Huntsville, AL

The Tom Monroe DGC at Brahan Spring

3.135(based on 31 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

The Tom Monroe DGC at Brahan Spring reviews

Filter
13 0
edfaits
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.5 years 90 played 41 reviews
3.00 star(s)

From a Rec Player's Perspective 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 27, 2022 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

When I pulled into the parking lot for the first time, I had a strange sense of deja vu... The characters in the parking lot, the buzz of activity out on the course, someone selling discs out of the back of their truck...then I remembered a similar scene when I visited some of the "classic" California courses several years ago. I later found out the Brahan Springs is the oldest course in Alabama, and dates back to some of those early California courses, and the hand of Steady Ed and the founders of the game are evident. It's in the middle of the city of Huntsville, and has a dedicated group of players ready to play anyone who shows up. If I rated this course on just the physical attributes of the course, it might rate out as a two. With the course's history and the player culture, it bumps up a full point to a three.

-Excellent Mach-X baskets, well mounted, no unfair or gimmicky greens

-Well done cement tee boxes, safe run-ups and follow-throughs. Most (all?) have benches.

-Mostly technical woods shots "in the pines", but mostly fair lines.

-Cool Saturn V rocket themed tee signs. Seemed accurate, not sure on "alternate" basket placements. Course navigation was pretty easy.

-Neutral design, doesn't particularly favor lefties, righties, forehands, backhands... there's a balanced mix of shot shapes. Most holes have more than one possible line through the trees to the basket.

-Low chance to loose discs, at least if you are willing to look through the pine needles a bit. Not a bad course to introduce beginners to the game if they can not get too frustrated by the tight lines.

-Free, a public course

-Quick play, even when the course is busy it will usually play in under an hour. With the lack of elevation and not punishing distance, you can easily fit in a couple of rounds without a break.

Cons:

-With only one tee and one basket, the course is a fun challenge for a rec player, but I suspect advanced ams and pros don't get too much of a challenge and need to leave their distance drivers in the bag.

-The course is flat with no water features to add variety and challenge to the round.

Other Thoughts:

-This course rates high on the "spirit of the game" a chance to meet other players who are more than willing to share knowledge.

-At 4,658', all holes are par 3. The shortest are just under 200 feet, the longest is the open first hole, just over 400'.

-I suspect this course can get crowded, I played on a cool drizzly winter day, I didn't have to wait to tee off but there were groups on nearly every fairway. The second time I played was in howling winds and threatening skies... I didn't think anyone would be there, but there were several groups of die-hards out there enjoying there round.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
12 0
Moose33
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 203 played 201 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A great version of a standard good course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is one of the oldest in the world, and by the look of how many locals were playing on a Sunday morning it many be one of the most well loved also.

Plays mainly through and sometimes around a small forest of old growth pine trees, and relies on those trees as its main feature of interest.

You have to shape shots in many different ways to score well here, but other than the first hole they are not very long so anyone who is precise even if not powerful can have a great round.

Pads are in decent shape and plenty big for a course where you never need to throw all that far. Signs are also appealing and have a good representation of the hole on the as well as standard distance and par info.

Baskets are mach x and I am a fan. They catch really well and the chain shape makes for a very good target.

It's basically the ideal league course. Anyone can come and compete, but precision and experience are rewarded. It's also one of the best courses I've ever played on a plot this small. It doesn't feel cramped despite not being a huge area.

Great benches on almost every hole and many have cable spools you can use as a bag holder, which is a very nice touch.

Cons:

The fact that after hoes 1&2 you are basically throwing line shaping woods shots can get a bit monotonous I suppose.

It's also pretty darn close to flat the hole way which for me is a slight con because i live a good elevation change, but for many players could be a plus for the ease of play.

Some players while I was there also complained about the navigation and one gentleman when I asked him where the first tee was said, "it's your first time? Oh **** your going to get lost in the trees". I didn't get lost in the trees however and other than one spot where you could see two pads from the previous basket I had no issue.

Feels very old school, but not all in a bad way, the lack of features other than line shaping through the trees is the main knock.

And all the park bathrooms were locked.

Other Thoughts:

It's a fun play, and I'll definitely play it again when I'm close. It's also a easy low impact play, so if your not super young or have any mobility issues is a great spot to enjoy a round without a ton of pressure.

