Pros:
After more than a decade since it last existed, Veterans Park is back. Just like the reboot of Will and Grace, it's not as creative, you no longer have to look over your shoulder, and it's a lot softer than the original.
- I reviewed the original, including multiple updates of the course during its demise. The original course packed a punch with a couple of fun, unique layouts. Where else were you forced to shoot the gap over a creek and unforgiving overgrowth?
- This is a more family-friendly layout. Actually, the entire park is more family friendly. Course features a lot of open, short layouts. The longest holes are 210 feet and both are open, flat layouts.
- There is a good, compact flow to it. When you're standing at the basket for #1, you see parts of holes #1 - 8. Only holes #8 & 9 are truly isolated from the rest of the course. That said, it doesn't feel like holes play on top of each other. Now…if the course is busy when playing, I'd have a much different perspective.
- Good variety, all things considered. Elevation is a factor on 5 holes. Two holes are heavily wooded - #8 & 9. Other holes incorporate a large tree or two to add challenges. That said, every hole is birdie-able or ace-run worthy, but at least you're throwing different shots throughout.
- #3 & 4 are holes you'll want to throw multiple discs on. Both are down hill. Both slope downwards right-to-left. An ace run throw could easily roll or sail 75 feet past the basket. You can also film yourself throwing 50 discs on #1 & 2 trying to capture an ace on tape. HINT: if someone else can park his only disc closer than the 20 you have lying on the ground, try something different to get likes on social media.
- If the course isn't crowded, great course to play 27 holes in an hour. So if you work near downtown, sneak away here on your lunch break for a quick 9 or 18.
- The entire park got a facelift. Actually, this entire section of Central got a facelift. The park may have been sketchy before. Now the giant tank out front has been replaced by a splash pad and playground.
Cons:
The compact space will be an issue at times. Holes #1 - 7 all have varying degrees of overlapping. Keep an eye out for stray discs. I also suspect this course will be used by a lot of casual/new players. So, keep an eye out for the person walking across fairways to the wrong hole and/or throwing to the wrong hole.
- The kudzu is thick as ever in portions of this course. To varying degrees, it's in play on holes #5 - 9. It's worst on #8 & 9 as you're in the wooded portion. A bad bounce off a tree, you lose sight of the disc, then you're going crazy wondering why you can't find your disc on a 150 foot throw.
- This is one of the loudest courses in Charlotte. If you're looking for peace and calmness while playing, this isn't the course for you. It's not as close to a main road as #7 - 9 at Sugaw. But, you're hearing traffic from a 4 lane road the entire round.
- Not the same layout as before. This is a simple observation, not a con. I just needed more cons. If you're looking for the old layout, this isn't it. It has many elements, it's just all scaled down. Blame that on spacing alone and not with the design itself.
Other Thoughts:
This is unlike other CDGC courses. I didn't know Charlotte allowed easy courses. Well, Veterans Park bucked that trend.
- It's fitting that Veterans Park has DD's Veteran baskets.
- Great spot for an Ace Race. Great spot to introduce kids to the game.
- If you're looking for more challenge, you're 10 minutes to Kilborne or Eastway.
- You're walking distance to restaurants or breweries. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
- Holes #3 - 5 are the fun stretch of holes. #3 takes you part way down the hill (assuming your disc doesn't roll the rest of the way); #4 takes you the rest of the way. #5 is a flat layout with a tee shot to a basket protected by a large tree. Then #6 & 7 bring you back up the hill.
- When you look at a map, its impressive this course was built in such a small space. Hats off to Mark Huether and company for getting this done.
- It makes one wonder that if this course can be built in such a tight space, how many other 9 hole courses can be built in parks across the city? I can think of a dozen different parks that have this much space, if not more, to fit in a 9 hole layout.
- Get a taste of nostalgia while playing here. Then enjoy the upgrades to the area and enjoy the food and drink across the street.