Pros:
-excellent terrain for disc golf: rolling hills, big elevation changes
-design makes great use of the land available
-breathtaking views of the hills and the lake
-concrete tees, baskets, and signage are top-notch
-lots of signature holes and just straight up fun shots
-3 to 5 different pin positions on each hole, with indicators on the tee sign for the present position
-double loop design
-huge parking lot, tourney parking not a problem
-restrooms available, trash cans, benches
-general store in the park on the way to the course
-pay to play, keeps out the riff raff (per vehicle, easy to carpool and split)
Cons:
-some areas of the course are very open and lack any shade, can be oppressive during the summer
-there are a few holes that have crisscrossing fairways, notably 7 and 8
-there are also many fairways next to the long downhill shots that would be subject to errant throws. while the downhill shots are awesome, one really has to be paying attention on those tees. the same goes if you're down the hill on the holes below.
-some holes are close to camping areas that may be filled with people
-navigation can be tricky without a map or local guide, a few tees are hidden from view from the last basket, no next tee signs
-SoCal drought conditions mean the water is usually dried up. also, being so close to the lake and not having a better water carry is disappointing.
Other Thoughts:
Coyote Point is without a doubt the best course that I have played in California, limited as my experience is there. This course combines spectacular views of Lake Casitas, the Los Padres National Forest, and the coastal mountains with a fun variety of shots that make great use of the elevation and terrain, finished with top notch amenities: concrete pads, Mach 5's, and great tee signs that indicate which of the several pin positions is currently in use.
The course starts with a mouth-watering downhill drive across a (dried up) inlet of the lake. The rest of the front 9 plays up and down the rolling hills of a mostly open area but utilizing the few huge mature oaks as obstacles. Hole 4 features a steep uphill drive through a mando of arched branches and hole 5 has a great steep downhill drive. Hole 9 is another steep uphill across the inlet back toward tee 1. This completes the first loop and brings you conveniently back to the parking lot where you'll probably need to refill your water after all the steep hikes on the front 9.
The back 9 is more wooded and kicks off with a wild downhill tunnel shot. It's really tempting to run right at this hole but you'll think twice once you've had a bad rollaway or overthrow. Tunnels or low ceilings are featured on holes 10, 11, 13, 14, and 18, there are a few more open shots, and hole 16 is the signature top of the world shot.
The multitude of different pin positions on each hole is one of the biggest draws of this course beside the elevation changes. I'm not sure how often the pins are moved but the number of positions out there mean that you could return every few months and never play the same layout. The only drawback is that some of the different locations won't significantly change your shot, particularly on the open holes, but at least it changes the routine for the locals. Most the of the holes will not force a specific line since it is mostly open, except for the tunnel shots or hole 4's mando. LH, RH, and OH throws are all accomodated on many fairways. Dealing with the wind is also a major factor, especially on the open and/or downhill shots.
This brings up a few of the safety issues that could come into play here. There are some crisscrossing fairways, particularly 7 and 8, and holes near camping areas (again 7 and 8). Players on holes 2, 8, and 9 could be subject to errant throws from tee 1's downhill shot and 2, 3, 12, and 17 could be in the line of fire from hole 16's big down hill drive also. A windy day will exacerbate these dangers as downhill drives get blown off course.
Overall, this course makes for a really fun round with a variety of shots and distances in an incredibly beautiful and secluded natural setting. It is the perfect contrast to SoCal's many crowded park courses. Additionally, there seems to be a vibrant and dedicated community of local golfers who take serious pride in this course, keep it in great condition, and frequently hold great events and tournaments. This is absolutely a destination course and a must play for anyone in the Ventura/LA area or any travelers through SoCal.
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