Pros:
I got to play SFDGC on vacation this month and I really liked it. You're going to get most everything you want from a top quality course. There are multiple tees, all gravel that is well maintained and level. Good baskets that are up to the task. Par 4's and 5's mixed in with a few nice deuce runs to lighten things up. A lot of trees on most fairways, but allowing room for good throws to get around. Some elevation change will make it a bit more interesting. The Salmon Falls River is often in sight as you make your way around, with Maine sitting on the opposite bank. I loved the scenery.
We pulled in on a Tuesday morning and played with a couple of locals that helped us navigate the course. I had a great time with Peanut and Chris showing me the way. It was a wonderful morning, sunny and almost no wind.
The course layout is great. All holes were maintained well and trimmed. The first hole starts in open space before doglegging right into the woods. There is an elevation drop after you enter the treeline, and then a climb up to the basket after you cross the creek. Hole 2 is a short downhill that offers a great shot at a birdie if you are on line. Hole 4 might be my favorite hole there, as you follow the river on the left through a good tunnel through the trees on a good par 4 hole. Very pretty and peaceful, so long as you avoid missing to the left side.
14 is another fairly lengthy run through the trees with water to the right side, with spots to land that will set up a nice approach. The holes are mostly wooded until you get to 15 and 16. They're pretty wide open down the middle, but there are heavy woods to the left and a ridgline to the right that has a hillside with brushy bushes and tall grass. 17 is another long wooded affair, with some good lines and landing zones available if you can hit them. 18 has a bit of a grassy alley with thick rough to either side, but it's reachable if you keep the drive centered.
Cons:
If I have to reach for a downside, it is pay to play. It is worth every penny for sure. It could have concrete tees but I didn't feel like I used an inferior option on the nice, flat gravel circles.
Other Thoughts:
I didn't give descriptions for all of the great holes here. I love the tight and technical fairways. I would surely return for more rounds, and recommend the course to others.
I didn't play so hot, with a 10 over par 61. We played the middle tees for most of the holes, but stepped up to the longs once or twice to get the full effect of Salmon Falls when necessary.