Pros:
You're in the mountains. The facilities range from trout pond to B & B to campground to Lodge that sleeps 40+. There is a ropes course, a climbing wall, and plans are in the works for zip lines soon...
The course, like many new courses I've played, is rough, very very rough. There is a great mix of up and down and up and down, I can't think of a single hole that's completely level and better yet, some of the elevation changes are severe as they can be for the smokies. Hole 12 has about a 70 foot drop to a basket surrounded on 3 sides by OB (I took a circle 3!)
The first 2 holes go around/over the trout pond, hole 2 in particular took 2 of my discs, it's a 320 footer with a small landing area off to the right of the first pond, but a second, smaller pond follows right behind the first, so when you think you've cleared the hazard, you haven't. After 2 you play up the hill through the apple/pear orchard for a hole then get up into the real challenges. 4-6 are all basically up, with #6 being a 600+ footer up a 10 foot wide "gravel" road, off to the right and you're screwed, it plays as a 5 and you'd be hard pressed to make a 4. 7 & 8 are slight downs, with #9 another up hill hole. The back 9 is mostly down hill, since you have to walk up to get back down, but don't let the ease in walking let you ease up on the round. As stated before hole 12 has about an 70 foot drop and a basket surrounded on 3 sides by OB, hole 14 I think is the hole they call Snapping Back, or something similar, since the rock formation that backstops the basket looks like a turtle somewhat. Then 15-18 play down through the campground and alongside the Yurts that are available for renting.
All in all, this course has some fantastic potential. There are many, many rock outcropping that not only provide scenery but also come into play creating extreme elevation changes and obstacles that, unless negotiated properly, can really hurt a score.
As of Elk Mountain Disc Jam (6/28/09) steps were put in making traversing the mountainside much easier. And extensive weed eating was done making tracking down errant shots much easier. Most every hole now has a bench as well which make for great resting places after rigorous walking, and trash cans at several tees. Oh and all pro tees now have a 4x4 brick landing areas with nice mulch approaches.
Cons:
The course is rough on account of it's newness. There are a few areas where steps are needed, but those are coming. There are lots of stinging nettles. There are a few crossing fairways at the beginning. And the end of the course plays through the campground kinda so if the campground gets crowded, it could get kinda dangerous (my truck can attest to this as it was hit from point blank range on an up shot...funniest thing I've seen in a while, since it didn't leave any damage that is) but if that campground has occupants at each site, it could get messy.
Other Thoughts:
The owner is an ambitious guy with a staff of guys who are working at making this course compete with Richmond Hill (my words, not theirs) and other mountain style courses, and they have the space to do so. The current configuration has only been open since May of '09 and there were talks of making a "second course" that's more beginner friendly...they've got the space. ...and a big thanks and shout out to Rob Hurley and Plumber John along with owner Will for showing my wife and I such a good time this weekend, Thanks Guys!
Went to the tourney this past weekend and my rating must increase!...these guys are on the right path to having an elite course in the mountains...i'll be there again