Pros:
+ Mostly concrete tee pads, with enough room for a bit of a run-up.
+ Strong usage of available landscape for throwing lines, obstacles, and very good pin placement.
+ Variety of shots required for any type of player; big arms only need not apply.
+ Tee signs with potential hole positions and distances.
+ A couple of signs pointing in direction of the next hole.
+ Trash receptacles at most tee pads (be tidy, kids).
+ Some wooden benches, stumps, or blocks for resting while someone throws.
+ Usually plenty of parking available by hole 1, just make sure there isn't some event occurring that day!
+ Orange painted baskets for added visibility in all of that foliage.
+ Practice basket just near tee 1.
Cons:
- Thick foliage in most of the front nine, in addition to a handful of holes on the back nine, make for instant punishment for a shanked toss.
- The current holes 12 (~450' with a mando right dogleg) and 13 (thick foliage to the right, water to the left). These were forced to be redone due to the demolition of a campus building, and are the best implementation as available, but are located in heavily wooded areas and along a creek. 12 especially may require a spotter, otherwise you may want to forgo these holes.
- As this is on a private university, restrooms and a water fountain are not always accessible. Use the restroom before coming, and bring plenty of water.
- Inconsistent course maintenance. Some holes (see: front nine) have some overgrowth which could easily be taken care of in a day or two with some volunteers.
Other Thoughts:
I've been playing this course since it was originally established as a 9-hole (the current-ish back nine) and seeing the wear and evolution over the years has been interesting to watch. If a group were to get out and assist with foliage removal, this course could really shine. Definitely 4/5 potential.
As touched upon in the "Pros" section, you will need all of the tricks in your arsenal to have a successful round at RU. Bring your understables, something that rolls well, and some BRIGHT discs to clash against the green and dark wooded areas. Would also highly recommend not to play alone, or at the very least to bring a spotter. Bug spray and towel HIGHLY recommended.
As of the 2017 season, the hole 1 sign notes that players are using the course at their own risk, no alcohol is allowed, and that if one were to play after dusk (baskets have solar LED strips wrapping the top, never used them) that Rockford University persons must accompany them. Take these into account before playing.
Two holes that really stand out have complete opposite approaches: 15 and 18. 15 is the shortest hole on the course at 163', with an incredibly gorgeous view directly through a row of trees. Pull out the putter or mid-range, rip it through, and hit some chains. 18 is the longest hole at around the 500' mark depending on pin placement, but with a series of fully bloomed trees directly in your pathway. It's listed as a par 5, but even without a big arm it can be done in less, giving you a chance to peer upon the open hill and field near the tennis courts and football field.