Pros:
Wow, where to begin. The owner had just started a game with his son, but ran up to greet us, asking if he could help. Very nice guy. There looks like there is a pro shop in the works, but even without, scorecards, pencils, and the honor box were easily accessed.
The course is new but extremely well marked. We never got lost. It's close to town but feels worlds away. Little road noise and with all the elevation changes there were no wet/damp spots. It's clean, while I'm sure there is work ongoing there are no obvious brush or branch piles near play. Just a great setting. The tee boxes are always a short walk after the preceding hole, so you'll never wait on putts while the group in front is squaring up to drive. Very well thought out. Buckets for, err, empty soda cans at almost every hole. It was clean and very natural.
The course itself, I'd say it's very unique and challenging. There are some great elevation changes, multiple direction changes, and really no gimme birdies. A par 62, and you'll earn it if you're not a pro. 5,600 plus feet with a great variety. From 155 feet on 14 (my one birdie) to an epic 618 foot downhiller right after the turn. It's never dull, probably the most varied course in the area. 1 and 2 lull you into thinking it might be a fairly flat, predictable course. Then three fades right, slightly downhill, and four is a picture-worthy vista from the tee box. Never a dull moment or a hole that doesn't make one think.
I've played steadily for 15 years, and it was my buddy's first time ever. We loved it, and will be back!
Cons:
Ummm...I guess the parking lot is going to be too small once people learn how good this new course is. But I can walk or ride a 4-wheeler there, so even that doesn't bother me.
If you're playing with a noob, they don't yet offer rental discs.
If playing with somebody who's not that good, but thinks they are, they might get humbled here, and you could lose a DG buddy.
Other Thoughts:
Just a great course. The elevation changes of Edgecomb with the length, variation, and nice ownership of Acker's. Play it, you won't be sad you did.
Now the course is equipped with grippy rubber mats at each tee box, meaning a great course got even better. Non pros will need the sure footed run up to bomb some of the more challenging holes. Can't wait to play again!