Pros:
Densely wooded fairways with lines that are well thought out and challenging, requiring control and finesse. Most holes have an obvious line to follow, with a few 'alternate' lines that can work out pretty well (even if you didn't intend to throw them). Branches and small trees lining the path to the next tee are a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and very effective aid to navigation (along with the occasional arrow painted on a tree trunk). Tee markers with distance and basic line to the basket are again, elegant in their simplicity, yet quite effective. Given that many holes are 'nearly blind,' the bright yellow chastity belts certainly make this course much more playable (but first timers and infrequent visitors will still want to scout up ahead). Designers did a great job working with and around what they had. Mostly short runs with a decent mix of left, right, and straight fairways, with a few holes running longer plus the Deep 9.
The Deep 9 is a welcome supplement to the course. More than just another 9 holes, they add a dimension previously missing. Still heavily wooded, they certainly play quite a bit longer and more open than the original 18. The additional distance means discing up and throwing harder, which makes placement iffier, thereby bumping up the the risk/reward factor. By the time I played, the fairways for the Deep 9 had been quite well established and executable, although there appeared to be some work still in progress (distances on a few tee signs, as well as some path lining from basket to next tee), but still quite playable. D2 really plays like two holes in one - offering you 2 separate and distinct fairways that are clearly defined hyzer and annie paths to the left and right of an island of trees that extends 90% of the way from the tee to the pin.
This course is a high intensity workout for mids and putters and is a great place to work on shaping lines and improving your short game. I've played here several times, and find it maintains my interest despite its repetitive nature.
Challenge ramps up from the front 9 to the back 9, bumping up another notch on the Deep 9.
With no dense brush, risk of disc loss is greatly minimized, but discs can be tough to find if they bounce off trees with some zip. White and bright colors are easier to find here, - darker colors, not so much.
Well maintained pleasant course on land dedicated to disc golf. Locals have added tables, chairs and benches at several tee areas to give it that homey touch. Bags for trash and cans for cigarette ashes at many (if not all) tees to help keep it clean.
Tons of trees = lots of shade on hot summer days.
Concrete pads on the original 18, with sand on the Deep 9 (not sure if concrete pads are planned for the Deep 9 as of yet).
Cons:
Personally, I REALLY like this course and always have a blast playing here. Nonetheless, the course has its limitations, and anyone considering a round here should be aware of them.
In many aspects, Whitehall lacks variety, and I can't fault those who would say it's monotonous, and that few holes stand out. The first 18 are essentially different variations of tunnel shot after tunnel shot. While noticeably wider than the orig 18, even the fairways on the Deep 9 bottneck in spots, and never truly open up. A few holes open up a bit in spots, but placement is important on every single hole. Bouncing one long off a tree could cost you a stroke or two, and there's no denying it's a significant possibility on all 27 holes. Guaranteed frustration for those who hate this sort of thing.
Bring discs that can take a beating - unless you're looking to break a disc in fast, this course isn't friendly to DX/Pro-D plastic. Speaking of plastic, opportunities to use drivers are few and far between. Absolutely no grip 'n' rip holes.
Not that much can be done about it, but this course is essentially flat, with only a few holes featuring little to moderate elevation change.
Other Thoughts:
If you like tight and technical, you'd be a fool to pass this up, But there's simply no escaping the fact that Whitehall isn't everyone's cup of tea. If hole after hole of threading the needle or bouncing off trees isn't your thing, stay away.
Whitehall isn't destination disc golf by itself, but given that Flip City, the Mason County triplets and Leviathan are all within a 45 min stretch of US 31, it's certainly a nice addition to the local scene. IMO, it's a nice change of pace from the others and fits in well as part of a multi-day disc golf excursion.
Prior to the addition of the Deep 9, I'd have given this course a 2.5 or a 3.0, but he increased challenge and ability to throw drivers on a few holes bump it up a 3.5 in my book.
Feels like you're miles away from everything, but it's literally less than 5 minutes down road from road from every fast food joint you can think of. But if you want really want to unwind after great day of Michigan DG, head another 3-4 miles west on Whitehall Rd into Montague for some laid back local charm and good food.