Clarkston, MI

Bay Court Park

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2.825(based on 25 reviews)
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1 2
Kevbot4209
Experience: 4 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Bay Court 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 19, 2018 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice practice course. Very open. Friendly pars

Cons:

Short. Not very challenging

Other Thoughts:

Suggested donation accepted at closer tee box of first hole
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3 1
MisterJ
Experience: 7.6 years 36 played 22 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Home Base 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 24, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

TeePads/Baskets - I think the TeePads are in fine shape, especially the two pads per hole. Baskets are fine, well-marked and easy to see.

Signage - Signs are fine, distance, little map, hole #. Distance from both pads would be nice.

Variety - For a 9 hole course I say there is variety here. Elevation, backhand and forehand shots, wide open ace, and there is some technical shots. There isn't water, nor 400'+ long distance holes.

Fun - I think this is one of the more fun courses. It's short and quick, with a variety. There aren't long walks between holes and you can see around so you know who or what's ahead. If you like it, go again for 18, or do a safari and throw from pad1 to hole2... People just love the ace run on hole 4.

Locatability - Park is easy to find. Holes are pretty easy to locate except for perhaps hole #1. I've had to help a few people find the addition pad at #1, and locate where is hole #1. Sign for next hole or arrow wouldn't be bad, course is pretty open so finding the next hole is easy

Maintained/Bugs - Perhaps none better. Grass maintained by onsite crews, very nice. Trees trimmed and in shape. Only bugs are if you throw deep off course on a few of the final holes, but still the trees should block it from going in too far.

Cons:

Aesthetic-This is a pretty standard 9-hole Michigan course. It's super pretty in the fall with color. Other than that, no water (on the course) or other features of note.

Challenge-I think this course separates haves and have not's. The top 20% to 30% of the DG community is going to fly thru this and say, way too easy, every hole. So I marked this as con. But for me, I play this all the time, and there are holes that just mess me up. There are only 2 or 3 trees on a hole and I hit one every other round.

Congestion - Unless the temp is below 42degrees or its dark, there will be someone else on the course. But how busy is the question. Its usually not horrible that you can't skip passed them, or play thru, or wait. But there is congestion.

Other Thoughts:

What's holding it back from higher rating - I really like this course. Adding anything would probably detract from something else, it is at its highest capability I think.

Kid Friendly - Yes, kids like this, plus it has a park, a beach area, and pavilion for parties.

Older/Less Active Player Friendly - Yes, only 9 holes, with walking path, and relatively short course. The elevation changes could cause some problem, but not that bad.

Rookie Friendly - I think rookie's will thoroughly enjoy this course, lots of things to work on, and great chances to do things well and build confidence.

Average Player Friendly - Right down the middle, I think either you'll love it, or you'll say no big deal, I won't go back. I love it, but if you gotta be in the woods, have to have a few 400 to 500'+ holes, this isn't you. But I would still say, stop by once, because you don't know which side you're on.

Pro Player Friendly - May find enjoyment and fun. Don't come alone. With the short drives, playing as is, if there is a lot of congestion it will get old quickly.
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5 0
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 21, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Aesthetic-- plays through a multi-use park on a lake. a lot of walking paths and other amenities that could cause a head-disc collision, be careful

Teepads--Nice level and in excellent repair.. two pads per hole giving the ability to play 18 here if wanted.

Teesigns-- very nice with hole diagram and length.

Variety-- for a small park with small holes, this course has a great variety of looks on it. Great use of available trees and elevation.

Baskets-- not a fan of Innovas but they are in good shape at least.

Cons:

Challenge-- not a ton of challenge as this is a tiny little course but for what it is, it's well made.

Risk v Reward-- none really, park is pretty vanilla

Pay to play-- I guess the upkeep is worth a donation box but the $2 to play is a bit redic.

Other Thoughts:

I rate 9-hole courses on a lower scale than 18+ courses.
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3 0
rdblake01
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 24, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

It is clean and well maintained. The course is not extremely long, so it is a good course for shorter throwers and beginners. It is easy to follow the layout from hole to hole.

