Pros:
- Tight wooded fairways require a number of shots to score well
- Risk/Reward decisions are frequently available
- Good pacing with mix of lengths and shot types throughout the course
- Baskets and tee-signs are generally in good repair
Cons:
- Natural tee pads are good in some locations, and almost dangerous in others
- Almost no elevation to speak of
- No water or other varied hazards
- Shared space dog park
Other Thoughts:
I never got around to playing this course before the improvements of last summer, so have not experienced this course in its previously untamed state. As things stand now, West Main Park is challenging, tightly wooded course that manages to remain fair, and not disproportionately punish bad shots. The fairways are certainly fair, and the only discs lost during rounds I played were those stuck in one of the many pine trees. While every round was a challenge, I never felt unnecessarily punished, the bogeys were always my fault, and the birdies always felt well earned.
One of the biggest compliments I can give this course is that there are several holes were I faced a decision of either trying to reach the pin on my drive, or disc down and either hit a landing zone, or just make sure I put my drive most of the way down one of the narrow fairways to have an easier look for par. This kind of risk reward makes for great golf, allows for larger score separation in competitive rounds, and makes the strategic aspect of disc golf shine. I have played a number of these holes very differently based solely on how confident I was feeling walking up to the shot, or what the current round situation was.
The course can get a little redundant. By the end of the round it is very possible you will be completely sick of trying to throw laser beams through narrow fairways, and there aren't really any interesting features to add interest to the round.
All the trimming and mowing has resulted in many hidden roots, stems, and stumps in a number of the walking paths, which I and many others tripped over on multiple occasions during out round. There are also thorn bushes in abundance which can make getting some errant throws a difficult or painful endeavor.
The course could really benefit from concrete tee pads, and some of the tee-signs are missing or very poorly placed.
Overall, I quite enjoy my rounds at West Main Park, and I am sure repeated play will definitely help your ability to throw straight and accurately. Hopefully the current level of maintenance is continued, because as it stands, this course is a great addition to the area.