Pros:
This is the shorter, but tighter course in Shelby Forest. It generally plays easier for most pro level players, but if you can not hit the many small gaps, then this course can play tougher than the East course. Most holes have good concrete tee pads and benches, the rest have carpet tee pads.
Design wise, this course is challenging but straight forward: you simply have to hit your gaps. If you can hit your gaps, then you will shoot well here. Although mostly short, this course contains a lot of variety in shot selection, with good elevation changes, and plenty of trees. There are multiple pin placements on a lot of the holes.
At the start of the course is a pavilion and bathrooms. The park has cabins and also allows camping. The also wooded East course is right next door.
Cons:
Strangely, several holes have good tee signs, while some other holes seem to be missing signs, which can make navigation difficult for first timers. There are no next tee markers, but there is usually a worn path leading to the next tee pad. The reason this is a major con, is there can be a lot of worn paths being it is an old course, and several holes were part of the original 18. After hole 9, you will go back behind the basket for holes 10-14, before returning back to hole 15.
Also, remember to bring bug spray and cover yourself with it, and even then, I wish you luck.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, this course is fun to play for players of all skill levels. There are a lot of unique and challenging shots. Both courses in this park are heavily wooded, so if you like wooded course, then you will really enjoy your visit to Shelby Forest State Park. The general store down the road has food, drinks, sells discs, and loves disc golfers.