Cascade Township, MI

Cascade Township Park - Old Layout

2.755(based on 38 reviews)
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Cascade Township Park - Old Layout reviews

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1 0
ILSTUpid
Experience: 14 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 25, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Course seemed to be in pretty good shape. Mowed, which is always a big plus in my book.
- Not much room to lose discs, unless you really manage to randomly flip one over
- Great use of elevation, with a few fun holes as a result
- Amazing course for less experienced players...especially the front 9. Not too many required lines, and some shorter baskets.
- With an excess of shorter holes, great for ace races, if that's your thing.

Cons:

- Really open course, with few obstacles. That being said, there were a few holes where there was a necessary path, or at least made you think about your approach, but for the most part, this is very much a bomb away kind of course. The couple of courses that had obstacles that required finesse were in my opinion, too short. Hole 8 is a fantastic example of this, in my opinion. Great amount of obstacles, but unfortunately, too short of a hole to really be able to put any muster on your throw.
- Non-existent tee pads, roughed up areas that appear to be used for dirt pads are uneven and a pain.
- A few short holes. Anything under 250 feet is kind of annoying for me. There are 2 here that are well under 200.
- A few holes that throw close to parking lots or areas where people would be hanging out.

Other Thoughts:

- A lot of other people complained about wind at this course. Being from Illinois, and going to school in central Illinois where it is windy as can be, the wind was really not a big deal for me, personally. Admittedly, more prone to wind than other surrounding courses.
- A sign pointed to the first tee pad would go a long way. If you're going here for the first time, don't be like me, bring a map.
- I personally prefer more wooded courses.
- Not 420 friendly at all, not a con in my book, but if that's your thing you should probably stay away.
- I went on a day where there weren't many people out (it was about to start raining), so I can't speak to the busy level of the park, but I could see it being busy.
- Course pars are kind of a joke here. Went -17, went even playing with par 3, usually average +3 for most courses playing with full par 3s. Admittedly, I made some nice shots when I went, but would never expect to do that well at any course.
- My favorite hole was 15. Nothing else really stood out to me.
- Gave it a 2.5/5. It's not really my favorite kind of park, but I think for others, they might enjoy it more. It is in really good condition, and I don't regret playing it.
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2 0
Reniger
Experience: 20.9 years 49 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Open Season on Wind Fighting! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 2, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

•Manicured
This course has greatly improved over the last two seasons. No longer there is the tall grass rough. The whole park is mowed consistently now. (at least bi-weekly) No goose or dog droppings, no trash.
•Long
If you're looking for a place to practice distance drives in the Midwest Michigan area, this is your spot. Front 9 has two holes in the 400' range that are very open and 7 out of the back 9 are over 300' - 2 over 500'. The length also helps to spread out groups so you're not too crowded up.
•Elevation
Cascade doesn't have much in the way of obstacles. (other than people as it's a busy park) However, they make good use of elevation change to offer up a little bit of challenge.
•Restrooms
Large concrete restrooms in the center of the course.
•Wind
Both a pro and can, however, being elevated from the surrounding area, next to a highway and airport, there is a lot of open room to build up significant wind. Even on relatively still days, this will be the windiest course in the area. Offers more challenge to an open course, but, can be frustrating for less experienced players

Cons:

•Noise
Next to a highway and airport, in the direct landing pattern at the end of Gerald R. Ford International's longest runway. Traffic in the air and on the ground is quite loud.
•Open
While it can be nice to air out the big drives, there is little challenge other than pushing as hard as you can to go as far as you can. Only hole 15 offers much challenge from obstacles. (380' valley shot ending up a steep sledding hill with an old growth tunnel at about 80'-100')
•Pads
All dirt pads. Some with significant roots, most with deep erosion, and these get very soupy after rainfall. One of the longer holes has a large (20'x30') clay and sand area used for the pad that turns into a very slick surface when wet
•Busy
This mutil-use park is also home to local soccer, lacrosse, pee-wee football, baseball, cross-country, and tennis teams. Multiple Leagues and Schools use this course for other sports. The course also follows a 1 mile jogging track and often times you will need to wait for the hole to clear.

