Pros:
As the oldest existing disc golf course in North Carolina, Horizons is the ultimate solely Red level, Recreational, beginner and old timer friendly course that will call for a variance of directional and distance discing.
Well laid concrete pads may be considered too small by some, by today's standards, but for hole lengths, they are more than adequate, as they are well mulched and have additional, level run-up/step-up space behind them. The DGA Mach 3's, with the number plates on top are in great shape and call us yonder to yesteryear when most all baskets were of that make. They, too, are nicely landscaped, with much mulch. There's a few places, where a dim eyed old man would appreciate the bright yellow band of a DISCatcher, but I still like these baskets a lot.
With the relative closeness of holes, and the big, readable, informative tee signs, navigation is a breeze, even for a half blind old man like me.
Great use of the tree stand (can't quite call it a forest), other trees and tree lines, the barn, as well as the limited elevation differentials available, present a well varied 18 on a relatively small allotment of land. There are some close proximities between some baskets and OB's like the parking lot and the park road, but I perceive this as a Pro, as that necessitates use of careful consideration when driving to, approaching or putting at these targets, adding to the challenge of what many would consider too easy, short and open. Though it is a relatively short and open course, Horizons can bite you and bogey you if you take her for granted, as I did on #9, finding a tree right in front of me, for which I really wasn't looking and landing my second shot behind another majestic, mature hardwood, blocking my putting path to save par. A missed putt, off the basket can roll a ways away, as I saw happen to a fellow on #4. A slightly wide or long shot can put you past the split rail fence or on pavement and penalize you. Horizons is a very well maintained and manicured course in a wonderful, multi-use county park, with no interference or interaction with those other activity areas. A couple of benches and several trash cans are good amenities. Close by restrooms and water fountain are great ameneties. The box beside the bench at Tee 1 is pretty much always filled with well designed and detailed score cards. And you can eyeball your parked car from pretty much everywhere on the course, except for the 12 green/13 tee area.
Cons:
The four holes par rated at 4, for an overall schematic of 58, which in essence, relegates the course to Green level status. Ignore that, play all Holes as Par 3, and Horizons is a GREAT congenially competitive Red level course. As well as I played today, I can't, in good conscience, consider it a 12 under round. Just like as badly as I played the last time I was here a month or so ago, I can't score that as a 2 under round.
There are some close proximities between a few fairways, particularly going back and forth through the tree stand, as well as between a couple of baskets and next tees. But as this is more of a controlled placement type of course, rather than an unleashed power layout, it is of little concern. But for safety's sake, you can always wait an extra moment while the players ahead of you clear the next tee and be watchful and mindful of errant shots from neighboring holes and yield right of way as necessary. This course is too enjoyable and quick to play anyway to be in any type of that much of a hurry
Other Thoughts:
I've many great, good memories from playng here over the decades, though none of them are of aces made or witnessed, though it would seem that Horizons could be considered the consummate ace race course. I almost got to see one on 18 today, but he hit the basket and it fell to the ground for a drop-in deuce. I won the Silver Medal here in the 2003 State Games, but had to listen to my girlfriend of the time rag on that, as she won the Gold in the Women's Division. She shouldn't have, The only reason she did was because the TD forced a 16 year old, good player of a girl out of the Women's Division to play with two teen aged boys in a three person Juniors Division, where she finished third/last for the Bronze. She would've earned Gold in the Women's Division by about eighteen strokes. I've always felt badly for that little girl, as she really was good, shooting right around par, and driving the green on #12. And she was good company in my group the first round.