For the most part (see cons), the new Brewer Champ 18 is a well-designed, well-executed, championship caliber course that is well suited to tournament play, but not necessarily intimidating to less experienced players, with some legit Par 4's. On the whole, there's a nice mix of fairway types, shapes, elevation and distances.
• Variety: Very good. Starts with 6 or so moderately wooded holes where a good portion of the old North Course used to be, then transitions to open, bomber type holes draped across the open, rolling fields where the old South course used to play.
+ The wooded holes do good job of forcing you to hit either a specific line, or at least a landing spot with a few options you could take to get there off the tee. Some feature well-guarded baskets, but all of them were quite fair, very executable, and never felt plinko-like. The wooded holes offer a decent mix of L/R/straight fairways, changes in elevation as well as a few flat fairways, and a nice range of distances.
+ The open holes present a wide range of distances, many of which play noticeably longer/shorter because of the elevation. For the most part, missing the fairway on these holes could cost a stroke if you end up a long way from the fairway (which, given the combo of distances and wind, is entirely possible) ...but big arms might be able to get back on track with a longer than usual (but well placed) 2nd shot.
+ By their nature, open holes can't really force a specific line. That said, well placed trees can eliminate some routes or force you to hit a window, while still allowing many ways to do so. One long (550'+), straight hole has brutally punishing rough all the way down the right side of the fairway: missing left is OK... missing right could be painful, and easily cost you a disc. There's a 300'+ downhill shot with two trees (clearly marked "MANDO") on either side of the fairway...basically forming a goal post framing the green. Split the uprights, and you should at least catch a glimpse of a birdie. Miss wide, and best case scenario is likely a bogie.
• Elevation: Very good. Nothing extreme, but Brewer's varying topography ranges from relatively flat to quite substantial. Course designers used it to great effect in a variety of ways, employing elevated tees, sloped greens, uphills, and a couple of looong, gently sloping downhills that really let you stretch out some of your longest tee shots.
• Challenge: Very good. Most of the challenge lies in the distance... there's some serious length to many of the holes... the kind of length where even Open players can get a full flight path out of distance drivers. Those who are distance challenged could feel overmatched. Your ability to handle wind (off the tee, when placing upshots, and while putting) will likely be tested as well. An elevated basket and pins near slopes will also challenge your decision making when considering to go for chains or lay-up.
• Equipment: Excellent. New concrete tees are reasonably sized, level, and grippy. New Discatchers are easy to spot and catch well... no more getting "Brewered" by janky old baskets!
Tee signs are coming, but were not installed as of this review, so I can't comment.
I did see several Next Tee signs where appropriate.
• Routing/Nav: Good. Overall flow was quite good. My guide was very familiar with the layout, but there didn't seem to be any real tricky spots. Experienced course baggers shouldn't need a map, and as busy as Brewer is, there are sure to be locals to point you in the right direction.
• Fun Factor: Definitely, but very dependent on how much:
a) you like/dislike "air it out," bomber type holes.
b) are frustrated by wind.
• Memorable Holes: I don't recall specific hole #'s because I was really enjoying the company I was with, but many of the holes themselves were memorable: A long tunnel shot through a gauntlet of trees, a couple of uphill ace runs and some real grip & rip holes. I particularly liked the last wooded hole before the open section (#6, maybe?): a long sweeping fairway where shorter arms need to hit a landing zone. Also liked the short hole up a steep hill, with the basket near the back of the hill with a nasty rollaway looming if you miss.
• Aesthetics: Every bit a nice, pleasant park setting, with some nice touches that add eye appeal as well as functionality. Big props for repurposing old concrete tees to create flagstone-like structures to combat erosion around a few tees, and provide seating/place to set your bag.
• Cart Friendly: Very. You have to get up and down hills, but there are no impediments or obstacles to work over or around.