Pros:
1) Dual concrete tees on the entire course. (except 8B, just compacted shells, but plays just fine). Generally they are in good shape, and they are not too slippery despite all of the sand in the ground in this area.
2) Helpful teesigns, have pin locations marked, distances, hole #. Consistent design of tee signs, so it actually helps in finding the next tee. Signs were posted on top of a 2' telephone pole.
3) Challenge is ever present. There really is only one complete throwaway hole on this course and it is #8B. It obviously was not part of the original design, but for some reason #18 had to be removed and this took its place. Its a shame because #18 looked to be an incredible hole. Every hole challenges you to shape your shot and hit the right gap.
4) Sure there is little to no elevation change, but they use low spots and hollows and slight rises effectively because the top canopy can also pinch the gap that needs to be hit vertocally (I hope that makes sense. It may be a wide gap but only 6' tall).
5) Variety was increible on this course and it was evident in the design of the course. Shot shaping is required on most holes and it isn't just a simple hyzer, you have a lot of throws that need to be straight for a while ti hit the gaps or mandos, that may need to turn left or right.
6) Enough benches and garbage to be considered adequate. There also is at least one shelter that I remember by 10 and 13. Bathrooms at the first tee area, I didn't use them but from jrawks description maybe I would have enjoyed a nice visit before or after my round! Practice basket is always nice to have also.
7) Baskets are Chainstars and in good shape. All installed properly too.
8) Maintenance on the course seems to be adequate. I think there would be a lot of work needed to pick up all the palm fronds that continue to fall to the ground, and they can be heavy too if a tree loses a bunch at once.
9) Nice sandy soil in the woods with leaves and pine needles on the ground to give some cover. The open areas have adequate turf coverage. Generally the grass is a little thine, but I know the bermuda is dormant now, so in season it may be more full.
10) In general course is isolated from other park activities, except on a few ocassions. The danger of the road/paths in play is more of an issue than the other park uses.
11) Course has a good variety in hole length. Effective hole length also can change based on the hole. It is nice to be able to throw different discs from time to time.
Cons:
1) Tee signs could use some revamping. Many of them seemed to have plexiglass melted to themm making it difficult to see the diagram or read the info.
2) Wooded holes could get wet from time to time, especailly in the little hollows. WHen wet these areas could get slippery too.
3) Layout can be a little confusing because you are hitting 3 or 4 distinct areas of the park. 1, 2, 3 are all on one island of the course (surrounded by the entrance roads). 4, 6, 6B are on the same piece of land as hole #17, south of the entrance road. 7, 8, 8B, 9 are on another section, 10 - 16 are all in the same area, but it is broken up by a road or two and some walking paths. Tough for a beginner, fortunately I followed some locals so I could see where they were going generally.
4) Course crosses paths and roads and something is in play on hole #3, 4, 6, 6B, 10, 13, and I think again on 14, 15, 16, and you throw through the boardwalk area on #17. Dangerous and a nuisance, but couldnt have been avoided without hurting the design of the course. I could imagine how this would affect me if I playd it all the time, or when it was busy. Fortunately only about 10 other people on the course and a handful or two of other walkers.
5) Course is not beginner friendly because of all the vegetation. Sure the forward tees are helpful on the distance, but they do not change the foliage you need to be threading through, so beginners would be fristrated for sure.
Other Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this course. It is way better than the other Florida courses I have played to date. Sure it still has the Palmettos but it isnt an entire grove of them. You have to avoid a couple areas and finding a disc in this stuff can be difficult, but just keep your eyes peeled. It has plenty of challenge and an excellent variety. It is very scenic and is a nice walk through the property too (my wife walked along and just took pictures with her new camera, and she had a wonderful walk. It sits just on the north end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which is an awesome sight from a park (Fort Desoto Park) just 8 miles away, or beach area of the park.I highly recommend driving ove the bridge and having a look, but also seeing it from Fort Desoto is pretty cool. If you need some property in the area, let me know my Uncle is THE Realtor in the area and has been known as the realty resource for the area for a long long time. I even took him to the course today because he was inruiged by the sport. He also stood about 25' away on the third basket and I showed him how to putt . . . he made his first putt from 25' after I showed him the technique, and he said . . . that is the best it is going to be, so I am going to retire from the sport, but at least he gave it a try once.