Cons:

It can get busy, it is only 9 holes.
No signs on the back tees

Other Thoughts:

If you can't pony up $2 to play, go somewhere else. It has alleviated much of the issues with kids dropping in with groups of 10 that clog up the course.
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3 0
todddarling1
Experience: 24.9 years 6 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great for teaching 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 23, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great for teaching beginners or kids. 2 Cement Tees per hole. (am and pro) you can play the 9 twice alternating tees to make 18 if you want. I take my son and wife there to play a lot because it's a short course and they are not long throwers.

Cons:

can get busy. Lots of beginners can make more advanced players crazy. No score cards at the park only available online

Other Thoughts:

It's a good quick course to play, nothing overly challenging but a good course for beginners to work out their throws and a good course to get the bugs out in the early season.
They have started charging to play this season. It's 2 dollars a day or $25 for the season, they also have a Family membership that is $60. I know that seams high for a 9 hole course but I think they do a great job keeping the park clean and the course looking great. Hopefully the money will go for improvements to the course and maybe more holes. Not sure where they would put them but we can hope.
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1 5
Krinkel
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
0.50 star(s)

a series of short ace runs for 2 bucks a round?! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 22, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

the course is in a township park that is maintained rather well. no trash laying in every fairway.

Cons:

1. the entire course is aceable by beginners. Basically a series of 9 150-250 foot ace runs.

2. They Expect you to pay 2 dollars a round to play this tiny little beginner course. Even at the greatest course in michigan (flip city) Bill only charges a dollar a round and lets all agree that there isnt any comparison between the two courses. And apparently baycourt only just now started charging to play. why? when by all acounts of the people i talked to there today the course hasnt changed AT ALL in bothe maintenance and layout. Waterford just figured they could start gouging us i guess.

Other Thoughts:

this course wouldnt be that bad if they didnt try and charge you to play it. Its not difficult and aces are possible on every hole.. This one kinda reminds me of brys park down in st clair shores. But guess what? the folks that run brys arent delusional enough to charge players to play a course that can be completede in less than 30 minutes
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4 2
Innovadude
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.8 years 235 played 180 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2$? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 1, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

- good basic design, mix of left and right shots
- elevation
- cement tees/signs
- super clean, well mowed and maintained
- dual tees to make 9 holes stretch out better

Cons:

- Pay to play- always a con regardless of whether it works or is beneficial to the course or not (which in this case it does, and is)
- Distances WAY off, some/none marked for long tees, making it hard to guess
- some tees kind of face wrong way
- hole 2 too close to fence/road for beginners

Other Thoughts:

pay at the little building to right of larger one
not worth checking out unless driving right past or live nearby
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2 1
jb375
Experience: 13.8 years 5 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Pretty good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 18, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a pretty good course. The grounds are always kept pretty well maintained. Dual cement tees on each hole.

Cons:

Can get pretty busy on weekend, often there are large groups (5-6+ people) that take forever on each hole. Course is relatively easy.

Other Thoughts:

Says that it costs to play there, as of 3/18/12 no fee to play, I think they trashed this idea, never had to pay last year either.
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1 1
intimadator
Experience: 24.9 years 8 played 6 reviews
2.50 star(s)

sort 9 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

great short little course, very convenently located, great coures to get in 9 holes on a lunch break! i would recommend this course too anybody looking to improve there average!

Cons:

too many little young punks, get there while school is still in session!

Other Thoughts:

will go back soon!
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6 0
bjreagh
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.6 years 350 played 317 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Bay Court is an excellent 9-hole course geared towards beginners, families, and casual players. The park itself is really clean and located in a nice suburb of Detroit. The land the course plays on has mowed grassy fairways on gently rolling hills dotted with mature trees- perfect for entry level disc golf. It is mostly open to help people learn to throw, but has just enough obstacles, elevation and well-placed baskets to make it interesting. There are a few holes on this course that are definitely better than average.

It only has 9 holes so you can play it quick, but it does have 2 sets of tees. This is the best case scenario for the amount land available. Tee pads and signs were nice. Navigation is a breeze. The baskets were in decent enough shape and are easy to see. There is very little chance to lose discs here, which is also a bonus for beginners.

Cons:

A course like this will have the usual cons of being crowded, holes close together, and inexperienced players throwing into you. This is not the type of course you would want to play all the time once your skill reaches a certain level.

