Pros:
Boylan Acres - Arduous is the middle level course out of the three on the property. In reality it's a less brutal version of the Extreme course is both woods and elevation. It does add some more length to make up for it though. This is the original course on the property too.
The tee signs are very nice and give you a great sense of the hole with the detailed map which has next tee arrows, both basket placements, any OB or hazard. Literally all the information you could possibly need. On top of that, these same type of signs are at both tees. In addition to that there's numerous next tee signs and even arrows attached to one of the bottom rungs pointing toward the next tee, usually the long. Navigation was a breeze out here.
The tee pads are unique. They're concrete but with 12 slots cut into them which I'd assume will help with drainage. I'd seen the pictures of them but wasn't sure what to expect. I really liked them though. Great grip, level and plenty big enough. Two tee pads on every hole I believe. If not every hole it was almost every hole. Many of them are placed to give a completely different look at the hole too. Not just the longs further back.
Great terrain here, and a great design on top of that. Good mix of woods, hills, open holes with prairie rough and a creek that can come into play in a couple spots. There's no gimme holes out here but all are still fair and attainable. Well not necessarily by me, but people more skilled than me.
The landscaping is top notch for a private course. There's bridge or pallets laid down over the creeks and low lying spots. There's also stairs, whether logs or concrete blocks on EVERY hole to make it easier to navigate. This was extremely helpful with all the elevation here. There's also logs, benches or both on many of the holes which was appreciated after playing Extreme before this one. Not a single complaint with any of the amenities out here. None. Hell there's even wooden boxes with bottled water throughout the two big courses.
The baskets are white banded discatchers on every hole except one of the. That one had an older Mach for it, and that may just be because it was set up on a stump. Two pin placements on every hole too I believe, with the exception of the island hole.
The course is located out in the middle of nowhere. Very peaceful setting. Just a beautiful piece of property too.
Cons:
I don't have much for cons here for a private course.
The property line can come into play in a couple spots, so there's potential for lost discs with errant shots or if the wind is up.
The course is a hike. Not a con, just a warning that it's not going to be for everyone. Carts would be a bad idea out here. It's doable but you'll regret it most likely.
The prairie holes aren't my kind of thing. The brush was down in mid April but I imagine these are kind of a PIA in the summer. This was about the only place on the course that didn't have benches or logs to sit on either. These are towards the end of the round when you'd really want something to sit on.
Other Thoughts:
I've had my eye on this course for a few years now. Since this one was the only course on the property. This place did not disappoint in the slightest. Three courses onsite and $10/person to play all day is a steal. One of the best private courses out there. Do yourself a favor and find a way to make your way out here. If you like rugged woods golf this needs to be on your wishlist. Loved it.