- Good Baskets and concrete tee pads.
- Well maintained park grass - forgiving for beginners and short arms who land short (or just wrong!).
- Has a decent variety of shots and slopes. Alternative basket placements help variety as well.
- Can play quickly as there's not much walking between holes.

- Longer arms won't have too many opportunities to air it out
- Intermediate/Advanced players may not be challenged.
- Parking lot is a little close on hole 3 - Watch out for right backhand fade.
- Park was empty for my round, but you may have picnickers to avoid on nicer days

As a noodle armed older beginner visiting Florence, this was a great course for me. It really fills the slot in this area for a beginner to intermediate player. For those who like to bomb there are other courses nearby to fill that slot. Navigation is good, but next tee arrows on the baskets would be a low cost improvement that would help a bit. A couple of holes have nice views of the river. (Update 3/26/2023) - Storms knocked down several trees on 3/24. When cleared, holes 1, 4, 5 will be even more accessible off the tee)

- Baskets: New Dynamic Veteran baskets are a major improvement over the original home made baskets. The original baskets were historical and interesting, but I think the new baskets were necessary to take this course to its full potential.
- Tee Pads: New large concrete pads on every hole improve on what was previously carpet. There are also separate pro/alternate tees on 7 of the 18 holes.
- Tee Signs: New signage on every hole gives plenty of detail. This is an upgrade from the from the former painted wood signs.
- Grooming: Newly cleared out underbrush and kudzu on many holes make the course much more forgiving and less prone to eating a disc.
- Beauty: The clearing out of brush has also increased the course's beauty factor. Big views of the Tennessee River have opened up because of this. Especially in the fall/winter.
- Alternate Pin Locations: Multiple pin positions on many holes that get changed with a good bit of frequency because of the commitment of the local club. This keeps things interesting for future rounds.
- Weather Resistant: The course drains very well in wet conditions. This can be a huge issue on so many courses. Especially at McFarland across town that is frequently completely under water. This is a great alternative if that is the case.
- Benches: Frequency of benches at tee boxes has improved over time with concrete picnic tables on a few holes. 12 out of 18 holes have seating options at tee boxes.
- Trash Cans: The course is almost always very clean and many trash cans that are serviced in various locations on the course.
- Diversity: Good diversity of shot lines, various levels of elevation change, and open vs wooded holes.
- Course Map: There is a new course map and kiosk by the practice basket and parking lot.
- Turn: The course makes a "turn" at the parking lot which is nice for a water break. 1-11 is the front, 12-18 is the back.
- Skill Levels: Works well with various levels of skill. Easy enough to learn the game yet challenging enough to keep continued interest in the game.

- Length: Could be longer. Although many of the pro tees help with this issue. Only 1 par 4 (18 in long position).
- Difficulty: One could argue that the underbrush/kudzu removal is a con since it's presence made this already somewhat easy course more challenging.
- Navigation: This can be a slight issue. However, there are some new crucial next tee signs that help with this issue.
- Cars: If people are playing tennis, cars can be an issue on #3. The parking lot is OB either way, but the cars can be daunting and even ruin one potential line.
- Flow: The drive line of 14 and tee box of 15 can be a bit crowded when it comes to flow. If there is a group in front of you, it is probably best to wait.

- Dated Photos: Pictures on DGCR are currently dated and do not feature the concrete pads and signage.
- Veterans Memorial: The backdrop of the veteran memorial is cool with an old helicopter and other aircraft featured.
- Historical: Second oldest in Alabama and one of the oldest in the country.
- Local Club: They do a great job maintaining and continually improving this course. As noted in many of the recent improvements listed above.
- Water: The only time water would come into play is with a very overthrown shot or unfortunate roll on 2 of the 18 holes.

I played this course at least 75-80 times from 2003-2010. I haven't played it since 2010, until 3/11/21. The improvements to the course are wonderful. New baskets, even though I loved the history of the homemade ones that served the course since 1983. Concrete teepads make such a great addition to this course. Nice new tee signs, replacing the rotting homemade signs that had out lived their usefulness. The clearing of the brutal underbrush and kudzu on each side of the fairways on all holes. This cleanup makes a lost disc on most holes from probable to extremly unlikely, without damaging the natural obstacles (trees) that add fun to each hole.

