Pros:
After playing 1200 courses over 40 years, I don't think I've ever used class when describing a disc golf course but the course at Hotel Hershey just seems classy to me. Start with the fact that this course starts down the steps near the tennis and bocce ball courts and plays through rest of the hotel's sports area including their falconry area. Then you add the fact that this course is part of the Hotel Hershey, which is this large luxury property. It just made me feel like I was playing disc golf with the Royals. Good putt, Prince William! Nice drive there, Prince Harry!
As previously stated, this little 9 hole course begins by the steps and just above the tennis courts. There is a disc golf rules sign here. The tee signs nice colored ones. The natural tee pads are marked by two blue, markers made by Innova. Most of these are natural pads are perfectly adequate. The baskets are Discatchers with the numbers on the yellow bands and next tee arrows hung below the catchers.
The distances and challenge are both commensurate with a recreational level course. Advanced players won't find much challenge here. Distances are mostly in the 300' range. # 9 is the only shorty but it's a fun little 156' downhill toss but you have to keep your drive below the branches and also hit a 25' gap. Cool little hole!
I also liked # 4, # 5 and # 7. # 4 is a 383' hole, slightly downhill, which kinda hysers into a lovely wooded area. # 5 is just a real pretty 370', also slightly downhill, which needs a little fade at the end. And # 7 is 411' to a basket set under a large tree near this cool looking ropes course structure.
Cons:
I find very little to complain about. The natural tee pads would be an issue if this course received more play. Currently, only the # 3 pad is somewhat torn up and that's because the tee is slanting slightly uphill and players are trying to crank up their drives here to clear the small hill.
Only 9 holes.
Little challenge for better players.
Other Thoughts:
This is one of my favorite little Rec courses. I could invent a new category consisting of smallish, 9 hole, Rec courses and this would make the grade. Install some proper tee pads and I think this might rate as one of the better 9 hole courses anywhere.
I could live in Hershey, eat lots of chocolate, and split my time between here and Shank Park. I'd be as happy as an Amish boy at a strip club.