Pros:
Grubaugh Park is a leading example of good things in small packages. Not a lot of real estate to work with, but 18 holes that mix it up nicely and are a lot of fun to play. Elevation changes will factor into most holes, with a few hilly pin placements that have some potential for roll aways. There are quite a few trees in play on nearly every hole, and the lines are often dictated to work in the gaps.
Every hole is par 3, and there are a lot of opportunities for birdies. Only two holes exceed 300 feet. I used a driver from the tee on three holes, and a Roc for fifteen. There is a mando on hole 14, and the path that winds through the park is often in play as OB.
Tee pads are concrete, and they are at least standard size. The tee signs are pretty good, with a hole map showing OB and distance. The baskets were in good condition, and the rung that points toward the next tee is wrapped in tape.
My favorite holes were 12 and 14, which have a similar feel. Elevated tees that run downhill to the basket. On 12 there is a mature tree that has a fork in the branches that frames the pin beautifully. Hole 14 has a window down the middle between trees on either side of the line that create a mando about halfway to the pin.
Hole 2 had a downhill throw from the tee that has trees taking up a lot of airspace in the middle. Multiple gaps to choose from, but they require a fairly precise throw with a low ceiling. The pin is on a ridge that can leave you with tough putts. I also liked the risk/reward on hole 3. There are options to choose from on the drive, but either way you have to navigate around trees, to a hillside pin that has the path threatening an OB penalty on the low side.
Cons:
The park is small, and the layout is compact. Many of the holes are in close proximity to one another, and the path winds across or along side many of them. If the park is crowded you may have to wait for pedestrians and other disc golfers occasionally.
There are not really any advanced level holes, and no par 4's or 5's. If you are a pro that wants a technical course that requires strategy and extreme versatility, you will be left wanting more from Grubaugh.
Other Thoughts:
I was lucky to play this one on a lovely November day, with low wind and lots of sunshine. We got there a little before noon, so we were there before most of the other folks that showed up to take advantage of it.
This is one of those that I give a good rating to because of the fun factor more than the level of challenge. The amenities are nice, and the use of the land is fantastic. It reminded me of a small scale version of Earlewood Park in Columbia SC.
I started poorly, but was able to get to 3 under par by the end of the round. My first drive was great, but I missed an easy putt for birdie. I two putted for bogies on holes 2 and 3. From there I was bogey free and shot much better, with 5 birdies between holes 5 and 14. The 51 overall score felt good for the first time there, but on a good day I think i could get well under 50. I would love to go back and give it a few more tries.