As far as course design goes, I felt the first half was much stronger and more fun than the 2nd half. The pro tee locations on 7,8,9 do make them tougher, but the baskets are just out in the open field, unlike the first several holes that had baskets protected by trees and elevation. I am not saying those holes should be excluded, I just think it would have been better to have those in the middle and not at the end.

Other Thoughts:

To sum up, this is one of the nicer 9-hole beginner level courses I have played. This area is lucky to have it, and I am sure many people have and will learn about the game of disc golf on these grounds. Bay Court is an excellent course for its perfect for its purpose!
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1 1
sbrody44
Experience: 13.8 years 8 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Well Groomed. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 19, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Very well maintained. The grounds are pristine.
-Easy to keep track of discs
-Great course for beginners.
-Nice Location
-Nice layout for all sorts of throws

Cons:

-Baskets. Upgrade Please.
-No signs at pro tees
-No scorecards at park. You need to print one off the site.
-Layout on signs was slightly skewed.

Other Thoughts:

Not too bad of a course. I would definitely go play again. Good course to learn on and teach the game.
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8 0
ZMan44
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20 years 179 played 107 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice Quick Round 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 20, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Bay Court Park DGC has a lot of things going for it.

1) The groundskeeping is immaculate. It seems to be mowed regularly. I didn't notice any litter at all.

2) Navigation was easy since it is very open. It wasn't difficult to discern where the designer wanted you to go next. No need for scouting each hole or sending spotters. Everything was straightforward.

3) This is a very safe environment for disc golf. You are under surveilance which tends to keep out those who might vandalize the equipment. The park is in a nice area. It is quiet and leisurely.

4) The course is well-designed for its intended audience. Will there ever be major championships held at this course? No. It is designed for the casual player or to introduce newcomers to the sport. I will explain more about what I mean on this topic in the "Other Thoughts" section.

5) Elevation changes were used well by the designer including some tricky pin placements.

Cons:

1) Etiquette. It is hard to relax when you have an open course with many newbies and a disc. First, you never know where the disc is going when they throw it and this is an open course. Second, they don't know not to throw until the group ahead has holed-out. This is common of courses tailored to newbies.

2) For an experienced player, the design is very basic. Everyone can throw a hyzer. The anhyzer is tested a few times, but on most holes there are multiple routes due to the open layout.

3) Hole 9 left a lot to be desired as a finishing hole. You tee of from just inside the woods. It is a tunnel hyzer out into the field where the basket is placed. Not very long and not very challenging at all. It is by far the worst hole on the course. It is the only hole that has a wooded tunnel, and that may make some newbies believe it to be difficult, but it poses no challenging element to a regular player.

Other Thoughts:

This is a typical 9-hole course and that is why I have rated it as such. It serves its purpose in the disc golf world. It introduces newcomers to the game. It makes a newbie consider shot shapes that they might not have learned yet, which I think is a plus. Newbies need to learn what shots they would need to ashoot well at a more-established and challenging course. Bay Court offers a great opportunity for them to refine their skills. It may be dangerous if one of them uncorks an out-of-control forehand shot in your neighborhood while you are teeing off. But the course is what it is.

While I feel the course was designed for newer players, it does offer a quick practice round for competitve disc golfers in the area. There are enough obstacles to make you think. It would be a great course for someone who is an average player and wants to become a really good player. Simply take a few discs out to this course and work on throwing different shapes with the molds you are most comfortable with.

Would I recommend this course? It all depends. If you are fairly raw and want a good place to learn...I would absolutely recommend it. If you are already a good player and are looking for a quick round in the area...I would absolutely recommend it. Is it a destination course, or a course that will ever hold higher level tourneys...no.

Also, just for thought, I am not sure how much land the park actually has, but from my guess 9 holes is going to be the max for this course. I didn't recognize any areas that could be developed for future holes. Many courses start with 9 and then get up to 18 eventually. I doubt this is a capability for Bay Court.
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2 1
bygwyllay
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 93 played 77 reviews
3.00 star(s)

"Let this serve as your final warning" 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

So says the sign by hole #1 as you walk up, making you mindful that you are under 24 HOUR SURVELLIANCE. This course clearly has some $$$ behind it. Immaculately groomed, gloriously kept, it even comes complete with a Desperate Housewives minvan carivan mid-round, and a constant gardener on a zero-turn mower! Ladies and gents, this is UPPER CLASS AMERICANA.

