I found the new Hermiston Desert Course to be a total lesson in frustration. I quickly grew more and more frustrated each time I threw my disc and then had to hunt for them in the deep grass that almost completely covers the course. There has been some mowing of narrow fairways but most of us need a fairway. My second cause of frustration was trying to navigate the course. The course plays advanced long, has many hidden baskets and no signs. There are some paths carved out to the next tee but they aren't always readily apparent. I managed to hook up with a couple of locals for the last four holes and that helped out considerably.

The baskets are these stunning El Gaupo models. These are red, black and silver and that combo is first class. There is a cool placard on top that reads, Hermiston, Oregon. That's very cool but I would have preferred the hole # instead. The concrete tee pads are great and have the hole # on them but without signs sticking up, locating the pads can be problematic.

I played here on a Friday and the following day, they were going to hold their inaugural tourney. The course was set up with tight, tight OB lines. Advanced players will be challenged. I'm afraid the lower level players will not enjoy themselves as much.

It gonna be windy most of the time.

You will be searching for your discs.

Advanced level distances combined with so many blind baskets might discourage lower rated players.

Little in the way of shade.

Trying to play/navigate this course solo is probably not the best idea. For starters, you only have one set of eyes spotting. Another player would have helped me with my navigational issues.

I think this is the only course around so it's going to get it's play. There is a player base here. Signs will help as will some kind of next tee markers. I hope the tournament was a huge success with everyone having a great time. Personally, I'm not a bit sorry that I probably won't be returning.