Pros:
Rob Wallace park features an extremely nice 9 hole course that feels like a solid 18 hole course while you're playing it. This is arguably the best 9 hole course within the Charlotte area.
-There is a set of long tees and short tees on every hole, so everyone can play where they feel best fit. I played the longs, which is what my review will mostly be based on.
-The course terrain/land is very unique, as it is laid out in a grassy field with scattered trees. This aspect presents good obstacles, and shot-shaping is required. Most of these holes are how I want all "open" holes to be like.
-For a 9 hole course, there is a good mix of par 3's and par 4's. I don't think I've ever played a 9 hole course with FIVE par 4's, let alone even one or two. Every hole should be easily par'd, however, birdies are hard to come by.
-I mentioned how the scattered trees is forcing shot-shaping on this course. Because the trees are scattered, there are many different ways you can play each hole. For example, #7 forces you to play either a big hyzer to the right, or play a straighter forehand to the left.
-No real rough or chance for disc loss here. Also, it is very easy to recover from a bad shot. Both are reasons why each hole should be par'd.
-There are multiple clever basket locations. #2 is placed around some trees, so their leaves will withhold the ace run. #3 is placed behind a rock, similarly to #11 at Bradford. #5 is a semi-elevated basket on a tree stump, and #8 is placed on top of an artificially made rock. Putting is tough!
-The course amenities are awesome. Nice big, smooth tee pads. DISCatcher baskets with light blue bands and yellow flags are great. Benches, trash cans, and water stations are present at some, if not all tee pads.
-There is a practice area with two baskets toward the entrance of the course, also next to the parking lot that seems exclusive to disc golfers and mountain bikers.
Cons:
-Biggest issue here is navigation, specifically for first timers. There are no real signs directing you to the first tee, which is kinda in a random spot. No next tee signs/arrows, which is frustrating because you can see multiple tees in sight.
-Tee signs are lacking information, which yields to the navigation issue. Only #1 & 2 had distances listed, and there is no indication if you are at the short or long tee.
-Not much variety. Besides the open feel with scattered trees, there is no other type of hole you're going to be experiencing here. If the course were to be expanded to 18 holes (which would be awesome), there would need to be a couple wooded holes to mix things up a bit.
-The grass is uncomfortably long, making me question the course maintenance. I'm sure they cut it regularly, however, just be prepared for some long-ish grass.
Other Thoughts:
Personally, I think this is the best 9 hole course around Charlotte. It checks off every box that any 3.5-4.5 rated course has, but because we're only limited to 9 holes, I can't see it being rated higher than a 2.5. If a back 9 were to ever be installed, I think this course would be close to a 4.0! Rob Wallace is a beautiful park, with awesome playgrounds, mountain bike trails, and nice, clean bathrooms. This is the spot for a quick 9!