Pros:
-Excellent use of what was available. There were many restrictions that the park put on the designers of the course, but they did a great job with the land they could use.
-Huge variety of holes. Some are on the shorter side, others are long, maxing out at about 660'. Uphill, downhill, there are some of both. Tightly wooded, mostly open, again a few of both. I enjoy the layout.
-The scenery is awesome. You will have views of the river, and occasionally some wildlife will make their presence known.
-Birdies can be had by anyone playing this course, and big arms will still be challenged by most of the course. There are only a couple of holes that I would consider a "must" 2 for the bigger arms.
-This course is fun! I always enjoy playing this course, no matter how well, I am doing. I wish I lived closer to it. I would play it daily if I could.
Cons:
I wish it could have a couple more par-4s and a par-5 or two. The par-4s that are there are great. Other than that, I don't see this course as lacking anything.
Other Thoughts:
Understand how to play wind and elevation. There is almost always wind in this area just off the Arkansas River. It makes the seemingly innocent looking holes challenging at times. Also, it doesn't always blow in the same direction, so you could play the holes one way one day, and have a different challenge the next as the wind switches directions. I think it adds another interesting and fun element to the course.
There is water and pavilions near the first tee and parking area. There are a lot of things to do in the park near the course, including biking that has trails around the course. I have never seen or heard of any issues involving bikers.
I have been at the course when it seemed like the gnats could carry you away. It isn't always like that, but be prepared in case it is.
The water is usually clear enough to see discs at the bottom of the water on #16. On the rest of the course, there is the possibility of losing discs on the blind holes, and the holes along the bluff. On the downhill holes, if you let your disc start to fade too early, or too high above the fairway, then it could end up going a long way into the woods.
To kinda illustrate how tough the course is, the SSA in a tournament at this course involving some of the top players in the world was just over 52. A round of 52 was rated at 1001, and a round of 62 was rated 905 in both rounds of the tournament.
The fun factor along with the layout of the course make me consider it a "phenomenal" course, thus the 4.5 rating. I truly wish I could play lt every day.