Uploaded By: DiscChucker
Hole #4 (Taken 7/2010)
Hole #4 (Taken 7/2010) 
4 / 439ft.
Par / Distance:
Hole #4 Tee
Sponsored Links
DiscGolfCenter.com, Shipping is always Free!
Pick Exact Weights & Colors. Huge Selection. Customer Rewards.
Pick Exact Weights & Colors. Huge Selection. Customer Rewards.
DGCR MVP Discs are here!
Order a custom DGCR MVP disc today! 5 Flavors to choose from!
Order a custom DGCR MVP disc today! 5 Flavors to choose from!
Get on the map! Get a Travel Tag!
A cool tag & a great way to meet other DGCR members!
A cool tag & a great way to meet other DGCR members!
DGCR Patches are here!
Sew it or iron it on to your bag, hat or anything else!
Sew it or iron it on to your bag, hat or anything else!
Need Scorecards?
The DGCR Scorebook is here! 50 scorecards specifically made for DGCR!
The DGCR Scorebook is here! 50 scorecards specifically made for DGCR!
Reviews: 30
Avg. Rating:
Details
Avg. Rating:
Details
If you like wooded courses.... 
Pros: This is a quite challenging course, cut through a hardwood forest on rolling hills. It starts with 3 fun birdie (2) holes, which is just setting you up for an ambush. The bulk of the course is twisting and turning through the woods, with tight---but not unfair---fairways, and often small landing zones to hit and set up a second shot. You'll hardly see daylight until the final hole, where the fairway is wide and long enough to take out some frustration by really ripping the disc.
Every hole is fun and interesting and will test your control game.
The wooded canopy is heavy enough that, even off the fairway, there's not a lot of dense underbrush to deal with.
If you really like tight wooded courses, this is a 4.5.
As a bonus, the same parking lot accesses Elon Short. It offers two sets of tees---very short, and casual/beginner/youth very very short. This is an asset because you can warm up on the short course, or if your group varies widely in ability, there's something for everyone here.
I played on New years, but am sure it's nice in the Carolina summer to play a round in deep shade.
Every hole is fun and interesting and will test your control game.
The wooded canopy is heavy enough that, even off the fairway, there's not a lot of dense underbrush to deal with.
If you really like tight wooded courses, this is a 4.5.
As a bonus, the same parking lot accesses Elon Short. It offers two sets of tees---very short, and casual/beginner/youth very very short. This is an asset because you can warm up on the short course, or if your group varies widely in ability, there's something for everyone here.
I played on New years, but am sure it's nice in the Carolina summer to play a round in deep shade.
Cons: While all the wooded holes are well-designed, there are a bit too many of them. Threading the fairways---or, more often, missing them and trying to get back---can get a little old by about midway through the back 9.
Other Thoughts: I'm split between 3.5 and 4.0, mainly due to the lack of variety---not in the shots themselves, but in the style of holes. As I've already said, if a course full of challenging wooded holes is your cup of tea, you'll love Elon.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.
Report this Review A joke
Pros: None that I can think of. It is a test of your love for the game because it is completely no fun to play this course. If you can finish a round here you must really love the game.
Cons: This is perhaps the worst course I have ever played; even worse than the IDGC. If you thought renny and hornet's nest were unfair wait until you see this. There is so little variety in Charlotte; almost all unfair, long, woods courses. This is yet another gimmicky course with unfair fairways in the middle of a scrub forest. A feature that does separate this course from some of the others is that it is next to a land fill. The fence around the erstwhile mentioned dump reminds me once again of a scene from Stephen King's IT. So there are two courses in the same town designed by the same guy that remind me of a horror movie, what are the odds?
Other Thoughts: When you talk to world class players in private about these types of courses they universally say they hate them. When I say world class I mean world champions. Course design in the game is going backwards because every new course is like this or has rope and circus OB everywhere that is essentially the equivalent of this. I hope the top players in the game at some point step up and put a stop to this insanity.
7 of 77 people found this review helpful.
2-4 
3/30/2010 
4/6/2010
Review By: heelboycraig 
Played: 135 Reviewed: 129 Exp: 9.1 Years
This review was updated on 10/25/2010
Pros: Good, challenging wooded-course. After hole #5, every hole is wooded until #18. Some of the holes had a Bracketts Bluff-esque feel to them.
