Pros:
The Codorus State Park courses were always fun to play, but historically signage and tee pads were always lacking here. They've been going through some significant upgrades since 2019 (not just in course layout, but features as well), and I'm happy to say that the results are very nice.
- Professional, informative tee signs have been installed at every tee. To me, good signage is one of those things that separates a lot of decent courses from really good ones. There are no "Next Tee" signs/arrows, but the paths are are pretty clear and well-worn. The only holes I had trouble navigating between were 9 and 10, and I figured it out pretty quickly.
- Most holes have short tees for newer players and long tees for those who like a challenge, so everyone can play this course and have fun.
- Tee pads were mostly nice grippy concrete, with an occasional asphalt tee pad sprinkled in the mix (hole #3 long tee for example). The pads were the standard size and provided ample working room for your drive. Most of them were surrounded by level ground, so if you needed a longer run-up, or wanted to drive at a slightly skewed angle, the ground would accommodate it.
- The holes are well-designed and make you think about disc choice, release angle, and shot placement. There's a decent amount of elevation that comes into play, so even though you are consistently driving down wooded fairways you won't feel like you're playing the same hole over and over. The fairways are pretty generous on most holes, so a slightly errant throw will not normally put you into the rough. Hole 5, and the drives on 8, 10, and 12 are a little tight, but in a fun, challenging sort of way.
- Benches are common at the tee pads.
- There's a practice basket with lots of space near the parking lot.
- The setting is really peaceful and beautiful. A great place for a hike even if you're not throwing discs (but why wouldn't you throw discs if you could?).
Cons:
- The rough on these holes can be very rough in the summertime. November-April it's not bad, but once everything grows in, lost discs are a real possibility if you shank one off the fairway. Fortunately these courses are played frequently, so there are lots of searching paths cutting through the rough sections.
- No trash cans anywhere on the course. This is normal for the PA State courses, but unfortunately some players don't follow the carry-in, carry-out guidelines so you will find the occasional bottle or trash along the course. Please pick up after yourself and/or others.
- The Blue Course is quite distant from the nearest bathrooms. There are plenty of wooded spots for the guys, but the gals might find the lack of accommodations displeasing.
- Your distance drivers won't get much, if any use on the Blue course. If you're the type that likes to air-out long drives on open holes, look to the Red or Purple courses at Codorus.
- This course really pushes the RHBH style of play. I'm primarily a RHFH driver (I'm working on my backhand, but just can't get the same power), and I was amazed how often I was pulling out my under-stable discs for backhand drives. Most courses I can find ways to drive forehand, even on holes designed for backhand players, but to get the right placement on many of these holes I just found forehand to be cumbersome.
Other Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoy this course. I'm glad they split up the two 27-hole courses here into three 18's. Each course now has it's own flavor to it, and you don't feel pressured to play those extra nine holes every time you come. The tee-pad and signage upgrades also make these courses feel really polished. Codorus State Park is almost like a disc-golf Mecca. Well worth the trip if you don't live close, and for those of us who do, and absolute local gem!