Pros:
- dual concrete tees
- dual baskets in good shape (except hole 9, single)
- four of nine holes include water hazards
- moderate elevation change on some non-water holes
- some mature tree obstacles incorporated into layout
- well maintained park with a nice variety of activities
- water hazards present a high level of challenge
- really cool disc "rental" system
Cons:
- tee signs could be much better (just numbers and distances)
- a little bit on the open side away from the water hazards
- baskets for hole 4 play too close to playground
- navigation is a little bit unclear in places
- bit of a long walk around creek on hole 8
Other Thoughts:
Evansville DGC is a pleasant surprise most people won't expect. Few 9 holes really rise above the 2-2.5 rating level. This is a very well maintained course in a pristine park. It is amongst other park activities, so you have to be safety conscious, but it is fairly well designed in to not cause major hazards.
The highlight here is the water, playing alongside holes 1 and 7 and forcing water carries on holes 8 and 9. Hole 9 is the signature hole with the "island" shot 200ish feet to a basket on an island in the creek. While there is a high chance of ending up in the water on various holes, it is fairly shallow and discs should generally be recoverable with a retriever. Note there is a high, steep bank on all sides of the creek so you will not want to try to climb down.
Holes 2-6 play through an area of the park away from the creek, with 2 and 5 in particular incorporating more elevation change. These holes are a bit more moderately wooded and are strong in their own right even if they aren't the highlight of the course. There is respectable distance here and while not particularly difficult, they add a different element.
This was one of the busier courses I've been to recently and it's not surprising. A round of 9 holes is quick here but has some serious fun factor, and on Friday afternoon there were lots of people enjoying the course. Most of the equipment here is very good, but the tee signs leave a lot to be desired. Some actual full size signs with maps in a future iteration would be a nice upgrade.
Despite the water, the course is otherwise pretty open and not especially difficult. This course does seem a bit overrated to me at present; it is a lot of fun and I really like it, but I think it warrants a 3-3.5. I'd probably give it a 3.25 if I could, but gave it the benefit of the doubt at 3.5. I have not seen another niner with this may water hazards, and the island shot is pretty cool. Add to that the park is so well maintained, elevation change is incorporated, and dual tees and baskets - there isn't a ton to criticize here.
Navigation can be a little bit funky, mainly when you pass the tee for 6 going to hole 2. However, this is not too big a deal. After throwing the water carry over the creek on hole 8, you have to walk around to one of two crossings, neither of which is is particularly convenient, while you disc (hopefully) sits on the fairway across the creek. This is the price of cool water hazards, I suppose.
One other thing to mention here: I've seen lost disc drop boxes, or discs available to rent/borrow when pro shop/clubhouse is open, but this course has something I've never seen anywhere else in over 200 courses played - there is a box by tee 1 where you scan the QR code on your phone, and it gives you a code to open the box so you can borrow discs. When you are done, you return them to the box. What a cool idea. I really hope people don't steal the discs and make this sort of system unworkable, but for a public park course trying to encourage a sport not everyone is familiar with, this is such a cool feature.
Overall, this course is worth a trip if are nearby in Madison or something. I love a top-tier nine hole course and there really aren't many around that rise above mediocrity. This one isn't a destination in and of itself, but I'd seek it out again.