Pros:
As a first time visitor who prefers shorter, tree lined, technical courses at the intermediate level of difficulty, Bear Branch's new design made for an ideal stop on a late Texas afternoon. From its beautiful, large, level, concrete tees, through quality, informative tee signage, from an abundance of 'next tee' signs when needed, through benches, bridges, and steps, and finally to its new 24 chain dga baskets, this course delivers on all the amenities.
But the design of the course is what really leaves a positive impression. Given the flat terrain and limited space available in the wooded periphery of a soccer sports complex, the first few holes give you opportunities to shape shots right to left, L-R, R-L, then straight, and that level of variety is maintained for 18 holes. Hole distances are in the recreational to intermediate range, with most between 225 and 275 feet, but mixed in are a couple under 200', and a couple between 370 and 445'. There is a pond to the left of holes 6 and 15, but plenty of room to play it safe if you want to keep your discs dry.
Course flow is fine, and easy to follow for any first timer who brings the map and watches the signs, though there are a couple of walks between holes. Hazards at adjoining fairways are kept to a minimum. You may want to walk ahead to locate tees the first time through, but the signs really help if you want to throw 'blind' on the handful of holes where you can't see the basket from the tee.
Cons:
The course lies in a bit of a flood plain, and is both flat, and prone to hold water. The soil is sandy, so it won't get you too muddy, but there are a lot of mosquitoes in season. There's not a lot of 'distance' on this course, if that's what you're looking for. The wooded lanes, though fair for intermediate skill levels and above, may still result in tree kicks for beginners, recreational players, and even guys who want to force ace runs out of every chance.
On the positive side, those tree kicks are unlikely to result in a lost disc, as the piney woods reduce most thick underbrush. Finally, there are unavoidable walks from time to time (especially from 16 to 17 & from 18 back to your car).
Other Thoughts:
If you are coming to Bear Branch for the first time, go to the last soccer fields on the left, and not to the church parking lot beyond. You'll see the course map and the entry to the woods at hole 1. Enjoy: it's a great opening hole.
As a disc golfer approaching 7 years and 300 reviews, bordering on intermediate skills, while playing with folks from 7 to 87 years old, I try to write reviews helpful to all.