I have heard about Mountain Cove for several years, and after reading Wellsbranch talk about how overgrown it can be in the the summer I decided to make the trek before the blooms began and the grass started to grow.

Far off the beaten path the approach reminded me of some of my favorite mountainous private courses like Hornings Hideout or even Flip City and while Mountain Cove isn't as prestigious as those by far, it certainly has its moments and high potential.

As you pull on the property there is a small general store where you pay for your round $5 per player and they also have drinks and some other snacks available.

Then you pull up the hill and go past the RV park and there is a small pavilion with a box where you can pay if the store is closed as well as the course map, which is a good idea to take care a picture of.

Terrain is a mix of open cow pasture type land as well as some more wooded holes and a good bit of elevation and some water as well. Really good mixture of elements that make for a great course on paper.

You start out with a long par 4 to get the blood flowing that is mainly open and then diving into a few more wooded holes like 3 that is a wooded tunnel shot fading into field.

Overall the front 9 is pretty long hilly and has some substantial elevation that can make holes that are not terribly long seem just a bit harder.

The back 9 is just a bit less punishing with some shorter holes and a couple of multi shot holes like 17 that are a little bit more challenging.

Pads are rubber mats and aren't my favorite but other than a couple that weren't even are fine.

Baskets are DGA mark V which is actually one of my favorites. They catch very fairly and don't seem to favor a putting style.

There are also large wooden benches on almost every hole.

The land itself is beautiful and epic, your in a beautiful valley with tons of old growth hardwood trees and some quick moving creeks and a couple of small ponds.

The main con is the maintenance is just not quite up to the epic nature of the land itself. Per the lady at the store, it's cut by the county so if you play in a time other than winter it's best to call ahead and get a condition update.

The grass could get high very easily, and there are abundant thorns off many of the fairways even in the colder months.

There are also some issues typical of farm land like only items dumped and left in odd locations and weather wearing on the man made pieces like the signs which are mostly gone at this point.

Navigation is mostly intuitive, but going 2-3 is a hike and kind of hard to follow.

The touches that make a course great just aren't there, and it probably knocks down this course from what could possibly be a 4.5 down to about a 3.5.

It's still pretty darn good, but not as good as it could be.

Amazing property, nicely designed holes in a scenic location away from the bustle of the world. I liked a lot of things about this course, but the lack of signs substandard pads and the unpredictable upkeep hold it back.

Worth the trip to play in this beautiful place, and some of the holes are really epic.

A visual and bombing thrill on the front nine that slacks off on the second half.

-Beauty: Pristine setting. As the name suggests, it's a mountain cove, so it has mountains surrounding. There is very little else in this cove, and the solitude makes the air that much more refreshing. Most of the course is fields affording views, but some of the beginning also features thicker woods that are enjoyable in their own right.

-Distance: Bombers who wish they could stretch out will be happy here. Six of the front nine are over 450', as are three more on the back. This includes a couple of thrilling downhill tee shots like (1) and (7).

-Elevation and Terrain: Pretty constant and used. It's not dramatic, but frequently substantial. The mix of uphill and downhill holes is good, and there are other, more rolling uses of the terrain as well. I also appreciate the diversity of biome, including woods, fields, transitions between the two, and some water in the front nine.

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: A mix. There are quite a few bland holes wide open, but there are some enchanting stretches, too. (3) is a beautiful two-shot woods hole dealing with hardwoods and a right-side gorge. (4) is a solid follow-up, bombing a tee shot downhill to a dogleg left. (5) is semi-wooded with gentle undulations of elevation. (9) is a wide-open shot leading to a tight, uphill tunnel that deserves the par-5 despite its shorter length. On the back, the all-star stretch is (15)-(17), featuring gaps and creative elevation. The biggest challenge is length, but at its best, Mountain Cove Farms requires the precise power that makes a brilliant course.

This should have been a 4.5 course, but it clearly isn't thanks to the bleh factor.

