Pros:
The first 9 that has been put in is well done. The holes seem well thought out and utilize the land very well. All types of shots represented with Hyzer, Anhyzer, long, short, uphill, downhill, wide open drives and tight, tree lined. Water and forest - you have it all here.
The Red (Amateur) Tee markers have the course playing very short and the Grey (Pro) Tee markers don't make it too difficult at all, even for the intermediate play. When going over the water, accuracy is a must not necessarily distance. The same is said for the 3 holes in the woods (4-6). The only issue is finding the Tee Markers but more of that in the Con area.
Ample parking and #1 departs the parking area and #9 ends up very near #1 Tee. Bathrooms are near the parking area. Ample trash cans along the way.
#4 is a great visual hole - enjoy. Gotta play it from the Grey Tees!
Course plays in and around mature trees so lots of shade is available to help with the current heat wave!
Cons:
You MUST print and take the map the first time you play or you will NEVER find the Red and Grey flat stones that mark the tee areas. There are not other markings to indicate where to go. Once you play the first time, you will have no issues navigating the course.
The main problem I see with the course as laid out will be with hole 4 (even though this is a great hole). You have to cross over a small creek bed several times and there is no bridge to cross from 4 Tee to 4 Basket. Currently it is so dry it isn't an issue but if there is any amount of water in there, it will be difficult at best to cross safely and without getting your shoes wet! There is a natural bridge to get from 5 tee to 5 basket; 5 basket to 6 Pro Tee; and 6 Pro Tee to 6 fairway.
Also, while hole 4 plays steeply uphill on the approach and putt (you better keep it up near the basket or it comes back down hill!) with any moisture, it will be extremely dangerous to try and climb up the dirt hill. This hill is steep and going up and down with it slick will cause injuries for sure over time without some type of steps being put in place. I see this as a safety hazard in the future. With it so dry right now, no issues but in spring and fall - look out!
As mentioned previously, Basket 7, 8 and 9 are just too close to the road way. Even with the road playing out of bounds, if any cars are on or parked near the road, this is another big safety hazard that should be dealt with.
7 Basket can be moved farther right and away from the road and the same would be true of 8. 9 Basket needs to be closer to the water and away from the road.
Other Thoughts:
This is an excellent 9 and plays well even for a brand new course. Well worth a stop if in the Lebanon, IL area. I am looking forward to seeing the back 9 holes when they get put in - hopefully this will be sooner rather than later.
Just be careful with Holes 4, 5 - esp. if wet and muddy!