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Disc Golf Course Review
Recent course reviews
The Bridge @ Cornerstone Church
Ludington, MI
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Pros:
The Bridge @ Cornerstone Church DGC is the newest course in the disc golf mecca of Ludington, MI. It's a 9-hole course that plays generally clockwise around the church property.
The property has a nice mix of wooded areas and open fields, as well as some rolling elevation changes. All of these elements are well-utilized in the course design. I liked hole 3 which is a tricky little S-shaped fairway playing 225' slightly downhill, and requiring players in search of birdies to hit a smallish gap at the inflection point of the S. Hole 5 is one of the more open fairways on the course, playing 290' down a gentle slope then back up the opposite side. All of the holes are between 170' and 300' in length except for #7, which is a thread-the-needle 125' throw in the woods.
The baskets are blue Prodigy models in like-new condition. The tee pads are concrete and large enough. In keeping with the "Bridge" theme, each hole's tee sign features a photograph of a different well-known bridge in the state of Michigan. There are holes featuring the beautiful Cut River Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, the very interesting three-spoked Tridge Bridge in Midland (which I was not familiar with, and will have to check out in person), and of course the mighty Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan's two peninsulas. The tee signs DO also have the hole number, distance, and map of the hole on them.
Navigational signage is in the same style as the tee signs and placed where needed. I mean EXACTLY the same style - it was actually a bit confusing because these signs have the same bridge graphic and hole details for the hole they are pointing towards, as the actual tee sign for the hole does. I got confused the first time I saw this and was thinking that hole 2 had a natural tee marked by what turned out to be the navigational sign. Be sure to read down to the bottom of the sign where there is a small "This Way" and an arrow. Or, take a photo of the map on the kiosk at the first tee and use that to guide you. Or, use UDisc ya fancy person.
The property has a nice mix of wooded areas and open fields, as well as some rolling elevation changes. All of these elements are well-utilized in the course design. I liked hole 3 which is a tricky little S-shaped fairway playing 225' slightly downhill, and requiring players in search of birdies to hit a smallish gap at the inflection point of the S. Hole 5 is one of the more open fairways on the course, playing 290' down a gentle slope then back up the opposite side. All of the holes are between 170' and 300' in length except for #7, which is a thread-the-needle 125' throw in the woods.
The baskets are blue Prodigy models in like-new condition. The tee pads are concrete and large enough. In keeping with the "Bridge" theme, each hole's tee sign features a photograph of a different well-known bridge in the state of Michigan. There are holes featuring the beautiful Cut River Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, the very interesting three-spoked Tridge Bridge in Midland (which I was not familiar with, and will have to check out in person), and of course the mighty Mackinac Bridge that connects Michigan's two peninsulas. The tee signs DO also have the hole number, distance, and map of the hole on them.
Navigational signage is in the same style as the tee signs and placed where needed. I mean EXACTLY the same style - it was actually a bit confusing because these signs have the same bridge graphic and hole details for the hole they are pointing towards, as the actual tee sign for the hole does. I got confused the first time I saw this and was thinking that hole 2 had a natural tee marked by what turned out to be the navigational sign. Be sure to read down to the bottom of the sign where there is a small "This Way" and an arrow. Or, take a photo of the map on the kiosk at the first tee and use that to guide you. Or, use UDisc ya fancy person.
Cons:
The church parking lot is in play on several holes. Hole 8 also plays near the church building and a small walking trail/campfire pit behind the building. It's all line-of-sight, but I always see disc golf (especially catered to beginners) + potential non-DG vehicle/walking traffic = potential problems.
With all holes under 300', this one is meant for beginners and rec level players. Those wanting longer holes and more challenge have plenty of other options close by.
The course is a little thin on extras (no practice basket, trash cans, benches, or porta potty).
A couple of the tee signs had already gone missing as of my visit. Some of the signage had been upgraded to a more permanent construction - hopefully the plan and budget accounts for finishing that work up.
With all holes under 300', this one is meant for beginners and rec level players. Those wanting longer holes and more challenge have plenty of other options close by.
The course is a little thin on extras (no practice basket, trash cans, benches, or porta potty).
A couple of the tee signs had already gone missing as of my visit. Some of the signage had been upgraded to a more permanent construction - hopefully the plan and budget accounts for finishing that work up.
Other Thoughts:
This one should be assumed unavailable whenever church is in session.
The Bridge @ Cornerstone Church is a pretty solid 9er other than some safety concerns, and provides a rec-friendly round with a fun theme. But here in Ludington, the disc golf competition is TOUGH. If you're visiting the area for the other courses, which I highly recommend, this one is worth playing as a quick bag or to warm up for one of the bigger courses. It's a nice addition to the scene, but nothing to cross too many bridges for.
The Bridge @ Cornerstone Church is a pretty solid 9er other than some safety concerns, and provides a rec-friendly round with a fun theme. But here in Ludington, the disc golf competition is TOUGH. If you're visiting the area for the other courses, which I highly recommend, this one is worth playing as a quick bag or to warm up for one of the bigger courses. It's a nice addition to the scene, but nothing to cross too many bridges for.