- Elon is easy to navigate. I had a harder time on some holes finding the basket than going from hole to hole. For the couple times you cross the road, there are even pointing towards the next hole.
- Great variety of holes. The little bit of elevation the course has is used wonderfully. Great overall use of terrain/overall lay of the land. Park has a drainage pond? Make it come into play on #5. Course has a creek? Make it come into play on #4, #8 & 18. Have a long greenway? Use it for #18. The only thing it was missing was a basket on top of the large hill by #5; although, I bet it was considered/attempted.
- Excellent compliment to Elon's short course. This is obviously a step (or two) up in skill level from the short course.
- This course has one of my favorite stretches of holes anywhere in #6 - 11. Such a wide range of layouts and lengths, that none is really like the other.
- #8 & 9 is an awesome back-to-back. #8 is a long hole, that weaves along the creek and through the trees, to a basket protected by another layer of trees. #9 is an uphill tee shot through a narrow opening in the trees, to a basket that is halfway down the same hill. You're in trouble here if you don't clear the opening, or go too far past, or left of the hole.
- Elon is easy to navigate. I had a harder time on some holes finding the basket than going from hole to hole. For the couple times you cross the road, there are even pointing towards the next hole.
- Great variety of holes. The little bit of elevation the course has is used wonderfully. Great overall use of terrain/overall lay of the land. Park has a drainage pond? Make it come into play on #5. Course has a creek? Make it come into play on #4, #8 & 18. Have a long greenway? Use it for #18. The only thing it was missing was a basket on top of the large hill by #5; although, I bet it was considered/attempted.
- Excellent compliment to Elon's short course. This is obviously a step (or two) up in skill level from the short course.
- This course has one of my favorite stretches of holes anywhere in #6 - 11. Such a wide range of layouts and lengths, that none is really like the other.
- #8 & 9 is an awesome back-to-back. #8 is a long hole, that weaves along the creek and through the trees, to a basket protected by another layer of trees. #9 is an uphill tee shot through a narrow opening in the trees, to a basket that is halfway down the same hill. You're in trouble here if you don't clear the opening, or go too far past, or left of the hole.
Cons: I was surprised the course has three straight 400 ft+ dogleg left holes on the back nine - #14 - 16. In any competitive round, this would seem to be a distinct advantage (or disadvantage) for some.
- Some people will disagree with me, but I was disappointed by #5. At it's length (821 ft) and S-shaped layout (see the map), it seems to neuter the person who throws 300 feet. You throw 250 - 300 off the tee; throw your next 2 shots in the 250 ft range, leaving yourself anywhere from birdie putt to midrange shot for your 4th shot. In all likelihood, the average thrower isn't going to do better than a 4, and if they keep their shots in the fairway, shouldn't do worse than a 5. A hole this long should have a bigger potential range of possible scores. The hole gives the appearance of difficulty (sharp curves, pond); but, as long as you play smart, it really isn't.
- Better tee signs are needed, especially on the holes where the basket isn't visible from the tee.
- More immediate park spaces near the course would be nice.
- Don't go long on #2, or you'll end up in the pond. The course has several places for potential lost discs, with water and thick patches of rough.
- There are some trashy areas in the woods. For example, on the back nine you come across an old fenced-in area that has equipment that needs to be trashed.
- Some people will disagree with me, but I was disappointed by #5. At it's length (821 ft) and S-shaped layout (see the map), it seems to neuter the person who throws 300 feet. You throw 250 - 300 off the tee; throw your next 2 shots in the 250 ft range, leaving yourself anywhere from birdie putt to midrange shot for your 4th shot. In all likelihood, the average thrower isn't going to do better than a 4, and if they keep their shots in the fairway, shouldn't do worse than a 5. A hole this long should have a bigger potential range of possible scores. The hole gives the appearance of difficulty (sharp curves, pond); but, as long as you play smart, it really isn't.
- Better tee signs are needed, especially on the holes where the basket isn't visible from the tee.
- More immediate park spaces near the course would be nice.
- Don't go long on #2, or you'll end up in the pond. The course has several places for potential lost discs, with water and thick patches of rough.
