Phoenix, AZ

Buffalo Ridge Park

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3.745(based on 62 reviews)
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16 1
JMONEY
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.4 years 227 played 41 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great Elevation Challenge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 6, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Large teepads with unique designs stamped in the concrete.( this gives great traction)
-Starting with holes #1-5 are rather flat but challenging with a few blind shots.
-Course offers great elevation changes starting from hole #6 and switching back and forth or up and down to hole #14.
-Great risk reward on holes# 12 and #16 with an elevated basket putt.
-Nice views of the course and surrounding area.
-Have never seen it crowded or any waiting on the holes
- Large area to practice your drives too

Cons:

-There is no water available on the course after hole#1.

Other Thoughts:

- This is not your normal disc golf course with flat green fairways or wooded and shaded areas. This is the desert and expect cactus, reptiles, no shade, dust , wind and terrain that is brutal to hike let alone throw from. Tee pads are the only solid surface, be careful. Proper footwear and a shaded hat is recommended. Over all this course is fun and challenging for any level of player
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5 3
mwarshafsky
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

great tee boxes and signs, great shift in elevation, and great way to see the arizona landscape for tourists.

Cons:

lots of hiking with jagged rocks and cacti. Some holes are tough to see but they are signs with hole maps.

Other Thoughts:

if your in pheonix this is the best course
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3 3
rybob42
Experience: 15.3 years 41 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Great signage, teepads, and baskets
Good elevation
Some memorable holes (bomb downhill, or shoot to a "island" hill)

Cons:

Can get repetitive
Hard to find some baskets (bring a map!)

Other Thoughts:

I had a lot of fun on the course, but I didn't feel particularly challenged except for my noodle arm. And after playing the course the second time, I was tired of straight, uphill holes with no obstacles - there are several on the course. The island hole thrilled me like a water hazard and may be the most memorable hole I've played.
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8 1
clipnfly
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.3 years 60 played 57 reviews
3.50 star(s)

So this is dessert disc golf? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 13, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good tee signs, nice mid length course, fun to play with the elevation and the wind around the hill. Elevated baskets are nice challenge, esp w wind. "fairways" are delineated to the extent that you do not have to trample the terrain to move through the landscape. Very little trash here. park is clean. While a few amenities here might be nice, trash cans, benches, posts for disc bag hooks I can easily see the reason NOT to do any of those things to alter the landscape and natural setting. maybe it is just best left as is. Yellow streamers on baskets make finding baskets easiet. Play a few times and you know where to look anyway.

Cons:

No good signage to indicate location of 1st tee. hard to see baskets on many holes... they blend in to this environ... Some baskets have ribbons on them, flags would be nice... but I can see where some would feel this is a eyesore to the landscape. The mountainside can get a bit windy. Not a con as much as a natural element to be factored in.

Other Thoughts:

This is my first time playing here in PHX. I enjoyed it very much. Terrain eats discs pretty bad. Baskets are hard to see in this environment. I am used to the forested courses in the mid west. nice use of elevation... we have little elevation in IL :)... Fun to toss downhill... makes my arm feel bigger :). Hard to lose a disc which is nice. A bit of experience and disc golf instinct and you will find your way through the course pretty easily... by mid round it was much easier to spot baskets and next tee pads. back to play again. Old review still holds up. Evidence since last visit of a lot of hard work to improve this course. Lots of rocks moved, piled stacked, etc to clean up and more formalize the course. I felt oddly obligated to participate. On each hole I moved a rock or two to contribute to the "building" of the course. Hole comments... 14 is a sig hole with elevated tee and basket. Fun to shoot over the gully like that. 8 is a serious downhill bomb that was a ton of fun. Wind was light so accuracy was quite high today and quite forgiving. 4 is a nice short hidden basket. Shaded tee pad and tree gateway on 2 was fun. Obstruction on 3 is kind of silly. 12 was another down-hiller that is just a bomb!
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8 2
czechit
Experience: 17 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Enjoyable with water 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 13, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Excellent altitude changes and distance. The course has six or so holes that back track up and then down the hill it resides under. Some tricky pin locations that make you use an array of discs from your bag (especially the generator hole, three I believe).

