Pros:
- new concrete tees
- revitalized course and growth after the extended closure
- weathers the storms well
- new baskets/bright repaints
- recent support from parks and rec benefits future support
Cons:
- tee signs on tee boxes
- shortened tee box
- directional signage for holes disconnected from course
Other Thoughts:
Overall, Rivery has always been a solid course that all levels of players enjoy.
Rivery will test your short range and medium range throwing skills with placement and accuracy. There are many Ace runs here so if you want the chance for one, come here and get it.
Most recently part of the course was closed for over a year while they improved the park, improved utilities in the area, and added amenities to the course and area. Essentially it closed the whole course since players avoided all of the construction. This closure time actually allowed the growth of the fairways and beauty to come back. It also changed some of the throwing lines and made some pretty tight, but doable, shots (i.e. 9 and 10)
The new concrete tees are short, but honestly its not a "big arm" course where you need a big tee box, but the tee sign on the box is a slight issue.
The Parks department inexperience showed by placing it there, but their intentions were good... just a little off. It was discussed with them to make some changes or come to a middle ground agreement, but the word right now is that it is staying.
I think a better consideration for players is to keep a great relationship with them, help them learn more about our needs and the sport, and then maybe use that relationship to extend the boxes (or use other options) and avoid the weird feeling of having a tee sign right over your shoulder. The sign position does not ruin the course or tee box.
Another note, the course needs better signage for some of the holes that are broken apart by the bridge. Example, a sign that tells you to get to #6, walk under the bridge. A sign that directs you to #12 when you are walking the sidewalk, etc. Unless you are familiar with the course, you may not know where to go.
Lastly, I would encourage a safety sign on Hole #6. People on the sidewalk and that overall area do not know that you are throwing that way. I had a young man riding his bike and commented that he did not know that it was a fairway. This simple thing would avoid a nasty accident.
In the end Rivery is a fun course to play and it is beautiful to enjoy. It's a great walk in the woods and a great challenge for your playing skills.
It's a great "valley" course also when the winds are bad all across Central Texas.. it allows you to get away from the bad winds and still have some fun.