Pros:
- Nestled in a dense, secluded woods next to an abandoned rail line, it's hard to believe this course is only 10 minutes from downtown Wilmington and five minutes from the I-95 freeway.
-The course design is outstanding. The front 9 plays through dense woods, with the back nine offering more opportunities for open drives. Par fours are mixed in. It makes excellent use of the elevation change and the two streams that cut through the course, requiring a variety of angles and unique shots. Fairways are clean enough that birdie is attainable on every hole (though not easy). Holes 5, 13, and 17 were particularly attractive downhill shots.
-Tee boxes are resourcefully cut out of an old turf football field. They are large and well-installed, some of the best turf tees I've seen. Each hole has a primary Dynamic Discs basket; several also have an older blue DGA basket in a shorter position.
Cons:
-If a course is going to do a lot of variations, it needs to do them well. Here, some holes have multiple tees, some holes have multiple baskets, some holes have both, some holes have neither, and the quality of signage varies widely throughout. I think simpler would work better here.
-From reading older reviews, it is wonderful that the disc golf course has helped clean up the park. However, there is still a rough element to the area, evidenced by scattered trash, defaced tee signs, and old cars parked in secluded turnouts.
-Rough terrain. On several occasions you'll have to jump small streams, pick your way across larger ones, and navigate steep slopes. Not recommended for carts, young children or bad knees/ankles.
Other Thoughts:
-I played during dry weather, but I imagine the chance of losing a disc would rise drastically after a heavy rain when the streams and low areas fill up. Several holes also have thick rough areas with potential for lost discs.
-The first tee is difficult to find, located in a wooded tunnel to the right of the short basket on #17. I believe the long tee for #1 is from the road, although it is unmarked.
-Canby Park is a terrific course and a great asset to the Wilmington area. Its convenient location is perfect for locals as well as anyone traveling through on I-95.