Pros:
-Some really challenging mid-range shots on offer at this course.
-The course really tests your accuracy and creativity.
Half of the holes are cut out of the thick shrubbery in the 20+ acre natural area. Because of this, your mid-range game is tested with tee shots that require real precision, as the landing (safe) areas are extremely small. Failing to execute leads to a disc in the blackberry bushes, which are thick as hell at Reichmuth.
-If you are able to control your shots you are rewarded here with several real ace runs.
-Worth noting are the straight/narrow tee shots required on holes 2 and 3. Both "fairways" are relatively narrow with slight undulations about 2/3 of the way to the baskets. If you play it right, the undulations can be used on both holes to help funnel your disc up close to the baskets. But, if you get a little loose on your shots you'll end up in the thick stuff (especially on #3 which has some of the worst thorn bushes on the course). They are both really good, fun holes.
-Hole #4 is another short, tree laden hole. It sets up for a rhbh hyper through the trees. The windows through the trees on this hole are tiny. For a short hole you will really feel good bout yourself if you are able to get it close. It is a really challenging little tee-shot.
-Hole #5, #6, and #8 are played on the edge of the natural area in the grass. Even so the natural area and it's insanely thick thorn bushes, trees, etc...are in play. Additionally, the baskets on these holes are set right up against the natural area and use the trees to guard against normal approaches. Instead, the holes require super low approaches, annhyzers, skip shots, etc...Even with these 3 holes all being relatively short (under 300'), the designer made sure to use the natural environment to keep things as challenging and fun as possible. For the pro they're wouldn't be very difficult, butter the average beginner/novice, they provide a real fair, fun challenge.
-Also worth noting is hole #1. It is by far the longest hole on the course, playing well over 400 feet. There is a little hill with two massive trees positioned halfway to the basket in the center of the fairway. Because of this it makes the drive really tricky. For a lot of us it is a two shot hole.
-I have never had to deal with any crowds or delays at this course. In fact, I've played it 4 or 5 times now (always during the week) and I have never seen more than 4 or 5 other golfers out on the course. So that is a definite plus--especially if you want to come out and throw a ton of discs around to practice or if you're looking for a super fast round.
-For a park in a city course it really offers up a diverse and unique set up holes.
Cons:
-Some of the smells in the "natural" area on the course can be pretty off-putting. I imagine from the smells that there are several homeless "camps" back in the trees.
-There are tee signs at most of the holes, but there is nothing on them besides the hole number and a DGA sticker. Also, I thought the tee pads were a little small and awkward. I usually tee'd off next to them in the dirt/grass.
-Lastlly, there can be some real characters and shade-balls hanging out in that park. Both in the natural area and on the benches by the parking lot. It is a place you definitely want to make sure your door is locked in. Also, there are times that I'd recommend that you park on the street a little bit away from the parking lot (on the weekdays when you're one of the few cars in the lot). You'll know when that is when you drive up to the parking lot and look around.
Other Thoughts:
This course was a really nice surprise. There is a fun little diversity to the holes on this course. It plays fast, rewards good shots, and is pretty close for those of us who live near downtown.
Just remember, the holes in the natural area are cut out of some thick, nasty stuff. The damn blackberry bushes/vines are dangerous as hell. Watch your step when you have to dig a disc out of there. I still have a cuts all over my leg from them.
Unfortunately, there are only 9 holes here. Hopefully they do follow through with adding the additional 9 so that we can have another 18 hole course in Sacramento. There is definitely room for 9 more holes here. Hell, there is room for an additional 27 holes--the natural area and adjoining park is that big. I just hope they follow up on making this an 18 hole course. There aren't enough of them and us disc golfers deserve it!!
-There is a long walk between hole 1 and hole 2, and it can be a little bit confusing there and in a couple of other places on the course.
***after the first hole you want to walk to the left (when facing the natural area from hole 1's basket). You will see a dirt trail that goes right into the nature area that will eventually (it's a little walk) to the second hole.
There are a couple of other places that are a little confusing, but after a minute or two of trial and error will be easy enough to figure out.
Remember to lock your doors!!!! And don't you ever leave any of your valuables in the car.