Pros:
This is a very fun yet challenging course set in the cozy Haywood Valley of Armuchee, GA. You'll find a sprawling 6865' course playing across the valley floor and creeping its way up the foothills of the mountains that serve as a scenic backdrop. You'll enjoy the hike as you play through and over dry creek beds, rocky forest floors, and many other natural features.
Three par 4's and two par 5's punctuate the course along with the lengthy and challenging par 3's. Mixed in are the several shorter, tightly wooded shots that finish off a variegation of shot types sure to challenge anyone. Not surprisingly, the holes playing on the side of a mountain also give it plenty of elevation changes too. You're sure to remember hole sixteen's fascinating 485' downhill shot that some consider the signature hole. And no one will forget hole eleven either, what the others probably call the signature hole. In my opinion it is one of the toughest holes in Atlanta. For me, 585' plays like 1000' as it meanders its way uphill through a winding tunnel that has THICK shule on both sides.
Heavily wooded shots are here too. Holes twelve through fourteen, while on the shorter side comparatively speaking, give no slack. Thick trees make you choose your shot carefully and execute the shot flawlessly. Of course a little good luck is welcomed on these holes but bad luck, especially on holes fourteen and fifteen, can send you down a shallow gorge that can, with the right roll, take two shots just to recover.
I wouldn't do the course justice if I didn't mention the doglegs and turning shots. You'll find both left and right turning shots of varying degrees. A good example is hole two that has you fighting a field goal from the tee to an open 300' field to a 45 degree angle left dogleg through a 150'tunnel just 50' wide. Hole six has a similar personality but demands a perfect shot placement as it plays through the field and finishes up and over a wooded hillside. Hole 18 demands the same type of control along with a handful of others. In my opinion hole eight is one of the most fun holes on the course. It's a downhill sweeping right 300' shot with a thick island of trees guarding both the left and right route to the basket. The elevated basket perched on an old rusted tractor and plow, seemingly locked in time, gives even more personality to this course.
Given that the course is temporary, you are sure to notice the bonus of 18 rubber tee pads. The course also boasts 18 Ching Chainmaster baskets, both welcomed amenities to any temporary course.
Cons:
Not a lot of cons out here really. For the most part, a temporary course with eighteen matching baskets, nice rubber tee pads, and property like this make it quite enjoyable and easy to overlook what might be noticed on a permanent course. With that said, everyone will have the expected qualms. Everything from rough terrain in areas, yellow jacket swarms, and the occasional mumbling from those saying "This hole needs a few trees cleared out" are out here.
The course is only set up occasionally and usually just for tournaments. There's not much of a chance to come out and experiment with different shots casually in order to learn the course. Most times you'll be playing with the tournament stress of every shot counting and for many, it'll be the first time on the course.
Lastly, for those just beginning the sport or even "recreational" level players can find the course daunting (at times, so can any other players for that matter). The reconciliation is, of course, the beauty of the property.
Other Thoughts:
Tournaments are ideal here. The entire area is obviously just for disc golfers. After the tournament there's a little more freedom to celebrate than you might find at some of the county parks. Delicious local barbecue and hotdogs were available for lunch so no one needs to leave between rounds and finally even port-a-johns were available during the tournaments, a very classy touch I must say.
Best of all Wes's dad is virtually the liaison of the course. He's a laid back man who loves to talk and the kind of guy you'll love talking to. You can tell he really enjoys hosting people on the property. He'll even fearlessly tackle any wildlife you can point out on the course. He told me tales of rattle snakes but won me over by tackling and fogging out a swarm of yellow jackets near one of the tee pads! Best of all is being chauffeured by him to your hole prior to the round via truck and trailer (think country hayride)!
Over all this is an A+ venue. It has a great atmosphere and Wes and family are gracious hosts. Don't miss your chance to play when it comes around. Enjoy!