Pros:
This is a very challenging course that really tests every aspect of your game. The course really offers no mental breaks and truly makes you think about every shot. Even the two easy deuce holes (6 and 16) are not automatic deuces. The course has some incredible holes that are truly considered signature holes. Hole 4 starts off with a huge hyzer line that you need to hit, while landing on one of two landing zones split by a creek. If your drive was placed perfectly your next shot will need to go straight up a hill to a guarded basket. It truly is an awesome par 4. Hole 8 also stands out, especially from the long tee. Hole 11 is a truly stunning hole, as you throw through a very tight gap to a basket on a peninsula. Its a remarkably challenging par 3 that can easily be 5'd. Even though this course is extremely hard, I list that as a positive here because challenge is not always a bad thing. The course really used the land well and the designer took some nice risks with elevation. Instead of shying away from the elevation in the woods, he used it to his advantage. Because of this, he had to do a lot of construction and that's borne out with the bridges and stairs he has created. The orange powder coated baskets are also awesome and a huge feature for a course that is in the woods. Finally, don't be fooled by the shorter length - I have seen 980 rated players shoot in the lower 60's. This course is addictive and it really makes you longing to come play it again to try to defeat it!
Cons:
The course is certainly still a work in progress as it is a brand new course. With that in mind, the course does favor a Right Hand Back Hand and some holes truly offer no line or shot for a left handed player. The course really does wear on your body, so be prepared to be tired. The walks between hole 11 and 12 and 17 and 18 are not easy. Hole 18 was recently updated to include a second fairway for a left handed back hand shot but hole 18 is still a little bit of a poke and hope. Hole 17 has an awesome green and basket but the line off of the tee does feel a little tight. There is not much to complain about on this course!
Other Thoughts:
UPDATE: Concrete tees were recently poured and they are nice! They are huge tees that are graded nicely to offer a nice run up. This course is a must play in the Central Illinois area. It is hard to compare it to any course in the area and that's a good thing. Variety is never a bad thing. It is almost exclusively wooded while still having significant length. After playing a half dozen rounds at the course I can accurately say that a scratch round (1000 rated) will be in the 54 range on a normal day. From the long tees a 1000 rated round could easily exceed 60. With Northwood Park and McNaughton Park nearby, Central Illinois has some amazing courses to offer. Westwood Park will be featured in the Ledgestone Insurance Open, a PDGA A Tier event in September.