Swordstone DGC
Spicewood, TX
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Pros:
+ Generous slopes, water features and a fair tree cover round out the challenges.
+ Some lovely views of the distant hills, mountains and towns.
+ The landscaping and features installed here are pretty incredible.
+ It is an exclusive venue for tournaments and special events only. No chance of dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists here! But...
+ Some lovely views of the distant hills, mountains and towns.
+ The landscaping and features installed here are pretty incredible.
+ It is an exclusive venue for tournaments and special events only. No chance of dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists here! But...
Cons:
- ...It is an exclusive venue for tournaments and special events only. No chance of leisurely rounds with friends here.
- Several blind tee-offs that require beforehand knowledge of the fairway.
- No tee signs at all.
- No lost disc box that I could spot.
- Several blind tee-offs that require beforehand knowledge of the fairway.
- No tee signs at all.
- No lost disc box that I could spot.
Other Thoughts:
As the eponymous folklore name implies, you cannot choose Swordstone under normal circumstances. Swordstone decides when and who can play. But it is private property! If someone chooses to make their course an exclusive locale accessible only during certain occasions, then I honestly can't register a complaint. I was fortunate enough to play this course as part of a tournament. So, this review will be based on that experience.
I don't think I've ever played at a course quite like Swordstone. I have to mention the scenery and landscaping right away. There are impressive fixtures installed all over the place. Just for three examples:
The putting area of link3 boasts some sort of courtyard with neatly maintained lawns underneath some decorative columns that overlook a fancy central concrete fountain made with tile, brick, stone and cement.
Link10 throws right past a somewhat intimidating artificial pond with similar cement and stonework.
Link16 begins right next to a stone firepit with chairs for relaxing nearby. Don't forget to look at all of the smaller decorations, trinkets and ornaments scattered all over the course. A lot of energy has gone towards making this place peaceful and atmospheric.
But how is the actual disc golfing, right? In the past, we've been burned by courses that went all-in on their presentation but didn't have the fairways to match.
Well, I'm glad to say that Swordstone mostly delivers. I like dense tree cover and steep hills in my disc golf. While Swordstone isn't a mountainous adventure in the deep woods, it has a few fairways that caught my attention. Link12 was a brief but appreciated narrow tunnel. No other fairway comes close to that level of tree cover except 16. Link2 is an enjoyable bumpy ride with trees on both sides to make you questions your choices.
Going back to link3, before you arrive to that pretty approach area, you tee off atop a nice slope that gives you a view of some of the other fairways and the background houses and rounded mountains. Link5 is the same way except much higher and prettier, though #3 still had the more enjoyable golfing. Honorable mention: link9 has a fun downslope towards an OB pond it shares with 10.
On the downside, things never really return to that level of excitement that links3-5 provide. The terrain still has bumps and grooves. It still slants left and right. The trees never truly vanish. However, a few of the links feel under-developed. Flat links8 and 11 both have triple mandos to arbitrarily intensify the difficulty. Worse, there were no tee signs anywhere (as of November 2023). That leads to confusion. Returning to link3 one last time, there are trees blocking your view. Unless a player has been here before, there is no way that they can know from the tee which way the basket is or how far. Signs would surely help- especially on the longer fairways like 10, 13 and 18.
Oh, and I really didn't like link6. It was too flat and open, and the central entrance road shares the same exact space with 80% of that fairway. During the tournament, my card had to wait for a few cars to drive out of range. I get that space isn't in abundance here, but is that the only spot a fairway could be?
In closing, what do I think? Swordstone is a really good course. It gets a hearty recommendation. If you are planning to visit or live anywhere near the Austin, TX area when there is to be a tournament at Swordstone, register for it! All of the criticisms I had will fade to the background as you admire the scenery and setting while waiting for your turn to throw. Remember to take pictures!
I don't think I've ever played at a course quite like Swordstone. I have to mention the scenery and landscaping right away. There are impressive fixtures installed all over the place. Just for three examples:
The putting area of link3 boasts some sort of courtyard with neatly maintained lawns underneath some decorative columns that overlook a fancy central concrete fountain made with tile, brick, stone and cement.
Link10 throws right past a somewhat intimidating artificial pond with similar cement and stonework.
Link16 begins right next to a stone firepit with chairs for relaxing nearby. Don't forget to look at all of the smaller decorations, trinkets and ornaments scattered all over the course. A lot of energy has gone towards making this place peaceful and atmospheric.
But how is the actual disc golfing, right? In the past, we've been burned by courses that went all-in on their presentation but didn't have the fairways to match.
Well, I'm glad to say that Swordstone mostly delivers. I like dense tree cover and steep hills in my disc golf. While Swordstone isn't a mountainous adventure in the deep woods, it has a few fairways that caught my attention. Link12 was a brief but appreciated narrow tunnel. No other fairway comes close to that level of tree cover except 16. Link2 is an enjoyable bumpy ride with trees on both sides to make you questions your choices.