Im sure some others will find cons, but after seeing the major improvements to the course, I cant mention any.

I stopped playing the course because of the brutal brush on each side of the fairway, leading to searching for discs.With the nees improvements and major cleanup I will be back to play again.

(2.812 Rating) (RE-EVALUATED) A nice recreational course with new baskets installed summer 2018.
- HISTORY - From what I've been told, this is the second oldest course still playable in Alabama after Brahan Springs. Originally an object course in 1976 which obtained baskets in 1983, the 4th perhaps to do so in Alabama. The baskets were recently updated in July 2018 hence this re-evaluation
- NATURAL BEAUTY - IMO, the most beautiful of the three Florence area courses. Lots of rolling elevation in play. A few shots that play to over 20 feet down. Hole (7) plays over a gorging valley. A couple holes have views of the Tennessee, and hole (13) has an obscured view of Wilson dam. There are some really nice sized towering oak trees to weave around as well. The drawbacks are just a few. Barbed wire fence along (13) and (16) and there's a road in play along (3).
- CHAINS - Dynamic Veteran baskets were installed in July 2018. There are custom colored in a red white and blue color scheme. This is a huge upgrade over the homemade baskets that had been in place for 35 years. This change alone was enough for me to bump the course 0.06 rating points.
- CHARACTER - In addition to the new basket the basics and extra amenities are above average. Lots of extra pin placements to keep the local pleased and to entice those outside the area to make a return visit. About half of the holes have two carpet tee tads. A majority of the holes have seating and there's plenty of tee shading. Community board and practice basket by tee (1)
- SIGNAGE - Nice hand crafted hole signage which was a treat after seeing the unsatisfactory ones at McFarland. It would have been nice to have put next tee direction arrows on them though.
- UNIQUENESS - About average, but good for a par 54. Lots of minor elevation changes in the 10 to 25 foot range. Water comes into play a couple times with an airmailed shot or if the disc spins into death role. A few well defined right pocketing shots, unfortunately not much to the left. Perhaps there are some alternate placements to the left, but just not on my round. Adequate hole length variation, 430 to sub 200. Hole (13) also has a nice risk reward needle line to the basket, where the wider safe play will leave a 30 foot putt.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - Veterans should play fair for largest skill level groups in the disc golf community, Intermediate and Recreational. The long pads for intermediate and the shorts for recreational. Recreational players looking to improve their game should choose the long pads, as cakewalks won't make anyone better.
- QUICK PLAY - For an 18 hole this one plays fairly quick. Much quicker than McFarland. My group of two finish in 75 minutes. Figure a group of four should play in about an hour and 45 minutes. Solos should be in and out in 50 minutes.

One minor issues and a few ticky tack callouts.
- TEES - There are two or three great concrete tees out here. Why the rest are carpet is definitely a head scratcher. For the most part the carpet pads are flat but it's still far from ideal.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - The new baskets probably made the course and entire throw easier now. Regardless, this course has been a breeze for anyone above the Intermediate level, even from the back tees. I had no issue breaking par on first attempt as an intermediate level player. Figure intermediate players will average a few down. Recreational players will average a few over and some Advanced players could average 8 to 10 down. Shot shaping overall is mild, although there are a couple holes that will need a well thought out line to run it to the basket clean. Other than hole (18), being able to bomb it is not a requirement. Players that like to admire +400 foot drives should head over to McFarland.
- LOOSE DISC OPPS - Not as bad as McFarland but leaving a disc behind here is very much a possibility on 3 holes. Missing long on (6) (8) and (14) is not advisable as the disc could enter the backwater of the Tennessee River. The odds of retrieving a disc in this water looks slim to none.
- OVERGROWTH - I played in December but it doesn't take a genius to realize that the overgrowth off fairway gets excessive during the summer months. The course probably plays a shot or two more difficult over the summer.
- NAVIGATION - I'm glad I had a guide cause I don't recall too many navigational aids in the layout. The layout jumps around a bit and the map on DGCR is not the greatest.