-Bland Holes: There were about 7 holes out here that I loved, but the rest were honestly pretty boring. Even with elevation, at some point it gets old to throw wide open shots. Take (1), for example. It's 800' downhill, but the only real shot shaping challenge is making sure not to go into a creek and avoiding one tree near the basket. It's okay, but it's not the all-star stuff that I would love to have seen this property have.

-Back Nine: Huge, huge slump between (10)-(14). All of a sudden, the holes are typical open rec-level shots. It never quite recovers from that.

-Amenities: The tees and baskets are here, but most other navigation cues and signage are gone. UDisc was essential to my round, and even with that I definitely had navigational woes and blind guesses at basket placements at times.

-Rough: Ouch. I lost a disc, quite a few minutes of my life, and more than a few threads from clothing poking around for shots off the fairway. Vicious thorns.

-Summer Woes: From all accounts, the course doesn't get enough mowing to be playable in summer. The grass was a bit tall but manageable in the dead of winter. I can't imagine the rough during the summer.

-Hole (2): Not a true con, but a sigh. The original hole (2) looked like one of the greatest holes ever, throwing off a bluff in the woods for a multi-shot par-4 featuring a gorge. Alas, I believe it may have been too dangerous and now is a paltry par-3 in a grove of trees.

-Pay-to-Play: I spent $5 or $10 dollars. I didn't find it a heinously unfair price considering the views.

Mountain Cove Farms Resort is a beautiful property. Through nine holes, I was thrilled. At the end, I felt pretty meh about it as a whole. I could go 3.0 or 3.5 on the rating, but as someone who loves shot shaping, I've followed the rule of rounding towards the middle. I could see opinions varying wildly, and I wish there was interest to refresh, maintain, and redesign parts of the course--the result could easily be a destination course.

(3.404 Rating) A sprawling private course with a lot of long openish plays and a few chip shot ace runs.
- RAW BEAUTY - The land here is just so flipp'n awesome. First off, driving into the cove was thrilling in its own right. There are several hairpin turns down a 800-foot slope to just get into the property. It was definitely a precursor of things to come. Once at the course and standing at tee (1) the mountain peaks and ridges very observably occupied the backdrop, and it just made for such a surreal 3D experience. There are several beautiful down shots on this course too. The punctuation is delivered on tee shot (7), with the long ridge of Look-out Mountain in the backdrop. I do however wish a few more holes played thru the heavy woods as there are only a couple that partially do so.
- CHALLENGING - A solid Intermediate level challenge imo, with length off the tee being the biggest factor to score well. Honestly, coming in I was expecting a championship level caliber course, as it's billed as a Gold level course. Seeing that Cerealman recently shot even par here should have been a clue to me that this is not the case. . Anyways, several holes here are in fact Gold level, requiring 450-foot power with a touch of accuracy to card a birdie. On the flipside there are Novice level holes on this course, like hole (12) for example, which is an obstacle free 250-footer. I personally shot 2 over as an Intermediate level player.
- UNIQUENESS - There are some holes on this layout that players will just not see everyday. Hole (15) is a perfect example of this, which is a monster blind dog leg par 4 with 70 feet of elevation change and it requires the second shot to sweep back to the right with trees protecting a frontal attack. (15) was my favorite hole on the layout. Lots of elevation change on this course. A great mix of distances from plus 700-foot par 4s to sub 200-foot par 3s. There's also a somewhat hidden pond in play on (7) and some dry mountain creeks. The biggest omission here is the heavily wooded technical hole.
- CHAINS AND EXTRAS - The MachV baskets are in excellent shape. There are benches on most of the tees. There's a neat little shelter near tee (1) with two picnic tables and a posted course map. Also a practice basket between the shelter and tee (1). There are restrooms nearby as well, but it was locked for my play. Drinks are available for purchase at the general store.
- BOMBERS - Players that enjoy bombing shots will likely rate this course higher than I have. Several opportunities to throw drives over 500 feet if you have the arm. I paced off a couple of my backhand drives beyond the 350 feet due to the downward elevation, which felt awesome considering I struggle to hit 325 backhand. I passed a two-sum where one fellow jubilantly noted that he could chuck it over 500 feet in our short conversation. I politely flipped him off in my mind.