Going back to link3, before you arrive to that pretty approach area, you tee off atop a nice slope that gives you a view of some of the other fairways and the background houses and rounded mountains. Link5 is the same way except much higher and prettier, though #3 still had the more enjoyable golfing. Honorable mention: link9 has a fun downslope towards an OB pond it shares with 10.
On the downside, things never really return to that level of excitement that links3-5 provide. The terrain still has bumps and grooves. It still slants left and right. The trees never truly vanish. However, a few of the links feel under-developed. Flat links8 and 11 both have triple mandos to arbitrarily intensify the difficulty. Worse, there were no tee signs anywhere (as of November 2023). That leads to confusion. Returning to link3 one last time, there are trees blocking your view. Unless a player has been here before, there is no way that they can know from the tee which way the basket is or how far. Signs would surely help- especially on the longer fairways like 10, 13 and 18.
Oh, and I really didn't like link6. It was too flat and open, and the central entrance road shares the same exact space with 80% of that fairway. During the tournament, my card had to wait for a few cars to drive out of range. I get that space isn't in abundance here, but is that the only spot a fairway could be?
In closing, what do I think? Swordstone is a really good course. It gets a hearty recommendation. If you are planning to visit or live anywhere near the Austin, TX area when there is to be a tournament at Swordstone, register for it! All of the criticisms I had will fade to the background as you admire the scenery and setting while waiting for your turn to throw. Remember to take pictures!
Fairview Park DGC
Columbia, MO
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Pros:
Short, Fun, Great for beginners or oractice
Cons:
Poison Ivy
Other Thoughts:
fun course! awesome to have it on this side of town near school next to a great overall bonneview Park. Cons are there's a lot of poison ivy. LOTS
Greystone Woods
Morris Plains, NJ
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Pros:
`
Another visit to Greystone, and time for another update. More volunteer hours = all paver tees, more brush clearing. And now, some great alternate baskets! And, BREAKING NEWS in May 2024: Permanent Signage (a big deal managed by the club)!
+ Easy-to-spot painted wood blocks mounted at the fonts of blue and white tees. Pavers on about half of the blue tees. Reds are still just dirt (but I don't know how much traffic the reds get).
+ Excellent navigation from basket to tee: some baskets have indicators, and there are small directional arrows guiding along paths where holes cross. Scout project benches at many tees. Great footbridge to cross the stream on #15. Chimes to indicate all clear on several short holes where the basket is blind
+ The is a woods course (not a "wooded" course): it's a layout that has been carved through deep woods with only the necessary amount of clearing to make it playable. It feels like the natural setting that was already there. As other reviewers and fellow players have remarked, Greystone is like a hike in the woods where you get to play disc golf
+ Greystone's holes offer a wide variety of challenges: short ones that require careful landings, long ones that require length and precision, and lots of hazards that will jump up and bite you. There are steep slopes and water next to eight holes, lots of subtle elevation changes where you'll find yourself well below the basket, and trees: trees everywhere. Only #17 and #18 are out of the woods
+ Blue layout is substantially different, longer, and more challenging than White (more than just the long water carry on #9). Adds variety for replay - but it increases the difficulty on at least half of the holes.
+ Now with the alternate blue baskets there's even more variety, especially how much more they give the white layout. Two standouts: you have to play across the stream on the short #8, and you're shaping a left-to-right instead of a right-to-left. The blue basket on #10 is framed perfectly by the hallway of trees in front of the white tee.
`
Another visit to Greystone, and time for another update. More volunteer hours = all paver tees, more brush clearing. And now, some great alternate baskets! And, BREAKING NEWS in May 2024: Permanent Signage (a big deal managed by the club)!
+ Easy-to-spot painted wood blocks mounted at the fonts of blue and white tees. Pavers on about half of the blue tees. Reds are still just dirt (but I don't know how much traffic the reds get).
+ Excellent navigation from basket to tee: some baskets have indicators, and there are small directional arrows guiding along paths where holes cross. Scout project benches at many tees. Great footbridge to cross the stream on #15. Chimes to indicate all clear on several short holes where the basket is blind
+ The is a woods course (not a "wooded" course): it's a layout that has been carved through deep woods with only the necessary amount of clearing to make it playable. It feels like the natural setting that was already there. As other reviewers and fellow players have remarked, Greystone is like a hike in the woods where you get to play disc golf
+ Greystone's holes offer a wide variety of challenges: short ones that require careful landings, long ones that require length and precision, and lots of hazards that will jump up and bite you. There are steep slopes and water next to eight holes, lots of subtle elevation changes where you'll find yourself well below the basket, and trees: trees everywhere. Only #17 and #18 are out of the woods
+ Blue layout is substantially different, longer, and more challenging than White (more than just the long water carry on #9). Adds variety for replay - but it increases the difficulty on at least half of the holes.
