Every so often somebody mentions how scary a course is. Crackheads, thugs, etc. I have yet to visit a course like that. I did run across a "gentleman's club" once but never did my life feel threatened.
All of the courses in Kansas City, MO except for Water Works, (although even there you'll see some bums lounging around). Rosedale on the KS side isn't much better.
Its not so much that you'll be raped and murdered, but some of these parks or more specifically the neighborhoods surrounding them are known for having more hits on the local crime index. Obviously you're safer during the day and when there's a lot of fellow players around. Lock your car, and don't leave anything of value in view and you'll likely be fine.
Read these reviews absolutely hilarious!
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/reviews.php?id=722&mode=rev
I should point out when I say "all" of the parks, I'm referring to KCMO and KCK city proper. These would include Rosedale, Swope, Cliff Drive and Blue Valley. The parks where the suburban/rural courses are located are in much nicer areas.I'll have to remember that the next time I have to go to Nevada, MO. Maybe theres a course down there but always use the Kansas airport.
Other Thoughts: The "locals" are an issue. But reading reviews where Washington Park gets raves and Brookside gets downgraded shows this can change. A police station was built into Washington and its made a huge difference, a little more police presence at Brookside could eliminate this issue in my opinion. Notable events include a kid trying to run off with my disc, my friends truck being broken into and his radio being stolen out of it, a PeeWee Football player's 300lb Mom not seeing me putt out at 6 and squatting by the bushes on the way to 7 for an interesting "Hey, how ya doin'?" moment with her panties down, a day laborer sleeping it off on the 7th Tee, and of course the oft-mentioned murder. If the locals would embrace the game (or at least respect it), this course would be a couple of easy upgrades away from being outstanding.
I should point out when I say "all" of the parks, I'm referring to KCMO and KCK city proper. These would include Rosedale, Swope, Cliff Drive and Blue Valley. The parks where the suburban/rural courses are located are in much nicer areas.
But that being said, break ins can happen anywhere. Even some of your fellow DG'ers aren't the most scrupulous people in the world.
several of the charlotte courses are in less than nice parts of town.
Brookside in Indy is the shadiest course I've ever played. The course itself is excellent, but the few times I've been there I've seen lots of suspicious activity and some shady characters lurking around. It's the only course I've ever played and not felt safe there.
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/reviews.php?id=349&mode=rev
The 3rd review down by Grover sums it up pretty well.