Overall very enjoyable and has a touch of whimsy that older courses tend to develop.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
15 0
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 318 played 306 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Standard Course with a Nice Atmosphere 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

A very old, very unassuming urban park.

-Amenities: Long but narrow concrete tees, Mach X's, standard signage. Everything you typically expect.

-Atmosphere: Not something I normally comment on, but the vibe at Brahan is exceptionally carefree. The park is pleasant with consistent pines and plenty of local traffic. It feels like you're in a friendly town.

-Terrain: Moderately thick pines with pretty clear fairways mark most of the holes at Brahan. A couple feature very mild elevation change.

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: Pretty standard par-54 golf. A variety of gentle and steeper lefts and rights with some straight throws as well. Often choices to make off the tee about which forest path you want to try. Scrambling should be doable on every hole unless you hit the first available. Distance ranges from about 200' to 400', so everyone should be able to handle that aspect of the game. No signature holes to me, but nothing leaves a bad taste either.

-"Friendly": My label for the combination of easy-to-play, navigable without a map, well kept up, and hard-to-lose-discs.

Cons:

Nothing wrong per se, just nothing special either.

-Variety: Two holes in the open and 16 holes in the same basic woods, with not a lot of change in distance, makes the course feel mildly redundant. You're not going to run the gamut of shots here.

-Lines: Some of the curving fairways don't seem to present natural disc golf shapes. I can't remember exactly, but I think (4) and (12) were the main ones that struck me as odd.

-Crowd: I could easily see this course getting too crowded for some people's taste. I played through three or four sizeable groups that were (thankfully) conscious of their slowness on a Sunday afternoon.

-Safety: Although I figured all the navigation out without consulting a map, I could see an errant shot striking a first-timer who wasn't yet familiar with the flow.

Other Thoughts:

Brahan feels like "Typical" done right. This would be a great course to learn the sport on because it's scramble-able and pleasant. Want a chill afternoon outside? Go to Brahan.

Also, if you want to know what early disc golf was like, this is obviously a great choice, having been designed by Steady Ed and Monroe very early on (1976). Very similar to the other old (1987) course I've played, Henry Horton in Middle Tennessee.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 4
jstower
Experience: 10.1 years 13 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

oldy but goody 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

No undergrowth
Clear basket shots
clean area
Shaded from the hot sunny days

Cons:

can be crowded on certain days
Some of the wood benches need repair

Other Thoughts:

may need some newer baskets but overall it is a fun course that everyone needs to play while in the area.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
20 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.2 years 652 played 631 reviews
3.00 star(s)

The Birth Grounds Of Disc Golf In Alabama

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 21, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

(2.793 Rating) (REVISED - replayed June 2023) A historic pine tree filled layout that's fun to play in big social groups.
- HISTORY - According to the PDGA, this is one of the first courses to have chain baskets in the world, somewhere between 3rd and 5th to get them planted, although locals will say it's the second oldest. A Steady Ed Headrick and Tom Monroe creation back in 1976. This notion by itself, makes Brahan Springs a destination course.
- UPGRADES - When I first moved to Huntsville, I scored this course a 2.5. Since that time, I've been slowly creeping up the rating every year as things keep getting added. Since late 2017, 6 alternate placements have been added. Benches have been repaired and/or added to all but two tees. New tee signs were added in 2018. Basket flags have been added and bag tables have been placed at about a third of the tees. For these reasons, I have added about a quarter point to the rating and it just tipped over the 2.75 threshold on my scales for a 3.0
- FUN FACTOR - This is the busiest course in town for a reason. There are ample opportunities for birdies. Errant throws are not further punished even though there are lots of pines to weave around. The odds of losing a disc is near zero. For the most part, just about no areas where you'll have to search in the overgrowth. On my first 2 rounds here, I showed up solo but ended up finishing in a group. This is just such a fun place to throw a laid back round.
- ACEABILITY - There are lots of opportunities to run at the chains. Most of the holes play between 200 and 300 feet and have at least one clear line to the basket. The windows to the baskets are tight on many holes, but there's almost always a path. Skip plays are a very real possibility, and it's often the best way to run at the chains. I have eight aces here as of this revision on holes (6), (8 twice), (9 twice), (10), (12) and (18) and more than a dozen chain outs.
- AMENITIES - The equipment and amenity extras are above average now. To start, modestly sized 4 by 10 concrete tees. A vast majority of the tees are shaded and wind protected. Nice MachXs baskets with yellow flags on top and a practice basket. As noted in the upgrades pro, benches are at nearly every tee and there are several spindle tables to stow a bag. There's a community board with course info and two shelters with a couple tables. The only substantial drawback is just two extra tees and extra basket placements are limited to five holes. Hole (9) has 3 placements.
- SHOT SHAPING - Although the holes are on the shorter side, players will still need to put some thought into just about every shot. Lots of flight path planning is needed. Several holes have multiple lines to the basket. IMO, (7) is the only wooded hole without a pure line.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - This course draws players with a wide swath of skill levels. You'll see MA1 level players out here working on their short game lines, but also Beginners as well.
- QUICK PLAY - I've run all 18 holes solo in 40 minutes on an empty course. Groups of four will generally take about an hour and a half. The course does tend to get heavy play so expect an extra of 15 to 30 minutes to get the round in during prime hours.
- NAVIGATION - The newer tee signs have next direction arrows on them. There are also a few directional cues in the trees. There are a couple tricky transitions, (5) to (6) and (11) to (12), so be sure and peak at the signs on these holes. I have had a few occurrences where first timers have asked me for directions.

