Athens State University

A lightly wooded recreational 9 hole course. PROS: + ACEABILITY + Several mid 200s foot looks that will have you eyeing the basket. I'm sure those that frequent this course have racked up a bunch of aces. I would not be surprised to hear that a local has aced every hole on this layout. + TEES + Brand new concrete tees. A bit smaller than normal, but for a layout this short they will be adequate for most players. Without the tees my formula had this course at a borderline 1 rating inste ...
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A lightly wooded recreational 9 hole course.

PROS:
+ ACEABILITY + Several mid 200s foot looks that will have you eyeing the basket. I'm sure those that frequent this course have racked up a bunch of aces. I would not be surprised to hear that a local has aced every hole on this layout.
+ TEES + Brand new concrete tees. A bit smaller than normal, but for a layout this short they will be adequate for most players. Without the tees my formula had this course at a borderline 1 rating instead of 1.5.
+ NAVIGATION + Not too bad as the layout is fairly open. No course map on site but I posted one to DGCR for a future players use. Hole signage is nice, although on my visit, tee (1s) signage was detached from the post.
+ BEGINNER FRIENDLY + Very little overgrowth, little opportunity to lose a disc and five holes under 250 feet in length. I'm sure most would agree that these are good characteristic for a course to take first timers to.
+ QUICK PLAY + If you have 25 minutes, you'll be able to run all 9 holes and be back in your car ready to hit Sportsplex just 3 minutes away.
+ MAINTENANCE + The grounds appear to be constantly mowed, trimmed and manicured. I don't recall seeing any trash on my visit.
+ NIGHT GOLF + This is an ideal night golf course. Spacious fairways, no areas of overgrowth and no water hazards in play.

CONS:
To small of footprint and some definite quirks.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - Intermediate players will have no problem breaking par and should be able to birdie all the holes after a five rounds or so. Advanced players and higher will be untested. They should be able to post a round of 19 or better from time to time.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. I know that this is typically for this part of Alabama, but it is even below average for this region. Not one hole has even 10 feet of elevation change.
- UNIQUENESS - Well below average. In addition to no elevation, there are no water elements either. An all par 3 layout that has no well defined tunnel shots or pocket shots. Basket guarding is weak on many holes and there's isn't really any good opportunities to air one out. I will add however, some may find playing in a more urban setting with buildings in the backdrop, as unique. For instance, Hole (5) is a bender around a corner of a building.
- PROPERTY DAMAGE HAZARDS - As stated above, hole (5) is a plays around building. The thought of hitting a window was not a pleasant thought. I bailed way to the left.
- CHARACTER - Only a few extra on this course. As stated in the pro's, there is signage and concrete tees. There is also decent shading at the tees, but that's where it ends. There is no practice area, no multiple pin placements or multi tees like you'd see at your older established courses. Seating is at one tee (5) but its seems like it was there before the course was.
- LOOSE DISC OPPS - Almost impossible with one exception. Throwing one over the barbed wire fence behind basket (7) is unforgivable.
- DISCONTINUITY - There's a big gap in play between holes (6) and (7). not a huge issue but less than ideal.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - A slightly below average setting. There are numerous made man elements in view and in play. The property behind (7) with the barbed wire fence is a bit of an eyesore. The tree coverage is nice, but is not on the same level as many other north Alabama course.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
An adequate course for those living within 5 miles. A great Beginner Course due to the low amount of hazards and overgrowth. Probably worth a look see if you're sick of the wind over at Sportsplex. However, the course in general is just too small to really garner any attention and Sportsplex just offers seasoned way more.
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