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Agape DGC reviews
16
0
My First Black Ace
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Mar 14, 2023
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
(1.241 Rating) (REVISED - replayed March 2023) The only course option in Scottsboro.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - A nice course to introduce a new player to the game. Just about no overgrowth areas and the odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is near impossible with one exception. In the event that the almost always dry creek bed is at its banks, then yes, it's possible. The course difficulty is good for MA4 level players and satisfactory for MA3 level players.
- MOWING MAINTENANCE - Adequate. I've thrown 20 rounds here now as of this revision and it appears that the fields are mowed bi-weekly during the summer. Most of the layout has always been clean of trash despite there not being a single garbage can along the layout. The exception is along 5 which parallels a road. Large branches are almost always picked up.
- QUICK PLAY - A single can easily complete a full 9 in under 30 minutes. I've done a two sum here in 40 minutes. Figure groups of four in under an hour.
- ACEABILITY - A few of the holes are highly aceable. Players will have great opportunities on holes (3), (7) and (8). I sadly don't have one yet.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - A nice course to introduce a new player to the game. Just about no overgrowth areas and the odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is near impossible with one exception. In the event that the almost always dry creek bed is at its banks, then yes, it's possible. The course difficulty is good for MA4 level players and satisfactory for MA3 level players.
- MOWING MAINTENANCE - Adequate. I've thrown 20 rounds here now as of this revision and it appears that the fields are mowed bi-weekly during the summer. Most of the layout has always been clean of trash despite there not being a single garbage can along the layout. The exception is along 5 which parallels a road. Large branches are almost always picked up.
- QUICK PLAY - A single can easily complete a full 9 in under 30 minutes. I've done a two sum here in 40 minutes. Figure groups of four in under an hour.
- ACEABILITY - A few of the holes are highly aceable. Players will have great opportunities on holes (3), (7) and (8). I sadly don't have one yet.
Cons:
Just the basic elements of a course.
- HOLE VARIETY - The holes themselves in terms of variety are below average. Most shots are open with a spattering of trees. Players should expect howling winds at times out here as well, as there's very little protection from the elements. The hole lengths do vary a bit. From 180 feet to 500 feet, so almost every player will get a couple opportunities to let one rip, especially on holes (2), (4) and (5). There used to be a couple tree split mandos on (3) and (7), but the signs have fallen down.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of, which is not typical for this part of Alabama, but it just so happens to be what's here on this church parcel. Total elevation change is not much more than 5 feet throughout the entire course layout.
- SUB-PAR BASICS - The tees and baskets are of below average quality. All nine tees are grass without any defining tee line. Thankfully no lane pitting or protruding roots yet, but I don't think this course will ever get enough play to where that becomes a problem. As for the Chains, they are "Instep". They don't make that nice ching noise that you'd expect of the DGA's, DISCatchers, Prodigys or Chainstars. I will add however, that here they oddly always grab my disc pretty good during my putts. It looks like the chains are not the originals as they are heavier than the out of the box Instep basket version.
- AMENITIES - In addition to the sup-par basics notes, the course lacks most of the extra amenity items found at the older established courses. The tee signs are very basic being just a 4 by 4 post with a number and a distance. This is in need of repair now as they are falling apart as of March 2023. There is no community board, no alternate tees, no alternate basket placements and no practice basket. There used to be one bench on tee (1), but it is gone now.
- BASKET AND TEE SEPARATION - There are numerous occurrences where the basket and next tee are perilously close. Several times they are separated by less than 40 feet.
- BLACK ACE - The spacing between holes is also below average. Thankfully this is not a high traffic course as several fairway edges are shared. Discs will likely end up in other fairways on several holes. I personally had my first black ace here on (2) and thankfully no one saw it.
- DIFFICULTY - Not much of a challenge to even MA3 players as they should have no problem breaking par. Sub 850 rated players may be delighted however, as it can be a feel good round. I think an even par round of 28 will equate to an 830 rated round.
- LOCATION - The course is a trek to get to from any city of size. A good 30 minutes from the interstate. Unless a player lives in Scottsboro or has relatives that do (like me), it will be hard to check this one off the list.
