Pros:
Difficulty, Length, Creativity, Contrast (to Boulder Woods on the other side of the lake), Llamas, Map, Scorecard, Signage, Water Fountain by the Tower, Clean, Multiple Pins
Cons:
Gravel/Crushed Rock Tees, Unmanicured Holes (some more than others), Heavy Woods, Bugs, Pools of Water, No facilities on-course, Thorns
Other Thoughts:
This course is a BEAST! The first hole is a gigantor uphill blast that really sets the tone for this course. I'm glad I had my hiking boots on because I needed them. (Note that there is also parking on the other side of the course by the water tower so you can "work up" to Hole 1 by playing the back 9 first).
My buddy and I tackled the front 9 with gusto. These holes are looong and, over parts of the course, heavily wooded, in deep grass, and complicated by lots of saplings on fairways that could be cut back a bit. I can't even imagine a pro trying to get through some of these.
Walking back on 5 and 6 we realized that what we thought was bug spray was actually sunscreen! Luckily we ran into Jeff and George (I think those were their names) at the top of the hill. They were very nice, talked about the course, lent us some bug spray. The state gave them 80 acres and they're using all of it! They're working on getting concrete pads and trying to clear out some of the greens a bit more. Great work these guys are doing, given the rough terrain and rocks. Don't forget to stop for some water at the fountain!
Back on the course we forgot to use the map (it's a good one, use it) and went from 7 to 12. That's one spot where an additional signpost would be nice. We realized it on 14 and decided to backtrack later. On the REST of the course the signage is EXCELLENT, with "next tee" arrows under the baskets and great tee signs that show you the layout and tell you which pin you're aiming for. Nice benches at practically every hole too. It was partially our own fault for getting off course.
We finished the course about 2.5 or 3 hours after starting. On lots of holes we hiked 3/4 of the way to the basket before we could see it and we spotted for each other. I'm used to Sedgely Woods, which I can play in an hour or less. So be prepared. Bring lots of water, bug spray (no sunscreen necessary), hiking boots and jeans (in case you have to go off-course through the thick, thorny undergrowth-we did and we found an unmarked Panther in great condition).
I LOVED the challenge, but I don't think I'm ready for this course yet. Next time I'll warm up at Boulder Woods and have lunch before tackling this creation.