- There are some trashy areas in the woods. For example, on the back nine you come across an old fenced-in area that has equipment that needs to be trashed.
Other Thoughts: Elon is home to Charlotte only true 36 hole, dual courses. Renny, Hornets Nest, Kilborne & Winthrop all have 2 layouts, but the holes overlap.
- Starting at #6, when you really get into the woods, the course really takes off. Four holes stood out to me as true classics. #8 & 9, mentioned above, and #4 &18. All are fun, all are challenging. All deserve credit.
- This course opened the same month as Nevin, so fair or not, the two will be getting compared to each other (at least for locals.) With that said, it's a slight step down from Nevin in overall toughness, layout, fun factor. Par for the 2 courses are relatively close (Elon 66, Nevin 68), but Nevin is almost 1500 ft longer.
- In terms of Charlotte courses, Elon ranks behind Renny & Nevin, and compares very nicely to Hornets Nest. It's a must play for everyone.
- Starting at #6, when you really get into the woods, the course really takes off. Four holes stood out to me as true classics. #8 & 9, mentioned above, and #4 &18. All are fun, all are challenging. All deserve credit.
- This course opened the same month as Nevin, so fair or not, the two will be getting compared to each other (at least for locals.) With that said, it's a slight step down from Nevin in overall toughness, layout, fun factor. Par for the 2 courses are relatively close (Elon 66, Nevin 68), but Nevin is almost 1500 ft longer.
- In terms of Charlotte courses, Elon ranks behind Renny & Nevin, and compares very nicely to Hornets Nest. It's a must play for everyone.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.
Another Charlotte Gem in process 
Pros: Challenging course with good variety of shots necessary to play a good round. A couple short holes that give the player and Ace or birdie opportunity and a bunch of longer holes that require control and a plan. No real bias as to backhand or forehand. A decent amount of risk/reward shots. Various hazards including pond, creeks, fences and a few possible road OBs. Fairways are cleared and offer good, descernible lines for each shot. Nothing unfair. But not much easy either. Very rudimentary signage, but enough to keep me from getting lost. I was never confused or lost. Located in the back of a park. Quiet and secluded form surrounding area.
Cons: A work in progress. Doesn't play like a new course, but as you play you can see where new additions such as bridges and steps have been added, and you can see where new features will be added. There are some great concrete pads, and there are still some natural pads that have roots and uneven surfaces. Some pads have the frame built for concrete to be poured so you know this course will only get better. Signs and navigation are very basic right now. You won't get confused, but you won't be impressed either. A good course, but it offers no real scenic beauty if that's your thing. Not any huge elevation or beautiful lake vistas. Just good ole Carolina woods.
Other Thoughts: Course starts out looking like a nice short easy course. The first holes offers a standard straight shot through some trees. A tough ACE, but a hole you could birdie of you play it well. Hole #2 is an Ace calling your name. Short and wide open. But there is a pond right behind it that you can't see. Don't overthrow too far! #3 is a big RHBH hyzer or forehand around an island trees. Fun shot with a road behind the basket. A big arm could overthrow it easily or ace it. #4 finally starts the long distance plan of Elon Long. Through the woods you go. OB creek on your left. #5 also offers some water in the form of a small pond once you get out of the woods. #9 is a cool tight fairway that goes over a small creek, uphill and then takes a sharp left turn. It requires good control to stay out of trouble. #10 is downhill across the creek again and out of a very tight fairway. #12 and #13 are also up and downhill shots with tight fairways. There are no bad holes on this course. Just solid Carolina disc golf. Worth a stop if you are in Charlotte. It's not quite Renny or Hornet's Nest, but it is pretty good. Enjoy. Once all the pads and features are finished on this course I'd gladly give it a solid 4. Nice job again Chalrotte, and thanks for everyone that has obviously worked very hard to get this course good so quickly.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.
Elon Park Long Course
Pros: This course is designed for highly skilled players! I am avid at best. I have not held a disk in my hand for more than a year but I have found this course to be relentless. It is a very new and challenging course. I found that no two shots could really be the same for any hole. Trees, Distance, Water, and Landscape are all factors in shots. More often then not though, it's the distance that makes you say "Woah".
