Pros:
Kilborne TPC is an old, classic course on the east side of Charlotte that, even to this day, still brings joy to the local Disc Golfers. A fun, varied layout will always be considered a good course in my book.
***NOTE: In this review, I will be referencing hole #'s listed on the UDisc's course map. It seems as though there have been some slight tweaks done to the course in recent times, so I don't want to seem confusing.***
-Kilborne is a great course for all skill levels. Beginners will enjoy the original Kilborne layout (short tees to short baskets), and the more advanced can challenge themselves with the Skillborne layout (long tees to long baskets, when available). There is enough distance added to the Skillborne tees and baskets that it really feels like a different course.
-Lots of variety. Aside from the double layout, there is a great mix of short, long, straight, and dogleg holes. Only hole in the wide open is #1, everything else is carved out of the woods. However, a lot of the wooded fairways tend to be wider and more forgiving, which makes up for the lack of open holes.
-Along with the wide, forgiving fairways, the rough is held back really well. Some areas have the thick stuff, but generally speaking it will be hard to lose a disc here.
-Bring your accuracy A game. The original layout is pretty short in distance, so no need to bomb any shots. Skillborne makes the holes a lot more tight and dynamic, which is calling for placement shots.
-Navigation is easy. Throughout the course, I could see multiple tees and baskets in sight. There is an abundance of next tee signs leading you from basket to tee, so that issue is resolved very well.
-"A tale of two nines." The course is very RHFH reliant on the front nine, but very RHBH reliant on the back. I could see a strong backhand player come back from behind against their opponent who was dominating the front nine. I've never seen a course laid out this way, so I thought it would be interesting to mention.
-The course's signature hole, Skillborne #14, has got to be one of the best holes in Charlotte. An S shaped par 4, starting with an uphill backhand shot followed by a tight, downhill forehand. A small creek comes into play on the right hand side, and the basket is perched up next to it. One of the hardest, and probably the most beautiful hole I have ever played.
-Course amenities are great. Tee pads are perfect, Veteran baskets caught well and are easily visible. Tee signs with hole number and distance were drawn to perfection. Overall, the course is maintained well and is in great shape.
-Reedy and Eastway are close by, same for Sugaw, but I've never played it. If you're planning a day out, you could easily hit these three courses.
Cons:
The only real issues here have to deal with the course being interfered with other usage of the park:
-#1 plays across a cricket/soccer field (hence why it is the only open hole), so this hole will have to be skipped if it is being used.
-There are walking paths that intertwine near the course, so play can be backed up when waiting for the walkers.
-There are a lot of holes that play near/parallel with another fairway. Be cautious around these holes, in case a disc comes flying at you!
-The baseball field's fence comes into play on #9, and mis-thrown discs short and left have potential to fall into the field itself.
-A skate park comes into play on #17 & 18. It's hard to hit skaters directly, but an unlucky bounce off of a tree could easily sail into that area.
Now for a couple more cons that don't relate to the topic above:
-The course is located in an older, more sketchy area of Charlotte. You can tell when you're driving that this is the case. There wasn't anyone sketchy at the park when I played, but be careful nonetheless.
-Elevation is lacking. Most holes are pretty flat, maybe a slight up/downhill. Besides #14, there were no drastic elevation changes.
-Because of its popularity, the course will be pretty busy on most days. Try fitting in a round on a weekday afternoon, even then there will still be a bunch of players.
-#17 is an annoyingly unnecessary filler hole. From what I can tell, this was recently added and never part of the layout from before. Skillborne #18 also throws across #17's fairway. Everything just seems off with that hole.
Other Thoughts:
I enjoyed my time at Kilborne more than I expected. There are many great things to desire about this course, especially with it being the age it is. Kilborne park has open restrooms, a playground, skate park, and a baseball field, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.
-It's funny how similar this course is to Reedy Creek. Reedy is like the grandpa to Kilborne. They have pretty much the same characteristics, but Kilborne has that brighter, more young feeling.
-To me, this course deserves a 3.75. I just mentioned how similar it is to Reedy, which I rated a 3.5. I think the multiple basket locations (which lacks for most of Reedy) is what makes this course just slightly better, however, I don't think that Kilborne quite reaches the 4.0 mark. A 3.5 will have to do for now, but don't let it fool you!