Cons:

The cacti. If your not used to them don't reach into them. They poke with a needle like quality.
Packing in water. It tends to have some weight, and in the Arizona heat it will be a must. It is in a park so there are water fountains for refills, but the course never goes back to them till the last hole. In an emergency though you're covered! With the up and down hill courses especially. No one wants heatstroke/exhaustion.

Other Thoughts:

The threat of the cacti make an interesting obstacle. Though they only appear on a few of the holes, there are other shrubs that are just as "pokey". Overall a very fun course. I would enjoy seeing it expanded around to the other side of the hill. Or possibly up and down the hill more often.
Wasn't sure if this was a pro or a con due to personal preference, but it is a bit more rough in terrain than say a grass course. So think about your footwear when playing this one. It gets a little rocky. Enjoy!
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6 1
justint97
Experience: 15.7 years 47 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

LOVED IT! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Easy to find. Water fountains at entarnce. Easy to navigate. No where to lose your disc if you pay attention. Good baskets, great locals, not too busy good elevation, and distance.

Cons:

The rocks will tear up your discs a bit if you have the wrong plastic. Anyone reading this knows its hot in AZ. There is NO shade on this course. But a hat and water solves that problem.

Other Thoughts:

The course is off the charts on fun factor. Good scenery. I will come back to Buffalo any chance i get and I'm from out of state.
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7 0
BigA31640
Experience: 27.8 years 54 played 15 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Real Desert Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 1, 2006 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a real desert course. Lots of scrub and Mesquite trees that obscure the baskets and your driving line. Great elevation changes. Scenary from the holes on top of the ridge are fantastic. Locals are very helpful and eager for you to join their group. Restrooms and water at the parking lot.

Cons:

HOT HOT HOT! This is a true desert course. You'd better be ready to hike and bring plenty of water. Cactus, prickly trees, sometimes snakes. This course is rock and dirt if you're throwing DX plastic it will probably be the last time you use that disc again. A little tough to follow the first time through as the low trees can obscure the next tee pad.

Other Thoughts:

I used to live 5 miles from this course and played it often. One of my favorite courses. The club has done a great job on some improvements with the tee pads.
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1 4
Bohica1010
Experience: 15.5 years 60 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Desert is Different, but Good! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 27, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Elevation changes challenge throwers to adapt conventional thoughts for distances. Locals take very good care of the course. Wind/breezes can test the best with a gust helping/hurting throwing up or down.

Cons:

It's hot in the desert in Phoenix, period. Course chews up discs and spits them out.

Other Thoughts:

Take a lot of water with you, although bathrooms have a fountain. Sunscreen is helpful.
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6 3
wolito
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.7 years 88 played 87 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Best course in Phoenix? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 17, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course plays on the side of a mountian offering wonderful views of the surrounding city. Definately has a more unique feel to it then the other courses in the area. Bring your big arm here. Some of the holes are pretty long, but the pay off the side of the mountain and thus you get to unleash those bombs all the way down the hill. Though there are not a lot of trees on the course, there is enough of the brush that makes you be careful on your drives. I think it is hole 15 that the basket is on top of a large hill, enjoying and challenging. The baskets are in decent enough condition and the teepads are one of a kind with their unique patterns imprinted into the concrete. Definately some time put into these.

Cons:

This course looks like it needs a little love to it. Trash on the course in some areas. Most of the holes are pretty straight shots because there are no trees to shoot around. Some of the holes are long, 450+ feet, which I feel was just added to increase the difficulty of not having more trees around.

Other Thoughts:

The challenge on this course comes in the form of longer holes, uphill shots and baskets on top of large dirt mounds. Short technical holes are just not found here and lack of any real trees decrease the skills needed here. Play with Innova DX plastic or the same and your discs with take a severe beating on the rocks. Looking to throw some long straight shots and get a little workout in, then come here. This course is a good all around example of what a desert mountain landscape is all about. If you are coming to the Phoenix area and only have time to play a few courses, this one definately has a palce at the top of the list.
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2 6
raley
Experience: 16.7 years 19 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good Times 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Terrain was fun. Great elevation on the back 9.

Cons:

Front nine = blind baskets. Rocks, rocks, rocks. Need to put orange dots on the baskets rather then black which blends in to the terrain.