Cons: This course is marked with blue ribbons for the time being. It is a relatively new course and all signs are Paper that has been laminated over. I got lost playing hole #5 and ended up on #8 then back on #5 again to play it in the correct direction! The blue ribbons became confusing because of the distance to the holes.
Other Thoughts: Wear BOOTS. This course is truely in the woods. Once you pass hole number 5 you do not see civilization until Holes 17 and 18. Be prepared to spend several hours if you are taking your first trip out. I played with one other person and we tipped the charts at three hours our first time out. This course is brutal on the arms! Take your time in throwing and relax, It's one Big Course! Quite the opposite of it's neighbor (Elon Short).
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Still to rough and new to give a 4 or higher!
Pros: 1) Very nice layout of this course. It has a nice variety of holes making it a pretty diverse course. There are some more open holes like the first 3 holes, then you head back into the woods. There is a pond in play on the second hole if you overshoot the basket and a stream comes into play on multiple holes in the woods also.
2) Blue ribbon marks your path to the next holes which is always helpful especially on such a new course.
3) The course has some pretty good directional signage in spots to help with navigation. These things are most important now as so many people playng the course have never been there before.
4) Nice new style white rimmed discatchers. This seems to be customary for the Charlotte area to have the white baskets for the longer layouts.
5) Concrete tees are in the near future. The forms are up on almost every hole and it should be done int he coming weeks. I assume that it is hapening after Nevin which was supposed to be today January 23rd.
6) Shot shaping is a requirement here which is an awesome feature for this course. There are multiple double doglegs which make you hit landing areas in order to have a clear shot to make the next dogleg. Multiple shot holes are huge in my book.
7) Temporary tee signs are decent and help you figure out each hole. I am sure they will have good signage on this course when all the other construction is complete and the funds have been raised.
8) Challenging wooded course just like the other Charlotte area courses. This is lower on my list than the others but I see the potential for it to be a great course over time.
2) Blue ribbon marks your path to the next holes which is always helpful especially on such a new course.
3) The course has some pretty good directional signage in spots to help with navigation. These things are most important now as so many people playng the course have never been there before.
4) Nice new style white rimmed discatchers. This seems to be customary for the Charlotte area to have the white baskets for the longer layouts.
5) Concrete tees are in the near future. The forms are up on almost every hole and it should be done int he coming weeks. I assume that it is hapening after Nevin which was supposed to be today January 23rd.
6) Shot shaping is a requirement here which is an awesome feature for this course. There are multiple double doglegs which make you hit landing areas in order to have a clear shot to make the next dogleg. Multiple shot holes are huge in my book.
7) Temporary tee signs are decent and help you figure out each hole. I am sure they will have good signage on this course when all the other construction is complete and the funds have been raised.
8) Challenging wooded course just like the other Charlotte area courses. This is lower on my list than the others but I see the potential for it to be a great course over time.
Cons: 1) Currently the setup of this course is a single tee and a single basket. Eventually I am sure they will throw in some shorter tees because this course can be brutal on the best players.
2) This course is still a little rough. It needs to be played in for better fairway definition. It needs to be trampled in to show the rough areas in terms of navigation so that the problem areas can be solved. There already are spots where blocks are put in place to help walk across a drainage way but they will need to have more permanent fixes for these areas.
3) Too much luck is necessary on this hole because it is simply that tight and tough. I prefer courses that allow a slightly less precise shot. I am not saying I want them wider and easier, because I love the challenge, but often times your score on a hole might be determined more by luck than by skill.
4) Risk/reward is less of a factor on this course. Sure you risk ricochets off the trees lining the fairways, but the baskets do not really offer a major risk/reward type of shot. Overtime they could make some better basket locations which will become more apparent the more the course gets played.
5) There are still a lot of roots, stumps and other trippers on this course. These should be taken care of over time because they will only get worse as the soil compacts more and more.
6) Wire fence was visible and dangerous ina few spots along with some erosion control fencing. These things perhaps needed to be in place while the construction of the course and the drainage was being worked on, but should be removed eventually.
7) Course is not beginner friendly, but that is what the SHORT course is for. At least there is a course for all people on one site!
8) Course is very wet in spots and muddy. These areas need some drainage or at the very least some more permanent walkways or steppers.
