Pros:
(UPDATE: This is updated for the full long/gold layout)
- This course now has two baskets for each hole (blue and gold), with a handful of long pads as well. The gold baskets were sorely needed and bring in some new shots beyond a par 3 stock hyzer. The par 4s aren't particularly long, but they do require precision to navigate through. They're fair, some have multiple routes, but most importantly, challenge different shots in your bag. I can't say enough about how much of an improvement the new layout is. Several of the new gold basket placements add the right amount of challenge to push higher-level players for a birdie.
- They left all the holes I liked in and added two more great ones! A pleasant surprise. I really enjoy the new #10 and #11 - really enjoy #11 in particular as it forces a precision sharp dogleg left shot, before setting up for a slight turn right for the upshot.
- The course looks great. Before teeing off for a morning round, there was a fleet of four Park District carts going from hole to hole to edge around tee pads. There's some longer grass that creates natural rough, which I love. The little elevation that's here is used pretty well, and the wooded holes balance and shield a course that's right by the highway.
- Tee pads are big and I love the style and design of the DiscGolfPark tee signs and baskets. Very clean and crisp.
- There are some small trees that should continue to make this course more challenging as the years go on (thinking about #7-#9 in particular, the three that center on the hill in the middle of the park)
Cons:
- For all of this space, you can literally jump from #7s tee pad to #9s tee pad. Events I played in had backups on these holes because it's impossible to tee off at the same time.
- On #14, you have to backtrack down the entire fairway to get to #15 (at least, I didn't see another way). But building a bridge across the creek to the left of the basket would solve this issue, so there's opportunity there.
- They cut a lot of trees down in the open area for this course, but didn't cut them level with the ground. Watch your step, there are a lot of stumps an inch above the ground. (This is getting much better, though)
- It is *right* by the highway, which takes you out a bit for the first few holes.
Other Thoughts:
- I really enjoy this course now. While there's a time and a place for something like NW Black, I like that Maxwell provides an appropriate challenge and doesn't take all day. Kudos to BN for upgrading this course that plays great no matter your skill level. And even when you're with newbies or kids, there's a seven-hole par 3 course in the same park!