Pros:
Squirrel Run is a newly expanded course about a half hour north of Youngstown in Cortland. It is located in a beautiful state park that's known for its excellent fishing and trails. Most state parks with courses in Ohio are very well done, and Squirrel Run is no exception.
+ There are signs pointing the way from the park entrance all the way to the disc golf parking lot. Makes navigation driving in really easy to follow. The parking lot is massive so you'll never have an issue finding a spot. Permanent restrooms and a good sized pavilion are right next to the first tee.
+ Each hole is equipped with a concrete tee pad, as well as a tee sign and a DISCatcher basket. There are signs pointing the way to the next tee to make navigation easy to follow.
+ Even though elevation change is severely lacking, there's enough variety to make things very interesting and different. You'll see a perfect mix of distances, tree coverage, and hole shapes. The lake also comes into play on a few holes. This makes for a consistently entertaining round.
+ Holes 2 and 3 are my favorites here. Two plays downhill with a nice curve to the left. There are large scattered trees all the way down the hill. Three is a long water carry onto a peninsula. Wind will almost always come into play as it blows right to left off of the lake. This is the only hole with an alternate tee for players who can't carry the water.
+ Pretty much free of trash and debris (as most state parks are),
+ Just about every hole factors in the "risk reward" component. Many holes will really reward you if you hit the right lines. But getting a little edgy and failing will put you in a very tough spot. Well designed!
+ There are scorecards located at #1 and #3. They are some of the best disc golf scorecards you'll see! A colorful map on the back and clear, organized hole details on the front.
+ Only one pin location per hole. (This goes as a plus in my book, but might be a negative for others).
+ Makes a loop back to the starting point. If you forget something in the car, there's a few chances to run back over.
Cons:
- Baskets are all misnumbered because of the expansion. It could get a little confusing at first glance.
- Only one set of tees (excluding #3). All skill levels have to play from the same tee. It would be nice to see two or three tees total in the future.
- I don't have a problem with any hole in particular except for #7. It's way too compact for my taste, it's really, really difficult to find a line to the basket and hit it.
- No benches or trash cans anywhere on the course.
- You may have to deal with a few pedestrians on the holes that are more open. Holes 3 and 4 play really close to the dog park as well.
- The "greens" are mostly bland. #4 and #9 can be interesting, but other than that you'll have done pretty easy approach shots.
Other Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Squirrel Run! Lots of effort and dedication was put in to add the additional holes and concrete tees. Can only get better from here!