Pros:
- well integrated into existing trails and spaces, seems like it didn't have a huge environmental impact
- concrete teepads on every hole, some even have hole number and distance
- a few really demanding tunnel shots in the woods
- a great mix of super tight woods holes on the shorter side and long wide open bombers
- some really well guarded greens that will require parking it or putting around obstacles
- the best basket to next tee flow I've seen at any course. For at least half of the holes the next tee is within 50 ft of the basket. Almost every hole has a sign pointing to the next tee as well.
- most memorable hole to me was a 230 ft par 4 (yes you read that right). Crazy small gaps and a super steep upslope easily made this a two shot hole. Had a really cool par 5 in there as well.
- plenty of parking at hole 1 and hole 18
- back 9 is more open and longer and front 9 is tight and woodsy so if you have a preference for either one you can just play that 9 twice.
- even in late fall the course was super well maintained, well mowed fairways and groomed trails
- just a really scenic course, especially the hilly back 9. A great variety of trees and plants and elevation.
Cons:
- for the front 9 especially it's almost impossible to see the basket on most holes. First timers will have to walk the hole and then come back (even with the Udisc map).
- A couple of holes that seem more predicated on luck than skill as the gap is so small (hole 9 comes to mind)
- a couple of really lopsided baskets that look like they've taken a beating, a tree possibly fell on them
- doesn't make a ton of sense the course starts and ends on opposite edges of campus. Either way you'll have to do some walking.
- 444ft par 3 was a bit of a head scratcher for me... Really demanding placement on tee shot to have a look at a super well guarded green. Felt like a pro level hole.
- hole numbers and distances are mostly faded from the concrete teepads. It's only there on a handful of holes. Hole maps and tee signs would go a long way in helping out first timers to the course.
Other Thoughts:
**FYI--the school is now Northern Vermont University and not Lyndon State College! Could be helpful when navigating to the course...**
Woods golf at it's finest! Or close to it... Had a great time with this course, make sure your scramble game, putting and laser beam straight shots are on point. I found myself attempting very ambitious patent pending approaches on most holes just to try and save par. Mid ranges and putters will get you through the hole front 9 (maybe use a distance driver on hole 1 and 9) while the back 9 requires a ton of length. For a student designed course this was honestly pretty incredible! Would love to come back and give it another try as I started well and had a total meltdown on the back 9. O haven't really played many courses in the area so I don't know how it stacks up but I really do recommend stopping by if you're in the area.