Pros:
Just finished the second 9 on "The BOB" at Sam Houston Jones State Park in Moss Bluff, LA near Lake Charles. Some course amenities are still being provided, but the course is ready to play. First 9 went in April, 2012. A combination of highly technical woods holes and some semi-open, but treed, holes await you. Many of the holes are not long, but they are trouble for any carelessness at all. 1 and 18 are power line holes with really rough shule, if you stray off the fairway either direction. 2 is a blind annie through trees. 3 is a 90 degree, long hole which turns 90 again to the basket in a fishhook pattern. 4 is short and straight with some trees. 5 is slightly uphill with trees to weave through. 6 is short, but protected by a pothole water hazzard and small trees.
Then the fun begins. 7-13 are tight, technical holes that often require an "S" pattern to score. Risk vs. reward to either play the line and lay up or go for it. If you miss and go into the rough, you have a problem. 10 is the only straight, somewhat open, fairway in the bunch. My personal fav is 13, tight and up and down some small hills and annie to the basket. I just like the feel of it. 14-16 are reasonably open with protective trees. Then comes "Widowmaker" 17 which is short, but a real bugger reverse "S" from the Pros or Ams. In short, the course is fun and challenging. Did I mention the roads are out of bounds. Oh yeah. Deer and begging raccoons (at dusk) all over the place.
Rest rooms are available in the park. Best to bring your own water. No benches yet. Baskets are double-numbered with "Next Tee" signs on the basket or in the ground nearby. A course map is available for asking at the Park entrance and, hopefully, in a plastic box at the Kiosk by the putting basket. Also just download one here at DGCR. $1 to enter the park.Playground being remodeled to bring the kids. Cabins for rent right on the course - $85 a night - sleeps 6-8. Innova Discatcher baskets.
Cons:
Needs to beat in a few months. Benches on the way. Tee signs coming, but the map works fine. Be nice to have a closer rest room and water. Tees are dirt, but no problem. The rainy season may bring some standing water we will need to deal with, so wear waterproof if you got 'em. Distances will be added in a week or so.
Other Thoughts:
There is no course in Louisiana like this one except for a private course in Ragley, LA - La Cote Ragley. I think "The BOB" will be a must stop only 9 miles from I-10 in Lake Charles. Give it a try. Give it some constructive tips, and come have a blast.