Pros:
The Design:
Kelly has created a course that is quite literally "Alive". As more and more big names come to play this course; names like Ken Climo and Barry Schultz, not to mention design legends like Chuck Kennedy and Fred Salaz, all have left their mark. Kelly is the kind of guy who is always seeking advice and open to change, striving for the next level. As we played throughout the day he told us multiple stories of how holes had been changed and modified over time thanks to the advice of these disc golf legends. He has kept a beautifully humble spirit and is open to new ideas and suggestions, always looking to improve the course and players experience.
The Challenge:
This course will demand every part of your physical and mental disc golf game. Coming to play shortly after seeing footage from the Atlanta open I knew that the course would be long and difficult so I had made mental preparations as well as what I call "side bag" preparation. Basically that means that I had about 5-7 good/dependable discs (of the 23 I carry) set aside that I was prepared to lose. It's hard to describe what it's like, standing on the edge of the lake on signature hole #3, heart pumping, disc gripped tightly in hand... You've just thrown the perfect tee-shot, mashing it out to the 470' mark. Now you've got 310' to go with nothing in-between you and the basket but water... lots and lots of water. You're going crazy... park this and you could have a drop in eagle... duff it into the water and you'll be lucky to save par... Amazingly I didn't lose a single disc that day, however the sad end of this story is that I froze on my Eagle putt, and then my birdie putt, and walked off with the most disappointing par I've had in my entire life. I will be back to set the score straight with hole #3 as well as several other of the holes at this beautiful course. That's the effect it has on you, it gets in your head. I ended up shooting a 92 at Flyboy, but it was a "Drive for show putt for dough" kinda day as when adding up my missed short putts I could have easily saved 10 strokes. Each hole on this course is framed in my memory as I strategize a plan of attack for my next round at Flyboy. I can only hope it will come sooner than later.
Shot selection:
Holes ranging from 190'-1080', par 3's 4's and 5's, hyzer, anhyzer, roller, big air, and placement shots; uphill, downhill, sidehill, through the woods, over the water and through the triple mandatory (not kidding, that hole cost me my only bogey). This course has fantastic variety. I used nearly every disc in my bag as well as nearly every shot in my arsenal (don't think I threw any forehand rollers or tomahawks though I managed to stay in the fairway most of the time and those are typically scramble shots for me).
The Scenery:
The course is set in the beautiful rolling hills of Georgia. There are 3 large lakes that come into play as well as adding beautiful scenery. The red Georgia clay is quite striking, and adds beautiful contrast to the lush palette of greens in the hills, and browns in the forest.
The Maintenance:
Kelly spends more time every week picking up trash, pulling weeds, adding wood-chips, and mowing fairways then playing disc golf. He keeps the neighborhood happy by keeping the area immaculate. That's the trade-off, he is allowed to escort players all around the community's property to play the course as long as he maintains all the land. Make sure you thank him for the time he has put into making this dream course.
The Company:
Playing the course with its owner, designer and guide certainly has its benefits. Kelly and Brad were a joy to play with and I would gladly throw plastic with them any day. I played the round with 2 of my younger brothers and my father so with Kelly and Brad we had a group of 6, ages 13-53 all with different styles and skill levels. Never once though was anyone made to feel awkward or out of place. It felt like we were all good friends out for a stroll and a chat, surrounded by beauty enjoying this very special experience together.
The Accommodations:
We (my 2 brothers, father and I) spent the night in Kelly's parents Bed & Breakfest... I would recommend this to everyone, it is well worth the stay. We were treated to more than adequate space for the 4 of us and true southern hospitality. My dad and I stayed up late shooting pool in the airplane hanger (how cool is that!) while my brothers helped themselves to homemade cupcakes made by Kelly's mom. In the morning we woke up too hot coffee, sausage, eggs, fresh fruit and the best biscuits I've ever had (they just don't make them like that up in Wisconsin!)
Cons:
This course is not in my backyard
Other Thoughts:
When I first started seeing this course rise up in the ratings as quickly as it did I will admit that I was skeptical. However after being there and experiencing it for myself I now understand. I don't see how anyone can come, spend the night at the B&B, play the course with Kelly and walk away disappointed. If you don't believe me, then you'll simply have to go see it for yourself. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
I almost feel like a different kind of review is needed for a place like this. So many of the typical problems with courses (poor markings/navigation, litter, over crowdedness, erosion, danger to pedestrians etc.) are just total non-factors at Flyboy. You eliminate all of that when you're being escorted by the owner/designer himself on private property. This was truly the most unique disc golf experience I have had to date. The only thing I can think of that would come close to comparing is High bridge. Perhaps we will need to create a new category to judge these "Destination Courses" against each other. I just can't see how a typical, "county/city park" would ever be able to compete against this caliber of course. Private and pay-to-play courses are definitely (in my opinion) paving the future of disc golf.
Kelly and family, thanks again for a wonderful experience.