Playing the old baskets last December was truly unique experience that was like taking a time machine back to early 80's. Although the some of that nostalgia factor is lost, I feel the change was necessary to move the course forward. I had Veterans scored at a border line 2.75 but just on the low side. The new baskets inclined me to up the rating of the course across the threshold to a 3.
- THANK YOU - A big thanks to local Greg McAtee for joining me for my 200th course. I gave him the choice between McFarland and Veterans for my 200th, and I'm exceedingly grateful that he picked this one. It's such a great mile stone course.

**3/24/2020 Update** Now has new concrete tee pads. Multiple concrete tee pads on holes 2, 3, 7, 12, 14, 15, and 16. Tons of underbrush cleared out in the park. Hole 13 has been altered. I feel it is a much tougher hole now.

New Veteran baskets and signage. Classic design appealing to beginners and advanced masters utilizing the hills and woods well.
Some short and long tees, plus multiple pin positions.
Family friendly with other amenities in the park to utilize.

May be too short for more experienced players. Hole 12 long pad doesn't really fit the hole and seems like a bad design. That's because it is a tee pad for a hole after current 18 that was previously removed and design intent was not to 12's basket.

I personally loved the original baskets and the history of them, but all the upgrades to this course are amazing!

Hole 14's signage is now missing. It's a shame locals destroyed signage of the donor that lives and breathes diversity instead of virtue signaling.

Overall, quite well designed, with very little repetition. A mixture of technical shots and a few longer rips, with smart use of the hillside - uphill, downhill, cross-grade, and valley shots all make appearances, and the uphills are ling enough to add some perceived distance to a course that, on paper, should be painfully short. It isn't, though it certainly isn't 18 holes of arm-stretching. Most holes feature moderate park-style tree cover, but some are more technical tunnels and a few are more open.

Tees are a mixture of concrete and carpet; carpet dominates, but it's kept up and changed often. Baskets are new DD Veteran baskets in red and blue, to match the originals, and so also to suit the location. Tee signs are doubled up at the moment - hand-painted wood next to printed metal signs. When in doubt I would trust the distances on the newer signs, but other than that the OGs are actually pretty good.

Essentially weatherproof, unlike McFarland - yes, the grass may stay wet for a few hours after it rains, but that's it. Overall flow is fairly sensible, without any long walks, which keeps time of play down.

Not quite too short, but if you like to lead out with a driver on more holes than not, you will want to hop across town to McFarland afterward. Certainly the two complement each other well, though.

The nominal line of play on hole 3 runs slightly to the right of an OB parking lot, then hooks left to the basket right past the lot. The potential for doinking a parked car was somewhat nerve-wracking as a new player. (There is also a forehand line straight over the parking lot, but it essentially relies upon an absence of cars.)

The short pin position for 14 is atop a roughly 2 foot tall block, which is fine (read: bane of my existence, but that's a personal problem), but that block is made of disc-chewing concrete, which can make approaches painful.

Next tee signs could help; while the layout is fairly compact, where to look isn't always obvious.

Climbing gear may be needed for retrieving lost discs; while actually hitting the lake would require a serious overthrow, several holes on that side of the park feature a long, moderately steep, and nearly always slick hillside, and if you somehow actually put one into the ravine to the left of 18, finding enough traction to climb back up is a major challenge.

Holy kudzu, Batman!

A few holes play close to each other, but I've never seen any issues because of it. The small exception to that statement comes at holes 13 and 14. If 13 is in its right-hand position (and it usually is), 14 is played from a tee past 13's basket, at the top of the hill. If 13 is in its left-hand position, 14 has to be played from an alternate tee partway down the hill to avoid crossed fairways; that tee is theoretically only meant to be played with 14 in its longest pin position (ALL the way down the hill, near the shore). Confused yet?

Holes 2, 3, 7, 12 (look across the main road from the parking lot way to your right as you walk down 11), and 16 have "pro" tees in addition to the regular set. Hole 14 has an upper and a lower tee (see above), and hole 15 has a ladies' tee.

The baskets are great at catching big lids, which kinda makes historical sense.

Veterans Lakeside is an older but nice 18 hole course with several varieties of challenge. There are flat holes, some with slight uphill, some with downhill. The first 11 is primarily park-style lightly-treed holes and the final 7 plays through more narrow wooded lined fairways. Though nothing is very long, there are holes of varying lengths. All this contributes to a good overall mix and no repetition.

