I have played almost 90 courses at this point and some of the best in the world, so I like to think I have some sense of scale when it comes to course quality. I can say with pretty clear confidence that this is one of the best course I have ever played. I drove out here for a long weekend from Pittsburgh and it was well worth the trip.

The first thing I usually notice about any course is the natural aspect and this course doesn't let you down. The moment you pull up to the parking lot you're greeted by a vista of lake and mountain. It never stops giving you gorgeous views from there. You meander around the lake and up and down hills and every few holes you pop out to an expansive view of what feels like half the state. Along the way, there is some prime PA forest that is full of wildlife.

The course is every you would hope it to be. There is a great variety of holes here, for both forehand and backhand, up and down hill. I played Gold layout first and it kicked my tail but I appreciated most every hole. You absolutely have to think about where every shot is going to land so you are set up for that next one. The 6th Hole is the postcard, a 1000 foot launch down probably 15 floors of elevation. That isn't the only hole with that much elevation change either. What I particularly liked about the course, as opposed to some others I have played, is that you slowly work your way up and then get rewarding down shots. There aren't many uphill crushes. Many holes require you to make calculated choices of whether to try the water carry or to cut a corner and risk disc loss, or go the long way and take an assured bogey. Another great hole is the 8th. A big booming drive either around a corner or over danger, dropping down into a plateau with a tight shot that goes right then left. All of that sets up a tunnel through tight trees to a downhill green siting on the lake edge. Just risk after risk, but rewarding when you pull a shot off.

The parking lot is nicely sized. The day we played there was pretty much nobody there (Thurs afternoon). They have two sets of concrete pads, with two sets of baskets - setting up four different configurations. I noticed a few garbage cans and benches along he way, especially around the lake. There were multiple opportunities to stop and rest and enjoy the view.

There are a few things that I felt kept this course from being every it could be. End of the day, it's missing some character that a course like Maple Hill has. With a course like Maple I remember every hole uniquely. There are 9 or 10 incredible holes here, mixed with a handful that blend together.

Many of my other concerns are splitting hairs, just for the sake of comparing to the other elite courses. There are a lot of lowland areas that were fairly wet, to the point of smelly, stagnant water that was not surprisingly full of bugs. They followed you around all the lower elevation holes. That isn't 100% within the course's control.

What is in the course's control that could be better is amenities. There is no bathroom here. For us guys that might not be an issue. For my wife, that's a bigger challenge, especially when the course is in the middle of nowhere so there isn't even a convenient gas station stop right outside. The lack of tee signs is unforgivable. What they have is decaying paper signs, some of which are even inaccurate. Even using an app, I played to the wrong baskets twice. That's a bit frustrating for what is supposed to be a "destination course".

My last gripe is the steps. You have to have steps here because you walk down a considerable elevation drop twice, with steep grading. The stairs are actually pretty well done except that the wood they used is bleeding creosote. My expensive disc golf shoes are now stained in several places by creosote tar from walking 100s of these steps on a hot afternoon.

I considered giving this a 4.5 because I don't honestly think it has the amenities yet to be considered a destination course. At the end of the day, though, the enjoyment of what is here, the fun of those elevated holes and the stunning beauty of this property were enough for me to forgive a few imperfections.

750 acres of trees, grass, sun, and water to throw your discs up and down and over this (generous) slice of the country.

This is fantastic course that's an absolute blast to play from shot to shot with an amazing flow that teases, tempts, and shocks you as it winds through the country, would be a pleasure to stroll through even if you're not playing a round. Includes two stunning top-of-the-world shots with gorgeous views.

The elevation will get the obvious plaudits, but I think the greens deserve just as much praise, with hole 5's slope into the rushing river, hole 6's C1 guardian trees, and hole 12 and 14's treacherous but stunning reveals deserving particular shoutouts.

There are absolutely no "stock-shot" holes on this course, as every throw seems to require a little extra something to keep in mind as you attempt to get the disc exactly where you want it to be. Even the big distance drives require significant thought to navigate OB, water, and shifting winds. When the wind is up this course becomes a real behemoth, and it's never not a factor.

