Pros:
(2.240 Rating) (RE-Evaluated) A typical south Florida landscape with a very serviceable 9 holer.
- UPDATES - I felt the need to update this review without replay as significant changes had occurred that effected numerous parts of my prior review. My biggest complaint in my original review was holes (8) thru (16), which were generally openish holes with significant safety hazards and spacing issues. All of these holes have been thankfully axed. Old holes (17) and (18) have been relabeled to (8) and (9). The removed holes actually caused more harm than good, ratings wise, on my original review.
- TWO TEES - There are now two tees on each of the remaining 9 holes. The Blue pads are the longs and the Red pads are the shorts. This really expands the skill level set appeal compared to one tee courses. It also increases the play variety and also replayability for the locals.
- CHALLENGING - On paper, the Blue layout looks to be ideal for Intermediate level players. The holes average over 300 feet long from these pads. Holes like (2), (5) and (7) are going to test players mentally as water is lurking and waiting for discs to gobble up. The Red pads average around 250 feet long and look ideal for Rec and Novice level players.
- QUICK PLAY - I flew thru this course in under an hour on my first time and solo when it was an 18er. I can't imagine it taking a solo more than 30 minutes to play 9 here unless its loaded with groups.
- RAW BEAUTY - Way better than before as the ugly portion is gone. I went with 20 percentile originally and I've upped it to almost 50 percentile on my ledger now. The course plays around a pleasant looking lake and there is a lot of the typical south Florida tropical vegetation here. On the flipside, the course is surrounded by urban sprawl.
Cons:
Limited potential.
- HOLE VARIETY - Although I think losing the 9 bad holes helped this course overall, the removal did slightly impact the variety. The removed holes had a lot of open length where some bombs could be launched. The remaining 9 is basically all moderately wooded with a constant tropical vibe to it. There are some nice water play elements, but like most Florida courses, very little elevation impact. No par 4s currently and no open or heavily wooded holes either imo. I'd say the hole variety is above average among niners, but below average when compared to all courses.
- SPACING - Better than before, but less than ideal. The worst spacing offenders have been removed and there are no longer city roads or baseball fields in play. The 3 hole stretch of (3) thru (5) parallel each other with not much buffer. Backyard fences come into play on a couple holes. Factoring out the lake area, there might be only 4 or 5 acres of dry land left over for the course.
- AMENITIES - It's hard for me to grade this aspect without seeing the current make-up. Losing 9 baskets is obviously an amenity loss. However, new DISCatcher baskets is a big plus. There were no benches at the tees went I played it and I have not read any indication that seating is available now. The tee signage is new but simple. I assume that restrooms are still present and that the shelter areas haven't been taken down.
Other Thoughts:
It was sure nice to read on ElementZ's review that they killed off the ill-advised extra nine-hole loop that was strife with issues. I had noted in my original review that I thought this loop actually made the course worse overall. Perhaps the people in charge read my review and made the necessary changes...not. I originally scored the 18 holer a 1.879. With the fat trimming and other noted updates, I've decided to raise the score by well over ¼ point. I would now personally call this one a tweener 2.25 course in my books. Kind-of puts into perspective how bad the removed holes were.