The course conditions are key
- SEASONAL CONDITIONS - Word is, is that this course is generally not maintained during summer, which is why I decided to come out here during the winter. I would imagine that if they don't mow during a stretch during the summer that first time players will quit before the end of the round and they will likely have lost a couple or had spent significant time searching for discs. A regular player I met out at the course told me he only plays here between November and April.
- MISSED OPPORTUNITIES - Considering the epic wooded land available to use, I was a bit disappointed. Not one shot here is a heavily wooded technical play. There are about a half dozen simple shots here that should get axed and should be replaced with moving wooded lines cut in along the slopes of the mountainside. The course is listed as moderately wooded on DGCR, but I wouldn't disagree if it was listed as lightly wooded.
- PAY TO PLAY - I personally didn't have a problem with putting down $5 to play the course, but I could see others saying it's not worth it. I question whether my green fees fully go back into the course.
- NAVIGATION AND TEE SIGNAGE - A navigational app will be required to get around here. There are no navigational cues on the layout itself. Hole (2) has been moved to a new dinker location and doesn't match the posted course map. The tee signage is in disrepair and needs to be completely replaced. Only a half dozen tee signs are intact and these are fading.
- TEES - The pads are rubber mats, which I don't have a problem with, but several are uneven or extremely short.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Too long and grueling for newer players. I don't advise bringing them here. I don't take off points for this.
- TIME PLAY - Almost 90 minutes for me solo.

Overall, Mountain Cove Farms was an entertaining and enjoyable play for my winter appearance. This course is probably a 4.0 rated course during the winter for those that possess 400-foot plus power. However, during the summer this could possibly be a sub 1.5 play if it's not mowed. Definitely worth checking out for those that enjoy long bomber courses in Chattanooga, Rome and perhaps the north side of the Atlanta Metro area. They just need to show up in the winter for a better chance at playable conditions. For those with weak arms, I don't see this being a great destination play. It really needs some short tees on about 9 holes and some plays in the woods to appease these players. I could see Trusted Reviewers rating Mountain Cove all over the board as it's a crapshoot. For me, I'm giving it a low 3.5. Mostly for the sheer beauty of the place and for holes like (3, 7, 9 and 15), which were all stellar plays. It appears my rating will take it out of the top ten for Georgia on DGCR for a way more deserving course, Perkerson.
- EDIT NOTE - I originally noted (14) as my favorite hole. I corrected to (15). (14) is meh.

Extremely scenic property.
Fairways were long and perfect width to make you think about your throws - had been mowed recently and were in great shape.
Loved the elevation changes and hole shapes

Yeah, the tee pads.
That's about it

Played it in early October and it was beautiful weather and the course was in great shape. I had absolutely no problem with paying to play this course, as I recognize the gas bill to cut the fairways must be large. There were a couple of simple holes, but generally they were long and winding and interesting. There were some areas of the rough that you really didn't want to land in, which made it interesting. It was my first time there, so we had to feel our way along - walked up to see what was around a bend or over a hill. There was a light wind that influenced our disc selection and throwing, and it was swirling in the cove. I wished I lived closer so I could play it regularly, but am looking forward to playing it at least once a year when I am in the area for an annual caving event.

This course literally has every thing you need as far as a layout design.

The only thing that could make this course better would be the addition of concrete tee pads to replace the rubber matts.