The baskets here are unique. They apparently are very old, but only look old in style, not in condition as they are well-maintained and have held up very well. They are painted in red and blue (for Veterans Memorial Park I assume.) Though I can see them producing some spit/spin-outs, I did not have any issues putting to them as other reviewers have mentioned (and who wouldn't love Mach X's everywhere) but these do look neat, add character, and ultimately get the job done.

Basic signage tells you hole number, distance, and general fairway shape. It was mostly easy to find my way playing here for the first time.

It appears there were multiple possible basket locations for several holes helping keep the course fresh for locals if moved regularly.

There was a variety of tee types, some natural, some carpet, and some concrete I believe. (Again, adequate but not the best.)

The tee signs, which appear to be old and hand-painted, are adequate (and most-likely beloved by locals) however they are starting to resemble museum artifacts.

Navigation was ok, but some next tee signs would help first timers. Tee 11 is kind of hidden on other side of restrooms. The sign for 15 looked like a 13 and was confusing as the basket was hidden up hill in woods. I thought it was an alt tee (as 14 supposedly had two very different tees- but I only found 1). Thankfully a local showed me the way after playing 16 and 17. So that little corner of holes was a bit unclear. Also, I think it was hole 12 that had a sign missing.

After you play here once it is no problem knowing where to go, however.

This is a decent course as the holes and design are enjoyable and offer moderate challenge. It just lacks that bit of extra with the older baskets and signs and non-concrete tees. All skill levels can play here, but probably best suited for rec, intermediate, and casual players. I liked playing here and would play here again. It is worth a stop if you are in the area and is not too far from McFarland Park for a nice day of 36 different holes.

Despite the name, the course and park are not really close to the water. They are up higher and there is a dense area of woods between that drops off severely. (Don't throw long on hole 8 or your disc is gone forever, and don't try to retrieve it or you will be gone to.) There are some limited views of the lake and dam in the summer (probably better in winter without leaves on the trees.) Essentially, there are no water hazards here.

Be sure to check out the cool monuments at the Veterans memorial in the park near the course.

Beautiful land to play on, nice challenging holes, different types of elevation, great view of the Tennessee River and Wilson Dam on a few holes, restrooms beside the parking lot close to #12. Overall a great course

No water fountains or any source of hydration around, baskets are about 25 years old and are bent and saucer shaped so it could spit your disc up or you could throw a great putt only to have it hit a bent part of the basket that sticks up, the carpet on the teeboxes are old and raggedy so new ones are a must and lastly it needs new and improved hole layout signs beside the teeboxes and maybe new places to sit.

Love this course. My friends and I play it all the time and it provides a challenge through woods and also a few open holes and a couple of long bombers. There is no doubt that I would recommend this course to everyone.

- Very fun and different skill shots.
- Elevation Changes
- Great scenery around a lake and river.
- Decent Signage
- Multiple pin locations that are change frequently that really vary your shot.
- Good sidearmers or anhyzers can prosper on this course.

- Baskets are handmade and can spit out putts very easily.
- Not enough pro tees. I believe theres only around 5.
- Kudzu can get very tall and be very difficult to find your disc on certain holes.
- Not enough hyzer shots or lanes. Only 1 or 2.
- There's a tennis court next to one of the holes which can be annoying because of the cars parked there sometimes.

This is my local course which I play the most. It will always have a special place in my heart. I love most of the holes and they all play very differently. Not the most diffifcult course as long you stay in the fairway and have good control.

Interesting layouts, varied distances and one my favorite holes of all time make the course one to be played. The views are fantastic. Several of the later holes in the woods closer to the lake are especially fun to play.

Without a lot of research online before playing some of the holes are very confusing to find. I can not remember a single sign on the entire course directing you from hole to hole.

The course favors long throwers on many holes as the holes were open all the way to the basket with few obstacles.

Great Terrain. The course is designed to force skilled shots. There are trees, hyzers, hills, chutes, anhyzers, and a couple of long drives. Really great for all skill levels. I enjoy coming up on my favorite hole only for the pin to be moved. Keeps me on my toes.

