Pros:
Great workout
Many, many ace runs
Fun elevation changes (like a more heavily wooded Devens)
Most holes short enough for most players (130' - 180')
Part of the LaVallee Links complex, with two other courses on site.
Cons:
Although the holes are designed for beginners, the topography and lack of steps at this stage really limit the course to those with a good endurance/fitness level. Unlike the Owl at Sabattus, which is geared towards kids and families, Ridgeline is NOT kid/elderly friendly (at this point, it is still very new). Most holes require some amount of clambering up or down extremely steep slopes, with no stairs, etc. Due to the recent rain, it was actually pretty dangerous at times to traverse many of the holes.
Many of the holes, although short, had a huge element of danger due to the extreme drop-offs near the baskets. A guy playing behind us missed a short putt on one hole (#13, I think) and must have rolled 100' down a steep wooded hill into a ravine (much to the delight of his friends).
Several of the holes required little skill and a lot of luck. A very simple 150' shot with a wide fairway, basically right in front of you, but the basket is hanging on the edge of the ravine, so out of 10 shots right at the basket, 3 might stay put for drop-ins, 3 might slide down 10-15' for a tough putt over your head, and the other 4 might roll 50' back down the hill. That gets a little tired after a while.
New, new, new. Still tons of brush piles, logs, much work to come before it is a finished course (but great potential).
Other Thoughts:
So, still very new, and after many hours of chipping, cleanup and carving steps/ladders/ropes into the sides of the hills it will be great. I look forward to checking it out in years to come. Met Dr. LaVallee, who seems very dedicated to making LaVallee links the best in the area. Good luck!