Pros:
Par System, Fairways, Cleanliness, Scenery, Course Design, Owners/Vibes
Par System: Scoring is challenging and fair. As far as I can tell, shooting Par on most holes at The Land is equivalent to shooting 'One Under' on other courses. Per Don, it was designed this way intentionally. It's fun to play where par is the standard instead of a bride. Consistency is favored over aggression, but you will be tempted (see hole 9).
Fairways: Fairways are clearly defined and force controlled and accurate shots. Fairways are wide in most places (without being too wide) and require player to 'shape' their shots. 'Spray and pray' style shots will be punished. Once you're off the fairway, you'll find a literal forest of trees but there is little to no brush or bramble so losing a disc is pretty unlikely.
Cleanliness: Course is essentially empty of waste. No cigarette butts, no beer cans. Pristine.
Scenery: Course is in the woods! Legitimately in the woods, not just a wooded section of a town park. Lends a sense of adventure, it's kinda like hiking, expect no one else is on the trail. No worrying about hitting clueless bystanders. Ponds are beautiful and stocked with fish.
Course Design: Each hole is challenging and unique, the course doesn't feel repetitive as it goes on. No head scratching "why did they...?" designs. Holes bend in both right and left directions. Both forehand and backhand shots are encouraged. The course makes practical use of 'truck paths' without seeming uninspired. Course layout is very player friendly but not necessarily beginner friendly as it was built with the intention to challenge more advanced players.
Owners/Vibes: Don is an excellent host and top notch guide. Wasn't sure what to expect pulling into a stranger's driveway and Don showed me a great morning.
Cons:
Location, Private, Tee Pads, Signage, Mach 2 Baskets
Location: You are going to be way out there in Southern Tier Country! Which is really cool but for most of us this will be a destination course (and one you should put on your list!) rather than an after work affair. Pack a lunch/drinks, there is no 7/11 at the end of the block.
Private: This course invite only. You'll need to call ahead to make a tee time but this turns out to be a great trade off (See Pro's above).
Tee Pads: Many tee pads were created using AstroTurf sourced from a local football field. Although a great gesture, they are prone to being uneven and slippery when wet. I found it challenging to drive off some of the tee pads (hole 18 comes to mind). Certain holes did not have tee pads when I played and it can get muddy/somewhat dangerous if you slip. Wear boots/be smart. This con is an easy trade off to make for the pros above.
Signage: I didn't notice any traditional signage. However, there is neon electrical tape on each basket pointing towards the next hole and it's not all that confusing once you get an idea of the property. After playing my first round, I navigated my second without issue.
Mach 2 Baskets: Not my personal favorite; but like with the tee pads, let's not look a gift horse in the mouth here.
Other Thoughts:
It was really a privilege to play the 'The Land'. Hats off to Don on a great course. Although The Land is still in its infancy, as the course continues to develop I think it will become a destination among the community once the word gets out. Personally, I don't think it's a stretch to imagine touring players making a stop over after tournaments in OH or Pittsburgh. Of course, concert pads and tee signs would really put 'The Land' on another level but honestly, it's hard too be to critical given that The Land is privately maintained on personal proprietary. In fact, it's immaculately well kept given these circumstances.
If you're invited to play (and I hope you get to), please be respectful of the property and considerate to the owners. They've chosen to open this course up to us because they enjoy hosting players to share in what they've created. It's an incredibly generous offer, let's be generous in return.
Can't wait to play again!