Pros:
As of now, there are two separate courses on site. The 18-hole mountain loop and the 22-hole forest loop. Five dollars gets you an all-day pass, which is well worth it. The course designer, "Logger" (aptly named), originally had one long layout that incorporated the cedar holes and the mountain holes. In 2010, two distinct layouts were installed. A gravel road that traverses to the top of the mountain separates the two courses.
The first thing to point out is the setting of this course. This is a several-hundred acre ski/mountain biking/disc golfing facility. The chalet, with full bar and grill, discs, and scorecards, is open daily. Affordable camping is also an option, which is perfect for weekend getaways. As this course is somewhat off the beaten path, there are very few people and definitely no mobs of recreational players. The course itself winds its way up hills and down ravines through a large stand of mature cedar and pine trees. Natural springs supply small streams of crystal clear water that wind through. This place is special.
Layout - The layout of White Cedar is now entirely off the ski slopes, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park. For the most part, this course isn't extremely long (average of 270 feet per hole) or even extremely tight, but it is challenging. The holes are fairly balanced, requiring nearly every throw in your arsenal. The first 10 holes wind down through the cedars and streams. The creek comes into play on six holes and plays out-of-bounds. After 10, be prepared for a hike. The course takes a turn and suddenly you're throwing across enormous ravines then hiking up and throwing down chutes. This is extremely fun, but vary demanding on the body. Bring good hiking footwear and water. Remember to take breaks, enjoy your surroundings, and maybe take a dip in the waterfall hole (9?). After hole 22, there is the option to walk to the top of the ski hill and play down (instead of just walking).
Baskets - A note on the basket position. There are two anchors for every single hole on the premises. The baskets are always set in alternating order. For example, all even holes will be in the long position, while all odd holes will be in the short position or vice versa. Yes, every week they change all 40 holes on the property. Changing the baskets every week will, in my opinion, alleviate some erosion. Talk to the attendant if you are still confused.
The baskets themselves are Chainstars. Enough said.
Signage - There are tee signs throughout the course, but they can be confusing at first. The sign doesn't show pin location relative to surrounds, rather the sign shows positions relative to where you are standing. Most baskets are visible from the tee box.
Navigation - There are arrows pointing the direction of the next holes throughout the course. Follow the arrows! If you wander off the trails marked with arrows, watch out for mountain bikers!
There are benches on several holes. There are no garbage cans on this course. There is no litter on this course. If you can pack it in, you can pack it out! (this should be the same at EVERY park).
Cons:
Tee Boxes - As this course is in its infancy, there are no tee pads yet. Shop mats/carpets, which help a lot, were installed on several holes due to slick conditions. The tee boxes on some holes are very short due to surrounding geography and vegetation, but many of these holes don't require an airport runway to tee off from.
Another con (for some people) is the occasional hike to the next hole. But the reward for the hike is an awesome next hole, so it was difficult to put this as a con.
A course map would be nice to some, but not necessary since there are navigational aids. With the layout changes that occurred in the past few years, the map would have be scrapped and re-drawn over and over.
Other Thoughts:
The hard work of the employees shows. Over the past few years, this course has seen several design changes, all for the better. Great courses, great people, great scenery, (great selection of beers) makes this place a win! The future looks good for Mont du Lac!
Remember to bring good footwear!