Pros:
+ Set in a nice, seemingly safe neighborhood
+ Scenic, great views of North Table Mtn. to the north and the elevation keeps your eyes moving around the course
+ Elevation in play on several holes
+ Trash can at T-1, occasional benches on walking paths (none at tees)
+ One of the nicest, most spacious port-o-johns I've ever had the privilege to use (located next to parking lot)
+ Bomber, birdie, and ace run opportunities
+ Nice variation in hole lengths
+ Plays a loop
Cons:
- Not much variety in shots needed
- Nothing terribly technical, mostly open shots
- Lack of obstacles makes most holes seem one dimensional, despite elevation
- TEES - marked on the sidewalk on some holes, others are concrete blocks in the ground. The only way to find these is to use the map or guess the position from the back of the pole sign. (More on that below)
- Possible bog/mud hazard in the summer after rain. The course plays along what looks like two former retention ponds w/ a berm going down the middle. Usually where you find cattails you find water so I have to think there's occasionally a fair amount.
- CROSSING FAIRWAYS - If you look at the map here you'll see several intersections - so not just close or overlapping fairways but totally INTERSECTING; I can see it diminishing the fun and even safety of play when there are several groups playing at once, there'd by too many people shouting FORE
Other Thoughts:
• The course plays around and through a circular walking path which can delay play if there are many people using it
• As stated above, the back of each pole sign has an arrow and approximate distance to the next tee. For some holes it's fairly obvious, others not so much (the tee for 7 is up the hill next to the picnic table)
• Some of the holes would probably be more challenging once there's foliage back on the trees
• Despite its issues, the course has some fun holes - Pole 2 is guarded by large lava rocks, 12 is a nice downhill RHBH shot to a pole that lies guarded behind a line of trees, just to name a couple
• Beware the landscaping/mowing crew out on Monday afternoons
• It's a great place for baggers, beginners & locals, but only if there aren't a lot of groups out; definitely not what I'd call a destination course
• Instead of cramming 18 holes into the area 10-12 would probably have sufficed, and eliminated the issue of crossing fairways
All in all, Estates Park is worth a look if you're a bagger/local, but issues w/ the tees and fairways are my major reasons for leaving it at 1.5. If both of these issues were addressed I'd consider it a 2.0, possibly a little higher depending on just how far they take those improvements.