will come" at this course applies to walkers. I saw more people using the course (fairways and paths) as a walking trail than DGers playing the course. Granted it was a Thursday afternoon, so the DGers were at work. But, I had two separate occasions where I was about to throw, only to have a walker come around the corner, and walk right past the basket down the fairway towards me. Maybe the "beware of flying objects" signs need to be bigger and at the random entrances to the course people have made.

Other Thoughts:

I love when course designers know what they want out of a course, and execute it perfectly. This course isn't meant to be the most challenging, or the longest. Trails is confident enough in itself, knowing it's all about the motion of the ocean.
- This is my CYA disclaimer, in case things change down the road. Any hole numbers listed are current of when I played and reviewed. If the new hole (old #3) is added somewhere other than between #2 - 4, the hole numbers might change.
- Trails, along with Timmons, are my 2 favorite short courses. By short I mean averaging under 250 ft a hole, 4500 total. Being from Charlotte, there are several short courses here (Elon short and Bailey), but I give the edge to both Trails and Timmons.
- My favorite hole was #6. It's 260 ft, slight dogleg left tee shot to an elevated basket area. As an example of its risk/reward factor, the first time I played the hole, I parked my tee shot within 10 feet of the basket. Second time, my shot was barely off line, hit a tree, then had my second shot roll downhill after landing next to the basket.
- A great mi-range course. Keep the drive in the bag. Avoid City Beach (Anderson's other course) and play Trails multiple times.
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6 1
roadtrip
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 28.8 years 200 played 22 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very friendly locals. The players and the folks just out at the park. Nice use of available space. Great vibe - you can often see other people but you still get privacy when you want it. Good mix of lines. Very close to the highway. A great 60 minute walk if you've been driving I-85.

And, thumbs up to this website, I was just passing through and I got to educate all the locals on Hole 3 (had just read it on here).

Cons:

Too short. I love all the ace runs, and I'm glad they fit 18 in such a small area, but I wasn't done after my 18. Discs can hide in the underbrush (seems like it has to grow thicker as spring moves along).

Other Thoughts:

The course plays like a more open Davidson College (NC). Similar chill crowd, same perceived isolation, seems like you could ace just about any one of them.

I've only played this course once. I think it's important to note that in a review. I really like that Davidson, NC course but I've played it a million times. First time out - it sucked. This course, I really liked it but it was a perfect day all the way around. Seems like the courses you've only played once - mood can take over your opinion a little bit.

Variety (shots) - 3.5/5 - The distance affects the variety. It's different bending a disc around trees from 300 ft than it is from 150. These are all 150s. Besides that - pretty nice variety. They play like a bunch of trick-shot ace runs. Fun.

Distance (length) - 2/5 - So many are under 200 ft. I like that 1-2x per course tops. Again though - glad they fit 18 in this small space. That bumps it from 1.5 to 2

Beauty - 3/5 - It's nothing spectacular but I did break out my camera for Hole 8. I like the trees and bridges and you're neither crowded nor isolated.

Trackability - 4/5 - Close to the highway, Easy to find, Easy to track all of the holes (even without a map, even with Hole 3 removed).

Lost Disc Hazard - 2/5 - The underbrush is deceptive. Keep your eye on the disc even after it lands.

Vibe - 4/5 - Maybe 4 other groups on a beautiful Saturday. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

Safety 4/5 - Big open parking lot, can always see a few other fairways.

22.5/35 = 3.21 = 3
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1 2
theprocon
Experience: 13 played 1 reviews
1.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 7, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

New development has led way to what could be a neat woods course.

Cons:

Newly cut course has many roots and stumps to trip over. Not much in the way of logic. I will rate this one again after a few years of wear and tear.

Other Thoughts:

Could be a great course with some work. Work on the fairways(or add some) and chop some more woods down. Almost there.
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5 1
S.Cann
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.9 years 156 played 82 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 13, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-It's located within city limits, yet is still secluded located in a wooded area inside a city park.
-Forces you to hit the right gaps and challenges you with a variety of shots.
-Great use of space. The course is well designed and has a good flow once you've played through a couple of times.
-Absolute perfect mix of elevation, distance, and technical holes. This course could not have been better laid out.
-"Next tee" signs have recently been added to help the flow.

Cons:

-Is difficult to navigate due to the lack of a course map and signs for holes, but that should be completed if signs are placed in the appropriate places.
-Not forgiving
-Briars cover most holes, many surround baskets.
-There are a few areas where you could could lose a disc and have extreme difficulty finding it. Normally, losing a disc would not be a big issue, but these areas are much worse and much more prevalent than other courses.

Other Thoughts:

During the Fall, cross country teams run races on Saturday mornings through the course. This makes it almost impossible to play which is unfortunate as many people only have time on Saturdays.

Better than Dwight Park by far! This course will be amazing when everything is completed.

If you are in the upstate this course is a must-play.
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