Pros:
Castle Hayne is a multi use park with a rightfully popular 18 hole disc golf course . The traffic circle around the disc golf area has a multitude of parking spaces . There is a bathroom near the parking area .
The Equipment - The putting basket for this course is in an obscure area , in the traffic circle and away from the course . They have a " practice hole " , old #2 , where you can practice your putts , too . The kiosk is across the traffic island and part of the way into the woods section , in front of the practice hole . It is nice and has a course map on it . There are nice dual cement tees . The pro tee pads are longer for better runups . The tee signs are nice and are wood with all of the necessary information . There are also good Next Tee signs to keep navigation less confusing . The baskets are Chainstars , but seem in good shape . There are benches and trash cans throughout the course .
The Landscape - Being so close to Wilmington and the ocean . the course is not going to have an incredible amount of elevation , but course designers have sewn whatever there was into some of these holes . There are creeks that will come into play , luckily not deep enough to lose a disc in . Mostly woods , trees are the norm here .Pine needles cover a lot of the fairways on the course . There are a few holes where the rough will overly punish you , but for the most part , it is kept at a minimum . The course was clean , grass cut and branches trimmed when I was here on a Friday morning .
The Appearance/Atmosphere - I was expecting the course to be a mess from the previous storm fronts , and the fact that there were Course Closed signs at the start and at the #10 , but the signs were being ignored and I felt that the course was in good condition . The course is well above average in appearance , the woods is even serene when many groups of players are on the course . Expect to see some sort of wildlife while playing . The atmosphere is pure enjoyment from playing disc golf . I was here at 9 am on a workday , and there had to be 50 people playing the course . Everyone was having a good time , and the locals are helpful and nice . I even ran into a solo player that lives about 80 miles up I-71 from me .
The Highlights - #4 , 419' is a nice flat tunnel shot that moves slightly left , then at the end , you shoot down over a gully to the basket on the right . #6 , 505' has a tight fairway that slowly turns left . #10 is a nice hole . A tunnel shot where at the end , you can choose 1 of 2 baskets . One is level and to the right and one is to the left and is elevated . #12 is one of the most challenging holes .Only listed at 472' and a par 5 , you have to go station to station and start to contend with an incredibly tight fairway on the 2nd turn . A creek sits to the left until you get to the small green . #14 is a tunnel shot and a hard 90 degree dogleg right . #17 is a straight tight fairway shot with random mature trees between you and the basket .
Signature Hole - #8 700' . Your first drive will go uphill with a creek on your right . You will have to cut your drive to the left . Your next shot will follow a long fairway to where it will eventually cut to the right . The basket is protected by some trees on the left .
The Time - The course loops back to the parking lot after #9 , so you can leave after 9 , but you won't want to . The course has good chances of being crowded . It took me 90+ minutes solo to play here . A group of 4 could take close to 3 hours , but you will enjoy it .
Cons:
Not much to pick at here .I can't believe that a course like this has Chainstar baskets . An upgrade to yellow banded Discatchers that are easy to see in the woods would be nice .
Flooding must be a concern here . The Course Closed signs look like they have been used before, and not just for tournaments . You might want to check with the parks dept. ( and you may not , as attested to all of the locals out here playing ) .
#2 ? #2 seems out of place on this fine course . Throw it and backtrack all the way back and cross the street to #3 .
Fragmented - A lot of street crossings make the course seem fragmented .
Disc Risk - some blind shots combined with a few spots of rough make the disc risk about medium . To be expected from a woods course of this length .
Bring bug spray .
Other Thoughts:
I had played the old Castle Hayne layout a couple of times , most recently about 7 years ago . The course seems ever more improving and more challenging . The locals here are passionate about the game and protective of this gem . If the parks department enforced the closing of this course for any reason other than a tournament , they might have a revolt on their hands . I am glad that they left old #2 up . It gives you a chance to toss a disc while taking the walk to #1 ( old #3 ) . A lot of variety will make you empty your disc bag during your round . The course will give you as much challenge as you can handle . Better bring your precision " A " Game with you . I saw a lot of groups cutting up and insulting each others questionable drives . I guess this means that the Fun Factor element is also present .
Adding the alternate pins and tees answer the question " Why should I play Castle Hayne ? Why shouldn't you .
My Recommendation - This is not the type of course for an after-dinner round . Even with the challenge of this course trying to break your will , this course would be good for newbies , locals and 1 discers . There are a lot of players , some very good , that can give you advice or help correct a flaw in your game ( They didn't have a full day to work on Mine ) Intermediates to pros will play this course whenever possible . Travelers - This is one of those courses that you might not want to pass up if anywhere in the Wilmington area . Vacationers as far down as Murrells Inlet , south of Myrtle Beach would consider the trip to this course to be worthwhile . Course Collectors will get a memorable round here , and can combine it with several Wilmington area courses to have a full day of bagging . PLAY THIS COURSE !!!!