Two pads and two baskets per hole for four layouts ranging from 11,000' to 4,200' in length. The Golds come in at a par 67 with 9 par 4's.

Free public, county-maintained course that's pretty much always in pristine condition with plenty of serious infrastructure.

Despite (because of?) the elevation, it's such fun to play from hole to hole. There are some longer treks but they are always rewarded and the course seems to flatten out and let up just when you need it. Distance is definitely demanded from the golds/blues, but there's plenty of technicality required as well.

There are so many holes to rave about here that will absolutely keep you up at night.
Some of my favorites:
Hole 2 feels easy at a 530' par 4 but the uneven footing and layers of trees approaching the basket will always challenge your approach.
Hole 4, par 4, 670', hit a tight gap and get your disc moving left to right and then throw something that stays low to beat several sets of trees and skip up to the green. Or try to take the Simon line over the top and crash into the basket.
Hole 7, par 4, 555', throw over water to land in a specific spot on the island that allows you to then penetrate through the gap and hopefully skip through the guardian trees under the basket.
Hole 16, par 5, 885', throw it real long and real straight to try to get the birdie but hope you don't kick into the awful rough on the left, or try to get a hyzer out to the left a couple of times which will minimize the damage but really only allow you a chance at par. Watch out for water long of the basket.

Holes 6, 8, 15, and 18 are wide open throws down into a large quarry that has since been partially filled with water. OB threatens and the wind can be ferocious. They're very fun to throw and very challenging, though in my opinion the drives on 6 and 15 are amazing and pretty bleh on 8 and 18. Though the approach and green for 8, on a little peninsula, definitely makes up for the boring tee.

Bathrooms are still under construction, though there is a porta-potty.

There are trees to deal with on pretty much every hole but I wouldn't say any part of the course is particularly wooded per se.

While the big bomber holes are fun to throw, I'll confess that they can feel a little bit gimmicky.

Holes 8 and 18 feel a bit unfinished, basically through the disc far into a field and then contest with a very challenging set of trees on the second shot. Hole 18 now plays to a basket tucked behind the under-construction bathrooms, not nearly as romantic as the original basket perched on a tiny sliver of a peninsula surrounded by water. After 17 amazing holes, the course definitely ends with a snooze.

Tee signage is non-existent or inaccurate.

Holes 16 and 17 do not drain as well as you would like, be prepared for mud if there has been a rain.

This course is so much fun to play, with a great flow, and I even find myself grateful for some of the long treks from hole to hole to catch my breath, admire the view, and feel some gratitude.

Play the Golds if you're up for it (or at least the whites to the gold baskets) where the course really shines. The short baskets are fine but not the same as you miss out on some of the tantalizing greens.

The course is about to transition from Discmania over to a Discraft / OTB sponsorship and Is suspect there's about another 15% of work that could stand to be done in the course design. I think it's pretty amazing what they've got going but there are places for slight improvement.

It's not conveniently located near anything or on the way to anywhere else, but find a way to get down here and play a few rounds.

This is an easy 5 star course for me, with, somehow, still room to grow, currently sitting smack in the middle of the ten courses I'd give 5 stars to:

Harmony Bends
Harmon Hills
Maple Hill
Lake Marshall Lion
Faylor Lake
Renaissance Gold
501 Disc Golf
Hawk Hollow
Lake Marshall Lair
Idlewild

A destination, championship caliber course with two sets of tees and baskets - meaning that any level can enjoy playing here

+ Water, elevation change, mix of technical and open holes. Short-Short can be played by beginners; Long-Long challenges the best; Short-Long and Long-Short are two excellent layouts with varying challenge for everyone in between


+ Not one but two breathtaking Top-of-the-World shots (#6 and #15 played from the back tees).The course is built around a manmade lake and uses the contours of a steep earthen dam on a number of holes, although there's plenty of natural elevation change throughout the layout.


