Pros:
+ As of September 2023, blue banded DiscGolfPark baskets are in, the tees are still being installed (they are excellent, large and level turf mats on solid bases - consistent with other DiscGolfPark layouts), and I'm sure that excellent DiscGolfPark branded signage will follow. In the meantime, use uDisc for navigation and tee from the grass where necessary.
+ This is a wide open and very hilly park with picnic areas and athletic fields. Bathrooms and plenty of parking available. The layout plays alongside a few ballfields, but I think it's possible to play all holes while they're in use. The only interference will come from other park goers wandering the open areas
+ Very little in the way of hazards or trees to shape lines, but 12 of the 18 holes incorporate elevation change. And because the course is so open, any wind will have to be considered when throwing
+ One very fun feature is hole #11, which places the basket at the center of the base of a tower for overhead power lines. When I was playing I heard two in the group ahead of me hit the tower. A memorable feature that adds some spice to a course that has so many open holes
Cons:
- The tee on #16 is placed directly behind a large tree. The tree is maybe 20' in front of the tee, dead center (see picture). I understand the desire to create some interest and force some lines on a wide open course - but this is laughably bad to the point where I wondered if it was a terrible mistake (after looking for the basket in the opposite direction, because it would make sense to have the tee in front of this tree). So it forces you to play to the left or right - fine. But if you're playing to the right and you have any griplock, you'll be throwing at the next tee
- The one thing that bothers me more than it should is when a layout plays up and down the same hill. The back nine at Harmony includes going down, up, back down, and back up the same open hillside on holes 14 - 18.
Other Thoughts:
~ Two holes play alongside the main entrance road, and I think I saw a painted O.B. line on one. The signage will confirm any O.B. when it goes in but regardless, wild throws could be a safety issue.
~ The layout takes every bit of advantage of what it was given. It makes good use of the natural elevation on many holes. There are a couple of patches of weeds and bushes that are used as hazards on #6 and #8. The edges of the park are used on #5, #7 and #12. The tower on #11, and a few guardian trees to frame #15. The designer squeezed every bit of what was available into this design.
~ Harmony is a long play. There are a few long walks between holes, the hills are a bit of a workout, and much of the course plays at the edges of the park. Even playing alone could go 90 minutes or longer
~ Not sure who the intended audience is for this course. I'm really happy to see another municipal course, and one like this that's so wide open and in an existing park might welcome beginners. But it includes some ~300' uphill par 3's that could be discouraging. Experienced players: plenty of ace runs and birdies. Newbies: ignore par and have fun throwing - especially downhill!