Other Thoughts:

Bring water or 'liquids' of choice.
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7 5
Sunday Mike
Experience: 22.5 years 61 played 21 reviews
4.00 star(s)

The Ridge Rules 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 2, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is the most scenic course in Phoenix. The views are spectacular. Hole #7 has some the best views will ever get on a disc golf course. This course is forgiving to most mistakes. There is little OB, so even really, really bad shots usually leave you with a chance.
Overall this course is quite fun. The hike up and down the mountains is invigorating and really adds to the experience.
Each hole has a distinguishing feature and makes for a wonderful experience. The locals have put alot of love into this course and it shows. It is clean and very well maintained. Several of the tees boast nice sitting areas which comes as a welcome respite in the hot AZ sun.

Cons:

If you don't like hiking, don't come here. Lots of up and down a small "mountain".
Plus it is Hotter than h*ll in the summertime. Bring more water then you think you will need. Be sure and wear rugged shoes as well. Tennis or running shoes WILL get torn up, and there are some shrubs with thorns long enough to go straight through tennis shoes.
Plastic gets chewed up as if it has gone through a wood chipper. If you don't want your disc to get beat up don't bring it here.

Other Thoughts:

The best course in Phoenix. Lots of elevation changes (it's on the side of a mountain). There's not a lot of OB, but you can find yourself behind some unfriendly "trees" and be in a lot of trouble.
Some holes are difficult to navigate, but be sure to check out the signs on each hole for directions to the next hole. Hole #1 is just beyond the playground andplays back to the ball field. Hole #3 is behind the pumphouse. #14, or "The Island" as it is called by locals is the signature hole on the course. Great views and pic opportunities from there.
Also if you run across some of the locals be sure and ask about alternate tees, there are some very interesting ones!

New Note--The new 9 (or Alpha 9 as the locals call them), holes A-I are now in. They start after hole #5 and go North from #5 and then back South to #6.
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8 1
TalbotTrojan
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 112 played 104 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Rock! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 30, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has a lot of good variety in length as well as elevation type (flat to uphill to downhill to down and up hill). Some of the holes are hidden very cleverly and others are put out there so you can see them and the challenge you all at the same time. I particularly liked the holes that were on top of mounds. There are very good signs and most tees are nice with decorative work in the cement.

Cons:

While there is some initial challenge, this is a fairly easy course. There is some brush on the first few holes and then scattered throughout that could eat discs. There are rocks on most holes which will rip discs up, especially cheaper plastics. A few tees, as nice as they are, did not leave room for much run up beyond the tee. The course was fairly busy as I played as well and was told by some guys that I joined that they had gone home and come back for their second round because of how busy it was earlier.

Other Thoughts:

I would think this is a great course for beginners and better players playing with beginning friends. I scored very well having never played the course before. I did rather enjoy my time playing but my discs did feel worse for the wear afterwards.
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9 1
ragajones
Experience: 11 played 11 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Maybe Phoenix's Best 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 23, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Terrain that is rarely experienced in most other courses. A few blind shots will challenge your approach to the hole especially number 4 with its basket in a stand of trees. Rugged terrain can make depth perception a challenge. Throwing up and down hills requires a different skill set altogether from "flatland" disc golf. The first 5 or so holes will challenge how some people release their disc because of the waist high brush that won't let you always release it low and flat.

Cons:

hole 3 was a little tough to find. Signs are the shortest I've seen. Rollers and skippers will have no chance here due to a terrain that is as rocky as any you might ever play. The ground is scattered with rocks of all sizes.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course. Teeboxes are the best ever. The long downhill shots are fun to air out long throws. The views from the high teeboxes give a nice view of Phoenix and nearby mountains. Out of towners, you may want to wear long pants, Arizona plant life will be hard on your shins and ankles.
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7 2
RAW32728
Experience: 18.4 years 249 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

One of the better PHX courses 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 9, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

In an area that is devoid of trees, this course makes good use of the land to challenge the average player. Elevation changes and a variety of obstacles make this course a good one to play twice in a row to get a good feeling for it.

Cons:

The distances are a bit on the short side, and if you like your discs, you might consider a less interesting course.