The layout is spectacular; everything in its right place. Great use of elevation especially, and the hole length is proper. Dual tees on every hole w/cement tee pads. Everything one could ever want in signage. The holes play pretty open, with some older trees spotting the landscape. Not too many obstacles, but a great round over all. Hyzers and Anhyzers used here.

Cons:

The baskets. These are weird. Gargantuan. Odd to putt at. Like, I don't know how to aim correctly at them or something. I've never seen baskets like these. Maybe it's just me. They seemed taller? I hit the bottom basket three times from short range. Whatever.

Hole #9 seems almost an afterthought, squeezed in towards the back of the park. All the others were well placed and layed out. Hmm.

Other Thoughts:

Everything about this course oozes class. Some room off to the east to maybe carve out another 9 holes? Only having 9 holes means the max I'll give this course is 3/5, but it deserves every bit of that rating. If I could afford to live up in Clarkston/Waterford, I would play this course ALL the time. But I can't, so I don't, so I won't.

PLAY IT AND LOVE IT.
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2 2
toxicgolfer
Experience: 22.8 years 51 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Pretty Impressed 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The best I thing I can say about this park is that it is super clean and very well maintained. Nice cement tee pads at every hole with the option of pro or am shots on most holes was a nice touch. There is nice signage at each tee pad and it is super easy to navigate.

There weren't very many bugs despite the weather being overcast and muggy.

Overall, this was a pretty awesome course for 9 holes and I would play this very frequently if I lived near it.

Cons:

This course is fairly easy, even from the pro tees and there isn't a whole lot of variation or elevation changes (though there is a little).

Biggest con would be the type of baskets that they used. The chains do not catch well and the catching basket is a bit oversized.

Other Thoughts:

This is by far the best 9-hole course that I have played due to the cleanliness and great maintenance.

I don't know how much property is owned by the Parks and Rec for this particular lot but it appears that there is plenty of room to expand into the woods and open a full 18 hole course.

A full 18 could raise it another 0.5 points if plotted properly. Changing to another style of basket would also raise it another 0.5 points.
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1 2
jansenk4
Experience: 14.7 years 4 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 13, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-This is where I would take beginners out to play or try out new discs.
-Not too long if you want a short game
-Like above, only 2 (by road), 5 (by woods), and 9 (by woods) pose any chance of you not finding your disc right away
-Very clean park, a nice course to play

Cons:

-Probably wouldn't play this course more than a few times if it weren't with a group of people

Other Thoughts:

I used this course as a practice course to TRY OUT NEW SHOTS AND DRIVERS I had never used to observe flight patterns. (ex. when I started trying a forehand drive)

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6 0
BogeyNoMore
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 479 played 183 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Bay Court: what Civic Center wishes it was 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 12, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- New pin placements from last summer. Second set of sleeves/collars installed means pin placements can be easily varied from time to time (although the alternate placements do not alter the holes that much). I think they may change them from year to year to avoid excessive wear & tear around the baskets (pretty slick if you ask me)!
- 9 hole course with long and short concrete tee pads on each hole. Can play shorts and longs for 18 holes. On holes 1,5, and 6, both tee pads play very differently, and will likely change the disc you use and line you take. Most of the others just add more distance while requiring little or no change in your line.
- Moderate elevation changes.
- Simple layout, virtually foolproof navigation between holes. First-timers just need to know to cross the dirt road between 3 and 4 (and even that's hard to mess up).
- Mostly wide-open with minimal use of obstacles makes it a great course for beginners.
- VERY well maintained. Park is kept in immaculate condition: decent tee signs with no graffiti, baskets and tee pads always in excellent condition. I don't recall ever seeing any trash on the ground here.
- Quiet, multi-use park with rest rooms near parking area.
- Doesn't take long to get around the course (even with the moderate traffic during peak hours).
- Holes 2, 5, and 9 are the only ones where losing a disc is even a possibility (but still not too likely).