+ Now with the alternate blue baskets there's even more variety, especially how much more they give the white layout. Two standouts: you have to play across the stream on the short #8, and you're shaping a left-to-right instead of a right-to-left. The blue basket on #10 is framed perfectly by the hallway of trees in front of the white tee.
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Cons:
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- Weaker holes are #10 which, although a lot of the brush has been cleared, the way to the sidehill green feels like a bit of a crapshoot through all the skinny trees. And #11 which isn't bad but is so indistinguishable that I have trouble picturing it after having played it ten times.
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- Weaker holes are #10 which, although a lot of the brush has been cleared, the way to the sidehill green feels like a bit of a crapshoot through all the skinny trees. And #11 which isn't bad but is so indistinguishable that I have trouble picturing it after having played it ten times.
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Other Thoughts:
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~ Based on my own experience as a beginner in 2018, I wouldn't recommend Greystone to newbies. I never played from the Reds, but Whites are a difficult intermediate course and can really discourage someone trying out disc golf (stick to park courses for a while)
- If the course isn't busy, consider the "White - Less Walking" layout on uDisc (9-11, 6-8, 1-5, 12-18), which really cuts down on the average round time.
~ Greystone will be enjoying it's 10th anniversary this year, and it remains unique among the almost 450 courses I've played. The designers and volunteers have created genuine "intermediate and above" challenge while keeping the natural woods setting intact. Greystone was one of the first courses I played in the Northeast, and for travelers making their way through NJ, I always recommend Greystone first. To take nothing away from other top courses, none of them are unique an experience as Greystone.
`
~ Based on my own experience as a beginner in 2018, I wouldn't recommend Greystone to newbies. I never played from the Reds, but Whites are a difficult intermediate course and can really discourage someone trying out disc golf (stick to park courses for a while)
- If the course isn't busy, consider the "White - Less Walking" layout on uDisc (9-11, 6-8, 1-5, 12-18), which really cuts down on the average round time.
~ Greystone will be enjoying it's 10th anniversary this year, and it remains unique among the almost 450 courses I've played. The designers and volunteers have created genuine "intermediate and above" challenge while keeping the natural woods setting intact. Greystone was one of the first courses I played in the Northeast, and for travelers making their way through NJ, I always recommend Greystone first. To take nothing away from other top courses, none of them are unique an experience as Greystone.
`
BER-WA-GA-NA campground dgc
Vassar, MI
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Pros:
A course at a campground, sounds pretty simple, but how many campgrounds have you been to that didn't have a course. So if you think about it, Having this course at this campground is a plus or a pro.
I liked the homemade "Birdcage" baskets!
Simplistic course, no holes are to far for a recreational player and most holes reachable for an advanced player= fun course to play!
Most challenging hole for me was hole # 7. being a LHBH player it was an easy hyzer, except for the small lake to the right of the basket.
I liked the homemade "Birdcage" baskets!
Simplistic course, no holes are to far for a recreational player and most holes reachable for an advanced player= fun course to play!
Most challenging hole for me was hole # 7. being a LHBH player it was an easy hyzer, except for the small lake to the right of the basket.
Cons:
I found this course on UDisc and added this course to DGCR. There wasn't any mention of how far the holes nor satellite mapage on UDisc, soooo.
Only 7 baskets. IMO there's plenty of room at this campground for other holes. But I also understand this course is mainly for the campers.
No benches
No restroom in the Disc Golf area
Only 7 baskets. IMO there's plenty of room at this campground for other holes. But I also understand this course is mainly for the campers.
No benches
No restroom in the Disc Golf area
Other Thoughts:
I guess I picked the right course at the right time. As at this course, you won't write home about, but you could write home about the scenery and IMHO, one of the best places to have lunch at. I always bring food w/ me when I'm traveling and playing new courses. And adjacent to the DG course is a small lake that has a bench that's on a small pier. I could have stayed on that bench for the rest of the day I was there. So peaceful and relaxing.
Waunakee DGC
Waunakee, WI
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Pros:
-Brand new tee pads installed!
-Great baskets!
-Grassy fairways
-Simple navigation
-Course map posted
-Good signage
-Arrows in baskets point to next tee
-Plenty of elevation
-Plenty of parking
-Dog and cart friendly
-Great baskets!
-Grassy fairways
-Simple navigation
-Course map posted
-Good signage
-Arrows in baskets point to next tee
-Plenty of elevation
-Plenty of parking
-Dog and cart friendly
Cons:
-Some wide open holes
-Heavy pines that eat discs parts of course
-The rough is thick in some areas during mid summer, especially right side of hole 6.
-Lower part of course can become soggy with wet weather
-Not a ton of shade
-Heavy pines that eat discs parts of course
-The rough is thick in some areas during mid summer, especially right side of hole 6.