Other Thoughts:

The tee pads are all concrete with some very interesting designs in the cement. Check out the photos to see how sweet some of them are.
With restrooms at the main parking lot and a playground for the kids, this course is one I can bring the family to.
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2 5
domromer
Experience: 22 years 88 played 21 reviews
3.00 star(s)

My favorite course in Pheonix 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 17, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Plenty of elevation changes, well thought out holes, great use of the land. Doesn't ever seem to be real crowded.

Close to lots of places to eat.

Cons:

First 5 holes aren't marked well, are mostly blind shots and are kinda boring.

This course is EXTREMELY rocky! It chews up DX disc with the quickness.

Other Thoughts:

If your driving to PHX and only have one course to play, try this one.
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5 3
DJ_Premier
Experience: 16.1 years 2 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Variety in the Desert 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 19, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety: blind shots, up and down terrain, elevated pole holes, canyon-long shots, nice city views. Nice newer concrete teepads. Not as crowded as other Phoenix courses. Great practice with the varied putts.

Cons:

The potential for the course to chew up their discs. The location of each ensuing hole is not usually where you would intuitively expect it. Copious amounts of garbage strewn along the course.

Other Thoughts:

Being new to the sport, this is literally the second course I have ever played. That being said, I really enjoyed the variety that comes with this course and I know I will be back soon. If you are new to the game, this is an interesting test to get you dialed in to mastering new shots and situations.
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6 1
matt s
Experience: 28.4 years 153 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Love the course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 23, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I am biased as I live less than a mile and play this course all the time. Excellent elevation changes, 2 pin placements now on more than half of the holes. Great use of desert landscape. Tee signs and concrete pads are a great addition (recent course improvements).

Cons:

Need water (more than you think!). Don't bring DX plastic as it will be eaten up within a round or two. A few blind holes, but the signs should be marked. Bring a map if you are new to the course.

Other Thoughts:

Local groups can be found in evenings on on weekends. Not much traffic on the course, so safari can also be fun. There are longer tees on 4, 8, 15, 17, but they are not marked extremely well. Locals try to keep up with raking and trash detail, but please try to help out if you see it is needed. We try to switch the basket locations frequently, but it does not happen always. Hope you have fun - expect it at least 5 degrees warmer than the posted Phoenix temp - it is a desert course.
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7 1
m1ke
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.3 years 47 played 20 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Outstanding challenge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Ditto on everything the last 4 reviewers said.

Cons:

Hot, but what do you expect in Phoenix?
Rocky- I don't recommend throwing DX plastic here if you can help it.
VERY hard to navigate first half of course- all signs are knee-height and the heavy scrub which makes the holes such a fun challenge can make the next tee hard to find. I had a map and I still couldn't find the tee for #7 after searching for 5 minutes or so.

Other Thoughts:

Almost my favorite course ever, and I was playing in summer. A very unique desert experience for a midwestern player, but even taken on its own terms the course design is excellent. I can't recommend this course highly enough, as long as you bring: water, sunscreen, discs of more durable plastic, and a map of the course.
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10 0
Doktor John
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 35.8 years 423 played 64 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Quintessential desert course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 23, 2006 Played the course:never

Pros:

Great use of a desert landscape
Good use of elevation
Well laid out, considering the lanscape available
Unique challenges due to vegetation and topography
Though the terrain is limited, not a lot of redundancy in layout

Cons:

Of course, certain times of the year can have brutal heat (not the courses fault)
Discs take a beating on rocks
Occassionally hard to spot a disc in the brush..**"I know it landed somewhere near here"

Other Thoughts:

This course is a blast to play.
The thing I like most about it is the desert terrain--it's so different than 97% of the courses I've played.
It's amazing how varied this course feels with the limited terrain options...whoever designed it did a great job...I love the hole (maybe 14) where you tee off on the side of the one hill and the basket is across a small "valley" and on top on a little hill--a great challenge...I have only birdied that hole once
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8 3
FoleyT
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.4 years 86 played 85 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Desert disc golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 5, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Unique desert terrain makes this a good Arizona destination course. Lots of short scrub and cactus, dry wash gullies, rocks and elevation. Challenging, especially the back nine with some frustrating basket positions and cross breezes.

Cons:

Terrain can really beat up your discs badly in no time at all. Bring plenty of water, and try to avoid the hottest part of the day. Good sturdy shoes and socks recommended. Bring a map if possible, because navigation is a little tricky at times.
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