The baskets spit out putts. They force precise shots but that is a problem for the long birds. The tee pads are in bad shape too.

I played this course weekly the entire summer. I am a newb and this course has taught me control. Now when I play other courses I benefit from it. If it were not for the baskets and tees this course would get a 5 based on my experience. To think about it, I'm going to play when I get off work.

Veteran's Memorial Park is a good course in a beautiful park. I liked the rustic looking baskets from the early days of disc golf. The holes are fun and use multiple shot shapes from the tee box. A couple of long holes, a couple of wooded holes, and a couple with a bit of elevation change. Long and short tees and different pin placement on many holes.

Natural tee boxes were sort of rough in places. The signs left something to be desired, and flow from hole to hole was interrupted once or twice during my first and only round.

All in all, I would recommend playing this course if you have the opportunity. Not the best, but a worthwhile play. You can feel the disc golf history here.

Really good layout and use of land/elevation on the majority of the holes. There are a variety of holes here, ranging from short & technical, to long & open. However, big arms aren't at a big advantage here; the guys who are accurate and have good distance control have a good chance to shoot a solid score. The location is pretty sweet too. The course sits very close to the lake, and atop some of the hills offers some nice views and vistas. When I was there, the park was clean and there weren't too many people around the course. Most traffic stayed up near the tennis courts and ball fields. There are also several pavilions along the course, and a few restroom areas. There are multiple pin locations, and Pro & Am pads on some holes.

Some of the tee pads are in dire need of repair. A few have erroded to the point that roots are present on the pad, a few that have carpet tended to be pretty slick, and one of the concrete pads was basically smooth, so any moisture and I bet that things is slipppperrryyy. The signage was a bit outdated too, and it would be nice to have a course map posted at the main board. A few holes run fairly close together which could be an issue in a big tourny, but certainly not anything major.

Overall, a solid disc golf course, but needs some work to really shine. Signage is outdated and many of the tees need major renovations, and there is a mixture of concrete, carpet, and dirt pads. Having consistent pads throughout would greatly add to the course. I purposely didn't add the homemade baskets to the Pros or Cons; mainly, because I respect the history of the course and understand the sentiment toward the baskets. However, new baskets really would make this course much better. There's a good bit of variety from a few longer open holes, to shorter technical holes. Bottom line, I thouroughly enjoyed playing the course, but if it was mine, there are quite a few updates I would make. If you are in or around Florence, you must stop by and play this course, as it certainly is special.

Favorite Holes: 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 17

This is a great piece of land for a course. The elevation change and wooded areas provide for a great throw. I agree with the reviewer who called this a medium length course. It's certainly more than a pitch and putt. The rough can be very unforgiving on a couple of holes. It was mostly signed. There are some benches placed around the course. I was lucky enough to hook up with a couple of locals otherwise I think it would have been a difficult to navigate the first time. Nice view of the river/harbor area.

Start with the baskets. They're certainly well constructed if they've lasted since 1983. I have no problem with the single chains but the saucer shaped baskets are going to kick out their share of putts. The carpet teepads are a little uneven and apparently a problem after rain. Navigating the course for the first time would be difficult.

I'd have no problem playing this as my home course. The baskets are fair for all that play here. It won't challenge the pros or more advanced players but provides an enjoyable afternoon of disc golf for most of us.

GREAT hole design and Fantastic use of the land. You really feel like a part of disc golf history when playing this course. The locals are the best around and this is the true home for disc golf in the south!

Yeah yeah yeah..the baskets suck. you will be robbed of putts. Also, some of the concrete tees get a bit slick after rain. I broke a toe on tee #10! How's that for good times!

I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said. Or if you have played this course before...you know what I'm going to say.

This course is awesome and will always be the course I call home, even though I'm 14 hours away now. Perfect place to learn the game...perfect place to perfect your game. PLEASE go check it out and get to know the locals. SFC!!!!!!!

A historic course with a variety of shots, accuracy and multiple skill shots (backhand, forehand, overhand) rewarded. Unique history of this course makes it a must play.

The carpet tee pads can get slick when wet and are unlevel in places. Course markings can be confusing for players unfamiliar with the course.

