Pros:
Kentwood is one of the older courses in the area, giving one a glimpse into disc golf's past. Depending on your point of view, this past can either be nostalgic or downright ugly. Kentwood's pros and cons can be in the eye of the beholder, but I will provide my objective opinion on the course that inhabits downtown Raleigh.
- Kentwood is what many would call a pitch and putt course. There are no holes over 400 feet and most are within 200. This probably served a challenge with older versions of discs, but within today's standards, the course plays quite easy. There is a good amount of elevation which may compensate for the shorter holes. This could provide a good starting course for beginners and a fun round for anyone intermediate and up.
- This course drains extremely well and remains playable after the heaviest of storms.
- Due to the short length, there are plenty of birdie opportunities and aceable holes. In my last visit, there were 2 aces on the course while I was playing so be prepared for a plethora of congratulatory high-fives.
This sums up the main "positives" of the course, on to the negatives.
Cons:
Kentwood is like middle-school. It may have been daunting your first time there, but once you graduate from it, you never want to return. Any serious player should typically avoid this course, especially if they want to have any semblance of a serious round.
- Kentwood has to be the busiest course in the area. The crowds can make it almost unplayable on most days at any time. The course is right next to NC State so it attracts the herd of college kids. Most players are those who haven't played before which drastically slows down the pacing for everyone in succession. It's fairly typical to wait for every hole before playing.
- Although having some woods, this course is very rocky. Any premium plastic will take a beating here.
- The tee pads on this course are entirely too small. They aren't typically in bad shape, but reflect the style of older courses. They may also become slick on a wet day.
- The course doubles-over itself so playing can be somewhat hazardous. Coupled with the players who are oblivious, you may have frustration throwing and navigating the course.
- The baskets are pretty dated and are known to spit out discs. Most, if not all, lack yellow bands on the top making them difficult to spot if you aren't familiar with the course. Additionally, Many baskets for different holes are near each other, making it easy to throw to the wrong basket or get hit by another person while retrieving yours.
- In addition to the crowding, the players here are not often courteous, leading to rushed rounds and frustration when someone throws while you're still finishing the hole.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, Kentwood is not the greatest nor worst of the courses in the greater Raleigh area. It definitely has its place as a casual course and it sticks true to that mantra. Filled with newer players, college kids and the girls they are trying to impress, Kentwood can either delight or disappoint depending on the experience you are seeking.