Cons:

No issues of substance with Brahan Springs Park, my complaints are basically a lack of complexity.
- HOLE VARIETY - For an almost fully wooded course, one of the lowest courses I've scored in terms of variety. Holes (1) and (2) are both wide open shots and then the last 16 wooded holes all have a similar feel. These 16 holes all weave through a tall ageing pine canopy. Sure the lines will cut left and right, but the surrounding elements are always the same. The lanes are moderately defined. Pockets to slide into are either loosely defined or non-existent. There are no water elements to contend with other than maybe the casual water in the ditch along holes (2), (3), (11) and (12). No par 4s or 5s either.
- ELEVATION - There is very little grade change out here. Maybe 3 or 4 holes dive or climb by around 10 feet. Mastin Lake is the only City of Huntsville course with a bunch of good elevation changes to it.
- AVERAGE CHALLENGE - The difficultly out here is just south of average. As an MA2 level player with about a 920 rating, I've been averaging 4 down out here on league and tourney rounds. There are only four holes that will challenge MA1 players; (1), (3) (7) and (17). MA1 players I've met seem to typically shoot 6 to 8 down or more, unless their talent is skewed heavily to throwing bombs. MA1 bombing type players sometimes can't even break par.

Other Thoughts:

Brahan Springs DGC is a fine course for Beginners through MA2 level players. Some MA1 players will enjoy it too, as the lines require just enough thought to not make it a bore fest. Perfect for big groups with wide skill level differences and for local's looking to shoot a laid back round or for the social atmosphere, or both. For those outside the area, the biggest reason to check out Brahan Springs is the History. There are no older basket courses anywhere outside of California. Overall a 2.75 course to me.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Average. The 50 to 60 year old pines that occupy 90% of this layout looks really nice on first arrival. However, after you run 5 or 6 holes of what seems like the same backdrop, you'll realize that the course has a real monotonous feel to it.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
wericsson
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.8 years 53 played 45 reviews
3.00 star(s)

History teebook 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 10, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

First things first, a little slice of history. Outside of California, this is the oldest basket course left anywhere. It's pretty remarkable playing a course nearly twice my age.

As far as physical facilities go, Brahan boasts concrete tees and Mach X baskets (definitely not so historic, but man, they catch everything), including a practice basket. Mandos are marked unambiguously, and next tee arrows point the way to many (but not all) of the less obvious tee locations. There are benches on a majority of holes.

After two open rips (formerly wooded, cut down to contain pine beetle), the course plays from a moderately dense stand of pines. There is no undergrowth, and aside from one or two shots, no ceiling that a reasonable shot would challenge, even thrown overhand. As such, it's pure park golf, all about shaping your line through the trees to rack up birdies. That said, although it is forgiving, reasonable good accuracy on a wide variety of lines is required to park holes.

The vibe is also great - you will almost always find a dozen or more other disc golfers out there, and so if you do get turned around between holes, someone will almost certainly set you straight.

