Pros:
- KLM's located in a spacious park in the 'burbs. Lovely trees, rolling hills, grassy fields, and a small creek comprise the course. Most holes have enough trees to force players to hit specific lines, but with the exception of #15, nothing gets too tight. The course is nicely balanced, with plenty of variety between hole styles. There's downhill shots over creeks (#17), tight hallway style wooded holes (#15), uphill bombs (#'s 2, 12, 18), and a downhill shot with a fast green and the creek behind the basket (#8).
- Outstanding use of both elevation and water. The best parts of the property were definitely utilized to their full potential. Nowhere is this more obvious than the holes with both water and elevation in play. The small creek creates a nice water hazard without really any risk of losing a disc.
- Distances are well-balanced. Red, white, and blue tees offer options for players of varying skill. From 180 ft. on #17 red to 515 ft. on #9 blue, noodle arms and big gun players alike will find plenty to challenge them.
- The course has adequate tee signs and good "next tee" signage.
- The course is pretty. Beautiful trees, well-manicured lawn, and a nice surrounding neighborhood all add to the attraction of this course. While definitely not the deep woods natural beauty I prefer, KLM is plenty easy on the eyes for a city/suburban course.
Cons:
- Right now the tees are finely crushed gravel from the whites and natural at both red and blue tees. While not a major issue at the moment (due to the relative newness of the course), these will eventually become rutted messes. Anything less than concrete tees are always a minor drawback to a course in my eyes.
- I can see this course having crowding issues in the summer with the surrounding neighborhoods, the banquet/reception building(s?), and the dog-walkers.
Other Thoughts:
- Overall, KLM is a very nice addition to this area of Chicagoland disc golf. Eighteen solid holes of fun if not necessarily outta-this-world-spectacular disc golf. Not a destination course but certainly a very solid option if you're in the area.