Pros:
(2.144 Rating) RE-EVALUATED - Perhaps the intro to a new sport, Beach disc golf.
- DUNE HOLES - As of this revision I've played 119 courses. None have played over such beautiful white sand dunes except this course. Holes (1), (2), (3) and (4), although very short, were definitely the ace run treat for this course. It's a good thing they came first too, as walking on sand is a major energy drainer.
- TEE PADS - They are all concrete or asphalt, with the asphalt paths being infinitely long. A touch above average in my opinion.
- MAINTENANCE - The grounds appear to be mowed weekly. the park was very clean despite lack of garbage cans along the layout. Only a few areas had significant overgrowth.
- FORGIVENESS - The odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is low with a few exceptions. Throwing long on (6) and over fence into a wet retention area and if the dry retention pond on (16) is full. In addition, due to the lack of trees, errant shots are not further punished
- SHELTER - There is a great shelter with picnic tables located right after (18). It's perfect for the end of round gathering point and perfect for the summer pop-up thunderstorm. Plus there are several other structures throughout for quick weather protection.
- QUICK PLAY - A single can easily complete a full 18 in under 45 minutes.
- ACEABILITY - Numerous holes are aceable, You will have great opportunities on holes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and10)
Cons:
- NAVIGATION - With the lack of a course map on site, navigation can be tricky. For this reason I have added a crude course map to the DGCR links for this course. The trek from (7) to (8) is especially confusing. It's basically located at home plate from the adjacent baseball fence at basket (7).
- DUEL USE HAZARD - The park is home to more than disc golf. There are soccer and baseball fields that the course winds threw. Hole (8) needs to be removed as it splits the concourse of two baseball fields and aims over a concession building. In addition, several other holes have the potential to put others in harm's way of an errant disc.
- UNIQUENESS - The holes themselves in terms variety are below average. Yes the dunes are unique, but after that, most shots are open with a spattering of trees. Hole (11) and (16) are somewhat interesting plays along the baseball field's homerun fence. It's a risk reward shot to cut the angle. However it can't be used during baseball games.
- SPACING - Below average, Several of the fairways feel partially shared. Disc will likely end in other fairways on several holes.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. I know that this is typically for Florida, but this course is flat for even Florida standards. No more than 15 feet throughout the entire course with most it being at the dune holes.
- DIFFICULTY - Not much of a challenge to advanced or even intermediate players as they should have no problem breaking par and being several shots down . Recreation players and vacationers may be delighted however as it can be a feel good round. It's a great opportunity for those players to finish under par.
- WIND - Due to the lack of trees wind will likely be a major issue. 20 mph gusts during my visit was not desirable.
Other Thoughts:
A adequate course for those living within 5 miles. A good beginner course due to the low amount of hazards, overgrowth and very short length. Probably worth a look see if you've already hit a majority of the area courses or if you're like me and feel the need to play every course once. Not recommended to out of region players looking to play one or two area courses. In that scenario, consider these area courses instead, Anderson Pond in Niceville (5300 ft), Ferry in Fort Walton (4500 ft) or ChainDragon in Freeport (5200 ft). If you are strictly looking for longer courses, nearby Boggy Bayou is the longest at (5700 ft).