Pros:
Let me be clear from the get go that the actual quality of the disc golf is a bit below the 4.0 rating I gave the course, but this course cannot be evaluated without giving credit to its unique amenity. For any unfamiliar, the Briscoe Park course in Alvin is FULLY LIT AT NIGHT (until 10:30) FOR NIGHT PLAY.
With that said:
-Course has done a very nice job of making the best of flat, wooded land. The design largely takes you through fairways and small meadows carved out of the wooded area on the edge of the park. While not the most picturesque area, holes do feel fair and thoughtful.
-Course strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge. Generally speaking there are not a ton of longer holes, and the longer ones that are there are very generous with their designated pars, but this was meant to be a course that would be accessible to new players.
-That said, the City of Alvin has invested significant resources related to finances, time, and manpower with the goal of making this an amenity to residents and a draw to non-locals. This is a course to always be on your best behavior at. Not sure if this counts as a pro, but it is very important.
-The course has clear tee signs (mostly), HUGE teeboxes (a personal favorite), and high quality baskets.
-The city has laid down grass seed in most fairways which will hopefully change the terrain from a bit muddy to something more pleasant over time.
-Have I mentioned it is a FULLY LIT DISC GOLF COURSE!? Lights are sufficiently bright, well placed, and should mostly cover even errant shots. I was moderately stunned by how well I was able to see even at full dark.
Cons:
The cons I will list are current as of January 8, 2020, and many will likely be addressed. I will try to update if I see some of these taken care of.
-Currently lacks benches and trash cans.
-There are a handful of places that the holes cross the walking path, which is moderately well used by park goers. I could see this being a particular challenge at times when it is dark.
-The shule is thorny and much more dark than the rest of the course. It could be very easy to lose discs.
-I haven't played after rain, but it looks like it could get pretty swampy, and you have to cross a few drainage ditches at points. Right now there are not convenient bridges for all the drainage ditches if they fill up with water/mud.
Other Thoughts:
I'l be playing there several more times in the near future and some of these might change, but here is my current list of top suggestions:
1) Bring glow discs. They will get some glow effect when they fly into the denser shule, and the whitish glow plastic shows up nicely in the dark under the lights.
2) Bring a flashlight. I didn't need one, but I can see it being helpful. I have a feeling that the course will get backed up at night with people looking for lost discs. Try not to be that guy/gal!
3) Pay attention to the tee signs when they tell you where the next teebox is. There are a handful of times it isn't obvious.
4) If possible, play it first in daylight. A couple of baskets are blind. A few teeboxes are tough to find. A few ditches have specific spots that are better to cross. All of these things are easier to navigate for the first time when it is fully daylight.
5) FINAL BIG RECOMMENDATION! Support Alvin's local businesses and show the city that there investment was worthwhile. There are lots of great spots to enjoy in town, but I personally love and recommend Gordon Street Tavern. It has local beers, a new patio, and surprisingly great food. A night round at Briscoe followed by a few rounds at Gordon Street sounds like just about a perfect night to me.
Enjoy and use responsibly!