Pros:
This is one of the easiest reviews I've written. This should be an excellent 9-hole course. But when you're letting grass get knee high throughout the course, you make this course difficult to enjoy.
- The Scout had true Augusta-area course vibes. Vibes of unkempt versions of Riverview, Patriots, and Veterans.
- #1 is a good starting hole. Open, dogleg left, 323-foot layout. For first timers, it was hard to tell if the dogleg was in front of or past the tree line. Thankfully, my mediocre self, I decided to throw straight at the tree line, so I was set either way. It's before, in case you're wondering.
- #2 is a fun, tight, wooded downhill hole. A potential ace run for this 201-foot layout. That's followed up by the exact opposite, a slightly uphill, open, blind hole. It's listed at 213 feet, but with the elevation factor and throwing blind, it some feels tougher to make a run at the basket.
- If the course was cleaned up, both #8 and 9 would be really good holes. #8 requires you to pick one of many gaps between trees. You also have a pond on the right side of the fairway, which comes in to play if you get a bad kick off a tree. #9 is a solid hole that a similar layout to #8 at Renny in Charlotte. It starts out downhill, before doglegging right and uphill. Good tee shots on both of these holes are crucial.
Cons:
You turn a good course bad when it's not mowed/maintained. When you throw a disc in the middle of the fairway, but lose sight of it as it goes past the waste high growth, that's not good.
- Signage/navigation needs to be better. I already mentioned #1. Aside from that, after playing #4, the first tee you spot is for #9. after playing #6, it was easy to spot #7's tee; however, it seems much more logical to play to throw to #8's basket (which you don't know is #8's basket until getting to it) because #7's basket isn't visible. So, after incorrectly playing #8, played #9, then had to go back and play #7 afterwards.
- I also wish there was actual signage from the parking lot indicating that a course actually existed here. You wouldn't know it unless you were purposely seeking it out.
- Wish something different was done for holes #3 or 5. They essentially feel the same.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, I thought the Levee had great bones for an above average 9-hole course. In the condition it was in, it was easily knocked down a full point.
- The course seems like it's sending mixed messages on who it's intended for. The short, simpler holes (#3 - 5 & 7) are excellent ones for kids & beginners. #8 & 9, aren't for beginners, especially with the water coming into play on both holes. I'd suggest installing shorter, safer tees on both of these holes. Do that, and you've got a quality kid-friendly version AND a good regulation course.
- And, do something with #5.
- #6 would be better adding another 100 feet to it. It had a semi-tight fairway. Require that to come into play on a second shot as well.
- This would be more fun if it got more attention. Seeing how it's technically not in Augusta, I wonder if it doesn't get support from the local club. Move it closer to town and it'd get some more love.
- I wish I'd gotten to experience this course how it was intended to play instead of what I actually played. It's hard to recommend a course when it's in a state of neglect. If/when it's cleaned up, then I'd say make a quick detour on your way to the IDGC for a quick round.