Pros:
This is a very interesting and well designed course that played really nicely given that it is still in its infancy. The course layout was very well thought out, utilizing most of the terrain changes in the park. Accuracy is challenged throughout the entire course, beginning immediately with a long, narrow, wooded uphill on #1. Hole #11 will have you considering all sorts of shot options with its elevated tee box, low ceiling, and narrow fairway, but it seems that a roller may be the throw of choice here. Hole #13 with it's long S-shaped fairway and basket hidden in the pines, flirts with the edge of the pond on the property while #14 gives you the option to throw over or around the end of the same pond. Shot variety included plenty of uphill drives and putts, downhill drives, left, right, and "S" shaped fairways, and open fields, pine rows, and wooded holes were all pretty evenly represented. Basket placement on holes #2, #6, and #14 was incredibly creative while the big, wide open, downhill #5 offered a great chance to really let 'em fly and distances from 190 to 515 feet kept you guessing!
The trail was well marked with plenty of nicely done "Next Tee" signs. Footing on the trail was exceptional with hard packed earth in some places and wood chips in others. Course layout kept side-by-side holes far enough away from each other that errant shots from neighboring holes didn't appear to pose a problem (except for #13 and #14). Fairways were well maintained and the rough was surprisingly light - we spent very little time searching for lost discs.
*** Update 9/18/10 ***
The new cement pads for both long and short tees and the added signage around the course has really put some polish on this gem!!! Seriously.....this one is well worth going out of your way to play!
Cons:
Finding the correct parking lot and first tee proved to be a challenge. I have updated the course info with better directions to the correct parking lot. Once in the parking lot, follow the small sign and the wood chip path into the edge of the woods, then make a sharp left to find the first tee.
Tee signs were nicely done with hole number, footage, and par, but they lacked any mention of directionality which proved to be a pain for a first-timer. The course map is now available on the Links tab. The map shows #2 as being a straight shot, but it actually requires a shot toward the closest right corner of the volleyball court, then it's a very hard right into the opening in the woods, over the small hillock in the clearing, then down in the ditch. Currently, a small US flag marks the top of the basket.
<span class="strike">The gravel/sand/clay combination tee boxes were nicely done but will require more traffic and lots of maintenance to really pack down for good footing. Rain both last night and today meant they were muddy, loose, and pitted when we played.</span> Cement pads have been installed all around!
Other Thoughts:
Besides the DG course, Deerfield Park includes a nice sandy beach, several shelters, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, grills, and nature/biking trails. It's a great place to bring the family and hang out for a day. All of the numerous outhouse-style pit toilets have been spotless every time we've been there.
The $6 fee is for a vehicle pass for the park. Annual passes are also available. If you forget to print and take the map on the Links tab, ask the attendant at the park entrance for a copy.
I definitely had more fun the second time through since I then knew my way around. Beginner and mid-level players, be prepared to use every possible shot you know (and probably some you don't know yet, too!).
*** Updated 11/29/09 for Alternate Tee Pads ***
Alternate tee pads were added in October, making this a more reasonable course for families and groups of drastically mixed abilities. The new pads are made of the same tamped clay/gravel as the main pads, are easy to find, and make each hole MUCH easier.
All the alternate pads offer either a dead straight or a slightly right curving, almost completely unobstructed shot at the basket, and all but 2 shorten the distance to the pin by at least 80-100 feet.
I think the new pads are a great addition for families and beginners, but, as an intermediate player, I was disappointed that their placement really eliminated the challenge and unique flavor of each hole. I'm a big fan of shorter distances for weaker arms, but I much prefer it when the alternate tees keep the challenge factor on a par with the main tees. In this case, the alternates change the entire feel of the course, and not in a good way :-(. It's sad that the short tees by-pass all the features that make the holes on this course so amazing. That said, the distances from the alternate tees are much more realistic for beginning players, and, in general, the alternate tees are a great addition for a course of this difficulty.
*** Update 9/5/10 ***
Both long and short tees now have cement pads that are smooth and level. Drop-offs on the end of a couple of pads have been reinforced with large rocks embedded in the dirt. Additional "next tee" signage has been added between a couple of holes, and a scorecard box has been installed on a post at the course trail entrance. New signs around holes 15-18 warn of poison ivy in the heavy rough....be aware that it's also on the fairways and trails although they are keeping it well mowed so it may be hard to identify.