+ As you'd expect, the Long tees emphasize length, but also on truly controlling your teeshot. Low ceilings (hole #2), water carries (#7, #8, #18), long alleys (#1, #17), cliff throws (#6, #15) and a variety of shapes


+ I played the back (white) baskets and appreciated the extra challenge they offer. A few are on ridges, several have water right behind them, #17 is perched way up on the side of the earthen dam


+ The layout includes an extra "Tournament basket" on a narrow peninsula on #18, creating two water carries


+ A few holes have marked OB (white flags) that narrow the landing zones on the bigger drives or tighten the greens on some of the par 4's

- The signage is still temporary, but very good. The tees are DiscGolfPark style turf; they're a bit small, but they're flush to the ground for extended runups. They're in great shape now, but I wonder how well they'll age. A huge parking lot has been built, and a building with bathrooms is under construction. I guess the course could stand a few more benches. These are relatively small "cons" - they don't affect play, and don't take away from my ultimate rating of "5"

~ Most fairways are beautiful grass; it's said that they planted 20 acres of grass here. The staircases (hundreds of steps) down from the two Top-of-the-Worlds are pretty incredible projects in themselves.


~ The design is really smart. Even though there are two cliff throws, the holes leading up to them are pretty gradual uphills (you never feel like you're playing up an unnaturally steep hole that's been stuck in to get you up to the top)


~ The course is spread out, including a few long walks. You should expect a long play (mine was over 2 hours and I was the first one out on the course). It's a workout - if you plan to play more than one layout (and you should!), bring food and plan a break


~ Watch for standing water in fairways in low areas after a rain. Given the "bowl" that #7, #16 and #17 play in, these sections might often be wet


~ I strongly advise against using a cart. It would be fine on the holes, but I can't imagine getting a cart down the multiple staircases, or dragging up the earthen dam


~ Faylor Lake was my 415th course, and only the 7th to get a 5 rating. Sure, you could come here and get wet feet; you might show up when the 20+ acres of grass aren't mowed. You might dislike the very few holes that aren't terrific. You might hate temporary signage or turf tees. You might dislike that it's in the middle of nowhere. But Faylor Lake is a destination course. The views and Top-of-the-World shots are certainly the most memorable, but it is a well-balanced course that requires a lot of control. There's water, there are alleys, low ceilings, plenty of trees, and doglegs of different directions and shapes. You can play three different layouts as an intermediate to advanced player and have different challenges and different looks.


~ To experience the course, see Simon's vlog from March 2022
IS THIS MY NEW FAVORITE COURSE?!?

Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania.

Unless you're a local, there is a good chance that you've never heard of this small town of less than 1,000 people.

You can bet this place is on the map now though, as Beaver Springs' Faylor Lake DiscGolfPark has solidified itself as at least a top 50 course in the world, and one of the best on the east coast.

+ First and foremost, the views here are unmatched. This is likely the most scenic course I've played to date. A large, secluded lake with a mountainous backdrop... What more could you ask for?

+ There are four playable layouts on the course, all of which play very differently than the the others. Each layout has its own unique spin on the hole. The layouts range from beginner to championship level.

+ There are two color coated DiscGolfPark baskets on each hole. Usually I'm not a fan of multiple basket designs, but it is done exceptionally well here. All baskets have directional arrows wielded into the cage.

+ Just about every hole here could be the signature hole on many courses I've played. The two top-of-the-world drives (#6 and #15) are so much fun. If I wasn't playing in a tournament, the bag definitely would have been emptied. #8 is an awesome hole, playing as a par 5 into a wooded peninsula (long basket only). #18 gold is an excellent finishing hole for MPO divisions. If you have absolute bomber distance, you can attempt to clear the lake to the island green (almost 700 feet). I can go on and on, but there is so much positive stuff to say about every single hole.

+ This is a pretty physically demanding course, so having benches scattered throughout the property is a great touch. Several holes with steeper elevation changes have high quality stair cases as well.

- Concrete tees would be nice, but the turf does just fine in my opinion. The short tees could be lengthened a little bit.

- There are tee signs on every hole, however they aren't permanent. There are plans for this in the near future.

- A few walks between holes are very long, and may put you within striking distance of other holes if you aren't careful.

