Pros:
-Lots and lots of variety
-Awesome downhill shots
-Spread out design
-Rotating pins (not enough of this out here!!!)
-Informative tee signs, however the pins rotate and there is only one distance listed.
-While mountainous, all holes were carefully planned with obvious lines, and many with some risk/reward lines as well.
-Beautiful Montana mountain terrain
-Great crowd playing there, always seems to be somewhere around
-Practice basket
-Unique, short, death trap holes
-Baskets in great condition, catch discs well
Cons:
-Natural Tees
-Not many places to sit
-Some heavy underbrush, but that's to be expected on a mountain course
Other Thoughts:
This is a popular course in the Big Sky community on the outskirts of a town park. Terrain varies wildly from flat open meadows to heavily wooded elevation shots. Flat, up, down, gradual and extreme, this course really has it all.
In the Big Sky area, there are 3 courses and this one appears to be the most popular due to its price (free), secluded location, and the fact that the other 2 are crap. Park in the dirt lot and start at the bike rack. The whole course has signs now, so you can find your way around. First time may be a little tricky, but just follow the trails.
There are a ton of memorable shots on this course.
The beginning of the course provides some holes that are typical of most mountain courses, and definitely on the good side. An alternate tee on the otherwise easy hole number 3 (tee is up the hill, behind the regular tee pad) makes the hole a ton more interesting.
Hole 7 is where the 'wow' holes begin to appear, this one being a steep downhill shot through a relatively narrow tunnel with power lines lining the top. This requires a very straight downhill shot with less power than you would think you need in order to not have your disc veer violently in one direction or the other.
Hole length varies from very short (but heavily wooded) to quite long. While some are posted as par 4, locals play the course entirely par 3, which is definitely possible on all the holes.
Hole 9 is a great risk/reward downhill shot to a sometimes blind basket. The walk after hole 9 is quite long, but a sign points you in the right direction. 10 through 15 work their way up and down, but more-so up, back to the ridge that 7 shot off of. Most of the back 9 are relatively short, well protected birdie attempts.
Holes 16, 17, and 18 are all pretty unique disc golf experiences. 16 is a short uphill shot to the top of a hill with VERY steep drop offs in all directions. Precise mid or putter throwing is required in order to prevent turning this otherwise 170ish foot hole into a 500 foot mega uphill.
17 shoots down a 40 degree hill to a basket that sits about a third of the way down. A light touch is all you need to stay safe here. A bad throw will send your disc flying around the hill and to the bottom (easily 500 feet plus), out of sight, and nearly impossible to find. A missed putt of mine jumped on its side and rolled into oblivion. A half hour search warranted nothing.
Finally, hole 18 is a truly classic downhill throw with about 100 feet of elevation loss to a pin in the middle of a meadow. On your way to the tee, you will pass an alternate tee higher up the mountain with less obvious lines than the official one, which astronomically increases the challenge.
An unofficial 19th tee is found near the 18th basket which shoots back to the practice basket. Use caution on this hole as it crosses hole 1's fairway and throws can easily nail somebody on the first tee pad.
I can't say enough positive things about this great community course and its players. Easily the most popular mountain course I have ever played and VERY re-playable (if you have the energy!) Laid back vibe, a ton of variety, and a challenge for all. Beginners will keep themselves out of trouble with their lack of power and experienced players can send themselves into some terrible rough. A great DG experience for all.