This course has a bit of everything. The front 9 is mostly shorter to medium length holes with trees but still fairly open baskets. There are a few well placed water hazards, which are more like swamps.
The 9th hole can easily be played as a par 4, as its one of the longest holes on the course, especially when the wind is blowing since its the first hole to really open up from the trees.
The back 9 starts getting very technical, lots of well placed trees, for instance on the 11th hole the pin is tucked inbetween about 5 or 6 trees circling it, making a clear shot at the pin almost unheard of. This course will make you think, which is always more fun than being bored.
The last three holes are on open mowed grass hills, with nice elevation changes and when the wind is blowing, offers quite a challenge.

If you are a beginner, i would reccomend going with someone who has played the course at least once. I dont think this course is too hard for a beginner but its very common to not be able to see the pin from the back tee boxes, and the tee boxes can sometimes be hidden. Watch out because you could easily innadvertantly walk right into the middle of a hole and not notice, ive seen a few people almost get hit. Watch for walkers and bikers travelling the paths that run alongside most of the course as well.

Everyone here is very friendly, you would have no problem playing through, or when its busy and im just with one other friend I often will just play with a 2some i meet on a tee box or something. Be aware of law enforcement as well, as it is right off rice street they will patrol on the sidewalks along the course randomly, which is a pretty amusing sight to say the least. Have fun and enjoy.