-Lower part of course can become soggy with wet weather
-Not a ton of shade
Other Thoughts:
This is honestly one of the better nine hole courses in Dane County in my opinion. Great use of few obstacles in park. Intermediate level distance with holes between 215-360 feet. But if you're in the area I'd definitely give this course a shot!
THE WIND IS THE BIGGEST HAZARD. If it's windy that day at all you will likely struggle with putting and driving. Makes it fun but also super challenging. This course just opened up and has just enough challenge for top players but also a great place to take family or newbies out. The park is huge with about every sport you can think of played here along with nice shelters and walkways. Also a nice water tower near a small sledding hill. The course part plays along elevation changes and some pine trees behind the tennis court and baseball diamonds. The pine trees near holes one and two will eat your discs. There are bathrooms near by parking lot open from May-Oct. The course should be open year round as well. Course is closed around the 4th of July for Waunaboom event.
New tee pads just installed! Come check it out.
THE WIND IS THE BIGGEST HAZARD. If it's windy that day at all you will likely struggle with putting and driving. Makes it fun but also super challenging. This course just opened up and has just enough challenge for top players but also a great place to take family or newbies out. The park is huge with about every sport you can think of played here along with nice shelters and walkways. Also a nice water tower near a small sledding hill. The course part plays along elevation changes and some pine trees behind the tennis court and baseball diamonds. The pine trees near holes one and two will eat your discs. There are bathrooms near by parking lot open from May-Oct. The course should be open year round as well. Course is closed around the 4th of July for Waunaboom event.
New tee pads just installed! Come check it out.
The Park at Faith Church
Penn Hills, PA
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Pros:
This course is built on church property, back in the neighborhoods of Penn Hills. Despite the course information on this site, it is now an 18 hole course. What I would say I liked so much about this course is the return to roots feeling. I have been playing disc golf for a long time. Things like concrete tees weren't always the norm. We were happy with any course and that's the way it should be. That love of disc golf is here. Despite what is an evident lack of major park resources and a very "homemade" feel to the course itself, it feels like someone's labor of love. It's also one of the things you need to keep in mind when coming here. This isn't a 20 year grown in course that has a park mowing the lawns. You are going on an adventure here. You'll crawl under a vine or two and you'll walk over some fallen trees. You are NOT bringing your cart.
The course plays in a lush forest valley that was really pretty. You're behind a church and ultimately playing in backyards, but it doesn't honestly feel that way. There were deer everywhere the morning we played. There were wildflowers popping. It was a nice walk in the woods absolutely.
They make great use of that woodland, also. You can see how much thought has gone into using the land for the best shots they could. There is a lot of variety here, both in left and right shots, as well as elevation up and down. You'll look at the distances on a scorecard and it's tempting to think that this course is going to be a layup. It's really anything but easy, though. This is a technical course that makes you throw your mids and putters with accuracy to even make par. The grass is a bit high and the brush is deep on the sides, so you really get punished for bad shots on this course.
The course plays in a lush forest valley that was really pretty. You're behind a church and ultimately playing in backyards, but it doesn't honestly feel that way. There were deer everywhere the morning we played. There were wildflowers popping. It was a nice walk in the woods absolutely.
They make great use of that woodland, also. You can see how much thought has gone into using the land for the best shots they could. There is a lot of variety here, both in left and right shots, as well as elevation up and down. You'll look at the distances on a scorecard and it's tempting to think that this course is going to be a layup. It's really anything but easy, though. This is a technical course that makes you throw your mids and putters with accuracy to even make par. The grass is a bit high and the brush is deep on the sides, so you really get punished for bad shots on this course.
Cons:
We'll start with the obvious ones. Accept that you're coming to a pretty raw courses that seems still in development. There are no real tees. They have wood markers on dirt, some of them uneven. There aren't really tee signs. Instead, they have laminated distance listings with written instructions like "up the hill on the left". There are navigation signs that work mostly well. We did get lost once. There are also no amenities. There aren't benches anywhere. There's no restroom to use.
This theme of "raw golf" extends to the general upkeep of the course. It was in pretty good shape considering they couldn't probably mow much, but the grass fairly thick all around. They have cut fairways, but they are definitely tight. If you get off just a bit, it's punishing because there was not mass brushhogging down here. One thing that would frustrate some is wooded greens. Many of these baskets sit in fairly thick stands of trees and brush.
There are a few holes that I didn't like. The parking lot holes are probably an issue on some days, but there is now an alternate layout. The 11th Hole was one I didn't care for in design. A fun downhill drive past a Mando on the left is sort of ruined because the fairway jackknifes back up hill to the left. A good drive isn't rewarded at all because you throw back the way you came. There is also another hole that almost plays in a tunnel. The "ceiling" on the brush is so low that you can't really throw the shot you need to think about a bird.
This theme of "raw golf" extends to the general upkeep of the course. It was in pretty good shape considering they couldn't probably mow much, but the grass fairly thick all around. They have cut fairways, but they are definitely tight. If you get off just a bit, it's punishing because there was not mass brushhogging down here. One thing that would frustrate some is wooded greens. Many of these baskets sit in fairly thick stands of trees and brush.