- The current parking area is extremely compact. However, an extension to this lot is currently under construction. There are also plans to build a permanent restroom building, but there are currently only portable restrooms for tournaments.

This is a facility that 100% has potential to host a PDGA major event a few years down the road once all of the required amenities reach completion.

This is just the fourth course out of 193 played that I can put in that exclusive "best-of-the-best" category (Moraine, Deer Lakes, Idlewild, Faylor Lake). While a few key aspects aren't perfect, the design and execution is just off the charts. It's courses like these that make this sport so much fun.

Keep in mind, being in a sparsely populated area, there's only a couple places to eat or get gas. As far as hotels go, it's about 30 minutes to the nearest one.

Despite this, making a trip out here is mandatory for any disc golfer. This is a must play course, and I would highly recommend making a multi-day trip out to the area. You definitely will not regret it!

Almost every hole is either pretty, or spectacular

The turf tees give it a natural feel while also providing a good surface.

The back tees are unplayable for most people so the fact there is a forward set of tees really helps make it fun.

There's plenty of opportunity to make your own custom map. Play the short tee on some holes, long tees on others.

Unlike Muddy Run, if you do play the short tees, there are quite a few shortcuts. You're not always trudging past the back tee to get to the short tee.

The short tee pars seem generous at first, and maybe they are if you're making a lot of 25 foot putts, but it's fair. If you throw it 250-300 feet, the pars are fair. If you throw it 500 feet, obviously the pars will be wrong, but shouldn't you be on the back tees?

It's hard to believe, but both Muddy Run and Faylor Lake are absolutely free of charge to play. That's right, $0.

If you play only the short tees, you do miss out on 2 of the most massive downhill throws I've ever seen. You have to walk by those long tees anyway, you might as well play the hole from there. Instead, the short tee is a long walk to a ridge where you still get a downhill throw, just nothing as spectacular.

The gold tees just aren't playable for the average golfer unless you add 1 to every par.. Oh sure, it is no doubt a great course from back there, but if you can't throw it 500 feet, it's pure punishment to play the back tee course at the posted pars.

The walks between some of the holes are VERY STRENUOUS, especially on the back nine. The joy of throwing off numerous high ridges is you have to eventually get to those ridges.

Some of the walks, especially downhill, are kind of dangerous, especially if it's wet. They really need to post "safe routes" up and down the hills. This would be expensive but they could use some stairs as well in some areas. (Update, they have put in quite a few stairs, it's much less dangerous now.)

This is the kind of course that is built to challenge the best players in the world....but there's not much in the way of parking. They can handle 50-60 cars, but that's about it.


For a course where you have a lot of long, hilly walks, there aren't many places to sit yet.

Update: I've played this course in 2023 now, and they've changed it a little, for the better. There are now two baskets and two tees on every hole, which creates 4 courses officially, but in reality you can play whatever configuration you want. And by doing this, you can bring an absolute beginner to this course and have a great time. The short tees to the short baskets do involve a lot of walking between holes, but look at the views! It has become a Best of the Best course since I was here last. It's not a playground exclusively for the highly skilled.

This has become the #14 ranked course in the world on Udisc. At first I thought it was mainly because of the window dressing, you know, the multiple throws off of cliffs, the water views, the peninsula holes. And those holes are spectacular, but there are also quite a few holes away from those pleasures that could be found on any relatively decent muni.

But by having 4 courses now, everybody can have a thrilling experience here.

So why is this a top 100 course? Having studied the courses at the very top there is a general theme.....there is a wide variety in the widths of the playing corridors. At Maple Hill, which is #1, about half of the holes are generously wide and let you rip a tee shot, and the other half are very narrow with disaster lurking everywhere. Krokhol is similar, as are most of the courses at the very top. Faylor Lake is no exception. There are some holes that are nearly impossible to miss the fairway, but mixed into that are some really difficult woods shots. Faylor also has multiple holes that feature a wide fairway, then an approach shot through a gap in some trees, where you emerge into another wide fairway.

