-18 holes. The course wraps around a sports complex, dorms, fields and along a creek on the campus of Western Carolina University.
-Good Variety. Every hole is unique in some way. Great use of elevation. Hole distances range from 150 to over 450 feet. Multiple baskets are elevated.
-Signage is decent. Course map is located at hole 1. Signs warning walkers are also a great idea.
-Good maintenance. Regular mowing even during summer.
-Great place to improve your drives and physical stamina.

-A walking path runs through most of the course. Could get busy when schools in. A couple holes also play close to parking lots.
-Natural pads may be a con for some.
-A few lengthy transitions between holes.

Catamount Links is a fun and challenging course. The first 9 holes are classic mountain golf with fun up and downhill birdie opportunities. The next 7 holes wrap around a large field and along a creek. Here you get to air it out on some longer holes with a couple short ones thrown in. Hole 17 and 18 is where it gets awkward. Both are cool holes that play next to the creek near the main entrance. Its a long walk from 16 and you have to double back up the hill to the parking lot when finished. The transition between 3 and 4 is also somewhat strange but a sign helps direct you up there. The course map should also help first timers. The course pairs great with the pitch and putt down the road at Jackson Rec Center.

UPDATE(1 year)- A solor hammock lounge was constructed near hole 17 but does not impact play.
UPDATE(2 years)- The recent expansion to 18 holes is awesome. 6 new holes were added while old hole 1 was eliminated and turned into a large parking lot. Another practice basket was added near the old one and makes for a good warm up area. Unfortunately it is a good distance from hole 1 and may not be used as often as it should be.
UPDATE(5 years)- The past couple years the back half of the course has been closed due to a major construction project on campus. The course is currently best played as a 9 hole course. Holes 17 and 18 are playable but nowhere near the front 9. It appears an effort is underway to add holes in the woods near hole 5.

Holes 2-5 and 12 were my favorite due to the changes in elevation and shot selection. I disagree with the reviewer that claims this course is a "driving contest" - I drove with a midrange on 4 of the holes and my putter on 2 of them. I liked the elevated basket on hole 10 and rarely had to deal with user conflicts. Parking is right next to the course and the putting basket was nice to see.

More holes and some concrete tee boxes would be a huge plus. Fun to play, but not designed for a 1000 rated player.

For a campus course, this was a lot of fun to play. I give it a 5 for the impact on the campus and surrounding community and a 3 for its play. If you want a real challenge, play the Asheville course (Richmond Hill) located an hour East of this one.