Pros:
I've decided that my Rating for this Course will change as the Course changes, as it should be. I am confident that, with the additions Mason County Disc Golf (MCDG) intends to put into this Course, Shelton Springs DGC is destined to be a true "Destination Course".
***UPDATED 5/22/12***
Shelton Springs DGC is the culmination of the partnership of MCDG, the City of Shelton (namely Parks and Rec Director, Mark Ziegler) and the greater Puget Sound Disc Golf community. The Course is located on City of Shelton owned property, near both The Huff and Puff trail systems and the local High School/Jr High. The Huff and Puff trail systems are currently used by the neighboring schools for cross-county meets. This situation creates a unique ability for MCDG to introduce Disc Golf to the local school as possible curriculum/after-school activity. This is a long term goal MCDG intends to pursue, further bringing the local community closer to Disc Golf.
Over a year has passed since the Shelton Springs had baskets permanently installed. A great deal of time and effort was put into creating a uniquely challenging course. MCDG began their design and development process by first designing the Course, and then adding wooden posts as targets. The wooden posts served as an opportunity to fine tune the Course before adding permanent baskets. MCDG also used the input of the Disc Golf community by hosting a series of fundraising tournaments, complete with portable baskets, while picking the brains of the participants. This unique method of Course design and development is directly responsible for the current Course design. In my experience, this Course design is of high quality.
The Course is located on a 50+ acre plot, which meanders through classic Douglas Fir forest and an open spaced area underneath power lines. About 20+ years ago, the City of Shelton practiced selective foresting methods throughout the area. What was left behind are seemingly natural, moss covered fairways under the canopy. There are two tee boxes per hole, a Red/AM and a Black/Pro (Red and Black being the school colors of the neighboring H.S.). MCDG has decided to break the mold of "everything's a par 3" and create a par appropriate Course. The Red/AM Course plays to a par 60, boasting six par 4 holes, and is suitable for the casual player or a "quick" round. The Black/Pro Course plays to a challenging par 63 (totaling nearly 8000 ft!), complete with three par 4 and three par 5 holes. Although there are two tee boxes per hole, each tee box offers unique experiences and challenges. Throughout the Course, off the tee, there is a blend of straight, hyzer, forehand and flex shots. A little something for everyone.
MCDG put a great deal of work into creating sustainable fairway conditions. In the year since permanent baskets were installed, Shelton Spring's fairways are well defined and free of debris and underbrush where needed. These fairways are intentionally large and narrow where needed, and each dogleg is well marked with large white arrows approximately 15 feet high at the turn. As mentioned, this is a heavily wooded Course, but often when faced with throws from the "rough/schule" one can find themselves with options on how to get out. That's not to say that one could throw anywhere and still expect to get par, a player needs to play "smart golf" to score well at Shelton Springs. Given the new baskets, and the reputation Shelton Springs is receiving, the influx of players to the Course will help to shape the fairways and the outlying areas. With the set pars being what they are, each hole should/could be birdied. It's a great feet to be able to string those birdies together, especially while staying bogey free. It's in that spirit, the spirit of "Man, I could play that Course better next time!", that Shelton Springs DGC will keep you coming back for more. And, that's what a great Course should do. Right?
Cons:
It's hard to find many things wrong with this course -Shelton Springs DGC has a very creative and demanding course layout. It's a young course, which will see some major maturing given the epic 'must play' potential for this course.
***UPDATED 5/22/12***
Problem 1- Tee Pads
Nope. Not anymore. Permanent tee pads were installed on all 36 tees, including a tee pad for drop zone on Hole 3(Black/Pro layout). PLUS, all the tee pads are dyed and COLOR COORDINATED! So, when you are standing on the Red/AM tee box, you are literally standing on a RED tee box!
Problem 2- Signage
Again, nope. Not anymore. All tee pads have accompanying 3ft high concrete "plinths" with hole information; including hole length, hole shape/design, obstacles, and landmarks where needed. Oh, and all the tee signs are COLOR COORDINATED too!
The only other problems I could come up with are: lack of restroom on the course itself (there is one at the parking lot) and no water fountain. These problems are easy fixes, and the others can be alleviated by the player being prepared.
BUT, none of these problems detract from the overall enjoyment, beauty, a scope of Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course.
Other Thoughts:
Though Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course is a great course, I believe that the best thing to come from Shelton Springs is the great people of Mason County Disc Golf. True 'doers'. The entire Disc Golf community is fortunate to have a group like this as advocates.
Mason County Disc Golf, since it's inception in '09, has diligently worked to bring a unique Disc Golf experience to it's local area. The group has worked with nearby Disc Golf Clubs to pave a new direction for Disc Golf. There are great things on the horizon for Disc Golf in this area. Look for announcements of events that will take full advantage of this great Course and MCDG's relations with other local Clubs.
***The bottom line is that you should make plans to play Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course. There are few courses that can compare.***