Cons:

Not much in the way of risk/reward calculation - there's little reason to not go for every hole out here, and the word scramble just doesn't mean much. Also, aside from a slight, gradual drop down to 1's basket and a ~2' drop behind 18, very little elevation is in play.

Tee signs seem to keep wandering off - when I visited most recently (Feb 2018), there was exactly one left. When they are there, OBs aren't marked on them - I think the parking lot, road, and beyond are OB, while the water is casual, but who knows? While the lack of tee signs may have exaggerated the issue, a few holes seemed like they could have used nexT signs in addition to those already signed so. On a pet peevish note, the DGA number plates atop the baskets are really difficult to read from any useful distance.

With the crowd comes a propensity for gang golf and sloppy drunk golf, neither of which is enjoyable to be stuck behind.

Other Thoughts:

Drake Springs is right across the road.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
93EXCivic
Experience: 12 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A little bit of history 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 1, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A good course for beginners and experience players alike.
A little bit of history being a Steady Ed course.
There is a decent variety of holes (two longer open holes, the rest wooded requiring a variety of lines).
Plenty of ace chances.
New Mach X baskets (I believe I'll double check next time I am there) and nice concrete tee pads.
Easy to navigate.
You are very unlikely to lose discs (only place I can think of is the big puddle of water in the ditch to the right of pin 2).

Cons:

It is probably the busiest of the Huntsville courses as it appeals to all skill levels and does not take long to play through (I often go a play a round a lunch without it taking too long).
Not the longest or most challenging course you will ever play

Other Thoughts:

It is a fun course with nice baskets, tee pads and marking. I have found most people enjoy it whether they are just starting playing or have been playing forever. Plus it is a throw back to a different time in disc golf (honestly if it wasn't for that I don't think it would have the rating it does but just for that I think it is well worth a play if you are in Huntsville).

If you want to make it more challenging see if a local can show you the Brahanzilla tee pads (if they are marked at the time).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
GMcAtee
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15 years 755 played 89 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Toughest Steady Ed course I've played to date! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 8, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great beginner course that plays through mature pine trees. Many different lines and shot shaping needed here. Plenty of shade in the hot Alabama summers. Brand new baskets! Good concrete teepads. Tons of ace runs and even two holes for the long bombers. Can be played quickly and is not strenuous due to the flat terrain.

Cons:

Tee signage - It's movable and doesn't give you the distances or a layout of the hole.

Can be very busy. Especially for league night on Wednesdays. Seventy to 90 players are currently showing up for leagues.

Other Thoughts:

This course can challenge all skill levels. It's very easy to shoot 10 or more under par on a good day when you're hitting your lines or shoot a 10 over par when you're smacking trees just missing your lines! The pressure for advanced players to get those birdies is immense.

I say it's the toughest Steady Ed course I've played to date due to the others being almost void of trees. These tall pines at Brahan Spring have just kept growing. It gives today's players an idea of what disc golf was like in the late 70s/ early 80s. Maybe they will try throwing a lid here instead?
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
DiscJunkie
Silver level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15.8 years 40 played 29 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Walk in the Forest 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 21, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Signage, I found the tee signs helpful in navigating the trees to the hole. Very informative and accurate.
Amenities, located in a larger park so a bathroom was nearby and parking was more than adequate. Benches on most holes and frequent trash cans.
Variety, uphill, downhill, righty, lefty, straight, two open holes.
Challenge, you'd better be able to hit a line, or your experience may not be enjoyable. Lots of tight lines and early trees right off the tee pad. Frankly, if you are a beginner or if you cannot hit a line, you may want to find another course.
Navigation, I found the navigation better than most. There are next tee directional signs on just about every hole and the players have worn out a path to the next tee. Just follow the path.
Not crowded, but not deserted.
Upkeep, very well maintained when I was there, 8/21/15. Obviously, some TLC from the local club.
Oldest existing course still in use, accroding to the sign on the kiosk, but I believe the layout has changed somewhat since Steady Ed was there.
Friendly locals.
Baskets, both a Pro and a Con. I like that the same baskets are on all holes and they are still in good shape, but they are old and smaill-ish. None of my missed putts were the fault of the basket, they caught adequately well.

