Pros:
Boerne City Lake Park really is a gem. I found each and every hole to be enjoyable. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite hole on this course.
The course starts near the parking lot playing through a picnic area. I could see this possible being a problem on certain high usage days in the park. The signage here is outstandiing. Each of the colored signs features a map, distance, par, hole number and an arrow pointing to the next tee pad... Very infomative! The tee pads are natural with bark flanked by two limestone rocks. I didn't encounter any problems with them but I could see some player possibly hitting an ankle on a follow through. I found some of these rocks a perfect spot to rest my bag while I was teeing off. The baskets were Discatchers and they were great here.
Among my many favorite holes here were:
# 3. It's either 548'/728' but has a challenging, well thought out fairway. First you have to throw a fairly accurate drive over a small, blind rise, followed by your second shot which has to hyser through a somewhat narrow gap in the trees to have a shot at a birdie 3.
#5 is a fun little annie, 241', where you have to keep it low enough to stay under some branches and the basket has some trees and branches right in front of it for protection.
# 6 is another shot where shot placement is important as it's 471/575' with a dogleg let to contend with.
I like # 7, a short, 228' ACE run, with two possible routes to the basket.
# 8 was another fun little ACE run ,180', with the basket protected by some dead tree branches directly in front.
Cons:
The natural tee pads just don't hold up as well as concrete. I think this course probably doesn't get that much use (which is a shame considering what a joy it is to play) so the natural pads probably are holding up well here. They were in great shape when I played.
Tis a pity this course is only nine holes, I left wanting more.
On # 6, the front tee sign is somewhat in the way of those throwing off the back tee pad. This is a bad design flaw here.
Other Thoughts:
One of the very best 9 hole courses I've ever had the priviledge of playing. It's challenging, it's fun, it's quick, easy and delightful and thought provoking. My hats off to Mr. John Houck for this one. You hit a home run with Bourne City Lake DGC!