- DRAINAGE - The course doesn't drain well. During the winter months the course is often muddy and spongy on a consistent basis. I didn't take points off for this.
- HOLE VARIETY - The holes themselves in terms of variety are below average. Most shots are open with a spattering of trees. Players should expect howling winds at times out here as well, as there's very little protection from the elements. The hole lengths do vary a bit. From 180 feet to 500 feet, so almost every player will get a couple opportunities to let one rip, especially on holes (2), (4) and (5). There used to be a couple tree split mandos on (3) and (7), but the signs have fallen down.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of, which is not typical for this part of Alabama, but it just so happens to be what's here on this church parcel. Total elevation change is not much more than 5 feet throughout the entire course layout.
- SUB-PAR BASICS - The tees and baskets are of below average quality. All nine tees are grass without any defining tee line. Thankfully no lane pitting or protruding roots yet, but I don't think this course will ever get enough play to where that becomes a problem. As for the Chains, they are "Instep". They don't make that nice ching noise that you'd expect of the DGA's, DISCatchers, Prodigys or Chainstars. I will add however, that here they oddly always grab my disc pretty good during my putts. It looks like the chains are not the originals as they are heavier than the out of the box Instep basket version.
- AMENITIES - In addition to the sup-par basics notes, the course lacks most of the extra amenity items found at the older established courses. The tee signs are very basic being just a 4 by 4 post with a number and a distance. This is in need of repair now as they are falling apart as of March 2023. There is no community board, no alternate tees, no alternate basket placements and no practice basket. There used to be one bench on tee (1), but it is gone now.
- BASKET AND TEE SEPARATION - There are numerous occurrences where the basket and next tee are perilously close. Several times they are separated by less than 40 feet.
- BLACK ACE - The spacing between holes is also below average. Thankfully this is not a high traffic course as several fairway edges are shared. Discs will likely end up in other fairways on several holes. I personally had my first black ace here on (2) and thankfully no one saw it.
- DIFFICULTY - Not much of a challenge to even MA3 players as they should have no problem breaking par. Sub 850 rated players may be delighted however, as it can be a feel good round. I think an even par round of 28 will equate to an 830 rated round.
- LOCATION - The course is a trek to get to from any city of size. A good 30 minutes from the interstate. Unless a player lives in Scottsboro or has relatives that do (like me), it will be hard to check this one off the list.
- DRAINAGE - The course doesn't drain well. During the winter months the course is often muddy and spongy on a consistent basis. I didn't take points off for this.
Other Thoughts:
I have been playing this course since 2016, and it has been slowly going downhill. I originally had this one rated as a high 1.5, but all of the equipment and signage has either fallen apart, or is about too. I don't live that far away from Agape, if there are ever any upgrades, I will update my rating. On the flip-side of this note, if Agape continues to go without the required maintenance, it will be in danger of becoming a dead course. Regardless, for Pros, MA1s and MA2s outside the area, I would recommend passing on playing it. The course only offers the basics of the game. However for locals, Agape will be a decent course for Beginners and MA4 level players that live within 5 to 10 minutes. The course reminds me of North Alabama courses such as Vinemont, Kent Robinson and Lifepoint.
- NAVIGATION - Following this one can be easy due to the open nature. However, having a printed map is necessary to navigate this one seamlessly on first play because the posts are hard to read and there are no other onsite directional aids. There's an accurate map on DGCR as of this revision. There used to be a mailbox at (1) filled with maps, but it broke sometime in 2017 and is no longer available. I'll also mention that the course is good for those that like to bring out the disc golf cart during dry periods.
- NAVIGATION - Following this one can be easy due to the open nature. However, having a printed map is necessary to navigate this one seamlessly on first play because the posts are hard to read and there are no other onsite directional aids. There's an accurate map on DGCR as of this revision. There used to be a mailbox at (1) filled with maps, but it broke sometime in 2017 and is no longer available. I'll also mention that the course is good for those that like to bring out the disc golf cart during dry periods.