Cons:

Not many, but a few.
At least two tees were missing those nice tee signs talked about above.
Frankly, some of the lines to the basket just seemed like "poke and hope" I'm not saying the lines weren't there, but I could not see how any LHBH was gonna reach them.
Length on some holes were fairly short, but that is probably due to the age of the course.

Other Thoughts:

Loved the course, OB was generous, design was interesting and challenging.
The whole course is in a grove of trees and quite beautiful.
Didn't really match up to a modern course, but fun in its own right.
2 and a half stars for the quality of the course, 1 star for hisory and fun.
3 and a half stars.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 2
colkiewicz
Experience: 9.3 years 4 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great mid course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 5, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

1.Concrete Tee Pads.
2.Hole layout sign at each Tee pad.
3. Well maintained.

Cons:

1.Can be hard to navigate.
2.Trees and lots of them.

Other Thoughts:

I had a blast playing this course the other day. It was my first time there and I was quiet impressed. I live about 1.5 miles from the Indian Creek course so I play there all the time. However, I was in the area and decided to play this course with a co- worker. I enjoyed how the course has manageable distances between the tee box and the baskets. This is now my number 2 course in Huntsville.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
10 0
davetherocketguy
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.7 years 114 played 105 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice for a quick round! Accuracy over Distance 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 15, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Older baskets but in good shape.
- Appropriately sized concrete pads with the perfect amount of roughness for grip. Seriously, you do NOT need a 20' run-up for these holes - mmmkay?
- Not a lot of signage for "next tee" but the course flows well enough and is small enough where this is not an issue.
- I really like how 9 and 18 end near the parking lot which makes just playing a quick 9 a real possibility.
- Many of the holes have multiple paths to the basket making shot selection easy for both LH and RH players alike.
- The lack of any sort of shule makes it easy to recover from errant throws.

Cons:

- The design of the course is a little repetitious and other than #1 and #2 there really is no place to grip it and rip it.
- This course is almost too easy. Anyone above an Am2 should be scoring well below 54. #18 for example is just a 198' spike hyzer to an easy peasy deuce.
- #16 has a missing tee sign.
- For some reason the walk from #6 to #7 is confusing as all get out.
- Baskets are really starting to show their age. As I understand it, some of the locals stated that they are in the process of installing new ones. They could really improve this layout by installing some extra sleeves and having alternate pin positions.
- This plot of land is really flat.

Other Thoughts:

I would love a course like this near me. This is an easy but challenging enough course to be interesting which favors accuracy over distance. I honestly believe that players at all levels (except for maybe Am2s and above) would have a good time here so that makes this a fantastic course to introduce newbs to the sport.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 2
BamaSlamaJim
Experience: 15.8 years 65 played 14 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Oldie but a goodie 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 31, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

It's fun to play here to see how the game has changed over the years. The course is fair and fun with very cool, pretty tall pine trees. You won't lose any discs here and it's fun for the whole family.

To keep it real, I play this course with two cyclones and an aviar and wear really tight short shorts. (Sorry about the visual)

Cons:

Normally, I'd say that the short length of the course is a con, but in this case I think it's great to be able to play an old school layout.

I really don't have any major complaints.

Other Thoughts:

If you're in the area, I recommend stopping by for a quick, fun round.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
DiscKey
Experience: 14.7 years 95 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

HOLY GINORMOUS PINE TREES 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is great for all levels of play! Chance of losing a disc for beginners is almost zero. The course plays through giant pines that outlines the lines you need to through on a lot of the holes. One set of boxes when we played it, but we also played from some locations that I believe are future "pro" tees that will add to the length. We were in town for a tournament and plate this course once, but we also went by for a practice round the day before and again after the tournament and there were always people of all ages throwing plastic! It was a great experience to play one of the oldest disc golf courses around! Not to mention my friend aced the hardest hole there I the tourney! BOOM! This course will need you to be able to throw a variety of shots/discs...... Look for different lines high/low, hyzer/Anhyzyer, thumbers/overhand..... They are all there!!!

Cons:

The only con really was the length. It was relatively short, but with the new tee locations we played, it will lengthen! Also, with the various routes you can take, this course can play as long or short as you want it to.

Other Thoughts:

Great course! Minutes from Redstone! PLAY BOTH!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 4
Mike7807
Experience: 13.7 years 8 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 8, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A very easy going course that can give you a great round if you hit the all gaps. A few ace runs makes this course fun for experienced players and beginners.

