Pros:
Madison Park at Pinewood Elementary is a short, pitch-n-putt course. This defines what a neighborhood course is about, and who it's targeted at.
- This is the ultimate beginner, introduction course. I picture a course like this getting a lot of play from people in the neighborhood looking to try something new. Holes average only slightly more than 130 feet, so it's clearly not aimed for the big throwers.
- For more experienced players, this course is going to be a birdie fest. There are a couple of safari hole layouts that will offer some more challenge and/or length. More experienced players will have to use some sort of gimmick (ace race, skins match) to make this fun.
- There are several interesting holes. After three uninspiring holes, you suddenly get a (somewhat) dose of reality on #4. It's the most challenging hole on the course, with basket protected by several trees, and the longest, at 220 feet. This is the only hole where you need to throw a good shot to be in birdie range. #6 is a dogleg right (165 feet) with the basket right under a tree. You can throw high, aiming for the tree, letting your disc fall close to the basket. #8 is a 160 foot hole with the basket protected by one tree, forcing you to throw around or over.
- Nice wooden tee signs. They only offer distance, hole number and par, but that's all that is really needed. It'd be great if other (18 holer) Charlotte courses had signs as nice as this.
- Holes #1 - 3 play in a decent sized field. It's at least 300 feet, which will allow people to practice drives or longer mid-range. This should be the only reason anyone will need to bring any disc longer than a mid-range or putter.
- Quick, easy play. It took me 30 minutes to play through twice, and that included time to right down all the course info for this site. Carrying multiple discs actually slowed me down.
Cons:
Too many short, straight holes. #1, 2, 3 & 9 all feel like long putts or layup shots - all range from 75 - 120 feet with no obstacles whatsoever. #5 & 7 at least have trees that could come into play, but still don't offer much.
- I thought it was weird that the walks from #1 basket to 2 tee & from #2 basket to 3 tee are longer than holes #1 & 2. Not that adding length would make them that much better, but why not make those holes 50 - 75 longer, if you're already walking that distance? It would at least make them longer than jump putt distance.
- General lack of challenge. Again, this course is at a neighborhood park, connected to an elementary school, so it's not aimed for regulars. Renny is only 10 minutes away, if you're really looking for a challenge. This was a mini-golf course when compared to a real golf course.
- Lack of amenities. There's a playground, and that's about it. When most of the play is coming from neighbors, there isn't need for many bells or whistles, so just be aware if stopping by for a quick round or two.
Other Thoughts:
I can't emphasize how much I enjoyed the "neighborhood" feel of this course. The main road (Seneca) is two-lanes with bike lanes and side walks, so you're already not having to deal with traffic. Add to that houses across and behind the course, and it just has that feel. I really think the course will get most of its play from locals who discover the baskets while walking by or at the playground. Madison Park, along with Fewell Park in Rock Hill, are the two courses that offer the most intimate, neighborhood feel.
- There isn't a lot of fun factor here, if you're more experienced. I think the fun factor will be in bringing newbies, or kids to the course, and watching them get a taste for disc golf. It'd be cool seeing lots of parents playing here with there kids.
- With this being a beginner course, it'd be nice to see more mention of other Charlotte courses or the local DG club. You would think once someone masters this course, they would want to try other courses.
- This is definitely a stat-padding course. There's not a reason to go out of your to stop here and play. Now, if you live in the neighborhood, it's great to have a practice course within walking distance.