Other Thoughts:

Easy location to get to near the freeway and main retail thoroughfare in the area. Offers a fun open course for beginners, intermediate players and big arms, however, can be too simple for advanced players. All-in-all, a worthwhile course to play, but, not a top-rated course.
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2 0
manonthemoon9
Experience: 10 years 5 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 1, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-The course makes great use of elevation changes to enhance a course that otherwise may be repetitive in shot type
-Has some great long shots
-A couple of very fun and memorable holes (6,15,16)
-Great place to practice throwing in high winds

Cons:

-Discs highly affected by wind frequently; some people may not enjoy this
-Positioned next to a busy freeway, less of a hazard for discs and more of a loud nuisance that takes away a bit of peacefulness
-The course is in a multi-use park, so caution is needed to not hit bystanders

Other Thoughts:

This course is a great place to work with beginners as it offers some variety without too much punishment. That being said, it isn't extraordinary either. It is a great place to just go and throw a round or two on an afternoon, but it isn't necessarily a destination.
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1 0
el_pwnzor
Experience: 5 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Decent place 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 7, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Some really sweet hills that tinker with elevation (5, 14, 15)
Not very busy, you usually aren't stuck waiting on the course.
You won't have a hard time knowing where the next hole is.
Some holes on the last 9 are very, very long.
The trees pose a good challenge on many hills, and combined with elevation, leave you with a variety of shots and hole types.

Cons:

Many holes have a fairway only 30 feet wide, surrounded by tall, unkept grass and shrubs. This makes it a nuisance to find lost discs!
The tall grass around this time of year makes your legs itchy if you spend too long in it; everyone I've played with has this problem.
There are many holes that are right beside parking lots, walking paths, and social gathering places. I've seen people get hit by discs before.
Some of the tees are lumpy.
Drinking fountains and the bathrooms are gross!

Other Thoughts:

It's a great place to take beginners. No water, and the first 9 holes won't overwhelm them, and by the time they are posed with challenging hills, they will be up for it.
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3 0
Durco
Experience: 26.9 years 65 played 6 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- nice long holes
- some 'must get' shorter holes (#3, #5 and #8)
- a few sweet par 4s!
- good place to work on distance shots, work on playing in the wind or just to practice in general.
- usually not too busy

Cons:

- can be busy with non disc golf activities (soccer, walkers, baseball parent's parking in 11s fairway and green)

- a lot of the holes are dangerous to non disc golfers. #1 is a longer hole (375-400ft) playing into what is usually a headwind (or a left to right headwind) The parking lot is on the right side of the green starting at about 325ft off the tee. More dangerous to ppls cars.

-The back 9 is long shots + wind + walking/ biking paths + soccer field + tennis courts + playground + parking lot = dangerous. The good thing is that the park goers and most disc golfers seem very aware of each other here.
-Hole #13s tee is in #12's fairway.... IDK what to say about this.. other than IDK how anyone could think this is a good idea....

-Hole #16s tee shot is esp sketchy IMO. It's a par 4, 600ft+, downhill and there is a large playground on the left side of the fairway from about 250-350 off the tee... right where a shot thrown too high, short throws, shanked righty sidearm shots, pulled over lefty shots, lefty sidearms shots that are too high... etc.. will end up landing. The prevailing wind is a headwind.... adding to the fun....

-Hole #18 has a blind walking path coming in from the right at about 3/4 of the way down the fairway. . <-- Be esp. careful on this one.

Baskets are Mach New IIs, which don't have many chains.

Other Thoughts:

-Overall the course itself is fun. The front 9 is really fun! There is good variation of hole lengths. So, you will throw a bunch of dif. discs off the tee. I esp enjoy hole #6 (downhill about 400ft). It's fun to unload your bag on.

-The back 9 is fun, but the layout is really dangerous to non disc golfers IMO.

-Some of the distances on the back 9 are really, really off. Holes #11 and #12 come to mind.. esp #12.

-Fun course, just be careful/ mindful of the non disc golfers.
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1 5
BZoods
Experience: 14.8 years 27 played 5 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Better around 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 11, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Elevation in play on some holes
-Never busy
-Good beginner course
-Wind is the only challenging part about this course

Cons:

-Dirt pads
-Shot variety isn't really needed. Can play the entire course with overhead shots if you wanted.
-Wind can be a con if you're not used to it.

Other Thoughts:

This course is great to work on drive mechanics at, but that's about it. Other than about 3 holes, there really are no significant obstacles. I suppose this is the best use of the land available, but it's just not an interesting course. I'd rather go to Fallasburg or Old Farm.
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1 3
TheKohn
Experience: 12 years 17 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Windy fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

front 9 is great, shorter holes with varied elevation and trees. no water hazards but there is a few spots you're in danger of losing a disc to the woods.

