Pros:
- Bourissa Hills DGC is a 9-hole beginner level course set in a small but well-equipped multi-use park. The course mostly avoids the other activities and is tucked away in the far back corner. Surrounded for the most part by woods, the small valley the course plays around and across is mostly open grass dotted occasionally with ancient oak trees. There's plenty of open areas to get some sun, but the shade is plentiful enough on even the hottest of days.
- Good use of the rolling elevation. #2 plays downhill across the valley, the basket protected by oaks. #3 plays uphill back across the valley, the pin placed precariously on the edge of the woods. #5 has a long gradual slope downhill. #'s 6 and 7 play laterally across the rim of the valley. Finally, #9 plays uphill, the pin sitting on the edge of a small drop-off. The rollaway potential on this hole is commensurate for this sort of course; definitely possible but not punishing enough to put off novice players.
- Great use of trees. Low ceiling shots on #'s 1, 6, and 8. Trees surround greens on #'s 1 and 8. Pins are placed next to woods to create risk (e.g., #3). Scattered trees provide obstacles throughout. A mulberry tree provides shade and berries at #5's tee.
Cons:
- The signage is a little suspect at this point. No distances or maps, just a wooden post with the number. It really doesn't affect play too much, except the first time through. #2's basket is the one tucked in the trees, not the one in the open to the right (trust me, it's not obvious).
- Natural tees. I'm guessing at some point that these will get upgraded. At the moment they're a non-factor but with play or in wet conditions they're far, far from ideal.
- Poison ivy is growing up the tree directly behind #2's basket. Be careful. It's also at the edge of the woods in most spots, and to the right of #1's tee.
- Picnic tables in play on #'s 1 and 2, although these look to be used infrequently. The tennis courts might come into play on #'s 4 and 5 on particularly bad shots, but again, these seem to be seldom used.
- A fence bounds the left side of #5's fairway. Lots of noob hyzers will go to the other side. The fence is low and easily jumped; however, I spoke with someone involved with the park and they said a section would most likely be removed, allowing easy access to the other side.
Other Thoughts:
- I was pleasantly surprised with this course. Solid if not spectacular for a 9-hole beginner level course. Lots of fun shots for beginners and more advanced players alike. Pros and upper-level players need not apply unless course bagging or using the course as a practice area (at which it excels).
- There's a broad piece of concrete to the right of #1's tee that could be used to play to any of the baskets as alternate holes.
- Shout out to gordonbombay for the assist!