Pros:
I had pulled into the lot on a Sunday and realized that because the small parking lot at Meeman-Shelby was filling up , I was walking into a club or course small tournament .If traveling , these are best avoided , as foursomes will slow you up , and you feel rushed when the nice guys push you through . I played the East Side first , then came over to West , both 18 holes . The baskets are a mix of older Discatchers , and maybe Machs . The cement pads are older but has good grip . The signage is the same as East , old but informative enough with the hole # , distance and picture of tee to basket . Multiple pin positions on many holes . I did not see on the signs where to indicate which position the basket was in , though . No online map , but I had bypassed the kiosk at the left front of the shelter only to have one of the locals show me that there was info there if you looked closely . Water is at a blue faucet just left of the shelter , which houses several picnic tables and a bathroom . There are amenities throughout the course like benches and trash cans . West seems to have about the same technical lines , playing most holes short , but more elevation feels present on this side . Just like East , the course can confuse you early . West starts behind the shelter and to your left when facing the kiosk . It throws across the back yard to the basket behind the tree on the left of the tee pad . You will see several tee pads after finishing up the hole , but ignore them and walk more than back up the fairway you just threw over , and turn right . #2 is a downhill throw , throwing away from the back of the shelter , to the basket . #3 is to the right of #2's basket and throws back up the hill you just threw down . You proceed to walk close to #1's basket to throw back down a tight hill , to where you go back and forth and up and down through the first 9 . All of these holes rate a par 3 in my book because you have birdie opportunities on many of the holes and you can also recover for par for fairway miscues most of the time . The back 9 move you off to the left of the woods for 5 holes , then return you back up to where you turned left to continue your round instead of right . You have to pay attention to the course and its paths or you might miss a hole ( I almost missed 14 ) here or there . The course opens up a little at a time after 15 , eventually leaving you with 17 , a long hyzer to an opening fairway and a basket tucked back a little into the woods . #18 looked like a practice basket when you pulled into the lot . The #18 tee starts you teeing off from the edge of the woods , another slight hyzer to this basket out in the wide open . The course is yet another fast play , Many different lines to play .I know that earlier reviewers have dinged the course in the cons section for not having a set of pro tees , but I like the fact that the course tries to preserve its historical aspects . solo players once they get their bearings can complete a round in an hour . Foursome in under 2 for sure . What can go wrong with stepping out of your car and having the opportunity to play 36 holes of woods disc golf . Disc Risk , minimal but still there . The fairways and woods seem pretty clear of serious foliage , and there is literally no water throw into , so the most common way to lose a disc would be to clip a tree and go out of sight and roll down a hill . Signature hole : I kind of liked #5 , an uphill throw to a basket in a jail of small trees surrounding most of it . It's not a long throw , but there is plenty of elevation and trees are scattered in the middle of the fairway .
Cons:
#1 Navigation can be frustrating in a couple of places . Especially 1-2 and I think 8-9 . 2 or 3 NEXT TEE signs would help immensely , along with an informed online map . Also , maybe a code on the sign showing which position the pin is in . #2 This course can feel a little repetitive . Even though most of the holes show you different lines , the course plays tight and short . I personally didn't mind , as I still like playing 36 holes without moving my car . #3 Bugs . In the late spring or early fall , and especially the summer , this woods is a haven for mosquito and other biting insect . Bring spray and apply generously . Make sure you complete any calls you want to make before you even get close to Meeman-Shelby . I lost service until I was about 4 miles from there .
Other Thoughts:
Lots of history here , widely considered the first permanent course in Tennessee . I found out from the locals that the front 9 of East and the front 9 of West actually comprised the first course ( who knew ? ) . 36 holes of disc golf in a free Tennessee state park , Thank You Tennessee Parks and Rec for allowing me to play here . nice locals , excellent course amenities , enough to keep you entertained for at least a half a day . Make it a full day and travel to the 2 Bud Hill courses just down the road .This is certainly a destination area . My Recommendation : Since both Meeman-Shelby courses and the 2 Bud Hills were a main reason I came to Memphis , whether you are local , newbie , enthusiast , traveler , or just want to see what disc golf looked like in the late 70's , PLAY IT FOR SURE !!!!