There are a few holes that I didn't like. The parking lot holes are probably an issue on some days, but there is now an alternate layout. The 11th Hole was one I didn't care for in design. A fun downhill drive past a Mando on the left is sort of ruined because the fairway jackknifes back up hill to the left. A good drive isn't rewarded at all because you throw back the way you came. There is also another hole that almost plays in a tunnel. The "ceiling" on the brush is so low that you can't really throw the shot you need to think about a bird.
Other Thoughts:
Rating a course like this is hard. On one hand, I'm rating the enjoyment factor of a course and I did enjoy this one. It was a challenging course in pretty woods and that's all I really need. I'm also though ranking how this course compares to all others and you have to admit that it's still in a very raw phase.
Berwick Test Track
Berwick, PA
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Pros:
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Large and level concrete tees. Old DGA baskets with numbers on top. The only directional signage is large arrows suspended beneath most baskets. No tee signs or markings on the tees - so you really need uDisc or some other GPS to navigate.
With the exception of a hole or two, this is a really nice layout. The fairways are wide and well-defined, with enough trees to create gaps you need to hit. The run of holes near the river (the river never comes into play) is separated from the main park and if the grass isn't high, makes for very pleasant play
Large and level concrete tees. Old DGA baskets with numbers on top. The only directional signage is large arrows suspended beneath most baskets. No tee signs or markings on the tees - so you really need uDisc or some other GPS to navigate.
With the exception of a hole or two, this is a really nice layout. The fairways are wide and well-defined, with enough trees to create gaps you need to hit. The run of holes near the river (the river never comes into play) is separated from the main park and if the grass isn't high, makes for very pleasant play
Cons:
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- A couple of "stuck in" holes. 11 is a cute little 120' straight pitch and putt. 14 is a blind 200' that flows as a semi circle to the right, all the way through a "fairway" that's no wider than a walking path. Thick and tall trees on either side eliminate any kind of air shot, leaving just a dink-and-dunk up and around the trail. This is a hole not even worth playing. I skipped it, disappointed because the course was so good until I got to 14.
- Lots of indicators that the course doesn't get much attention. I understand from other reviews that the grass isn't mowed (there are a lot of fairways near the river that would be tough to get mowing equipment onto, so I imagine the grasses get pretty deep during the growing season). Hole number two has a whole bunch of downed trees that have been stacked right next to a very tight fairway, to the point where the hole is almost unplayable.
- A couple of "stuck in" holes. 11 is a cute little 120' straight pitch and putt. 14 is a blind 200' that flows as a semi circle to the right, all the way through a "fairway" that's no wider than a walking path. Thick and tall trees on either side eliminate any kind of air shot, leaving just a dink-and-dunk up and around the trail. This is a hole not even worth playing. I skipped it, disappointed because the course was so good until I got to 14.
- Lots of indicators that the course doesn't get much attention. I understand from other reviews that the grass isn't mowed (there are a lot of fairways near the river that would be tough to get mowing equipment onto, so I imagine the grasses get pretty deep during the growing season). Hole number two has a whole bunch of downed trees that have been stacked right next to a very tight fairway, to the point where the hole is almost unplayable.
Other Thoughts:
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~ A lot of this course seems pretty damn long. Four and six are over 350' par threes. Five is like a 550' par four, where a par felt like a birdie. 13 is another long par four. It's slightly uphill all the way, and while uDisc says it's 600', I swear it's longer than that. And 18, although slightly downhill and "only" 360', is tricky enough a bend, with a low ceiling at the green, that it might be better as a par 4 instead of 3. Note - these are all good holes, but adding a couple of strokes to par would make the course play fairer to a wider range of players.
~ Despite the generally decent layout, it's hard to give Berwick Test Track a "good" rating. There's just too much working against it: poor upkeep leading to unplayable conditions at times, lack of signage and a couple of poor holes. But if you're in the area in the winter or early Spring, adjust your expectations accordingly and give it a play. There's a lot of good here, if you time it right.
~ A lot of this course seems pretty damn long. Four and six are over 350' par threes. Five is like a 550' par four, where a par felt like a birdie. 13 is another long par four. It's slightly uphill all the way, and while uDisc says it's 600', I swear it's longer than that. And 18, although slightly downhill and "only" 360', is tricky enough a bend, with a low ceiling at the green, that it might be better as a par 4 instead of 3. Note - these are all good holes, but adding a couple of strokes to par would make the course play fairer to a wider range of players.
~ Despite the generally decent layout, it's hard to give Berwick Test Track a "good" rating. There's just too much working against it: poor upkeep leading to unplayable conditions at times, lack of signage and a couple of poor holes. But if you're in the area in the winter or early Spring, adjust your expectations accordingly and give it a play. There's a lot of good here, if you time it right.
Torzewski Park DGC
Lapeer, MI
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Pros:
Good usage of the many elevation changes around the course.
