Pros:
(1.668 Rating) A lightly wooded short niner in a peaceful well-maintained park.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - The best thing going for Heritage Harbour, is that it's going to be a fine introduction course to new players. Almost zero chance to lose a disc. Almost no chance of having to search for a disc in overgrowth. Very few trees for someone to be constantly pinging them and getting frustrated. The distances for the holes are short too and average under 200 feet long. Athletic first timers should be able to achieve par on some holes, maybe even chalk up a birdie.
- ACEABILITY - For those that are not beginners, the thought of rattling the chains may be the only thing keeping the juices flowing. Veteran players are probably 5 to 10 times more likely to ace here over a normal course. I was a bit disappointed to not hit metal one time.
- CHAINS - Pro 28 DISCatchers. The best baskets on the market IMO.
- SIGNAGE AND NAVIGATION - I thought it was good. First off, nice course map located by the parking lot. Take a picture, cause players are likely going to need it due to the long flow gaps. The tee signs are hole number and distance only. Considering that every basket can be seen, they work. On the baskets there are next tee markers hanging from the bottom basket wires.
- MAINTENANCE AND BEAUTY - The park maintenance was fantastic. Groomed landscaping and attractive park structures. I'm looking at you Mr. Lighthouse. I doubt conditions are ever bad here. Due to the lack of exotic features actually in play, I only scored the beauty aspect a hair above average, a 2.875.
- QUICK PLAY - I bagged it in 21 minutes and was off to Tom Bennett.
Cons:
Having to spend an extra 50 cents in gas to drive over here instead of heading straight to Tom Bennett.
- MINDLESS CHALLENGE - The course is not designed for those that have plus 250 arm strength. To me, that's a major flaw. I felt like I was just going through the motions. I experienced zero exhilaration. More has to be done about this. The course has been in the ground now for well over a year and the grass at the tees only showed modest use. Sure, the course works fine for local beginners, but for those that travel to other regions to play, it's not worth the little extra effort to come see it.
- SAFETY HAZARDS - Walking paths come into play several times. Only a minor issue as the hole distances are short. Plus, people using the paths can be seen well before it becomes an issue… unless someone is too dim-witted to realize that you shouldn't be throwing with people within striking distance.
- LAYOUT FLOW - Terrible. The course length is 1700 feet or so, but I walked at least a mile. (8) and (9) are separated by over 1,000 feet.
- TEES - Natural tees except for the couple that borrow the adjacent walking path.
- HOLE VARIETY - Among the 530 courses I've played as of this review, I scored this aspect 11 percentile. Hole (1) and (2) are featureless short open plays. Hole 3 is ok. (4) is basically featureless as well as the backdrop trees will only come into play on a comeback throw. (5), meh. (6) was my favorite, but I'm not even sure it would top the excitement of one hole at nearby Tom Bennett or Bob Gardener. The remaining 3 tee shots are simple as well.
- FLAT - The last hole has 8-feet of elevation to it. Basket (5) is 2-feet up on a 5-foot high mound. The rest could be measured with your 6-inch protractor from middle school.
Other Thoughts:
Heritage Harbour is a fine beginner and local family course. Novices may like it too as it's carefree and pleasant. Unfortunately, after these noted groups, the course won't get much use. Nearby courses like Tom Bennett and Bob Gardener likely draw 10 to 20 times as many players. For those outside a 10-minute drive, you should only head here if you are looking to pad courses played stats. For now, I am going with a high 1.5. I looked at my scores of other beginner courses and they all have around the same rating. I only have a few at a 2.0 or above and these few all delivered more dynamic elements than here. I could be lured into a 2 if there were some benches and if a few back tees were added where space was available.