Pros:
Pulling into Heritage Park And Gardens 9 Hole Course , I was unsure how this course would play out . You will immediately see several baskets and wonder if the park is too cramped to play . This is deceptive and I will explain in a few . First , the parking lot is small , but enlarging it would shorten hole 9 . There is a kiosk near the parking lot with a good map of the course .Print the map , or you might wander around a bit . A practice basket sits a little beyond the parking lot , as you go to hole #1 . There are some trash cans randomly at some of the tees , and some nice benches to sit , which helps since the course was crowded on the Friday afternoon that I played . The park was spotless when I was there and was mowed . There are 2 nice sized cement tee pads AND 2 baskets per hole . The short tee pad ( red rectangle on the back of it ) matches up with the red Discatcher baskets in the short position , and the longs match up with yellow banded Discatcher baskets . This is such a great feature . A foursome of different skill levels can meet at the course and play together . Also , a newbie can learn on the red to red baskets first , then move maybe red to yellow or long tee to red basket , then eventually work up to long to Yellow . This way , someone's progression can move at a slower or faster pace . The signage here is very good , metal set on a wood post on each tee pad showing hole # , par , Distance and flight path . The course itself has an odd flow to it . You start off on #1 throwing away from the parking lot , then make a hard right turn , stepping past the basket for 5 , throw 2 , which in the longs is pretty cool , since the ground drops off some at the end , making the basket hidden . Take a hard left and you will now play 2-5 in a big square . 3 throws across a field into a bush line , 4 throws from that same bush line out into the open and back to the right to the baskets set into the same bush line . 5 is the longest hole on the course at 560' . It throws across a large field . a big tree has a canopy that will swat away your 2nd throw if it goes in too high . 6 starts parallel to hole 2 , and goes back and forth with holes 7-9 . The throwing lanes are manageable here , but not overly generous . There are trees that can be hit on 1-2 and 6-9 . A hint on hole #9 . When lining up to throw into the fairway , you immediately see a basket in front or just a little right of you . That is the basket to hole 7 . Hole 9 baskets are on the left and hidden from sight , making you bend your midrange or drive right to left ( or let to right if you wish to bend your throw towards the road ) . This course plays fast . I was able to play it solo in under 30 minutes . A group of 4 might take an hour or so . Disc Risk : Very low . Maybe if you griplock a drive to the right on 4 or 5 , or stick it in one of the trees near the front of the course . The course is easy on the legs , as the elevation is very little , and the course can be a leg stretcher since it sits next to I-10 and 11 miles from I-75 south . A few holes that you can air it out , and several more technical holes all in 9 holes .A popular but peaceful course . Signature hole ? I guess #5 because it sits long at 560' and made me work for a 3 .
Cons:
#1. Safety . The course was getting a lot of play for a late Friday afternoon , and as I said before , a perfect haven for casuals and newbies , even families . With the fairways right next to each other on 2 , 6,7,8, and 9 , it seems very possible to be struck with a disc , even if it's not a bad throw . You might want to keep your head up and be aware of the other disc golfers . #2 The course doesn't seem to generate excitement for the regular or advanced player . If you can throw reasonable straight , then you will not deviate much from tee pad to pin . I think I only had to band a drive on #4 and a midrange on #9 . The course is flat and plays short , even from the longs . The parking lot could stand to be paved and slightly bigger , but I guess you can't have it all .
Other Thoughts:
I know that a 2.5 score makes me look like I was barely impressed , but it wasn't true at all . I rarely give a score for a 9 hole course higher than a 2.5 . Just off of major interstates and a great course to use as a warm-up for or a warm-down from Magnolia ( pick up a sandwich and eat here ) , This is a nice course to come to . Hey , a park full of players can't be wrong , can they !? A lot of work has gone into this course to make your rounds here enjoyable . The Fun Factor is here . Thank You , Live Oak Parks and Rec for letting me play here and making this course happen . My Recommendation ; While not competitive enough for good ams and pros , they can still work on their short game . Everyone else , from the traveler , to the course bagger , to casuals , locals , newbies , one-discers , and families , This is the place for you . A quick play , give this course a round or 2 .