Pros:
This is a great addition to the already superb Emporia-area disc golf scene. This may be the most challenging as the combination of length, water and well placed obstacles make every hole difficult.
The course itself is on a beautiful lake with plenty of holes that play along the lake on its many peninsulas, including the infamous Hole 18 island hole. Most of the holes that play on the lake have a lay up option if you do not want to risk losing a disc, which is a nice option.
There are several unique holes in play. Hole 1 is one and Hole 12 is another that are two holes that stick out in my mind as holes that are unique and would be hard to find anything quite like them.
There were very few holes that I left scratching my head at the design. I played during the GBO when the OB flags were out, and I felt that even then, all of the holes were fair even with the OB.
The course was simple to follow as it just played around the lake. The signs were colorful and descriptive and there are nice tee pads, which can be beneficial as this course seems like it can attract a lot of mud in rainy seasons.
I am not the type of player that likes long hole after long hole, but I do appreciate a course that has longer holes, and moves away from the conventional Par 54 course. Eagle DGC does this well. There are a lot of long holes, but they are mixed in well with the shorter holes.
Cons:
There is a high risk of losing discs on holes that it may not even seem like there is a risk. I saw someone throw a little bit too high on Hole 4, and had it careen into the water over the bank. Losing discs is part of the game, but it always hurts to see an old friend be lost.
The course can be muddy when it rains, super muddy actually. Upon writing this review, I see that parts of the course is under water because of heavy rains. This makes sense as the course sits on a lake, and is prone to flooding and mud.
Other Thoughts:
This is a super challenging course for even the most experienced golfer. I would say that I am decent, and it took me almost 15 holes to get my first "3" on a hole.
This probably is not the best place to take a beginner, but the 9 hole course in Olpe is pretty good for that.
I can see this be a "love it or hate it" course. Many people will love it and others will loathe it. I appreciated and respected what the course has to offer. This is definitely the hardest permanent course in the area, and it is a humbling experience being able to play here.