Pros:
- Alternate Tee-Pads. It really creates two unique DG experiences. The distance between the two sets of tee-pads is substantial... as reflected by my scores below.
- Quality Shots. Great use of OB, elevation, FAIRways, open space, alternate tees... all around really well thought out.
- Picturesque Shots. If hole 14 was shooting over water instead of a weedy, swampy area, it would be a "calendar" shot... it practically is now. Several other holes are too.
- Great use of OB. The retention pond shots were awesome... they test your ability, disc selection, strategy, and nerve. They're not for everyone and trying to play safe around them isn't a walk in the park either. The creek that runs along several of the holes is used exceptionally well too. You really have to GOLF!
Cons:
- No Signage! For shots of Va-Du-Mar's caliber, you need signage. I like to know how far holes are, especially long ones. I also like to know the Par, especially on shots where I know it can not be a 3. I also like to know what is and is not OB.
- No Benches.
Other Thoughts:
- EPIC. Now that I replay Va-Du-Mar in my head... this course is Epic. The finishing holes are championship quality, with 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18 all having water in play. Hole 11 (L) is a 500+' bomb with huge elevation, disaster on both sides, and a creek bisecting the fairway. You just don't get to play holes like these very often!
- Short Course. You can really score well on the short tees. By no means are birdies free - plenty of gaps need to be hit, lots of OB needs to be avoided, and shots need to be made - but they're there for the taking.
My Score: -9
- Long Course. The long course seems longer than most other "treed-up" courses, and with OB only 15' away from the most perfect throw a lot of the time, this course is difficult. It is definitely designed for the advanced+ player. There are several unmarked Par 4's (2, 6, 10, 11, 13... at least I hope they're Par 4's). I only had 3 realistic looks at a deuce.
My Score: +9 (using Par 3's) and +4 (using the "Par 4's").
- GPS Directions. The closest houses address to the park entrance is 792 McMillan Blvd.