Pros:
Bidwell Park - Long is located in Chico, CA and is a dry desert like course. The land is hot and shade is few and far between, especially during the hot summer months. The course design provides a lot of challenges that require long powerful drives, tight fairway shots, and short accurate up shots which usually is affected by the harsh wind. Holes #2 and #3 are unbelievable, with a very steep cliff to the right that is unforgiving. With bushes and trees scattered periodically throughout the course, it is essential to bring lots of water and sunscreen. During the spring time, the course is beautiful and at its best!
Besides visiting the Sierra Nevada Brewery in
Chico, this course is worth a game if in the area. If pressed for time however, I recommend playing the long course only. The other course is more like a pitch and putt compared to it's big brother course.
Cons:
At the time there were only targets which we all know is never as good as the real thing. The tee pads were dirt like the course but were not always level, and rather bumpy making footing tricky at times. During the wetter part of the year, the course can also get quite muddy.
However, I have been told that the local club has been working hard to fix most of the issues, and were trying to eventually put in baskets which would make the course rate higher.
Other Thoughts:
Bidwell - Long is challenging and fun, but without the infamous cliff shots of holes #2 and #3, not nearly as impressive as many of the holes seem somewhat redundant.
The locals are friendly however, and are always helpful in showing you around. The course can be difficult to naviagate so make sure you print off a map or find a local when playing. Enjoy!