Pros:
-Well thought out tee and basket placement on most holes
-Multiple tee and basket locations
-Chainstar baskets (MY FAV!)
-Good mix of open and wooded holes
-OB and Water Hazards come in to play often
Other Thoughts:
Hole 1 - The course starts with a short wooded fairway. A very straight forward hole, which reminded me of the back 9 at Sedgley Woods.
Hole 2 - A long, somewhat laborious, wooded hole. 2 to 3 straight accurate throws should get you in putting range of the basket on the right. Beware of getting caught in the "shit" to the left or right of the fairway.
Hole 3 - I'm calling this hole the Chris Christie, because of its insatiable appetite for discs. The tee pad is approx. 50 feet behind a 15 foot tall mound of dirt. You have to navigate your disc between the dirt mound (aka Christie's Pot Belly) and the overhanging branches just above, all while making sure to get the distance to make it over the pond. The basket sits about 30 feet high on the other side of the pond. A missed putt here will cost you dearly.
Hole 4 - This hole opens up to a mixed wooded area with lots of tall grass and a very nice scenic view. Accuracy will be rewarded here. A well placed shot landing just before the tall grass will open up a second throw straight to the basket tucked back in the trees to the left. There is a small ravine between the tall grass and basket on the left hand side, which I would avoid at all costs.
Hole 5 - The first true "field hole." Wind comes into play, but if you have a big arm you should be able to get there in 1. The fairway is well maintained, but watch out for the tall grass to either side.
Hole 6 - Another field hole that is much longer than the previous. The fairway is wide with trees to the left, and tall grass to the right. The hole finishes in a raised wooded area, with nice bulk head style steps that also act as a good landing pad.
Hole 7 - The course loops back around to the same pond seen at hole 3. A long straight low flying shot should get you to the other side of the pond with no problem. This hole definitely has ace potential!
Hole 8 - From here, the course brings you back to the wooded area for a hole that has a sharp dog leg left. A narrow fairway is met by a clump of trees that you will be lucky to get through. The basket is tucked behind a small grouping of trees at the far left.
Hole 9 - Another wooded hole where you will have to execute a very accurate shot to get through the clumping of trees in the center, though I'd say luck has more to do it. Cutting down some trees on the left hand side could really make this hole interesting and give the player the option of busting out a nice flick roller.
Final Thoughts - I do not feel the majority of reviews for this course are very honest. I'm as excited as everyone else for the opportunity to play a legit disc golf course so close to my home, but I do not feel that excitement should overshadow some glaring flaws. I realize this course is a work in progress (and believe me I am very appreciative of the work that has been put forward so far), but the only way to make the course better is with honest constructive criticism.
Final Final Thoughts - This course is a mixed bag. Holes 3-7 are near perfect, and offer an exhilarating experience at almost every turn. Holes 1-2 need some variety. A well placed double stack of logs on either side of hole 1 or 2, forcing the player to throw a narrow tunnel shot, could be a nice addition. A dog leg left with a clear path to the basket and a mando at the turn could really spice things up on 8. The same could be done on 9, going the opposite direction. Addressing these concerns combined with the cons listed above could turn this course into something very special. Stafford Woods has amazing potential!
PS - Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kibitz Room at the corner of Springdale and Evesham Roads. Great sandwiches with the best pickle bar in South Jersey.