Kudzu Cove

I can imagine it’s just as difficult to create a destination disc golf course as it is to define it. I think that’s because it must happen organically, if not serendipitously. It just can’t be f ... show more ›

I can imagine it’s just as difficult to create a destination disc golf course as it is to define it. I think that’s because it must happen organically, if not serendipitously. It just can’t be forced or contrived. Kudzu Cove is one of the better examples of what it takes to create that special destination and, in my view, it sets the bar high. The course is situated on private property and is in a perfect setting for golf. Its design appeals to a broad range of players from newer folks ready to take a bite off a bigger course to the seasoned advanced throwers who appreciate a thoughtful design.

The scenery here is stunning, if not more so than the golf. The sprawling property where the course calls home is on the north side of Buck Island, just outside of Guntersville, Alabama. Panoramic views of Lake Guntersville present themselves in the distance shadowed below the gently rolling ends of the Appalachian Mountains. Grassy fields, wooded areas skirted by wetlands, ponds, rocky outcrops, and rolling hills define the landscape that has shaped an area one might figure was perfectly suited for disc golf. It’s no wonder that folks have been delighted at the opportunity to play in this little slice of heaven.

I tend to think there’s a certain logistical beauty to a well-designed, well-balanced course. There’s more variety of hole types here than almost any example I can recall. You can just about name 18-hole types along the 18-hole course. When it’s windy, which is often in my experience, it plays like a different course than when you’re treated to an occasional calm day and therefore a more relaxing round. And for those who simply enjoy a course with a huge fun factor, this place is for you. You will be tempted to unload your bag on more than a few holes.

When hole 16 is in its newer par 5 position, you’ll be facing a nearly 6400’ par 58 course. Depending on other possible configurations, due to a few holes boasting multiple pin placements, you’ll find a slightly shorter and somewhat more forgiving par 57 at roughly 6100’, or somewhere between. Either way, you’ll hike nearly two miles to play the track over a virtual roller coaster of ups and downs giving your discs plenty of airtime.

Turf tee pads are becoming increasingly more popular and that’s what you will find here. Often, they have spared no resources or labor to have them expertly installed on raised areas to create a roomy run up and level area. They have a carefully packed foundation and gravel to insure proper drainage. Only a couple show minor unevenness or lumpiness causing just the most stringent of tee pad purists to talk out of the side of their mouth. What’s most remarkable are the wooden decks that have been installed for the tee pads. Seven of the eighteen pads have you throwing from these extraordinary structures around the course. These really are one-of-a-kind pads and they’re a treat to throw from.

The course has a few other bells and whistles. Mach 5 baskets are in great shape, and they’re equipped with flags to help you spot them or gauge the wind. There are decent tee signs, but it should be cautioned that some are outdated as the course continues to be tweaked and improved. I would expect to see new signs in the future as the last of the wrinkles are ironed out on the layout. Trashcans, benches, and other amenities dot the course. There is a bathroom on site behind hole 2’s tee pad if needed. There is plenty of parking on site.

Given its varied design and hole types, you can’t help but notice the course has somewhat of a split personality, namely the front and back nine. The front is the more wooded side of the course and asks for surgical precision at times while avoiding water and other out-of-bounds areas as you move along. Completing the first loop back to where you started, hole 9 brings you out of the woods with its 675’ downhill bomber’s delight. No one will complain about this teeing area and nearly 200 square foot covered deck with built-in benches.

Meanwhile, the carefully laid out back nine loop is the predominantly open side of the course and may allow you to tinker with your shot selection a little more. You still must be careful though, while there may be less water on this side, there’s no shortage of out-of-bounds. This is also where you are treated to the most pronounced elevation with many steeper hills and, depending on how in-shape you are, probably some heavy breathing. But the workout on the hills does pay off. Hole 12, for example, is one of the more gorgeous views from the tee on the course. It’s a challenging downhill shot with a peninsula island green of sorts with plenty of out-of-bounds. This is a hole that I love, even though I hold an inveterate grudge against it. On the other hand, looking at my scores in the past on this hole, it would seem it holds one against me.

And as if it were intentional, hole 18 is probably the crowd favorite for the signature hole on the course with its downhill run to an island green. From my experience here, and depending on your score up to this point, it’s a hole that will make you struggle to know when to bet and when to fold. As such, many find themselves running the island while others lay up and are happy to finish out with a par (which isn’t always as easy as it sounds).

If you enjoyed the course, you could thank first and foremost Frank, the owner of the property and his willingness to install the course. He has spent time and resources on the course, something that is self-evident once you see it for yourself. Frank is a welcoming man who is often accompanied by his wife, Kim. Both seem to be equally delighted to have visitors on the course. From what I can tell, both seem to find a real joy watching others enjoying their amazing property. This goes for those non-golfing visitors who may be just enjoying a weekend at the Kudzu Cove Cabins, the island, and all that Guntersville has to offer. It should be noticed that Frank and Kim’s generosity is such that they don’t even charge for the disc golf. Thank you, guys!

When it comes to the nuts and bolts of the course, it could be said that it wouldn’t be what it is with without Jeff and Jessica Cowen. They are essentially the creators, designers, and current stewards and shepherds of the course. If you cross paths with them here, you will definitely want to chat it up and hear the oft told tales of the course’s history and future. The Cowen’s have a wonderful family complete with two daughters. It was immediately evident to me that both these girls love the great outdoors and one of them is particularly interested in disc golf and is already an incredibly competitive player! Be sure not to miss saying hello to the crew if you have the chance! Another thanks to the Cowen’s for their dedication to the course and all their hard work!

The Kudzu Cove Cabins, each with their own theme and complete with viewing decks and porches, are scattered around and offer lodging for extended disc golf weekends and tourneys. But don’t overlook them for excellent accommodations even if disc golf is not in your plans. Keep in mind, if you’re bringing friends and family who don’t care to disc golf, there is plenty to do here on the island (including but not limited to hillbilly golf), nearby downtown, and no shortage of nature to discover. Enjoy!

Great mix of technical disc golf and long, beautiful tee shots. Overlooks Lake Guntersville and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lots of elevation change, and demand to con ... show more ›

Great mix of technical disc golf and long, beautiful tee shots. Overlooks Lake Guntersville and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lots of elevation change, and demand to control the angle of your disc-especially off of the tee. An amazing property to take in and play, and each season offers incredible changes from the colors of fall to the lush of summer. The seasons also bring subtle changes to the front, more technical side of the course with some lines being opened up as the vegetation dies off. A true destination course, that has cabins on site to rent that will allow you to enjoy all Guntersville has to offer. It’s also very accessible to play anytime. A must play course.

A beautiful property right in between Huntsville and Birmingham. THEY HAVE CABINS FOR RENT ON THE COURSE! Nice elevation changes along the track. Several water elements. The fairways are fair. Very ni ... show more ›

A beautiful property right in between Huntsville and Birmingham. THEY HAVE CABINS FOR RENT ON THE COURSE! Nice elevation changes along the track. Several water elements. The fairways are fair. Very nice people involved all around. There's even volunteers that retrieve discs from the water periodically and have turned in hundreds of wet discs. Also, THE VIEWS.