Pros:
Woodland Park is a multi use area with an 18 hole disc golf course as one of its main features . There is okay parking for 16-18 cars in the closest lot nearest the finish of the course , but good alternate parking just over the hill . There are bathroom facilities in a few sections close to the course .
-- THE EQUIPMENT -- There are 2 sets of carpet tees on the course , one for the advanced and one for recreational . The tee pads are worn ( more in cons ) and not the most level . The tee signs are great . Color coded at the top , blue for longs and red for shorts . Information on the signs give the hole# , par , distance and flight path . The baskets are dark blue rimmed Discatchers with hole numbers on them . classy . There is a putting basket just over the hill of the main lot , close to hole 1 . There is also a good kiosk with map close by.
-- THE LANDSCAPE -- This is a clean park that looks to have plenty of care . The grass was mowed and the branches mostly trimmed off the fairways . The course is rolling constantly . I don't remember a level hole . There can be plenty of elevation . See hole #1 as an example . You throw off a large hill that goes downward with at least 25-30' of drop . The course still keeps it park-style , with a couple of holes that qualifies as woods . There are benches and places to chill before or after or during the round . Tree lines , jails of trees , and hidden baskets are on the course .
-- THE HIGHLIGHTS -- #3 uphill ( 340' and 560' ) all the way . The right side near the pin is flanked by a large set of trees . The left of the fairway holds the rough and a tree line .
#4 ( 303' , 411' ) a station to station drive that is an extreme dogleg right and in the woods . The fairway tightens to a slight downhill green .
#10 ( 346 , 502' ) is a downhill , then slight uphill to a hidden basket behind the trees .
#18 is a good finishing hole ( 492' 672' ) going slightly over hill ( longer tee ) to a descending fairway with staggered trees , down a gulley and up to the basket a little to the right .
Signature Hole - #14 ( 396' 606' ) Even if you are a jelly arm , you have to try the long tee . On an elevated area , it is a narrowing shot with some tree canopies forcing a lower drive . After negotiating staggered trees at about 260' - 280' , the fairway opens up for an approach , with a tree and it's low hanging branches protecting the front . The basket sits on a slope . It's also one of the more picturesque holes .
DISC RISK - Surprisingly pretty low . There is some rough in the woods , and it's possible to stick your driver up into a tree since you have to crank on some of these holes , but the course is so well maintained and clean , you have but a few holes to worry about . A spotter for the woods holes wouldn't hurt
-- THE TIME -- The course was crowded on the day that I played , so it took me about 85 minutes to mix in long with short holes ( Hey . I'm OLD ) during my round . A foursome will take at least 2 1/2 hours + on peak hours .
It's a wonderful park , the kind you take a lunch to and admire after a round .
Cons:
#1 Safety - The holes are spaced correctly , but some of the shots can easily stray into roads ( not much traffic though ) .
#2 Navigation - Print the map or take a pic of the kiosk . Unless following a local , you can be tripped up in spots , like 14-15 which is to the hard right of the 13 basket .
#3 THE TEE PADS - This a gem of a course and the public deserves better than these carpet tees . PONY UP , Columbia recreation and pour some 5' X 9' cement tee pads .
#4 FEEL THE BURN - Lots of walking here . The course will wear you out , but in a good way . Bring water .
Other Thoughts:
This is a great local course . It looks like it may be ever evolving . It is a popular place to play , as there were no less than 40 on the course the same time as I was . Doorway shots , lined wooded fairway drives , woods holes , variety of right and left angle throws . You will use up a lot of the discs in your bag as Woodland tests your resolve . You really know the appeal of a disc golf course , when everyone , from the inexperienced to the tournament tested Ams are enjoying a round . Even though the course can boast length and test accuracy , it seemed like everyone was enjoying their play and having a good time . The park is beautiful and the locals are friendly and helpful . You may want to check out the Muletown Disc Golf Clubs Facebook page so you don't waste a trip and drive up to a tournament or club play .
Thank You, Columbia Parks And Rec , and Muletown , for letting me play a good strong local course .
MY RECOMMENDATION -- Intro players and school kids may want to get a feel of the game at places less crowded like Columbia State , so they don't feel rushed . This would be a good off peak play for families from the short tees . Newbies and 1 disc wonders , too . If I was a local here , I would play this every week . It's too fun to pass up . Intermediates thru Ams will like the long tees here , even some pros just sharpening their shills . Other than the tee pads , I saw no glaring weaknesses . One of the better courses in the Nashville area . Drive the 20-25 minutes off of the 840 loop and PLAY IT !!!