Cons:

If you have problems hitting gaps, it can be a beast.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
13 0
MiketheGoalie
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.1 years 84 played 43 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun Wood Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 2, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Balanced and challenging course that plays through and around highly-trimmed old-growth pines in NW Huntsville. Imagine a course that winds through a forest of telephone poles if you aren't familiar with old-growth pine. The course is over 35 years old and is in awesome shape. Tee pads were well-sized, paths are beat in, navigation was easy, plenty of benches and garbage cans scattered around the course, practice basket adjacent to hole 1, and the shade from the pines was welcome on a hot summer day.

The course is remarkably balanced lefty vs. righty and line shaping is required for success over distance and big arms. In fact, there are only 2 or 3 holes on the course that really let you grip and rip and even then, only one of those has any distance to speak of. The bulk of the holes are in the 220-260 range and require a variety of turns/fades from the tee to be in the hunt for 2's. Elevation is used well and typically works to encourage multiple lines to the basket. This was one of, if not the first wooded course I've personally played that doesn't remove overhand shots from the strategy as the pines are trimmed well up above the forest floor and if you're willing to weave a thumber or tomahawk through the maze of trees, you have the option. A couple of opportunities for ace runs on the front and back nine. The forest floor is covered in pine needles and pine cones so skip shots can either go unexpectedly far or not far at all. The greens are nominally packed earth and a little dusty. Not a lot of opportunities to lose a disc, though the ditch along hole 2 was deceptively good at obscuring plastic. Very little low growth on the course, but the two or three bushes throughout are strategically placed.

Cons:

Plenty of shot variety, but not due to length for the most part. Only two holes over three hundred feet. There were rumors of poison ivy in the ditch running along hole 3, but I was luckily not in it. Some of the pin/next tee placements and fairways are just on the edge of being too close to each other, so on busy days/tourneys it's a good idea to pay attention.

Other Thoughts:

My first experience with this course was a two round FREE tourney put on by the local DG club (Rocket City Chain Gang). I had a lot of fun due in large part to the course and the people. The course was easy to find, easy to enjoy and not so challenging that an advanced noob couldn't get a good score. Experienced players with good mid and short games are going to throw a ton of 2's on this course and have low scores. Beginners are going to see a ton of different shots and have to think about their own strengths and weaknesses throughout the course. The distinctive thunk sound reverberating through the woods while playing was equal parts frustrating and entertaining. I had a great time playing this course and recommend it to anyone visiting the Huntsville area.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 2
jon_mt
Experience: 46.9 years 44 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Old School Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 2, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great course for working on control of mid-ranges.

Cons:

Played two years ago and had to wait nearly every hole. Game is popular, so is this really a con?

Other Thoughts:

Course have "matured" over the years as the trees get larger and get thinned out. Played here back in the late 70's and early 80's. Back then, it was rare to see someone else. We gotta remember how the game has evolved over the years.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
CGarcia
Experience: 17.8 years 13 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Must Play if You're in the Area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 9, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is challenging for beginners, a great warm up for more experienced players, and fun for both.

Course:
The course has concrete tees, accurate tee signs, adequate other signage (mandos, next tee, etc.), and is well kept. The course is also well shaded, mostly grass covered, and has little underbrush. The course is well designed with two open holes and the other sixteen snaking through the woods, coming back toward the parking after the front nine.

Shots:
The course offers diverse shots and multiple line opportunities on most holes. The course has a rare ability to make you think heavily about your line throughout the majority of course play. A few legitimate ace runs (9 and 18 stand out).

Other:
The course is very old. It's really to play as a little piece of history, and because it exemplifies how well a disc golf course can be maintained over time.
The locals are usually as varied as they are nice. I've met college kids, families, PDGA pros, elder players, and many others.

Cons:

The most glaring con is that it is a very short course. Only three holes 300+ ft (only one of those more than 325ft). This is just a symptom of being such an old course.

Other Thoughts:

I make sure to play this course every time I go to Huntsville. We usually play Brahan as a warm up before going over to play Indian Creek or UAH (both within reasonable driving distance).

There are multiple bathrooms in the area and a convenience store within walking distance (or less than 15 second drive). A water fountain by the horse shoe courts and a playground across from the disc golf course are also nice amenities.