Link style course with 2 tees per hole. The short tees we're the red tees and to help the first timers playing this course they even had a red ribbon around the tee sign to indicate that was the short tee from afar.
Many cool holes, even playing from the short tees like I did. # 7 stands out the most!! I don't normally throw multiple throws on a given hole, but I threw 3 drives from the short tee and didn't lose any in the tall prairie grass.
The tall prairie grass makes the open holes that much more challenging and defines each fairway. Which is good for the wildlife and the park mowing budget. I feels that if the grass was all cut, this course wouldn't be as fun and would be kinda boring on the open holes.
Wooded holes had a fresh supply of mulch spreaded around the soggy areas as well as around the baskets.
Decent sized parking lot with bathrooms available at several locations throughout the course.
Like most Michigan courses this course was clean as a whistle, no trash anywhere!
Link style course with 2 tees per hole. The short tees we're the red tees and to help the first timers playing this course they even had a red ribbon around the tee sign to indicate that was the short tee from afar.
Many cool holes, even playing from the short tees like I did. # 7 stands out the most!! I don't normally throw multiple throws on a given hole, but I threw 3 drives from the short tee and didn't lose any in the tall prairie grass.
The tall prairie grass makes the open holes that much more challenging and defines each fairway. Which is good for the wildlife and the park mowing budget. I feels that if the grass was all cut, this course wouldn't be as fun and would be kinda boring on the open holes.
Wooded holes had a fresh supply of mulch spreaded around the soggy areas as well as around the baskets.
Decent sized parking lot with bathrooms available at several locations throughout the course.
Like most Michigan courses this course was clean as a whistle, no trash anywhere!
Cons:
No benches, but I'm thinking that this redesign isn't completely finished, so maybe by the next time I play this course there will some benches.
Other Thoughts:
I played this course out of season. But even if they charge one to play this course . It would be still worth it as one can see the improvements being made around the park.
This green space with a lake offers fishing, nature trails & a pavilion, plus a water park. Picnic tables available · Playground swings available · Has barbecue grill
Lapeer also has a downtown Disc Golf course.
This green space with a lake offers fishing, nature trails & a pavilion, plus a water park. Picnic tables available · Playground swings available · Has barbecue grill
Lapeer also has a downtown Disc Golf course.
Agape Farm Championship DGC
Shirleysburg, PA
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Pros:
Agape Farm is the latest top-notch Championship Course in this part of the state, and boy is it something! Immense elevation, creatively challenging par 5s, and gorgeous views across many acres of a Christian camp.
Three layouts plus a fourth championship layout (whose baskets were not in for the tournament I played in). The Reds (8,252') play quite comfortably to par while the Blues (11,098') are a nice challenge. Goldilocks Whites come in at 9,733'.
Not as many of those patented John Houck double fairways as some of his other courses, but there are plenty of decisions to make on all of the par 4's and 5's, as there are not many flat landing zones to choose from.
Large pristine tee-pads, great signage, and perhaps the most efficient design from hole to hole that I've experienced on a Championship-level course like this, hardly any time spent walking from one basket to the next tee.
On the longer holes, the greens themselves are numbered with clear signage so new players don't have to squint and wonder if they're throwing to the right basket.
The back 9 in particular is quite picturesque as you move further away from the rest of the course and the camp infrastructure.
The par 5s are really worth singing about. One or two (depending on the layout) on the front nine and three on the back nine. The first one, hole 5 (1095'), asks you to throw straight across from one hill to another, hopefully progressing far enough that on your second shot you can punch through a gap in the trees to get into the open. Your final approach is across an open field downhill into a tiny green cut out into the edge of the woods.
Hole 13, coming in at over 1300'(!) asks you to beat a few trees off the tee, throwing slightly downhill and hopefully avoiding getting caught up by branches too high. If you fade too far left along the slope of the hill than the best you can hope for your second shot is to make it just through the gap, setting you up to throw up over an open rise, which should get you close enough for an easy though somewhat blind approach to a basket nestled in a depression with several guardian trees and a slope that loves rollaways drifting away past the basket.
I love hole 9, which I have yet to figure out after three rounds. Par 4, 651' from the blues, it forces you to throw a very straight shot through several gaps that lands in a very specific landing zone which will allow you to throw a delicate BH turnover or maybe a flippy FH down a gradual slope to the green that skips quite quickly into the pond beyond.
Three layouts plus a fourth championship layout (whose baskets were not in for the tournament I played in). The Reds (8,252') play quite comfortably to par while the Blues (11,098') are a nice challenge. Goldilocks Whites come in at 9,733'.
Not as many of those patented John Houck double fairways as some of his other courses, but there are plenty of decisions to make on all of the par 4's and 5's, as there are not many flat landing zones to choose from.
Large pristine tee-pads, great signage, and perhaps the most efficient design from hole to hole that I've experienced on a Championship-level course like this, hardly any time spent walking from one basket to the next tee.