I couldn't decide to but the unique baskets as a pro or con. They definitely change how you play the course, and personally I would prefer them be replaced, perhaps relocated to a "pitch and put" style beginner course. If you have the opportunity stop by and play this course, you won't be disappointed! Huge props to SFC, the local club, for keeping this course in great shape!

This is a fun course to play for all skill levels. It is mostly a pitch and putt course from the regular tees for pro level players, but there are some long tees and several of the holes have alternate pin placements that make the course a little more challenging. I would consider the course as mostly open, but with plenty of trees in the fairways to force you to shape your shot accurately off the tee. The design is good, using these trees and the subtle elevation change to give the course a good shot variety, with a few interesting shots. For advanced players, it is the kind of course to where every hole can be birdied with an accurate shot, but very few holes are gimmies and several under par is a solid score.

The park is well taken care of and there are select benches placed throughout the course. Every hole has tee signs and the course loops back to the parking lot at the half way point, where there is also a pavilion and bathrooms. The tees are a mix of concrete and carpet, which work well for the most part.

The locals consider their home made baskets a part of the course's long history and do not want to get rid of them. They have added new double chains and fresh paint to their baskets, which most definitely help tremendously, but spit/spin outs are definitely still happen at a higher rate than normal. Everybody has to play on the same baskets, so I don't have too much of a problem with them, but a lot of people will still consider this a con. I personally like carpet tee pads, but there are still some that are not level and some that can get muddy and do not handle rain too well. A lot of my cons have been corrected over the years, so hats of to those volunteers who have done their part.

Overall I really like this course and it is among my favorites. It is well designed and uses the trees/obstacles and subtle elevation to maximum effect. It is very enjoyable to play and I like stopping to play if I am in the area, as well as attending their tournaments. The club is small, but has several active and dedicated members who help keep the course maintained. I have recently upgraded my rating a full disc and updated my review due to the locals fixing several of my cons over the years. I would highly recommend this course if you are in the area.

Lakeside DGC is a mature course that is a medium length course (i.e., big arms aren't a huge plus here). It sets up well for the finesse player with good control and a good bag of tricks. If you don't stay in the fairways, your score will suffer. The course is very well taken care of and the locals are friendly and willing to help. It has lots of topography and forces you to compensate for elevation differences. There are lots of trees (and shade), but it is still pretty open because there is very little understory. Water really only comes into play on a couple of holes, and then only if your shot is very errant.

The only real complaint I have about Lakeside DGC is that it could be better marked to get you from hole to hole. I had to do a little searching to find my way around, but this is a minor complaint

Lakeside DGC is a must play if you are in the area. It is a really good course and I only wish I could take it with me. Many people complain about the baskets; which were custom made in 1983 (and are still around; testament to construction). However, if you hit center chains like you are supposed to, you are golden. You might get a few scoop outs because the bottom of the basket in sort of saucer shaped, but it isn't that bad. Everyone plays the same course, and the complaints you hear will be from people who couldn't find anything else to blame their low score on. I have only played 9 different courses in my time, but Lakeside DGC is in my top 2.

As one of the oldest courses in the world Veteran's memorial in Florence is a very well designed course. It has a good mix of open and wooded holes with many short and one or two longer holes. Accuracy is the key on this course. For new players this is an ideal course to learn the game on as most of the holes are fairly short. For advanced a pro players low scores are possible but not a given for two reasons. The first is the utilization of elevation changes on the greens, the second is the fact that the course poses the first Headrick designed baskets (in a hand made fashion. Ask one of the locals to give you the story behind it) which provide for the dreaded "Florence Scoop"

The only real cons I have for this course are the baskets which provide for some serious spit outs and ridiculous scoop outs. You'll just have to play to really get a feel for them. Also some of the tees and pins are very close together, which during a tournament can provide a slight issue but nothing too bad. Many of the tee pads are carpet which works great as long as there hasn't been rain recently in which case they get extremely muddy and slick.

Simply because its one of the oldest courses around I highly suggest everyone try and play this course if you're in north Alabama. The SFC (Shoals Frisbee Club) does a great job of keeping the course in good condition.