Agape DGC

Only Course For Miles Around. PROS: + COURSE MAP PROVIDED + As of this revision, this was only one of five free courses that provided a map. They were located in the mailbox on #1 tee. However, o ... show more ›

Only Course For Miles Around.
PROS:
+ COURSE MAP PROVIDED + As of this revision, this was only one of five free courses that provided a map. They were located in the mailbox on #1 tee. However, on my last two appearance out here there were none in the mailbox. I question whether they still fill it.
+ NAVIGATION + This was one of the easiest courses to navigate that I've ever played. The map had a lot to do with that but even if none are in the box, there's a downloadable version on DGCR. In addition, there are no blind baskets and few trees. I'll also mention that the course is good for those that like to bring out the disc golf cart.
+ MAINTENANCE + The grounds appear to be mowed weekly. The park has been clean every time here for me despite the lack of garbage cans along the layout. I have never seen any areas that had significant overgrowth.
+ FORGIVENESS + The odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is low with a one exception. In the event that the currently dry creek bed is at its banks, then yes, it's possible.
+ QUICK PLAY + A single can easily complete a full 9 in under 30 minutes. Groups of 4 in under an hour.
+ ACEABILITY + A few of the holes are highly aceable. You'll have great opportunities on holes (3, 7 and 8)
+ NIGHT GOLF + This is an ideal night golf course. Spacious fairways, few trees, no overgrowth and no water hazards in play, if the creek is dry.
+ GROW THE SPORT + No doubt will this course aid in growing the sport by offering easy access to learn the game at a beginner friendly course. To my knowledge this is the only course in Jackson County and according to DGCR, the next closest course is 25 miles away.

CONS:
The course has a ways to go and will be limited in some regards to improvements due to plot of land's natural limitations.
- UNIQUENESS - The holes themselves in terms variety are below average. Most shots are open with a spattering of trees. The hole yardage does vary a bit, 180 to 500 feet, so you'll get a couple opportunities to let one rip, especially on holes 2,4 and 5. There are two tree split mando's, but they are so wide and close to the tee that they do not even register in my shot thought process.
- ELEVATION - Really none to speak of. This is not really typically for this part of Alabama, but it just so happens to be what's there on this church parcel of land. Total elevation change is not much more than 5 feet throughout the entire course layout.
- CHARACTER - The course lacks most of the character items you'd find at an older established course. No community board, no hole map signage (just hole marking posts with distance), no trash cans, no alternate tees or alternate pin placements. There is one bench on hole 1, which is a good place to put one if you just have the one.
- BASKET AND TEE SEPARATION - There are numerous occurrences where the basket and next tee are perilously close. Several times they are separated by less than 40 feet.
- TEES - A typical big issue with a new course is the tees. All 9 of them are dirt which obviously come with territory of being a newer course. I travel to Scottsboro several times a year, so I will continue to update my rating when/if they install some other tee pad system. There is also little shading at the tees.
- CHAINS - They are playable but among the oddest I've ever come across. I believe they are "Instep". They don't make that nice ching noise that you'd expect of the DGA's, DISCatchers or Chainstars. I will add however, that they oddly grabbed my disc pretty good during my putts. It looks like the chains are not the original as they are heavier than the out the box instep basket version.
- SPACING - Below average, Several of the fairways feel partially shared. Disc will likely end in other fairways on several holes. I personally had my first black ace here on (2) and thankfully no one saw it.
- DIFFICULTY - Not much of a challenge to even intermediate players as they should have no problem breaking par. Recreation players may be delighted however as it can be a feel good round. It's a great opportunity for those players around even to finish a couple over.
- WIND - Due to the lack of trees, wind will likely be a major issue. 10 mph breeze during my visit and it was suppose to be a calm day for winds.
- LOCATION - Course is a trek to get to from any city of size. A good 30 minutes from the interstate. Unless you live in Scottsboro or have relatives that do (like me), it will be hard to check this one off your list.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
An adequate beginners and recreational players course for those living within 5-10 miles due to the low amount of hazards and overgrowth. Probably worth a look see if your within 50 miles and you feel the need to play every course once. For course baggers? As always, a must play ;)