Pros:
+ Tees are flat, wide and long concrete.
+ The tee signs are basic but accurate. Their containers are rusting, though!
+ The guiding signage is helpful, mostly.
+ There is a varied landscape with dense woods, tree-speckled fields, a pond and some modest elevation challenges.
+ Baskets are bright blue for visibility from afar, but...
Cons:
- ...There is no system in place to tell players which basket position is in play.
- No lost disc box or practice basket? I could be wrong about that.
-/+ Stray just a little into the rough, and you've got a tough fight out-- especially on the forested links.
Other Thoughts:
About this review's weird title... When I arrived here it was already 6 P.M., and the Sun was dangerously low in the sky. By jogging and speed-walking a bit, I managed to play all 18 links in just over an hour, but it was decidedly dusk by the time I returned to my car. So, let me clearly say right now that this whole review is based on a rushed round. I very likely missed a thing or two.
But even if I did miss something, it wouldn't change the fact that Lorch Beaver is a really good course! For starters, it occupies a nice piece of property. Playing here feels like a nature walk. Link10 is a good example of the good views. That one resembles a spooky tunnel. Links9 - 13 are set deep in peaceful woods. Most of the rest of the course deals in mostly open fairways with gentle yet noticeable elevation and park-style tree cover. But I think the best view can be found at links8 and 17. Both of those tee off along the same path, and there is a pond right there that forms the first chunk of fairway for those two links. I liked the appearance of link8 better, yet I enjoyed the challenge of link17 most of all. Not only does the player have to contend with that pond but then also approach and putt somewhat uphill while being mindful of rollaways and trees.
I didn't like link2. That one was right alongside the entrance road and didn't really have many features. Since I'm in criticism mode, I should mention the roughage. I acknowledge that if I were a better shot, then this probably wouldn't be an issue. However, I suspect that most of us don't have perfect aim, which means that most of us might have some trouble re-entering the fairway and/or tracking down a disc-- particularly between links9 through 13. For myself, link9 was the biggest offender because of all of that dense growth in the swampy second half of the fairway. It took me ten whole minutes to find a bright orange disc at the end of October. I can only imagine how this course would look in spring or summer! Just keep both eyes open is my point. Also keep both eyes open for the guiding signage. It is present, but they need to be a bit sharper and more eye-catching. Some black paint or maybe a permanent marker retouch would do the trick. As a final note, I should say that most of the fairways before and after the wooded part didn't grab me. Credit where it's due: In addition to links8 and 17, I liked the sudden sucker punch of a sharp drop to the basket at link4.
Other than all of that, I regret the fact that I had to rush through Lester Lorch. I wish I could have relaxed and played both Beaver and Coyote layouts, but it wasn't in the cards. I'm glad to have experienced at least one of the courses here. Unfortunately, it might be years before I'm down this way again, if ever. Regardless, Beaver gets a recommendation from me for its pleasant scenery and varied fairways. I don't know that it will change anyone's life, but if you have more than an hour to spare, then this course is definitely worth your time.