Cons:

can get Extremely Windy!!! right next to the highway and airport. mostly open holes.

theres a couple spots that you have to throw over a road or really close to a parking lot

navigation can be a little confusing the first time you play here so print out a map or play with someone who's been there

Other Thoughts:

i like this course as long as its not to windy (which it often is) but if its a nice day it can be a lot of fun.
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1 3
That1AndyGuy
Experience: 14.8 years 10 played 7 reviews
1.50 star(s)

wind wind WIND! ugh!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 20, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Elevation makes for fun shots. Drinking fountains in several locations.

Cons:

WIND!!! It is ridiculously windy. Lost a disc for the first time in over a year in the crazy tall rough after the wind blew my disc two fairways over. No shade = hot and dry. Layout is awful; back and forth across a road and through a soccer field.

Other Thoughts:

It would be nice to have signs to point in the direction of the next pad. There are a few places where we had to look around for the next pad.
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4 1
dandther
Experience: 48.9 years 47 played 18 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Better Than the Current Rating 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 1, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

*Good elevation changes
*Interesting contrast between holes
*I love the limited mowing leaving narrow fairways open
*Some of the basket placements are incredibly scenic. It's a really attractively designed course
*Several very long holes really let you air it out
*No water, no goose poop, no stoners. This is a park with a nice atmosphere.

Cons:

*Dirt tee pads. I don't mind this, but the loose sand that's left during the current drought means you'll slip if you're not careful
*Difficult to find your way around the first time through, but this is not much an issue to me. Print the satellite photo.
*At times the park is crowded.
*12 should be redesigned somehow to get away from the parking lot (there's a huge unmown area to the west of the fairway that could be used instead).

Other Thoughts:

Those who complain about 10 going over the soccer field should just visualize the hole as a slight dogleg and avoid the field completely.

This is becoming my go-to park for introducing newbies to the sport. There are enough short holes that they won't feel intimidated, with a couple of really nice longer holes to show them what they can shoot for if they work at the game.

Update: I am starting to really dislike the dirt tees. With concrete tees my rating would jump to 4, the course is that good. The only downside would be the roads and sidewalks. However, this is NOT as big of an issue to me as it is to others. This is a multiuse park, and it could be the best course in the GR area. It beats Riverside (goose poop, flooding, frequent crowds/festivals), and is better than Brewer (no mud, no stoners). 60 mile round trip for me, but I keep coming back.
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2 1
JSquizz
Experience: 12.6 years 16 played 14 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Love this course...on weekday mornings! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 25, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Elevation changes galore, mostly wide open with a few exceptions. Varying hole lenghts from aceable for a rookie to almost impossible to get down in three. The wind offers another challenge some players may not like but I have no issue with it.

Cons:

Forget about playing at busy times, there are numerous walkways, parking lots, fields, courts which come into play when the park is busy. This is the only con I can find with the course, but playing early is rarely an issue.

Other Thoughts:

The design is not perfect, but it is an enjoyable course. It would be a great course if you eliminated all the "noise" in the park.
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2 0
jarnson
Experience: 13.8 years 27 played 27 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice 18 Hole Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Very nice elevation change, creates a good course instead of just going back and forth straight shots.
- Not too wild on hyzers and anhyzers but it takes advantage of the hills and the trees.
- Hole 15 is well over 500ft. I believe and is a nice challenge for players who like to see how far they can drive a disc.
- Nice Chainstar baskets, numbers on top to help players

Cons:

- Dirt tees (okay, but cement is nice to have)
- Very poor design for navigation. I would have been lost if it had not been for the map I printed off before arriving there. Make sure you study the map before playing too.
- Hole 10 plays over a soccer field... bad dice there.
- The designs... I do not know what they were thinking when they made this course!!! There are roads and walking paths going through the park and the holes do nothing to avoid them. That is more of a challenge than the holes themselves!

Other Thoughts:

- Overall, it was a good course for distance and 18 holes, but for overall playing I think I will avoid it unless it is a dead day and there is almost no one around on the course/park.
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1 0
balth99
Experience: 12 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Quick update 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

After seeing some of the other reviews, I just wanted to say there are tee numbers, but no map. The course is freshly mowed, no trash and a great course for intermediate and above players. It's a truly fun and unique course despite the hazards below.

Cons:

Players can easily lose discs to the interstate, bad safety hazards on several holes where the fairways cross the tees to other holes. Several shots across roads, near parking areas or tennis courts and walkways. Beginners should expect to bogey or above on most holes just for safety concerns.