Mountain Cove Farms DGC is an outstanding course! You start off with the long open bomber Hole 1 which is a 780' par 4. The scene changes very quickly though as you move on to the short technical 213' Hole 2. This short introduction to the course shows exactly what this course is made up of, which is a little bit of everything. You have long holes, short holes, open holes, wooded holes, downhill holes, and uphill holes. This all with a great mix of holes that play to the left and holes that play to the right. And if that wasn't enough to talk you into playing this course, even water comes into play on this one! If you are looking for a course where you literally have a great mix of everything, make sure you play this course! Out of close to 80 courses I have played, this is the only pay-to-play course I have ever played, and that will not stop me from going back. This is definitely a must play course if you are anywhere near the area! Even if you are outside of the area, and happen upon this course, you will not be disappointed! I can't stress this enough... go play this course! If you want to see this course on video, check out my crew playing this course (with Innova Disc's James "Snappy" Cole) in the video below...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-7P3c53Z_M

The course had benches at most or all tee pads. There was signage on each hole. Decent course flow with little to no difficulty finding the next course. Good Baskets (Mach V).

Course had not been trimmed in a while; normally I wouldn't complain about this, but since it's a pay to play course I would rather not lose discs to tall grass like I did. The back 9 felt pretty repetitive in my opinion. The tee pads were mostly short, old rubber tee pads; on a course with a lot of long holes, it made it hard to have a run-up in a few instances. There were only one tee pad and basket for each hole; the course recommended amateurs skip the front 9; this could be easily fixed if they used some of the revenue from the entry fee to buy 9 more baskets or shorter tee pads. The course is in the middle of nowhere; this isn't always a problem if the course is nice, but it just did not offer anything that made it worth the drive. Also, no cell service for me (T-Mobile) or my fiance (Verizon).

In conclusion, the upkeep of the course does not justify having to pay to play in my opinion. Nothing irks me more than to lose a disc simply because the grass has not been cut. This course was over rated in my opinion and definitely not worth the drive.

As a side note, pay attention when you pay. I realized later that the fee was 5 dollars, not 10 and was charged for my fiance and myself (my fiance came inside to pay with me and was not playing; I specified that I needed to pay for one round of golf).

Epic Mountain golf holes: this course has the rarest quality for any course in scenic/epic shots such as a 500 ft downhill bomber with mountains in the background. Holes like 3,5,7,9,14,15,17 are beautiful, long and have pro-level difficulty.

Wind: the wind coming off the mountains was firm and changed directions more than any course I've ever played. Two locals described it as a "light day".
Thorns: the thorns were nasty even in March. Rec players be warned. I'm not sure how high the fairway grass gets in the summer but that could be a deal-breaker then.
Distances: some of the signs are wrong. Ex: I walked hole 11 off at 350ish while sign says 315. Hole 9 says 300 ft to opening when it's more like 400.
Holes 10,11,12,13 are boring compared to the rest. Course felt incomplete with this basic park golf section sandwiched between these other unique shots.

To me, it's worth the trip. The course has that special feel due to its isolation, elevevation and aesthetics. I was bummed out by holes 10-13 but I will remember and talk about these other shots for a long time. I worry that rec/intermediate level players might get overwhelmed by the wind and rough.

Has practice basket

Has a bench at every tee pad

Has tee signs

More open than wooded fairways with doglegs and elevations

Challenging, long course with variety of pars

Nice scenery

Water comes into play on holes #2 and #7 but the current drought has reduced water levels enough where only #7 has murky puddles deep enough to lose a wayward disc

Had the whole course to myself on a Wednesday afternoon

Restrooms

Many rubber tee pads are not level and some are too short for a run-up

Grass is high in certain areas - watch where your drives land

Needs more next tee signs - recommend a course map for the first-timer

Only one tee pad per hole - a course this long enough should have an extra tee pad for the amateurs, ladies, or juniors

Doesn't have alternate basket placements

Pay to play but worth it

This is a nice, challenging scenic course in Walker County that I enjoyed playing. The course is very secluded and traveling here is quite adventurous when going down the mountain's hairpin turns if you're coming from GA 157. This course has so much potential in that I wish I could score it higher but the rubber tee pads and high grass are the biggest cons. The pay to play and long course can dissuade some from playing. I think adding concrete tee pads, extra tee pads for the amateurs, alternate basket placements, and regular course maintenance would make this a 4.5 in my opinion. The scorecard that I received here had the phone number 706-539-2683. You may want to give them a call before heading here on a weekday as I think the general store is closed on a Tuesday and Wednesday if I recalled. Someone was at the store by chance when I showed up on a Wednesday afternoon. Playing at this course and at nearby Cloudland Canyon DGC makes a nice day trip.

