Pros:
The Patriot course at Pineland Farms is truly a great course. Of the 7 Maine courses I have played now, it is near the top of the list, in very close competition with Troll Valley. Instant favorite for sure.
The set up is done well. Tees are rubber mats on good foundations that I had no issues with. The signs have the relevant info you need to get through each hole. All baskets are in good form. Most transitions from hole to hole are logical, but there are a couple of longer walks. Signs are there to point the way.
There are many great holes on this one, most featuring mature trees and elevation change, others are covering open spreads of grass. The edge of a small pond is in play on 16 and 17. It's more of a factor on 16 as there is a bit of a water carry if you choose to take a direct line.
The first hole is hum drum, but use it as a warm up and the disappointment will fade rapidly. 2 is a big downhill that requires perfect mix of trajectory and power to find the right distance and negotiate gaps between a stand of tall trees. It was probably my favorite hole on the course. 4 Is long and open, with a nice altitude fall off the tee, and some contour to the fairway as well. The edges roll off down to the tree line, and the pin is atop a bit of a hill. The fairway on 8 is a fun drive, with the trail to the right, and heavy woods to the left. The basket is left side and downhill in a clearing, and it takes a nice rip to get there.
10 is lengthy and steadily uphill, with a bit of a bend to the left mid fairway. There are different gaps you can sneak into, but the central line has a clear advantage on the second shot approach if you can hold it. 11 is also uphill, but not as much gain, over less distance. 13 is a slight downhill and one of the shorter holes, but the pin position is surrounded by trees, and it takes a well controlled shot that doesn't tail off to one side or the other to hold the green. 16 is over the reeds on the banks of a small pond. It isn't very long, and you can play the right side if you want to minimize risk. Throw short and you're in trouble, too long and you are past the pin and running downhill. It's an ace run I nearly hit, but wound up with an uphill comeback that I did not get. 17 is open for the first half, then gets into trees that are thick on both sides of the line. Entry point is critical, and the drive must have a low trajectory with plenty of momentum to have a shot at a birdie here.
Cons:
It costs money to play these two magnificent courses, boo hoo. A few holes are on the bland side, such as 1, 5, and 15. You are likely to have joggers and bicyclists passing on the trails that traverse the park near the course in a few spots.
This one is a tough round, and novice players are likely to have a long day here. It takes good technique and ability to get distance with accuracy to score well. Hills are not extreme, but there is a lot of up and down. The footing may be rough in spots, especially when you leave the fairways.
Other Thoughts:
The Patriot is fantastic. Minuteman course is also a fun track, shorter with roller coaster elevation changes. The Pineland Farms also has many other activities. I enjoy having a beer and wine trailer near the office, it makes a great place for a pit stop between rounds.
Patriot hit me hard on the scorecard. No birdies and 12 over par. I had 4 double bogies and 4 bogies. There are seven par 4 holes, with four consecutive on holes 4-7. Several of the par 3's are very unforgiving. This is a legit par 61. Maybe I'm a wierdo, but the +12 here is more satisfying than the -12 you might bag at Pleasant Hill or Sabuttus Hawk.
If you're in the area and have the chance, I recommend that you play both courses at Pineland Farms. Patriot is a championship level test of skills, and Minuteman is a romp around non-stop hilly birdie holes. A great way to spend a morning.