River Bend is a challenging, intermediate-level 9-hole track (from the white tees). Advanced players will get a challenge from the white tees too. The red tees are a good intro to disc golf for beginners, but also have enough challenge and solid course design to entertain intermediate-level players.
I have no idea if an 18-hole track is possible on this property. It *looks* like there is some more land that could be used in the already-cleared, established park area. If that were to happen, this has the potential to be a fantastic course.
+ The park itself is really beautiful and peaceful. The Tar River appropriately *bends* and forms the border for the park on three sides. The more established section of the park is very scenic and open with mature trees dotting rolling hills. Picnic tables and playgrounds are scattered around for people to enjoy, although I didn't see many people on the days I played here. (Update: the town hosts various festivals and events here, so sometimes the park can be busy, but there is no impact on the disc golf course, as it is on the other side of the park and in the woods.) The Tar River on the open, non-disc golf side of the park has some gentle rapids. My #1 suggestion for improving River Bend DGC, if at all possible, is to try to squeeze in 9 more holes in this more open area with clear views of the river. This would require moving some picnic tables and possibly some of the playground equipment, so that might not be in the cards, particularly given the town hosts events here from time to time.
+ While the rest of the park is open, the course itself is very wooded. The first 3 holes are in view of the regular park area; the other 6 are back in the woods and closer to the other side of the park, bordered by the calmer section of the Tar River. The setting is very pretty and peaceful. They only open hole is #8. The other holes are all tightly wooded and technical.
+ Navigation is straightforward, with tee signs for both sets of tees. The first tee is close to the picnic shelter. After playing the first hole, paths leading to the following hole are easy to spot and follow.
+ River Bend has some really nice, brand new red and blue DD Veteran baskets.
+ It's great that the builders had the foresight to go ahead and plan for red and white tees. The red tees are appropriate for beginners; the white tees are suitable for intermediate players.
+ The holes are well-designed and have a good variety of shapes and shots required. I'm a noodle arm and top out at about 300 feet. On the red tees, I used fairway drivers on two holes, mids and putters everywhere else. On the white tees, I used drivers or fairway drivers on 6 holes and mids on the other three. The course is well-balanced for lefties and righties.
+ Nice concrete tee pads for both sets of tees except for #9. (Dirt tee from the reds for that one.)
Hole 1 - 273' Red, 393' White (I measured with the UDisc app; if the builders have the correct and exact measurements, please feel free to update. Thanks!)
This hole is mostly straight, with a more open area closer to the tee, but lots of guardian trees about 2/3 of the way down the fairway. If you can make it through those trees, the basket is slightly to the left at the back of a large green. By my estimation, this is the longest par 3 from the White Tees (I'm assuming #6 is a par 4) and one of, if not the longest hole from the Red Tees.
Hole 2 - 228' Red, 311' White
This hole plays back towards to park road, straight through a well-defined fairway. From the White Tees, there are two lines you can take, straight and one to the right for a hyzer finish (RHBH). Play the road as OB for added challenge.
Hole 3 - 151' Red, 245' White
This hole plays over and parallel to a small tributary to the river and requires a technical shot from either tee. From the reds is a short anhyzer or flick for righties. From the Whites, it's a flex shot.
Hole 4 - 158' Red, 234' White
#4 is in thicker woods and also requires a short anhyzer or flick for righties.
Hole 5 - 202' Red, 217' White
I think my measurements are off on this hole. The Whites are definitely further back than 15 feet from the Reds. Anyway, this hole is straight with the small creek bordering the entire right-hand side of the fairway -- and behind the basket. This requires a technical shot with finish from RHBH to stay safe and go for the ace run.
Hole 6 - 271' Red, 461' White
This is the longest hole on the course. Again, it's very wooded with the creek bordering the right-hand side of the fairway. Birdie is very doable from the White Tees with a decent drive and approach. (This might be a tweener hole, depending on your skill level.) Lots of trees to try and avoid, but you mostly want to stay left and out of the creek and underbrush.
Hole 7 - 195' Red, 281' White
The river is to the right of the fairway. This hole requires an anhyzer from the Red Tees. (Just don't overcook it or you'll be in the river.) The White Tees are much longer and require a flex shot that are beyond my abilities as an intermediate player. Again, lots of trees to contend with.
Hole 8 - 207' Red, 294' White
This is the most open and straight-forward hole on the course. It's wide open. The basket is on the left at the end of the fairway. A straight shot with hyzer finish puts you on the green for a birdie try.
Hole 9 - 157' Red, 274' White
This was my favorite hole on the course. Each set of tees are on different ridges. A winding valley and trees lead to the basket, also on higher ground. This hole again forces a tight, controlled line. Keep the disc low, but not too low or you'll hit the ridge with the Red Tee (if you're playing from the Whites). Slight hyzer finish on this hole.