Pros:
- 18 permanent targets for 9 holes. All of the targets are homemade, mostly baskets with some objects and even a literal clown's mouth made from an old satellite and a VW beatle hood. They don't all catch that great but the metal work that went into these baskets is awesome. Being on a more rec-style campground course, I totally dug these targets.
- Small wooden blocks mark the tees and help make navigation fairly simple.
- Nice use of the available elevation. Most holes have a noticeable change adding a good level of challenge and keeping things interesting.
- Plenty of trees to contend with. Some forced lines off the tees adding a bit a challenge to this shorter course.
- Manageable hole lengths for a campground rec course.
- Nice Course sign with rules and a fairly easy to follow map. Navigation was pretty simple and if the caretakers did a little sprucing up, it would be a breeze.
- The sign notes that the course is for KOA guests only or you need to pay a fee. I checked in with Kathy at the main office and she told me it was free and to have fun.
Cons:
- Tee boxes are just roughed out ground. Most are a bit uneven. Not many holes where a run-up would be required but they could could be worlds better. A number of them are also a touch close to the previous target, although with the minimal traffic this courses sees, I doubt it causes issues too often.
- Not a lot of variation in Hole length. Mostly around 200'.
- The baskets don't catch great. Again, for this style of course, I think they're absolutely awesome, but I'm into quirky, artsy stuff. Suppose what I liked least about them was the old metal pieces used to construct them is rusted so they aren't easy to spot.
- Two targets per hole are neat, in theory. However, many of the secondary targets are very near the other targets making very little difference in which you play.
- Course could use a little more TLC. The rough is rather rough making it easy to find yourself searching for your disc if you take a kick off the fairway.
Other Thoughts:
I found this to be a pretty cool little 9 hole course. Nothing fantastic but a fun enough spin in a neat little wooded area. The metal work on the baskets is really impressive, like nothing I've seen from homemades before. Not going to please those that like more of a competition ready course but that's not what I expect to find at the local KOA pitch n putt 9er. They have a couple of benches throughout the course but not much else(outside the main campground area) for amenities. If you're into bells and whistles, perfect maintenance, and top level infrastructure, you can feel free to skip this one. I liked it for the quiet scerenity, unique and artistic baskets, and fun throws, up and down the hills and through the woods. I'll definitely play this again if I have time on my next visit to the Flathead valley.