Pros:
-3 tees per hole, each fitting for it's level
-detailed signs
-benches on most (all?) holes
-makes great use of the land available
-fun open holes on the front 9
-incredible elevation changes on the back 9
-incredible wooded holes on the back 9
-incredible bridges over creeks on the back 9
-huge wow factor, back 9 is SICK!!!
-convenient double loop design
-great family park with playground, pavilion, bathrooms, picnic tables
-lots of shade for hot Texas days, especially on the back 9
Cons:
-sand tees, some are okay and some are terrible
-front 9 doesn't compare in any sort of way to the back
-rough is very rough on the back
-poisonous plants in the woods
-a few places on the front where pedestrian paths come into play, not too much traffic though
-navigation is not bad but not obvious in a few spots on the front. it's worth looking at the maps at the start of the course (or taking a pic)
Other Thoughts:
This course is set in a great city park with a family friendly vibe. The front 9 plays around a large open area spotted with many trees. The back 9 plays through thick, tight woods. All 18 holes have great detailed signs and 3 tees each.
The different tee levels are great, especially in the woods. Even on the front 9, the longer tees each add more than distance but a different looking tee shot. The front 9 has tees and baskets strategically placed near trees. The longer tees are placed not just further back but left or right so that new tree obstacles come into play and change the available lines. You might be disappointed at first glance at the front 9 but it is not as easy as it looks, especially from the blue tees. The front 9 is a great setting to bring the family or newer players. You can play the blues while the kids play the reds (or play on the playground).
The back 9 is a whole different beast, with the emphasis on beast. Right after you've entered the woods, hole 11 plunges you into a thick mess of trees that looks like pin ball hell. Don't get too discouraged though as hole 11 is probably the most "unfair" fairway. A series of amazing wooded holes follow with hole 12 being my favorite: a huge right turn from elevation through narrow openings in low hanging branches with the basket up 30' on a ledge.
There is a great balance of lefty v. righty holes on the back 9. The 3 tee levels are all challenging but the closer tees offer easier lines and less distance through thick woods. Yellow discatchers are great in the woods and the bridges over a few creeks are top notch!
I can't say enough great things about the back 9 here. If you like wooded golf then it might be the best in North Texas. Epic holes!
The park amenities are great. There are bathrooms, picnic tables, a pavilion and I think I saw a grill or two also. The locals were friendly and I talked to one guy that said there were plans to add another 9 holes in the wooded area on the other side of the park. 27 holes here would be amazing and with 3 sets of tees already, it would be enough variety to keep you busy all day.
Definitely worth the drive from DFW. Stop here on your way to or from Tyler.
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