Pros:
- Good mix of holes: long and short, straight, left and right. Difficulty is also widely varied - some shorter, fairly open holes that a rec player could deuce, and some longer, more diffuclt holes that are almost par 4's for advanced players.
- Makes excellent use of existing trees in a fairly open park to create challenging lines for all levels of players
- Even though this park is in Central IL (Flat City, USA), the course has several slight elevation changes which add variety and difficulty
- Well maintained by the park disctrict and the local disc golf club: mowed fairways, wood chips around baskets and tee pads and trash cans at every hole
- Detailed tee signs, showing distances, alternate pin placements and major landmarks
Cons:
- Not as wooded as many of the "top tier" courses, which makes lines much wider and many baskets can be easily reached by most advanced players.
- Wide open layout and location can make this course EXTREMELY windy. On some days, the wind makes play nearly impossible.
- Long rough can make finding errant discs difficult, even if the disc is only 5-10 feet off the fairway (much like a ball golf course).
- Parking at the course can be difficult on days when there is a tournament at the neighboring softball fields
Other Thoughts:
Maxwell Park is an excellent course for beginners (many locals play this course with their entire families in tow) but it also has several holes that provide ample challenge for advanced players. This wide appeal is why the course is always full of players in good weather and frequented by players of all skill levels who want to work on wind play, test new discs, grips or throwing styles. If you're in the area and want a fun day in the park without trudging through the woods, Maxwell Park is definitely worth a visit.