Pros:
For the last several years, Forest Ridge Park in Wake Forest has installed a seasonal 9-hole course. For the 2022-23 season (which typically runs from October to March), the course got a redesign -- keeping a handful of holes from the previous layout, scrapping some, an adding lots of new ones -- making it 18 holes, new tees (gravel, for now, but looks like concrete *might* (?) be coming), tee signs, navigation signs, and a UDisc map. Basically, this looks every bit like a brand new, *permanent* 18-hole course! It's still being advertised as a seasonal course, but we can hope! And from the looks of this course, it sure seems like it's on its way to being permanent.
+ The new 18-hole layout keeps most of the best holes from the previous 9-hole layout, but scraps the shortest, poke-n-hope hole. The new holes are fantastic: several par 4's, many stellar designs (landing zones, alternative routes, even a water carry!). Forest Ridge essentially popped to the upper tier of Triangle disc golf courses overnight, in my book.
+ The new water carry hole easily jumps to nearly the top of the list of most scenic holes in the Triangle. The tee is on a peninsula jutting out into Falls Lake. It's a par 4, with the most aggressive line -- carrying the water for a longer distrance -- offering the highest risk and reward. Eagle is possible for long throwers who test the water longer. But noodle arms like me can still make birdie or at least par, choosing a less aggressive water carry. Loved this hole.
+ Several other new par 4's, all well-designed. They remind me of Rock Ridge Park in that the distances aren't oppressive and technical accuracy in the woods is rewarded. Disc-down to mids and putters to keep it in the fairway and play for par or possible birdie chances. Go for more distance on these technical holes to shoot lower, but risk going off-course and losing strokes playing back to the fairway. The dense woods are punishing if you miss your line or distance.
+ Wide variety of shots and discs required on this course. Very challenging, but fun.
+ Well-maintained, beautiful park. Now with a water hole, the lake comes into play and adds more serenity and beauty to the course. If you play disc golf as a stress-relieving walk in the woods like I do, I can't imagine you'd have any complaints about Forest Ridge.
+ Easy navigation with accurate tee signs, directional arrows, and an accurate UDisc map.
Cons:
I don't have many cons...and I'm hopeful that some of these can be taken care of if/when Forest Ridge becomes a permanent course. I can easily see this growing to a 4.0 rating for me. Like I said, it's already in the upper tier of tracks in this region.
- The tees are still natural/gravel, although the boxes have been built and appear ready for concrete! This is pretty minor, but if concrete gets poured and this course is locked in year-round, ooohhhh baby.
- This course gets extremely soggy and doesn't hold water well after it rains. It gets so muddy here, I do not recommend playing it after a rain.
- I really don't have any other complaints about Forest Ridge. Ratings and reviews are subjective based on all the other courses you've experienced. For me, it stacks up well in terms of challenge and fun. It's not quite in my "favorites" category, but pretty close -- and certainly one I'll try to play frequently (as I live in Raleigh) every year it pops up.
Other Thoughts:
Thank the parks & rec team for installing and maintaining this course! And ask them what we need to do to make it permanent!