On the longer holes, the greens themselves are numbered with clear signage so new players don't have to squint and wonder if they're throwing to the right basket.
The back 9 in particular is quite picturesque as you move further away from the rest of the course and the camp infrastructure.
The par 5s are really worth singing about. One or two (depending on the layout) on the front nine and three on the back nine. The first one, hole 5 (1095'), asks you to throw straight across from one hill to another, hopefully progressing far enough that on your second shot you can punch through a gap in the trees to get into the open. Your final approach is across an open field downhill into a tiny green cut out into the edge of the woods.
Hole 13, coming in at over 1300'(!) asks you to beat a few trees off the tee, throwing slightly downhill and hopefully avoiding getting caught up by branches too high. If you fade too far left along the slope of the hill than the best you can hope for your second shot is to make it just through the gap, setting you up to throw up over an open rise, which should get you close enough for an easy though somewhat blind approach to a basket nestled in a depression with several guardian trees and a slope that loves rollaways drifting away past the basket.
I love hole 9, which I have yet to figure out after three rounds. Par 4, 651' from the blues, it forces you to throw a very straight shot through several gaps that lands in a very specific landing zone which will allow you to throw a delicate BH turnover or maybe a flippy FH down a gradual slope to the green that skips quite quickly into the pond beyond.
Cons:
It's a great course and an absolutely blast to play, the designers and the whole Agape Farm team have really gone above and beyond to put a beautiful course in the ground. But there are just a few things holding it back from being 5 stars:
There are three holes that feel a bit like filler in my opinion, hole 6, hole 12 (which feel like a real missed opportunity to push a little further into the woods to make a par 4), and hole 16.
Similar to Muddy Run, holes 17 and 18 are just wide-open bomber holes. I think these holes would be totally fine within the context of the whole round, but not the most magical way to end a round and they feel like they stick out from the rest of the course in an underwhelming way.
The course had been whipped into great shape by the grounds crew for the Grand Opening tournament but the rough still feels raw in some places and the fairways are not quite beaten in yet. I suspect it'll take plenty of maintenance to keep Nature at bay and I wonder if a course this far out will ever get enough traffic to feel comfortable softened up into that perfect space.
There are three holes that feel a bit like filler in my opinion, hole 6, hole 12 (which feel like a real missed opportunity to push a little further into the woods to make a par 4), and hole 16.
Similar to Muddy Run, holes 17 and 18 are just wide-open bomber holes. I think these holes would be totally fine within the context of the whole round, but not the most magical way to end a round and they feel like they stick out from the rest of the course in an underwhelming way.
The course had been whipped into great shape by the grounds crew for the Grand Opening tournament but the rough still feels raw in some places and the fairways are not quite beaten in yet. I suspect it'll take plenty of maintenance to keep Nature at bay and I wonder if a course this far out will ever get enough traffic to feel comfortable softened up into that perfect space.
Other Thoughts:
$12 to play, there's a drop box at the first tee.
Plenty of bathrooms throughout.
There's a pitch and putt micro-course on-site as well.
RV parking and amenities.
I think a brief comparison to the other big boy course in the area, Faylor Lake, would be helpful to draw out some of the virtues of both courses:
Agape Farm is absolutely challenging on every shot. There is aggressive utilization of elevation throughout, greens are sloped, second shots on fairways are almost always forcing you to deal with unbalanced footing and throwing up hill or downhill.
Agape is, I feel, also more mentally demanding. Hole to hole, Faylor mostly asks you land your tee shots in a few particular places, and challenges you to figure out what type of throw to get there, while Agape allows you to play your game off the tee to land in a variety of spots, but you may not know clearly what spot is best.
I do find Agape plays easier to par than Faylor but the physical and mental experience of a round at Agape is more taxing. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!
Agape is a little less picturesque and lacks some of the water danger of Faylor, but Agape's big bomber holes feel a little more natural (though perhaps also a little less memorable).
Definitely play them both and decide for yourself!
Plenty of bathrooms throughout.
There's a pitch and putt micro-course on-site as well.
RV parking and amenities.
I think a brief comparison to the other big boy course in the area, Faylor Lake, would be helpful to draw out some of the virtues of both courses:
Agape Farm is absolutely challenging on every shot. There is aggressive utilization of elevation throughout, greens are sloped, second shots on fairways are almost always forcing you to deal with unbalanced footing and throwing up hill or downhill.
Agape is, I feel, also more mentally demanding. Hole to hole, Faylor mostly asks you land your tee shots in a few particular places, and challenges you to figure out what type of throw to get there, while Agape allows you to play your game off the tee to land in a variety of spots, but you may not know clearly what spot is best.
I do find Agape plays easier to par than Faylor but the physical and mental experience of a round at Agape is more taxing. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing!
Agape is a little less picturesque and lacks some of the water danger of Faylor, but Agape's big bomber holes feel a little more natural (though perhaps also a little less memorable).
Definitely play them both and decide for yourself!