Scenic tees
Great variety of shots and elevation
Good mix of long, golf-style holes and short par 3's
A good workout
Well maintained
Very friendly staff
Never crowded

If you don't have a big arm it will be a long day

It's surprising that this is the only course in the Chattanooga that plays with elevation on almost every hole. It's a great change of pace to the other course offerings we have. This course is very secluded which makes it a full disc golf day to play a round here. It's absolutely worth it though. Not a beginner friendly course.

* Good opening hole to warm your arm up before hitting the woods for #2 and #3.
* Very picturesque. Take time to gaze at the mountains and the beauty around you in this peaceful environment.
* Very friendly people and a nice general store on site.
* An excellent workout.

* Too many "filler" holes that are just wide open in a field (#6, #10, #11, #12, #18).
* Uneven and short teepads in spots. However, I don't object to the rubber teepads and found them easy to use.
* High grass. With such acreage, I can understand how it's difficult to keep grass at a decent level.
* Score variance is unlikely due to the lack of obstacles on many of the holes.

Bomber course. If you enjoy more technical courses, MCFR probably isn't for you. This course would have been improved with a few more wooded holes to increase the variety. The long drive and course fee might discourage a few from traveling here, but it's a worthwhile play.

- Amazing landscape
- Good signage and flow
- General store on site for snacks/beverages/bathrooms
- Great use of HUGE property with well designed holes
- Great elevation change
- Good mix of open bombers and some tighter technical lines
- Brand new Mach V baskets - not my favorite, but still a 'Pro'

- TEE PADS, TEE PADS, TEE PADS. They have black, grippy rubber type pads which is of course better than nothing. But some are only 4-6 feet long, some are going up hill, some are going down hill. The ground beneath them needs to be tamped level, as many have rolling bumps and dips on the tee pad. Put some well poured concrete pads out here and it will be one of the best in the state!

Other than the tee pads, theres really nothing to not like on this beast of a course. It reminds me of The Crucible in Athens, GA for those that have played there. Gorgeous farm setting with rolling hills and beautiful landscape.

The benches and permanent signs installed. Tee pads are now level and I like the rubber. The best course I have ever played! If the store is closed call 4234136372 and play , they will get up with you or its free.

My disc don't go straight enough.

Need amertur tees installed

Layout
Great holes
Mach 5
Great flow
Secluded
Various shots
Finally elevation near Chattanooga!!!

Location
New course, work in progress
No benches (yet)

Okay, I know I am biased, but I am very proud of this course. Not an easy pitch and putt for sure but very fun and challenging. The Resort Manager has been very helpful and receptive to the needs for this course so we are just polishing this gem right now.

-Baskets are in perfect condition.
-Beautiful piece of land
-Amazing layout
-Lots of benches
-Good mix of shots

You really have to nitpick to find cons from this course.
-Some of the tee pads are uneven and #3 is way too short and leaves no room for a run up
-Only 1 hole is what I would call "boring" (12)
-I feel like 9 needs a couple more trees removed from the fairway.

This is an edit from a 3.5 I rated this course right after it opened. All in all, this course is amazing! Expect to walk a couple miles, but it is definitely worth it!
Be sure to bring your arm with you, because there are plenty of wide-open LONG holes!!
1, 4, 7, and 15 are amazing holes! Especially 7!
I didn't list this as a "con", but with how great the entire course is, I would expect it to end with a better, more memorable hole. 18 is just a bit of a letdown after playing the rest of the course.
The thing I hate most about the course is that it isn't easier to get to so I can play here more often. (But you can't get this beautiful of a piece of land close to a city)
This course is a MUST PLAY for anyone within an hour or so from it!