This is a very well built course, one that was built by design and not retrofitted into an existing park space. The holes all have sponsors, with the entire park being funded by the rotary club of Morgan County. I give a hearty shout out to all of the people involved in the process. It almost seems fitting that one of the top courses in the state is nestled in Rutledge, GA near the phenomenal Hard Labor Creek SP. Now let's get specific, shall we?
- To say that this course is hilly would be too nondescript. This course is either as flat as a pancake or playing on a 30 degree slope. Nothing in between. The floodplain from the creek to the right of holes 5-7 extends out to cover holes 2-8. All other holes are either utilizing the giant slope up to the grade of the playground or are flat at the aforementioned grade. Having said that, you WILL sweat when you play here. The constant climbs will test your physical stamina since an elevated heart rate can have a profound effect on both the novice and pro disc golfer. I would recommend taking it slow on this one if you're pretty out of shape. At least in the summer it is very shady (but you get mosquitoes).
- There are some gorgeous holes on this one. I'm looking at you guys, #s 7, 10, 15, 17. #15 is just awesome. It's about a 330' straight tight shot out of the woods to the clearing around the mound upon which the basket sits. You can have a stellar drive and still shoot 3-4 on this hole if your putting is off or you catch the course on a windy day since the basket is elevated.
- Hole #5 (pro tee) is the bane of my existence. I mean, I consider myself to be proficient at every shot in disc golf. Forehand, Backhand, Tomahawk, Thumber, Roller - whatever there is no line to this basket. Add the creek on the right and it is a total WTF hole in that regard. I suppose you will get lucky bounces off trees and have your disc land within 20-30' and then again have a fortunate putt to card a 2. It's happened to me once. More likely, you'll scratch your head for a minute and then throw your disc into one of the many obstacles. You can still get a 3 with a bad drive. It's really only the first 100' of this hole that is poorly designed. If you played from the amateur tee you could expect to 2-3 this hole every time. I know some of you trolls will thumbs down my review because "we should play the courses as they are and not suggest changing them." Well, I'm not here to get the most thumbs up, I'm here to offer my perspective on what could be done to improve this already great course into the 5 disc realm.
- This course, with a few modifications, could be a 5-disc'er. Realistically, a pro tournament layout could be created by moving baskets on 5-6 holes to increase distance. Also realistically, a pro tournament would never be played this far away from Atlanta. The ATL open wouldn't use this course because it is not super convenient from ERP or Central Park, Cumming. You could, however, increase the hole lengths on a few holes and combine this with the go-big-or-go-home layout at Sandy Creek to create an A-level tournament. I would volunteer time to see that happen.
- I recommend this course for disc golfers of all skill level and it is totally worth the drive out to Rutledge. Get in a early round, eat lunch here:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/8...Cafe-Rutledge, then help yourself to another round here, play ball golf (blasphemy, I know) at Hard Labor Creek, or catch another round up at Sandy Creek in Athens. Or hell, PM me and come play up in Fun-Roe.