Pros:
• Easy to find and navigate with a map or the tee signs
• Great tee signage
• Restrooms and water
• Interesting surroundings
• Par is attainable
• Brand new Mach 5 baskets in the lovely orange color
Cons:
• Tees are mostly dirt
• Terrain can be a bit treacherous
• Poison oak in a couple spots
Other Thoughts:
Tips:
• Bring a map
• Wear good footwear and watch where you step
• You'll notice alternate tees here and there (little pink stringy markers in the ground) but the ones with the signs are the ones you're looking for on the map
• The fence behind #7 is lower than the ones by the softball field and you're throwing up towards it. Do be careful.
• After finishing #7, turn to the left and you'll see a way to get down to the walking path that will take you around to the right to #8. If you go straight, you'll have to navigate down a fairly steep cliff.
Random Thoughts:
It is so good to see more courses popping up in the East Bay. This course seems like it's still a work in progress, as the baskets and signs were fantastic but the tees were just marked in the ground pretty much as is. I did also notice some alternate tee markings here and there for perhaps some long/alternate tees in the future(?) Incidentally, #2 long...yikes. Where I did find this course rather interesting is in its locale. It's located in an area between and behind a softball complex and a church/school and what's interesting about that is the terrain you'll come across in such a small area. There are trees, wide open sandy spots, steep crevices, rocky areas, bushy areas, and a stream running through it all. I found myself enjoying the scenery as I climbed around the course. There's even a vineyard across the street near the basket on #4. The holes, as you might expect, take you through all of this. There are a couple holes that demand precise throwing off the tee but most of the holes give you a fair amount of room to let fly. The main thing you'll want to pay attention to is your landing zone. You can be in a great position for your second throw or be 10' away in a terrible position due to the terrain so do have a plan when you let go. Also pay attention to some areas of poison oak on holes #6-8 in the dry stream bed and near the stream itself. I imagine it's quite easy to hyzer (RHBH) your way into these spots if you're not paying attention. #8 is particularly unkind to missing left as I witnessed from a group in front of me. Having said all that, I found par to be attainable on this course as long as you're not over-aggressive. Pay attention to your distance and landing area and you'll be ok.
Bottom Line:
This is an interesting course in its scenery and layout. While a bit treacherous in spots, I found it to be a fair course, and I enjoyed the round overall. I will be back soon.