Other Thoughts:

If you don't have a map (look under files/links), you may think this is a 9-hole course like the first three times we played here!
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2 4
CDashMAN
Experience: 33 played 6 reviews
0.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 21, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

a few nice holes
close for visits

Cons:

no signage
dirt tee pads
horrible safety hazards (throw over a soccer field, paths, roads, etc)
navigation nightmare without a map

Other Thoughts:

Hands down the worst course i have every played in MI, the sad part is it is the closest to my family when i go to visit. Unless you are padding your courses played list, i dont recommend this course.
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3 0
Star Destraayer
Experience: 23.8 years 113 played 10 reviews
2.50 star(s)

RE-DESIGN ME! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 23, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

18 Chainstars are set in a beautiful and well maintained township park. Rolling hills and sparse trees come into play with a variety of hole lengths. The forgiving nature of each fairway allows for multiple different flight paths. A couple of signature holes allow for some big bombs that may cause one to throw more than one disc. The course is conveniently located right off I-96.

Cons:

Many fairways play dangerously too close to other fairways, parking lots, walking paths and other park facilities; moreover, rendering a few holes unplayable during peak hours. The tee pads are embarrassing at best, being dirt skids with no signs, no benches,no trash cans, or anything else characteristic of disc golf courses. Navigation is almost impossible with no signs indicating the next tee pad's whereabouts with several long walks in between holes. The course is plagued by wind due to the adjacent interstate and airport. Flooding occurs on a few holes.

Other Thoughts:

Unless you are with a local disc golfer, forget about making a trip to this course. I've been playing this course for years and I'm still not certain of the exact locations of every tee off. Yes, there are several fun holes, but all the non-disc golfers wondering around the fairways will make you nervous. Make sure you have a strong 'wind game' or you will become frustrated fast. The park has so much unused land that one will be left wondering why the hell such a design was chosen. Locals will tolerate it, visitors will be disappointed. Takes about 2:30 hours to play if you know what your are doing. A 20 minute drive from downtown GR.
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3 0
E-man
Experience: 14.1 years 22 played 6 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Into the great wide open... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 25, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Elevation: This park has many elevation changes and the course uses them nicely. None are very extreme, but there are both uphill and downhill holes on gentle slopes. Hole 15 (500ft.?), a personal favorite, uses both. It starts out atop a hill, plays down then up, finishing atop another hill.
-Mixed distances: Holes range from 170ish to around 600 feet, and there seems to be a happy medium throughout the course.
-Baskets: All (except #9 that was missing when I last played) are in good condition and have hole numbers on top so you are able to see what hole you just played. A couple of roll-away greens add a challenge.

The park is very nice looking and clean, probably due to it being located in such an affluent area.

Cons:

-Navigation nightmare: There is not one tee sign, nor anything indicating where to start or where to go next in certain locations. Going from hole 9 to 10 is probably the hardest to figure out. Hole 9 finishes near a gazebo. Hole 10 tee is to the East, right at the edge of a roadway. The basket is NE over a soccer field and just East of a tennis court, which brings up the next con...
-Design: There are many driving/walking paths zig-zagging through the course. There are holes next to parking lots, tennis courts, a baseball field, and a playground. Two holes play over roadways within the park and one of them, hole 10, is to the point of ludicrous. It plays directly across a soccer field so maybe it will be clear, maybe not.
-Open course: This is a con to me. There is rarely more than a couple trees between you and the basket, and are spread quite far apart when they are present.
-Tees: Dirt and two foot wide at best, although pretty level. No places to sit by any tees, just gazebos and pavilions somewhat near the course.

The sight/sound of I-96 and airplanes are ever present. No peace and quiet here.

Other Thoughts:

Cascade does have a few really fun holes because of its elevation changes, but they don't make up for the lack of overall fun factor and the huge navigation/design cons. It is directly off an interstate and is worth a look if passing by, just don't make a journey here.
Wind can be strong here and being such an open course doesn't help. Avoiding nights and weekends may help with the run-ins with sports teams using the soccer/baseball fields.
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4 1
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
4.00 star(s)

not too shabby if it had tee signs 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 17, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety--Not too bad, I thought it would be worse with the openess of the course, but there are plenty of hills and the trees are well placed as to add challenge.
Navigation/Tee Signs--With the addition of tee signs recently, this course is much easier to navigate now!!
Generous pars--Yep. I said it. made my wife feel good though. I threw -6 with posted.
Location--Easy on and off the highway.
Aesthetics--even though it's along the highway the park itself is beautiful.

