Pros:
BW - one, the first of two courses in the enjoyable Boundary Waters Park is a really fun course. Workings its way through a varied mix of open, wooded, and mixed fairways, there is something for just about everyone to like. The Par 61 course rings up at roughly 6800', but with some alternate pin placements scattered throughout the layout, you will find a change of pace here and there. Although there is a lake on the property, it was underused as far as the layout goes, save for hole one. Here, on this very fun downhill starting hole, an aggressive drive for the big arms or a "running at the basket" upshot for us mere mortals can certainly leave you going home with a lighter bag. Beyond that, you can find out-of-bounds water on holes 11, 13, 14, and 15 as well. These are just shallow creeks so no worries about losing discs here. Speaking of OB, there are a few times where the course flirts with OB park roads. A little extra care will keep you safe, but some halfhearted drives can raise your blood pressure a bit if you don't watch it. I did like a couple of the punch-in shots. Holes 7 (par 5) and 11 (par4) for example we especially good. You start on an open and/or defined fairway and find the basket tucked into some protected wooded areas. In both cases, most of us will find that the tee shot placement is important for the follow up shot to the basket. I like having to think about all the shots needed for a birdie from the tee. Look for a few other unique features throughout the course as well. You'll find a couple of elevated baskets on hills and the unique tree stump placement on 17. Although the course is moderately flat, hole 12's elevated tee pad gives a unique perspective looking down a sweeping right turning fairway. Lastly, the course flows pretty well and has the ol' familiar two loops of nine which is always nice.
The guys from the Douglas County Disc Golf Club took the reins on this project and as such, added a personal touch with the amenities. Homemade tee signs, while not offering a map of holes, do give the most important info, hole number, distances, and par. A club-built footbridge leading the way to hole 3 with "Disc Golf" routed into the boards was a nice touch as well. You'll also find benches here and there. As far as playability, of course no one will argue with concrete tee pads. Some back filling has been added to mediate the initial trip hazard found with newly poured pads, something mentioned on previous reviews. Some next tee markers along with some indicators installed on the baskets will point your way around the course. DisCatcher baskets are here and as you'd expect, they are easy to spot in the woods. Beyond some ample and close parking, look for an informational kiosk with a map and other pertinent info. A warm up area complete with a practice basket will help you loosen up pre-round. A cool and unique feature is the repurposed free-standing mail box used for a lost disc drop off point. It's just really nice touch.
Cons:
There's not a lot out here to grumble about in my view. This is an overall solid course. I believe most complaints will be personal issues related to layout/design preferences. However, there are a few things to mention. The course does hold water is some areas. Expect some sogginess throughout the wet season or after heavy rains. Others mention that they'd like short pads to add to the diversity. While they would be comparatively easy to add, keep in mind that efforts and resources have been made to expand the park with a second course.
For me personally, and for those whose drives top at around 300', some of the holes can be dull or repetitious. What I mean is that there are roughly half of the holes I'll never reach with my drive. I'm likely left with a fairly easy or straightforward upshot and tap in par. These are holes that are not quite long enough or have enough obstacles to be a par 4, yet any shorter and they would be just bland, easy birdie shots. With that said, I doubt I'll ever run through them without a couple 4's mixed in on my card very often. Again, personal preference for me. To be honest, that is not a bad thing. It lends to the diversity to the Atlanta area courses.
I also like courses that get me to a place where I feel like I have the area to myself, to get away. You might find a few holes out here where you don't have a secluded feeling or perhaps you'll be watched by other park users and so on.
Other Thoughts:
As mentioned, this course is the work of the Douglasville Disc Golf Club. Quite frankly, I think they are some of the hardest working, most proactive clubs in Georgia. In my view, they seem to have a determination and follow through to make things happen. As such, you will find a newly installed second course here on the BW property thanks to them. With the continuing effort, as of this review, another new course in the county is in the works. Combine that with Deer Lick, Hunter Memorial, and Frog Rock and Douglas county is a virtual disc golf destination, especially when you consider the typical spread-out courses in the Atlanta area. Moreover, add Hobbs Farm and, if you are lucky, Fly Boy to the west side mix and you have an entire weekend of golf before you. Enjoy!