2) This course is still a little rough. It needs to be played in for better fairway definition. It needs to be trampled in to show the rough areas in terms of navigation so that the problem areas can be solved. There already are spots where blocks are put in place to help walk across a drainage way but they will need to have more permanent fixes for these areas.
3) Too much luck is necessary on this hole because it is simply that tight and tough. I prefer courses that allow a slightly less precise shot. I am not saying I want them wider and easier, because I love the challenge, but often times your score on a hole might be determined more by luck than by skill.
4) Risk/reward is less of a factor on this course. Sure you risk ricochets off the trees lining the fairways, but the baskets do not really offer a major risk/reward type of shot. Overtime they could make some better basket locations which will become more apparent the more the course gets played.
5) There are still a lot of roots, stumps and other trippers on this course. These should be taken care of over time because they will only get worse as the soil compacts more and more.
6) Wire fence was visible and dangerous ina few spots along with some erosion control fencing. These things perhaps needed to be in place while the construction of the course and the drainage was being worked on, but should be removed eventually.
7) Course is not beginner friendly, but that is what the SHORT course is for. At least there is a course for all people on one site!
8) Course is very wet in spots and muddy. These areas need some drainage or at the very least some more permanent walkways or steppers.
Other Thoughts: I am assigning this course with a 3.5 disc rating given its current condition. I think it is a well designed course on a pretty cool property that has a lot of variety and challenge. Within 1 year I expect so many of the negatives I have mentioned to be taken care of and I will rate this course accordingly, but I can only truly rate the course based on its current conditions. If you have a problem with this type of reviewing let me know and I can further explain it, but there is no way to "KNOW" what the course will be like after 1 year of play. I think to rate this course nearly as high as Renny or Hornets Nest is a disservice to this site. Sure it may be that good of a course when all is said and done but right now it is not. It is too rough and needs more play and traffic to help it improve. The DG alone is great right now, but even that will get better within a year as it gets played in a little. Please give it some time, and I will be sure to update the review when I see things have changed. I have noted the important things here and as I see them change like tee signs and concrete tees and as phots get updated I will be sure to raise my grade. I also do plan to be back to Charlotte every year or perhaps every other year so I will be able to update the review based on what I see down the road, but like I said this rating is how I feel about the course as it is right now!
I realize I played the course after only 1 month of being open, so I am being a little lenient, but I do not see this course being equal to renny, hornets nest or some of the others without some more work. It is on the verge of a 4 disc course after teesigns and concrete pads are in, but without some work on the drainage and walkways, along with some natural breakin of the course it will top out as a 4 disc course IMO. If they take care of everything and it breaks in nicely this course could be a 4.5 disc course but I think it is a little ways away from that rating.
I realize I played the course after only 1 month of being open, so I am being a little lenient, but I do not see this course being equal to renny, hornets nest or some of the others without some more work. It is on the verge of a 4 disc course after teesigns and concrete pads are in, but without some work on the drainage and walkways, along with some natural breakin of the course it will top out as a 4 disc course IMO. If they take care of everything and it breaks in nicely this course could be a 4.5 disc course but I think it is a little ways away from that rating.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.
Pros: Some very long, very challenging holes. For most of the course you feel like you're pretty far away from civilization and it's a beautiful walk through the woods. Printed maps available next to the parking lot are nice to carry along so you don't get lost/miss a hole.
Cons: There were a lot of muddy spots when I was there (mid January and it had rained a couple weeks before). Several had stepping stones, but many did not. The course isn't finished yet, so none of the holes had a finished tee pad and many didn't have any markings other than a laminated sign stuck on a tree.
Other Thoughts: This is a great course overall, very challenging and a lot of fun. Also there is a shorter, simple course adjacent to this one which is convenient if you feel like playing for a while. The parking lot is small, but was almost empty when I was there mid-week.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Cold, Cold Cold
Pros: I just started playing DG in December and have been playing the short course and enjoying every min. I played the long course today, and brother was it cold (19 deg when I went out) but I have to say I am in love with the course. It is quite hard for me at this time but I hope to improve. The layout is GREAT! I can not wait until Spring, this is going to be one beautiful place to chuck some plastic. Word to the wise, don't overthrow #5, you will land in the pond of no return, I know I went in today, however it was full of ice and I was able to get my disc back.
