Pros:
Rutgers, Douglas College Disc Golf Course , in between buildings on the lawn of the college is an 18 hole course .The parking lots aren't always numbered . Just remember to park in the back following directions as closely as you can , leave the car in one of the huge lots , and look for any baskets . Make sure you print a map . I am guessing that unless you find an open door at the college , you won't be able to use a bathroom .
The Equipment - This looks like a time capsule was emptied out into a small area of the college . The tee pads are all natural . Not the most even areas . There are at least dirt spots where you know you are supposed to tee off . The tee signs are really old school , not even the old white signs with green images and printings . They are just metal pole signs with red backing showing par , hole number and distance . There is a little fairway pattern next to it . The baskets are supposed to be Mach I according to what they posted ( ? ) . They are pretty old and rusty , but that's okay .
The Landscape - The grass was a little high and the branches are starting to make the grounds a little unkempt while I was here in late August . The course is small , the area is flat . There are a couple of small grades . There is a creek that comes into play on hole #10 ( ? ) on the left if you limp-wrist your shot . Except for this hole , the buildings shouldn't come into play . You will cross a driveway or sidewalk or 2 on a drive . There is also a scattering of trees , a few even serve as obstacles .
The Highlights - The course itself is a highlight . Think that a group of students and locals played these holes 42 years ago . I played behind an older gentleman who said he has been playing the course for many years , and only knows that the present pin and tee positions have been around since he started playing .
Signature Hole - If I had a hole to pick , it would be the creek hole on #10 . It is a slightly elevated tee , but goes over a slight gully , and the basket is tucked up and to the right .. at 259' , it is a hard ace , but easily deuceable .
Even though the course is only 3495' ( I saw no long pin positions ) , it still had several groups on it the Saturday morning that I played . I think that both the students and the locals value playing here .
Disc Risk - You will have to work hard to lose a disc here . The creek is shallow and it has some small overgrowth next to it . Other than that ,,,, nothing . Disc Risk is improbable .
The Time - Once I found #1 on the other side of a building , it took me about 40 minutes to play here . A group of 4 will blaze this course in an hour and twenty minutes .
The History - take it all in . I only wish I could have a 1978 era disc that I could throw here , just so I could get used to the way that players shot shaped and controlled them back then .
All of the locals seemed real nice when I was there . There were even a couple of fathers with their sons .
Cons:
#1 Safety - The course map says that Rutgers Douglas can be played 24 hours a day . During the week when school is in session , I figure that the sidewalks would be filled and students would be standing near the fairways talking or reading . Would you want to be The Guy , that caused the college to take down this relic because he beaned a freshman in the eye with your drive ?
Navigation - The map is small and hard to read , but you might need it in case there are no locals playing . A couple of long walks to dissected parts of the course can be confusing ( 2-3 , 9-10 , 17-18 ) . You may have to do some exploring .
Challenge - Some will complain that the course is too easy . Gee , No @&%*&! This course was played with coffee can lids and Whamos back then . . This is a course that you can study and enjoy , not conquer . If you need a challenge , go south to Thompson .
I never read where you had to check in with campus security , or that it was sticker only parking . The visitor lot in the back will suffice . Rutgers Douglas College seems very welcoming and accommodating .
Other Thoughts:
I have a couple of courses ( 1979 and 1980 ) near where I live back home , and have played them every year since 1994 . These are courses that make you appreciate and enjoy . I am glad that this course is played regularly and hasn't been abandoned . Read the 2 reviews before mine . They give you some bits of information that I would have never known ( The course was given as a gift and the university , even though they probable didn't know what disc golf was at the time , accepted it ? ) . I know the chains are rusty on the baskets , and the natural tees suck after a long rain , but keep the course exactly the way it is . Changing it would cheapen it . Thanks to Rutgers Douglas College , Course Designer Dan Doyle , and the local Disc Golf club chapter for keeping this course relevant .
My Recommendation - Everybody can take Something away from this storied course . Perfect intro course for incoming students or curious locals . Great for families to do as a group- not long or time consuming . Fantastic date course . Locals can hang with their friends after a quick round or 2 . Intermediates and up will get a history lesson here , and might pick up an ace as a parting gift. To travelers , this is a short and ideal leg stretch course right off of I-95 . The course collector will like a fast course that will help to combine with courses like 9 hole Heavenly Farms . If traveling through New Jersey , and want to experience a permanent course that was created only 3 years after disc golf was invented , and the oldest disc golf course in the state by 14 years , drop by and
PLAY IT !!!