Pros:
- Absolutely beautiful piece of property. Redwoods, meadows, creek, even the old rusted cars add to the beauty of the place.
- The holes are mostly designed with one route in mind. Usually long and straight will keep you out of trouble, but there are forced sidearms, hyzers, thumbers, putter shots, etc... every throw but rollers (grass is too thick) is required off the tee-pad at some point.
- There is a lot of punishment for bad shots (a lot of people think the disc eating brush is a bad thing... but I enjoy the risk reward aspect to going for big shots). It forces you to Play Golf!
- Almost everything about this corse is a PRO.
Cons:
- YOU NEED A GUIDE!!! I was guided through the first time and was easily able to find my way around the next day. Without a guide you have no chance. Also, you could get lost on this property after dark... so if you're playing a late afternoon round be sure to give yourself enough time to make it out (it takes 3 hours to play). I could see people getting lost out there and having to spend the night (it's a big course).
- From some of the tee-pads you're looking directly at a tone-pole for a different hole, another reason why you need a guide.
- The disc eating brush is dangerous. There is poision oak everywhere, stinging nettles, and thick thick blackberry bushes.
- The tee-pads can be muddy, and on a course where placement is key there is little room for slipage on the tee-pad. Even the tiniest slip will put your relese point in the wrong direction and have you climbing through the brush.
- NO DOGS! not a con for me, but if you have a dog its a con for you and your dog.
My only real con:
- The finishing hole is a bit of a let down. After playing a course of this calibur, you expect something more than a simple 250' straight away shot. And, only 26 holes??? There could easily be a 27th... hopefully an epic 27th hole will be designed to end this course properly.
Other Thoughts:
- This course is Epic! Outstanding! Awesomely Awesome! Sick! Etc...! As soon as you walk up to the first tee-pad, you know you're on a special course. Probably the best opening hole I have ever seen.
- This course immediately jumped into my top 5. It is by far the best course in the HSU area and possibly Humboldt (I haven't played Aamond Ranch (sp?) or Birds of Paridise though).
- If Area 74 had baskets, cement tee-pads, and few more improvements, it could rival DeLaveaga and Stafford for tops in CA. Ok... a bit of an overstatement; but still, it's that good!
- Drop a donation in the box at hole 5. And, pack out all your trash. That way this course can remain available for the public to play.
- I've been high ever since I walked off the course for the first time. Much love to Doug and Par Infiniti for doing such a great job.
My Score -3 (with an ace)