Cons: The first time out I had a bit of trouble finding where to shot, but after this I think it will be pretty easy to find my way around.
Other Thoughts: I want to thank everyone who had anything to do with putting this course together, you did a GREAT JOB!
5 of 13 people found this review helpful.
now yer talkin... 5+ 2/26/2009 12/9/2009
Review By: albert8fish Played: 17 Reviewed: 17 Exp: 14.2 Years
This review was updated on 2/26/2010
Pros: UPDATE: some tee pads are finished!! The ever so sloppy ninth hole is now concrete and straw at the tee, which gives relief to all chucking it a few feet behind the tee in the mud. Even with a few tees in I can tell this is my home course, played 54 holes on two courses, and didn't have to get back in my car...upgraded score to 4.5 I love this park.
Cons: This is a pro course, and is not complete. Wear waterproof mud kickers, and you will be golden.I do see some tough spots in the drainage of the land after a brutal Charlotte rain, but all in all it looks well thought out so far.No holes stuck out as unnecessary, they all fit the bill nicely, and compliment one another.Be ultra careful with your footing on the rocks on five if you traverse them, and look out for ankle twisting holes covered by leaves.
Other Thoughts: Couldn't ask for a better course than this at this park.Beginner(Elon am-tees)Intermediate(Elon pro-tees) and finally pro (Elong), all at the same park.I really Love Charlotte Disc Golf, if I didn't live here already, I would move here, just to play all the great courses spread out across town.Thanks CDGC.
My score of 4 discs, will be increasing as the park gets complete I am sure of it.
Favorite holes at Elon are #5 (par five with a 90 degree left to open fairway over snake like gully and swamp), #8 (par four, fairway meet creek he will be filling in for you in your absence) , #10 (tunnel shot with quick elevation drop, creek at bottom to stop you from laying up on either side of fairway), and #13 (par three straight up hill, hit the bottom of the basket with a sidearm, so close, took the birdie). Can't wait to play it again, really impressed with the treachery and reward.
My score of 4 discs, will be increasing as the park gets complete I am sure of it.
Favorite holes at Elon are #5 (par five with a 90 degree left to open fairway over snake like gully and swamp), #8 (par four, fairway meet creek he will be filling in for you in your absence) , #10 (tunnel shot with quick elevation drop, creek at bottom to stop you from laying up on either side of fairway), and #13 (par three straight up hill, hit the bottom of the basket with a sidearm, so close, took the birdie). Can't wait to play it again, really impressed with the treachery and reward.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.
5+ 12/4/2009 12/5/2009
Review By: david W Played: 74 Reviewed: 5 Exp: 6.1 Years
This review was updated on 5/15/2013
Pros: ELON PART 2!!! What a course! The new elon long pro course truly is incredible. A mix of par 3's, 4's, and 5's. The course is mostly wooded but has a few beautiful holes that play in more open areas. This course is VERY challenging and will really test your distance and accuracy unlike the short course that is more about touch. The course features both flat and elevated terrain and offers both uphill, downhill, and flat shots. A good mix of straight, left, and right turning fairways as well. Alot of risk reward as there is lots of ob (ob on at least 9 holes). One thing that really stands out about this course is that you have to think alot about if you want to go for it or play it safe. Many of the holes are very birdieable but if you make a mistake you will be punished with bogies or worse. Elon and Nevin are the two newest courses in the Charlotte area and we are calling them twins as they both were finished in the same weekend. Come on out and try them both!
Cons: At this time the course is very new and not 100% finished but not for long as many volunteers are hard at work getting this course done. A few of the fairways are very tight and in some ways a little over board. However, this is because the course is new and hasn't been broken in yet. No tee sigs as of now but they are in the works with a local scout.
Other Thoughts: At the time of this review elon has been in for only a week or so. Tee pad frames are being installed and are being prepared for pouring. All 18 baskets are in and the course is very playable. Most transition paths are marked with blue or green tape. Score cards and other course info can be found at http://www.elondiscgolf.com / or charlottedgc.com under courses on the discussion board.
18 of 18 people found this review helpful.
Join Disc Golf Course Review for free to add your review. Have an account already? Sign In to add a review.
