-Championship Level Layout
-Large Concrete Pads, Multiple Pads per hole
-Top Notch Signage, especially for next hole
-Wide Variety of Challenges, elevation, technical
-Scenic piece of land
-Good baskets, practice basket
-Various tees make some real changes to the hole, especially on #8, #10, #13, #18

-Water, Drainage is poor in several areas, can flood with lots of rain in the area, making the course unplayable
-Safety, mostly on hole #1, but also on #18. The stepping stones to cross the creek can be treacherous.

Harmony Bends DGC is a championship level course in Strawn Park on the western edge of Columbia, MO. The course makes wonderful use of the terrain in the park. Signage is top notch with some of the best next tee signage I've seen. There are some real differences between the tees making for an unique experience for all levels. The elevation is taxing at times, bring plenty of water in warmer times. One of the big detractors, for me, is only the fault of the piece of land. Drainage is poor in areas. I played after some rain, not impassible or unplayable, yet some of the course was dodging the wet areas. #2 Blue and white tees were surrounded. #5 blue and white tees were also waterlogged. Lots of water in various places along the length of #10. Another issue was in the safety of crossing the creek. You cross 3 times on #1 and once on #18 (assuming you stay on the right of the creek on #18). All 4 crossings are on steeping stones. The creek was low enough that these were prominent, but I mis-stepped on the third crossing on #1 and took a tumble and was wet from the thighs down and dunked half my cart/bag. I saw "somewhat cart friendly" and chanced it. Somewhat cart friendly on #2 - #17, but tough on #1 and #18. Did see a couple of other carts on the course, so some try it. The mechanics are top notch, signage, baskets, design, skill level (although even the red tees are almost 6200'). I went out of my way to get to this top rated course, and while it was excellent, the safety keeps it from a "best of the best" rating for me. The playability from a water standpoint keeps it down for me, too. You could add better crossings on #1 and #18, not much you can do about the water/flooding issue. Go and experience it. Probably don't take a cart. I won't rush back out of my way to play, but it would be the one to play, if in the area.