Cons:
- Tee signs face weird directions
- Wood chip pile/Christmas tree area with brush/waste dumped smells bad and is unsightly
- Unfortunately, the length of the course needs to be mentioned, even if you aren't expecting a monster layout (we weren't and were happy)
- Welcome sign area is under-utilized with no course layout map or scorecards (still early in the season, though)
- No concrete tees (but this can also be a positive)
- Stumps could be painted blue to contrast with the color of the leaves better
Other Thoughts:
This is the shortest 18-hole course I've played. However, the land itself is utilized to its fullest potential, which is the saving grace and makes it worthy of play at any experience level. The thing to remember is: you're in one of northern Michigan's beautiful coastal towns right down the road from the incredible Tunnel of Trees (and Legs Inn!). Take what you can get and appreciate the secluded oasis this good 18-hole course offers.
That being said, I'll be honest and unbiased: this course will, in all likelihood, be a disappointment to advanced disc golfers who crave flexing their throwing muscles. But even they can appreciate the course! For advanced players, I offer this piece of insight: this is a perfect course for a quick solo round up north (while others shop?) or for the whole family.
Anyone can easily play it in 30-40 minutes solo and get in a decent workout on the hilly terrain. Drivers are unnecessary and most throws will fade rather fast because you won't be able to put snap on the disc without constantly overshooting baskets. This, and the fact that there aren't concrete tees, makes it a great course for practicing upshots. It's especially compatible with beginners as the holes play very calmly without much risk (although 12 and 13 had some risky business going on). Overall, there are only a few opportunities for frustrating roll-aways and those can be avoided by choosing BH/FH accordingly.
By far the best part of this course is the topography - nice hilly elevation changes. Distance issues can be overlooked and a lot of fun can be had throwing over small ravines, up or down gradual slopes, up or down steep slopes, to baskets on hillsides or little gullies, and through some heavily wooded fairways.
Beginners should be able to hit par on most holes without too much difficulty, which should help them enjoy themselves. Advanced players should be able to hit 5 under comfortably, which is always fun.
One thing I want to mention as a humble afterthought, is that hole 10's basket is clearly placed to be beginner/RHBH friendly, but I think that was a mistake (one that could still easily be corrected). The basket should be where 11's tee pad is, so the hole plays to the right reducing the RHBH right-to-left repetition, and to give the two loops a more symbiotic, yin-yang feel.
The last minor thing I want to mention is the oily black awful-smelling mess behind the wood chip/brush pile in the parking lot behind 18's basket. Avoid it. Make your dog avoid it, too. It's only like 8x10 feet, but it needs to be addressed by the city fast.
Worth playing? Definitely.
Thanks for reading! And thanks for putting up the course Harbor Springs!