Pros:
(2.793 Rating) (REVISED - replayed June 2023) A historic pine tree filled layout that's fun to play in big social groups.
- HISTORY - According to the PDGA, this is one of the first courses to have chain baskets in the world, somewhere between 3rd and 5th to get them planted, although locals will say it's the second oldest. A Steady Ed Headrick and Tom Monroe creation back in 1976. This notion by itself, makes Brahan Springs a destination course.
- UPGRADES - When I first moved to Huntsville, I scored this course a 2.5. Since that time, I've been slowly creeping up the rating every year as things keep getting added. Since late 2017, 6 alternate placements have been added. Benches have been repaired and/or added to all but two tees. New tee signs were added in 2018. Basket flags have been added and bag tables have been placed at about a third of the tees. For these reasons, I have added about a quarter point to the rating and it just tipped over the 2.75 threshold on my scales for a 3.0
- FUN FACTOR - This is the busiest course in town for a reason. There are ample opportunities for birdies. Errant throws are not further punished even though there are lots of pines to weave around. The odds of losing a disc is near zero. For the most part, just about no areas where you'll have to search in the overgrowth. On my first 2 rounds here, I showed up solo but ended up finishing in a group. This is just such a fun place to throw a laid back round.
- ACEABILITY - There are lots of opportunities to run at the chains. Most of the holes play between 200 and 300 feet and have at least one clear line to the basket. The windows to the baskets are tight on many holes, but there's almost always a path. Skip plays are a very real possibility, and it's often the best way to run at the chains. I have eight aces here as of this revision on holes (6), (8 twice), (9 twice), (10), (12) and (18) and more than a dozen chain outs.
- AMENITIES - The equipment and amenity extras are above average now. To start, modestly sized 4 by 10 concrete tees. A vast majority of the tees are shaded and wind protected. Nice MachXs baskets with yellow flags on top and a practice basket. As noted in the upgrades pro, benches are at nearly every tee and there are several spindle tables to stow a bag. There's a community board with course info and two shelters with a couple tables. The only substantial drawback is just two extra tees and extra basket placements are limited to five holes. Hole (9) has 3 placements.
- SHOT SHAPING - Although the holes are on the shorter side, players will still need to put some thought into just about every shot. Lots of flight path planning is needed. Several holes have multiple lines to the basket. IMO, (7) is the only wooded hole without a pure line.
- SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY - This course draws players with a wide swath of skill levels. You'll see MA1 level players out here working on their short game lines, but also Beginners as well.
- QUICK PLAY - I've run all 18 holes solo in 40 minutes on an empty course. Groups of four will generally take about an hour and a half. The course does tend to get heavy play so expect an extra of 15 to 30 minutes to get the round in during prime hours.
- NAVIGATION - The newer tee signs have next direction arrows on them. There are also a few directional cues in the trees. There are a couple tricky transitions, (5) to (6) and (11) to (12), so be sure and peak at the signs on these holes. I have had a few occurrences where first timers have asked me for directions.
Cons:
No issues of substance with Brahan Springs Park, my complaints are basically a lack of complexity.
- HOLE VARIETY - For an almost fully wooded course, one of the lowest courses I've scored in terms of variety. Holes (1) and (2) are both wide open shots and then the last 16 wooded holes all have a similar feel. These 16 holes all weave through a tall ageing pine canopy. Sure the lines will cut left and right, but the surrounding elements are always the same. The lanes are moderately defined. Pockets to slide into are either loosely defined or non-existent. There are no water elements to contend with other than maybe the casual water in the ditch along holes (2), (3), (11) and (12). No par 4s or 5s either.
- ELEVATION - There is very little grade change out here. Maybe 3 or 4 holes dive or climb by around 10 feet. Mastin Lake is the only City of Huntsville course with a bunch of good elevation changes to it.
- AVERAGE CHALLENGE - The difficultly out here is just south of average. As an MA2 level player with about a 920 rating, I've been averaging 4 down out here on league and tourney rounds. There are only four holes that will challenge MA1 players; (1), (3) (7) and (17). MA1 players I've met seem to typically shoot 6 to 8 down or more, unless their talent is skewed heavily to throwing bombs. MA1 bombing type players sometimes can't even break par.
Other Thoughts:
Brahan Springs DGC is a fine course for Beginners through MA2 level players. Some MA1 players will enjoy it too, as the lines require just enough thought to not make it a bore fest. Perfect for big groups with wide skill level differences and for local's looking to shoot a laid back round or for the social atmosphere, or both. For those outside the area, the biggest reason to check out Brahan Springs is the History. There are no older basket courses anywhere outside of California. Overall a 2.75 course to me.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - Average. The 50 to 60 year old pines that occupy 90% of this layout looks really nice on first arrival. However, after you run 5 or 6 holes of what seems like the same backdrop, you'll realize that the course has a real monotonous feel to it.