I would recommend playing Brahan at least once, even if you're really against short courses.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
10 0
craigd
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.7 years 179 played 118 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 30, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a fun and compact course and it compliments the diverse Huntsville area courses nicely. It's nestled in a really nice mature pine forest with little to no shule. Plentiful shade will be welcomed during the hot summer days. It's also really compact. In fact, you can just about see every basket from anywhere on the course. During non peak times a quick round could be had in about 30 minutes if desired. Although it's almost 35 years old you can hardly tell. It's well kept, clean, and has plenty of amenities.

Beyond the ample parking, you'll find a basket for some quick putting practice. There's a nice kiosk near hole one with plenty of info about the course. Concrete tee pads, nice signs, and next tee indications are all here. A bathroom near the ball fields at the bottom of the hill is there if necessary.

Hole one is the course's longest hole. It's a wide open, gradual downhill shot coming in at around 430'. Hole two offers another wide open shot but is slightly uphill and around 300'. Beyond those two it's into the woods. There you'll find some shorter holes, mainly between 200 and 300 feet. Although short, the holes do ask for some accuracy. There are a few guarded strait shots with several route choices. Also there's some sweeping fairways and even a couple of pronounced doglegs here as well. Given the land available, there is a good design here and it's very fair.

I am told that during high school football season the back nine is lighted by the stadium lights so some night golf is possible.

Cons:

Some more elevation would be welcomed. Being so flat and tight, some of the more open course fans might get a little "short wooded hole" fatigued. Additionally, those who prefer the longer holes with some par 4 and 5's mixed in are going to be a little disappointed too. Some might consider its somewhat unchallenging nature to be a con especially if this is your local course and you play it over and over.

I am told by locals that the nature of the course makes it one of the busiest in the area. They say at peak times large groups with less than desirable etiquette can interrupt an otherwise enjoyable round.

Other Thoughts:

I thought it was pretty cool playing one of the oldest courses in the world. The nostalgia itself is worth the visit. I really can't imagine anyone being just totally disappointed in this course. For the beginner, the shortness can be friendly training and the experienced will enjoy the birdie opportunities and upshot practice. As I mentioned it's really a fun little course. Enjoy!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
ShopTom.com
Experience: 15.8 years 33 played 14 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 16, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Long level concrete tees, informative signage, multiple lines, variety of shots, very shaded. That's about everything I need!

Cons:

Could use a couple more signs pointing out the next tee and arrows on the pad for when people turn the signs backwards. I stood there for a few minutes looking for the basket before I realized it was in the other direction. Some garbage on course, but don't think it was from the golf community. Really not much to complain about here.

Other Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this course! It forced me to use more discs or throw them better so it is definitly a game improver for the locals. The shorter distance requires skill over power, yet remains beginer friendly with multiple routes to the basket.. This also allows tight shots if you think you are good or a safer route until your game improves. I will be back and bringing others with me next time!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
thebeast175
Experience: 15.1 years 47 played 12 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Old but Classy 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 1, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

There are several good things about this course
1. Tees are concrete and long enough for the holes
2. Signs are well marked with throwing options and OB's are labeled on each sign
3. There are arrows hung on tree to let you know which way to the next tee
4. Transitions are easy and out of hams way
5. Course plays really fast and my group was never held up
6. Very begginner friendly. It would be hard to loose a disc here.
7. Most of the hols present a challenging shot that you must think about before you shoot. Its easy to get into a long second shot situation.
8. Very well maintained with no under brush

Cons:

There a few of cons that I saw but nothing that would be aggrevating,
1. There are only two long shots, the first and second tees, both of which can be birdied fairly easily, the second hole makes fore a good ace run
2. I think all the other holes are under 300 ft
3. The holes become repeatitive after about the 5th hole
4. There isn't alot of room to work with, you have to be careful to make sure you don't hit someone so keep your eyes open for people who are within your throwing distance
5. I didn't like some of the mandos but the did make you think.

Other Thoughts:

Over all it's a good course, not a great one, I would like to see a couple of alternate hole, maybe a couple more long shots. I didn't have lng to play so this was definatly the right course to play. It's quick, fun, and has great potential for a lot of birds. If you have an hour and you are passing through huntsville, stop in and play a course from the 70's. You won't be dissapointed.
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Latest posts

Top