Pros:
- Course is set in a large park, mostly on and over a large, flat valley. There is also some forested areas here and there, and a creek that runs through at the bottom of the valley. Seems popular for joggers/walkers, but the park is large enough where it doesn't interfere with the DG. Pro shop on site as well!
- Majority of the holes are set by the valley, so there are good elevation changes in many spots. Mostly downhill or over the valley, with a few uphill shots. There are lots of large trees to provide some challenge, good placement off the tee is key to have a clear approach shot.
- Some other holes have denser forest to contend with, in many different ways. Hole #2 has a thick patch to get over off of the tee; it is crucial to stay clear left, right, and low. Another hole has dense forest at the end of a clear fairway, with a hard right turn into a very tight window.
- Creek comes into play in a few spots, some are very tricky. Hole #2 has water pretty close to the tee, which punishes shots that don't hit the window. Another hole has a large, bushy tree right next to/on top off the creek that can snag errant drives and drop them in. Definitely in play in a big way.
- Decent variety of shots needed, both in the forest and out of it. The mature trees here are very large, and definitely force line shaping off the tee and on approaches. I felt there was a good balance of left to right in the tighter holes as well. Also a great variety in hole length, from ace-able to monster bomber. Not too many of any kind, which is good for almost any size arm.
- A lot of baskets are well protected by large trees as well as smaller ones. The large trees force good placement to avoid getting stuck behind a wall of trunks, and smaller trees create tight windows to get through to the basket. A couple of sloped greens add good challenge as well.
- Good baskets, tees are still flat and in good shape. Signage is almost non-existent; only a few tee signs remain. Navigation is a nightmare, with no tee signs or helpful directions, I don't know how you would ever know which hole is which. Very bad.
Cons:
- Some of the holes in the open are pretty straightforward, there might be some trees near the basket to worry about, or one or two large trees in the fairway, but there is a lot of leeway for even the worst shanks out here. Can be easy to recover from any shot at times.
- The tougher holes can be the shortest holes, which means there are no real par 4's to be found, maybe 1 or 2. Length can be the biggest obstacle in scoring well out here, and even then, it is possible to score very well without too much skill. More of a fun course than a tough one.
- The signage here is sorely, sorely missed, especially since it had to be redesigned to accommodate more tennis courts. Good luck without a guide.
Other Thoughts:
- This course has a very high amount of fun holes. The long downhill drives over and into the valley are a joy to watch, especially when hitting the line just right. The shorter, technical holes have good lines to the baskets as well, and usually are well protected, and are definitely not gimmees. Very high fun factor, with medium difficulty. I think almost any player should enjoy it.