Pros:
-great new layout
-layout flows relatively well
-great tee signs with distance, par, and very detailed map
-mostly brand new DGA baskets, great condition
-some trash cans
-large variety of distances and types of shots, good mix of lefty v. righty
-variety of wooded holes and open holes
-water in play
-makes good use of some elevation
-scorecards at first tee with course map on the back (essential for first timers!)
Cons:
-tee pads (crushed rock) are in decent condition now since they are new but they'll probably need constant attention to stay that way
-hole 3 really needs a bridge to cross the creek
-trash cans at each tee would be nice but there are many around the course
Other Thoughts:
This course has a great new layout that will certainly make it a much more popular DG destination. I never played the old 9-hole layout so I can't compare but the new one is lots of fun. The course flows pretty well but there are a few spots with tricky navigation and/or longish walks. Long walk between 3 and 4, 9 and 10, 12 and 13. Finding the tee for 9 may be problematic as well as figuring out where to go after 11 and 12. Another thing I didn't like about the layout was the walk from basket 15 to tee 16 crosses back over 15's fairway. Back to back groups will have to wait awhile on that hole.
*Navigation is aided by the trash cans. If there is a tee tucked in the treeline, there is usually a trash can on the edge of the trees indicating where to go.
The tees and baskets are in great condition, for now. Most of the baskets are brand new DGA's but the tee pads are crushed rock and I am sure will get worn and rutted with time. Already some are starting to show the mesh underneath and as noted above. Better than dirt in the long run but still problematic.
I really liked the amount of variety in hole shapes. There are a couple hyzer shots (1, 13), a few big right turns (2, 8, 17), and the most of the remaining holes have many obstacles that force you to shape lines. You throw over a pond on 6 and creeks come into play on 3, 14? (is there water in all those bushes?), and possibly 17 and 18 (dried up in the summer?).
My big complaint here is that holes 11 and 12 are completely retarded. The "fairways" are not fair at all: 10' wide tunnel (15' max on 12) carved through thick trees with heavy rough. This would be okay if the shape were playable but they have awkward turns that mean your only option is to lay up a 100' shot in order to have a shot after that. LAME.
Maybe a little trimming will improve 11 and 12 and hopefully some of the amenities will be addressed with time (especially a bridge on hole 3!!). All in all, a great new addition (kind of) to the north Metro area. I made the drive from Denton and it was definitely worth the 30 min drive.
***Update***
There are many new navigational aids on the course. Signs point the way after holes 9 and 12, the main trouble spots. The fairways on 11 and 12 also seem to be a bit more realistic now. Hole 12 is much better, you just need to hit the landing zone and 11 isn't so bad anymore either, especially now that the tee box is finished. Course is in great condition!
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