Pros:
A remarkably fun and diverse course with constant creek crossings.
-Amenities: Smallish concrete tees (two pads per hole), numbered DISCatchers, tee signs with info and map that are fading, practice basket.
-Multi-Tees/Pins: Two tees per hole is a great option. There are also alternate pin placements, which is cool, but they aren't shown on the maps and aren't indicated in any other way, which I'm not a fan of.
-Creek: The standout feature of the course is the creek, which comes into play on every hole except the first. Precarious baskets, strategic placement in the middle of the fairway, and a threatening challenge on one side of a fairway are the primary uses. It really enhances the gameplay aspect.
-Progression: Steeplechase has a nice flow from hole to hole, with slight differences on the property introducing the variety necessary to not make it feel stagnant. The way the longer par-4s, open par-3s, and shorter technical shots are mixed is very good.
-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: The shapes themselves are merely okay, but when combined with the overlay of the creek, it's a really fun challenge that will require control and smart decision making. Six par-4s and 12 par-3s provide adequate stylistic variety. There are a lot of medium-long straight drives, some booming multi-shot holes, some technical shots through trees or down slopes towards the creek, and a couple more intricate plays like a tunnel leading to a slow right bend, or an obstructed creek crossing leading to an open-field second drive at an elevated basket. On the whole, it's a really fun collection of holes that, while nowhere near pro difficulty, kept me engaged with the careful strategy.
Cons:
-Disc Loss: From reading reviews here, it sounds like the creek level can vary; however, when I visited, the water was quite deep and my group lost several discs. Additionally, there's private property bordering some holes where a shank could easily lose something.
-Elevation: Not a whole lot of hills here. Definitely the biggest feature missing.
-Tee Pads: They need an overhaul. They're short and the concrete type is rather slippery when wet.
-Overgrowth: On the technical holes, a lot of the small trees have grown up and grown in, making the lines a bit weird. Holes (8) and (17) would be good examples, where the lines have really thinned up to a frustrating degree.
-Bridges: The course needs one or two more places to cross over the creek around hole (4) and then the (7)-(11) range. It's a real nuisance to try to hop from sandbar to mushy ground currently.
-Course Flow: Not helped by the lack of bridges, the course flow is strange, with lots of crossover. There aren't many safety hazards caused by this, but it's pretty hard for a first-timer.
-Pedestrians: It's a busy park, and a few holes run near the walking path.
Other Thoughts:
Steeplechase exceeded my expectations. It's a very fun round with the thrill of the creek danger throughout. Houck has done a nice job. However, there are definite flaws, including minor equipment issues, lack of hills, and a generally open-ish layout. Evaluating against other courses, Steeplechase landed solidly in the ranks of the Very Good. I think it's underrated and well worth a visit, as long as you have backup discs.
~Similar Courses: For use of a creek, Boyd Hill Park (Rock Hill, SC); for style and feel, McCurry Park (Fayetteville, GA); Camp Jordan (East Ridge, TN); Brushy Creek MUD (Round Rock, TX).