Pros:
- Most nine-hole courses in the TC suburbs are crammed inside busy city parks. Not Lochness, an ambitious and well thought-out course that will make any city/park planner a believer in the game if it's done right.
- Distance is what sets Lochness apart from many others. Intermediates will second-guess the use of its long tees (every hole has at least two or three pads). Beginners will shriek away in terror. Case in point: the blue tee of Hole 1, an 850 ft. (yes, you read right) par 4 demon. Though none of the other holes go past 600+, the blue holes rarely dip below 400.
- Besides testing your arm, Lochness will also test your accuracy. You're up against doglegs in both directions, wooded holes, a tricky water hazard, and even a hole that curls inward.
- It's not just one of the most challenging courses, it's also one of the most scenic.
- Blue, red, and green tee markers make it easy to navigate.
Cons:
- Most of the tee-pads are dirt (for now, I think). The only asphalt pads are spray painted on sidewalks.
- The rough is really rough in some spots. Hole 5's fairway is pretty much all prairie grass and dried-up wetland, with just a thin strip of pathway cut through. Hole 7, the lone water hole, also has some pretty bad spots.
- No elevation, even though the course wraps around a giant hill. I've seen several players throw discs off it already, which makes me think that there will be some conflicts between players and park officials in the near future.
Other Thoughts:
- Though Lochness Park still needs some improvement in landscaping, it should be held as a model for designers who don't want to cram 18 holes in a smaller area "just 'cause." The only other nine-hole course that's this fun (but not as challenging) is the one at Bethel University.