Pros:
With full foliage, there are only two baskets on the course that you can see standing on the Pro tee. The land is an arborphile's dream, with myriad types of trees covering the area, coupled with brush in all shapes, sizes and densities.
Great distances abound. Five holes are > 400', including one that is 550', with only two holes < 200'. However, Long Arms take warning: This course has some of the most unforgiving rough you will encounter. If you cannot accurately place your shot, be sure to have a spotter, or be ready to do some serious disc searching.
This course is in the Bear River valley. The course flows with the river in several spots, with some of the feeder streams used within the holes. The valley can funnel some seriously strong and squirrelly winds. Abundant wildlife (deer, snake, rabbit, monster snapping turtle) can also be seen.
Fantastic modularity. It is easy to stop after 18, 20 or 24 holes, and you can cut out holes #17-19, 9 & 10, 12 & 13, or 4-15 entirely. If you have limited time, the layout allows for many custom permutations. Very much an "on the links" feel.
Course flow equally challenges Righties and Lefties alike, with lots of benches, garbage cans and picnic tables throughout. The city maintains the grounds, so fairways are regularly mowed and wonderfully maintained.
24 Holes, most with dual tees. Instead of just reducing distance, Amateur tees give measurably different looks (or I should say, different non-looks) at the basket, as well as requiring less skill.
Dog friendly and groomed for winter play, too.
Cons:
River valleys are often swampy, and this one is no different. Springtime can be unpleasant with holes #3, 8, 15, 17, & 21 especially soggy and full of mud.
No elevation changes, and I mean it. Holes #4, 15 & 16 are (kind of) in an undulating area, but not anything that seriously affects your throw. A good roller technique can serve you well here.
Lack of uniform tees. Amateur tees are dirt, and awful. There are many concrete tees for the Pros, but some are still dirt. It is rather embarrassing, as the rest of the course is so well designed and in great repair.
The first and last few holes share real estate with soccer and softball fields, sometimes necessitating using the Am tees if the fields are in use.
Missing signage on a hole or two, but the next tee signs are great.
Other Thoughts:
This is my current local. I am a definitely a DGer of the Ski Hill variety. The first few years I played this course, I really, really hated it because it was so flat. I would drive to play a neighboring hilly course all the time. River Road has earned my grudging respect, as it always serves up a significant dose of challenge, and if I can keep my temper in line, a whole lot of fun as well. Not once have I finished under par from the Pro tees in Singles play.
Signature Hole Candidates:
#4 - 549' with heavy winds and a bunch of varied vegetation
#12 - 446' over a creek, tons of rough and the main river bend right by the basket (my favorite)
#23 - 375' with a huge stand of trees 200' out and soccer field OB the length of the right
Since finding DGCR and traveling to play every course I can get my boots on, I have come to realize how good I have had it while I've been here. Of the courses I have compared to RRSC, many of them have been found wanting. Only seven cement Pro tees are needed for this course to be 4.5.
Stop by Tom & Dicks Grocery for some new Discraft/MVP plastic for the round.