Cons:

Lack of Teepads--the ruts in the grass are a bit dangerous and wonky to navigate on runup...
Inconvenience of hole 10-- there is plenty of room to redesign this hole to make it playable when soccer is going on.

Other Thoughts:

I've updated my review and added a half disc to my score. Tee signs are a huge addition to this course that were desperately needed and much appreciated... This is now the #2 or 3 course in Grand Rapids. Put in tee pads and it will be a solid #2 (poop)
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2 0
rshrevo
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 45 played 34 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Cascade 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 11, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

NIce new tee pad signs so you have a better idea how far the hole is and the posted par. Nice open park. If you go by the parks posted pars for each hole you should be able to score well. I was 7 under on the front nine going by the parks posted par, Some really challenging holes. If the wind is blowing could cause problems on some holes. a couple of holes make for nice ace runs.

Cons:

tees are just dirt patches. can be rough to navigate after you finish the front nine trying to find hole ten. A lot of the holes cross either the road or walking paths. So you need to be aware of who is nearby when you let your disc fly. Basket for 13 is way to close a parking lot if cars are near basket you may end up shooting around parked cars to reach the basket. Hole 12 fairway crosses right in front of the tee to 13.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 7 there is a large bush in the middle of the fairway that you have to throw around to reach hole. Hole 8 the trees in the fairway make finding a throwing lane tricky but not impossible. Hole 14 the bush in front of the hole is waiting to catch any short ace shots at it. Hole 15 there are trees and brush on the left and woods on the right making a very narrow opening for you to shoot through if windy discs can easily float and soar deep into the woods. Hole 16 lets you let a long bomb fly again just watch the path in front of tee and to the right of it. Playground equipment on left can also come into play on drive. Hole 17 can eat your disc if you land it in the trees on the right side of the fairway. Holes 10 and 18 can become unplayable if there is a soccer game going on.but are really nice holes in their own right. I really enjoy this course the rough in the summer can really make it hard to find your disc. It makes you work on your shooting accuracy.
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1 0
nitzua
Experience: 14 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Dearly needs mowing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Open, nice variation of hole length. Baskets are quality, but a few are buried way too low.

Cons:

Rough is currently very, very long and basically ruins the course. Also, there are pedestrians constantly walking the paths in the park that get in the way of throws.
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1 1
scrotman
Experience: 13.9 years 16 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Stay away on sunny days 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 7, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 fairly diverse holes.

Cons:

First 9 holes try and stay on the fairways, the rough is just 3ft torture. Hole 10 makes you wonder if there really are 18 holes because you must literally look for it. (its across the drive on the right midway down the fence.) A couple of holes have you throwing right next to parking lots and patios. Depending on your skill, i suggest skipping or throw and run.

Other Thoughts:

Go on a moderate cool day with little sun. And plenty of water. 80 is not moderate i felt dead from dehydration after the 15th hole with 20oz of water.
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1 2
The Shide
Experience: 46.9 years 373 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Changes for the better 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 17, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

It had been a few years since I last played there, but the changes were for the good (mostly). There use to be a hole that ran along the entrance drive (hated this hole because I always ended up in someones back yard). The newer (new to me) holes in the back are a good addition (although two do intersect #12 & #13- very annoying when someone else is playing right behind you).
After the course dries out sometime in June the course is much easier to navigate - quite a few holes get flooded out in the spring (#3 & #14 especially).
-Now has tee signage, welcome addition, unfortunately no change to layout of course.

Cons:

-The tall grass & the gazebo at the end of the hole #9.
-The fairways are usually well kept (a pro actually) so this forces you to really work on trying to stay out of the rough as well as paying attention to where your disc lands. I've spent WAY too much time hunting for strays discs.
-The one thing that hasn't changed is how windy it is there, be sure to use discs that can handle a strong headwind (load up the bag with overstable discsl).
-Dirt tee pads.
-Paved trail that winds its way through or along most of the holes. The locals who use the trail are generally good about waiting for you to throw. They've probably had their share of discs whizzing by their heads enough times that they'd rather wait then be decapitated.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, the course is well laid out (with the exception of the intersecting holes) as long as you have a map to show you where the next tee pad is located.
This is one of the better courses in the GR area. Could be the best with the addition of cement tee pads & moving some of the holes out of the path of pedestrians & cars.
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