Cons:

- Chance of hitting cars entering park when driving on hole 4.
- Not much shot variety despite elevation changes. Of the 18 tee pads, long and straight will set you up quite well on 15 of them.
- Tee signs are good, but it would be nice to have distances from all tee pads, not just most of them (admittedly nit-picky, but I found it a bit frustrating).
- Course is laid out for drive and putt or drive and 2-putt. Midrange only required if you hit a tree, and the way the course is laid out, not all that likely (hole 3 will make you pay with a very nasty roll if you're anything over a bit long).
- Pay to play; I don't normally complain about this, but this course simply isn't as good as the other pay to play courses in the area, and it's just not worth it. I honestly think they just did it to cut down on the amount of traffic this course gets - since ther's really nothing else near it.

Other Thoughts:

I'm not hating on this course. I strive to be objective and fact based in my reviews, and have done my best be nothing but in my Pros & Cons above.

Here, I will provide my unadulterated opinion: I cannot say this is a bad course, but I cannot say it is a good course either. Not to sound trite, but the only challenge for intermediate players here is avoiding a bad shot. Shooting par here doesn't really require any good shots (not saying I nail everything - I still make bad shots).

Despite all the pros listed, this course lacks "character" and feels uninspiring. While the setting is pleasant, it simply feels sterile and bland. No holes stand out, or really get my blood pumping.

The park is far from ugly or nasty; it's always clean and well cared for - but it isn't scenic either. This course provides a nice, pleasant, but completely uneventful round. If I play well, I don't feel any real sense of accomplishment. If I play badly, I don't feel any pain. I've played here several times, and while I enjoy a pleasant round here, I simply can't get excited about this place. The only real thrill I would take away from this course would be hitting an Ace. Like other "recreational activities," disc golf doesn't necessarily have to be all that good for you to have a good time. ;)

If you're going to be in the area, I certainly recommend dropping in to throw a quick round or two - it's a nice pleasant round. But I wouldn't encourage going out of your way to "experience" this course, and would definitely discourage driving 45+ minutes with this course as a destination.
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2 2
yes s1rr
Experience: 5 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

THE REAL REVIEW 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 12, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

NEW PIN PLACEMENTS, this is no longer a kiddy course. I dont know what ppl are talking about this is good for your mid short game/no difference from am to pro tees, this course is complete opposite, there is a huge difference from pro tees to am tees, also this course is very good for your driving lol not your midgame, you shouldnt need a midgame here driver 3 350 then putt, if you hit a tree then get your buzzz out. Most holes over 300'

Cons:

They have an extra set of sleeves so they should move the pins back and forth occasionally, def. too crowded on a nice day.

Other Thoughts:

Also you can lose a disc there easier than everyone thinks you can that is of course unless your one of those that puts it 2 250' out into the middle of the fairway you should be good. anyone who says this course is to easy, is probably lying they def. shot above par
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1 3
NEWBY1151
Experience: 19.8 years 100 played 37 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Easy beginner course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 24, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Cement pads,signs,clean park, restrooms,not very busy from my experience,hard to loose a disc,this is a fairly easy course with wide fairways,you can play a round quickly,lots of ACE and birdie chances,great for beginners,overall a fun little course

Cons:

Not much difference from pro to am tees,no long holes,not much of a challenge,park closes gates at 8,not much variety,9 holes

Other Thoughts:

Great for practicing mid and short game
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2 2
Trickydrd
Experience: 15.8 years 31 played 3 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 1, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very well manicured park. A couple of good drives and several elevation changes make this an interesting course. Decent use of the landscape and no real interference from other park users.

Cons:

Only 9 holes. Very wide open fairways, only 2 or three real obstacles to line drives.

Other Thoughts:

If I am in the area I would play this again but wouldn't go out of my way to get there.
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1 4
detroitplaymakers
Experience: 15.8 years 3 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Free Couse 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 22, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great for practice or beginner course!!! wide open.. can't loose a disc.. unless it runs away from you. Hole 4 has a nice bend to the right.
Get there early in the morning and you won't run into the young punks

Cons:

It's free!! what could you complain about.. unless your just that type of person!!!!!

Other Thoughts:

a good little course
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