Tom Monroe Disc Golf Course at Brahan Springs Park

A historic pine tree filled layout that's fun to play. PROS: + HISTORY + According to the PDGA, this is one the first courses built in the world, somewhere between 3rd and 5th. A Steady Ed and Tom Monroe creation back in 1976. This notice by itself, makes Brahan Springs a destination course. + FUN FACTOR + The perfect place to bring three friends and a six-pack. There are ample opportunities for birdies. Errant throws are not further punished even though there are lots of pines to weave ...
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A historic pine tree filled layout that's fun to play.

PROS:
+ HISTORY + According to the PDGA, this is one the first courses built in the world, somewhere between 3rd and 5th. A Steady Ed and Tom Monroe creation back in 1976. This notice by itself, makes Brahan Springs a destination course.
+ FUN FACTOR + The perfect place to bring three friends and a six-pack. There are ample opportunities for birdies. Errant throws are not further punished even though there are lots of pines to weave around. The odds of losing a disc is near zero and for the most part, just about no areas where you'll have to search in the overgrowth. On my first 2 rounds here I showed up solo but ended up finishing in a group. It's just a fun place to throw a laid back round.
+ ACEABILITY + No aces for me yet but there are lots of opportunities to run at the chains. Most of the holes play between 200 and 300 feet and have a clear line to the basket. The windows to the basket are tight on many holes but there's always a path. Skip plays are a very real possibly and its often the best way to run at the chains.
+ CHAINS + Brand new MachVs
+ CHARACTER + Above average. To start, adequately sized concrete tees. All the tees are shaded and wind protected except for (1) and (2). Benches are at 80 percent of the tees. Community board with course info and a course map. Practice basket and a shelter with a couple tables. The only substantial drawback is the hole signage and navigation, (see cons navigation.) There are also no extra tees or basket placements.
+ SHOT SHAPING + Although the holes are on the shorter side, players will still need to put some thought into just about every shot. Lots of flight path planning is needed. Several holes have multiple lines to the basket.
+ SKILL LEVEL FRIENDLY + This course draws a wide swath of skill leveled players. You'll see advanced players out here working on their short game lines but also beginners as well.
+ QUICK PLAY + I've run all 18 hole solo in 40 minutes. Groups of 4 will generally take about an hour and a half.
+ NATURAL BEAUTY + About average. The 50 to 60 year old pines that occupy 90% of this layout looks really nice on first arrival. However, after you run 5 or 6 holes of what seems like the same backdrop, you'll realize that the course has a real monotonous feel to it.

CONS:
Not too many issues of substance with Brahan Springs Park. The biggest minor drawbacks are navigation and also the uniqueness of the last 16 holes.
- NAVIGATION - This is not the easiest course to navigate on first or even second attempt. I was fortunate to join a group on hole (4), otherwise I would have been walking around aimlessly several times. There are a few directional cues in the trees, but there are not enough on several holes that have walks over 100 feet. (5) to (6) is probably the biggest offender. I have already had a few occurrences where a first timer has asked me for directions to the next hole.
- HOLE SIGNAGE - Subpar. Currently the signage is only the hole number and a couple of these signs are falling apart. This course really needs an update to stay on pace with the other area courses.
- UNIQUENESS - For an almost fully wooded course, one of the lowest courses I've scored in terms of variety. Holes (1) and (2) are both wide open shots and then the last 16 wooded holes all have a similar feel. These 16 holes all weave through a tall ageing pine canopy. Sure the lines will cut left and right, but the surrounding elements are always the same. The lanes are moderately defined. Pockets to skip into are either loosely defined or non-existent. There are no water elements to contend with other than maybe the ditch along holes (3), (11) and (12). No par 4s or 5s, no doglegs or overhead plays.
- ELEVATION - Very little out here. Maybe 3 or 4 holes dive or climb by around 10 feet. Mastin Lake is the only area course with a bunch of good elevation changes.
- AVERAGE CHALLENGE - The difficultly out here is just south of average. As an intermediate player with about a 900 rating, I've been averaging about 4 down out here. Advanced players i've met seem to typically shoot 6 to 8 down or more.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
My current home course. This course is great for beginners through intermediate level players. Some advanced players will enjoy it too, as the lines require just enough thought to not make it a bore fest. Perfect for big groups with wide skill differences and for those looking to shoot a laid back round. All stated, the biggest reason to check out Brahan Springs is the History. There are no older courses anywhere outside of California.
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