Pros:
Baskets: Brand new baskets which are really easy to see in the dark areas of the course with their yellow rims.
Tee Signs: All really easy to read and follow. I like the elevation changes on the bottom of the maps. Especially for holes where there is a blind tee shot this gives an indication of what to expect.
Managed site: I was lucky enough to meet the centre manager whilst playing (he was crossing the site from the climb tower to the ski centre and had decided to play a couple of holes along the way). He was really excited about the course and the developments that were possible. He also told me of the extreme course the staff have been playing - which includes teeing off from the top of the abseil tower and aiming at basket 5! That sounds epic! All the staff I met were extremely knowledgeable and interested to learn more.
Access: This course is less than 200m from Small heath station. However if arriving on foot, do not walk down to the road entrance of Ackers and follow the drive, it is much quicker to walk along the canal towpath and then cut down the hill to the entrance at the white bridge.
Cons:
Location: This isn't the nicest area of Birmingham and as much as the course is a superb layout, the location its built in may hinder visitor numbers. I was wary about leaving my bag on the ground and looking for baskets when I was faced with a blind tee shot. Please take this comment the wrong way I really enjoyed the course I just felt wary of people around me virtually my whole round
Cost: If you come just to play 1 round £6 is a bit steep. If staying longer then this might make it worth a day trip but for just one round I felt over charged.
Direction maps: Between some holes (clubhouse to 1, 1 to 2/3, 6 to 7) there are direction maps to help you find the next tee. I feel that the one which shows holes 2 and 3 quite confusing and may need reworking. Also maybe next tee arrows could be added to baskets?
Other Thoughts:
This course is superb. It makes full use of the elevation changes which are available and gives some unique holes which I have not seen anywhere else in the UK.
All my descriptions are for the white tee's
Hole 1: A nice S shaped hole, which bends right off the tee and then back left through a small gap in the trees. The basket is cut into the hillside across the dip.
Hole 2: the only wide open hole on the course. Enjoy the freedom to play a nice hyzer to the basket, this will be your only chance.
Hole 3: A blind uphill tee shot, into a deep valley before throwing up again to a plateau where the basket is sat near a deep pot hole. The second hill also has a narrow gap to hit or you will be deep in the hawthorn. A really unique hole and a challenge to get right.
Hole 4: 2 routes off the tee, FH or BH routes available, but both require you to hit small gaps. Overthrow either side and you will be faced with a tricky up shot
Hole 5: Get your crampons out, your gonna need them here. A flat tee shot around 3-4 tress and then up steeply to the basket. The chance of a roll away is great here so be careful.
Hole 6: A superb hole, a blind tee shot down a thin gully. Once you clear the ridge the hole falls away. A low straight shot with a bit of a skip is what you need here. Anywhere left or right and you are in trouble. Careful not to go too far left and the zipwire track comes down.
Hole 7: This hole plays across the old car park, to a low ceiling where the basket is set back in the trees. When the laurel hedges grow up a bit this could be a really difficult hole.
Hole 8: The way this hole has been cut, tricks the eye. Off the tee there is a path which curves slightly left with old tree stumps. Don't be tricked to play up this gully. The basket is over on your right. through the tree base.
Hole 9: A thin tunnel shot to end which plays across a 45 degree slope. Expect a roll away or 2 from here, it is extremely difficult to get a disc to stick on the green. The trees to the right are very dense so any upshot from here could be a fight.
I really enjoyed my round and will return, but only when I have a day free and so I can get better value for my money than one round.