This is why Muddy Run about 2 hours south of here is also in the top 100 in the world. The variety in width of fairways combined with fun elevation.

I still wouldn't play the long tees to the long baskets but it's not quite as impossible as it was in 2022. The longest layout doesn't use some of the really really long baskets, those are just for special tournaments now.

Every layout other than long to long is really pretty friendly now. They've toughened up the pars a little bit, but the average golfer is still going to be entertained.

There are multiple holes where you have to navigate a small gap in a grove of trees. The tee shots are generally wide open, but if you're out of position you can't then get through the gap to approach the green.

At Faylor, 1-5 are all fun, quirky and unique holes leading up to a stunning stretch from 6-8. After all of that elevation, water, woods and drama, it's hard for the course to keep up that high level. 9-14 are away from the lake , mostly in the woods or alongside a cornfield. They're perfectly fine holes, but they aren't the reason you make the drive to this place. 15 though....the view! The last 4 holes are all really good. .

Both courses also have 1 basket and 2 tees per hole, although Faylor does have an alternate shorter basket on the 18th hole, just in case you don't want to lose a disc in the lake. (Update: They are installing a second basket on each hole, a shorter basket, so you'll have two tees and two baskets per hole. Lots of options, you'll have two fairly similar length short courses, one really short course, and then the original beast)

Faylor has steeper and longer hills than Muddy Run, but you mostly walk up and down them between holes. It seems less tiring to play Muddy. Your trudge up the hillsides is broken up by playing shots. Also, there are no long walks to the next tee at Muddy. Faylor has several 5 minute walks between shots.

The course, although long, has an option to play short tees. The pads are turf over level gravel. It was my first time playing on them and they felt great. The signs which aren't permanent yet, are very easy to understand. The course flows well and the baskets have a nice arrow welded into the basket telling you the direction to the next tee. The fairways are fair and the pars feel accurate. I feel like a new player could play safe and enjoy a lot of pars and a seasoned pro can attack for birdie on most holes without too much trouble. The overall aesthetic of this course is what makes it so special. This course should be on everyone's must play list.

The top of the world looking down holes have some pretty sketchy walking paths down to the fairway. a lot of loose gravel on steep hillsides. some posts with rope hand rails would be nice. The course also takes a few hours to play, but we gave ourselves the day to play two rounds. our averag time was just under three hours while walking 4 miles per round with quite a bit of elevation change.

I went to bed thinking about this course last night and woke up thinking about it as well. I have been playing for 10 years and this course made me feel like I discovered disc golf for the first time all over again. Loved it!!!

+Two sets of new turf tee pads per hole. The gold tees are 6x12 and the red tees are 4x8.
+Bright Blue DiscGolfPark Baskets that are easy to see.
+Clean and manicured fairways. Never any doubt where the fairway is.
+Gold layout is very easy to follow.
+Great mix of shot shapes.
+Huge elevation change
+Great mix of open and technical holes
+Awesome views and very scenic

-Benches and trash cans are not installed yet.
-Permanent tee signs are not installed yet.
-Some wet areas on holes 7, 16, & 17 (its also been very rainy lately)
-Steep slopes could use better access. (steps are being planned)
-Red layout follows the gold layout and all the pars are the same. This makes the layout feel "forced" at times. (look for changes in the future.)

The first work for this course started in the spring of 2021 and since then over 10 acres of overgrown land has been cleared of briars, poison ivy, and a host of invasive plant species. In the summer over 7 acres of new grass was seeded. In the fall over 100 trees have been planted. To see what this property has become in such a short time is nothing short of amazing. There is still much more planned for the future but in the meantime i encourage anyone to come and check it out.

All in all this is the best course I have played in PA. Every hole is like a new adventure and every time i play here i come home with a different, favorite hole! Hole 6 and 15 with 100'+ of elevation drop jump out at you the first time you play here but there are so many more great holes. Hole 10 is wooded 420' par 3 that has a "pro tour" feel to it. Hole 8 is unique with its basket set on a peninsula of Faylor Lake. Hole 16 is an 800'+ par 5 and you can see the basket from the tee! Really they are all great!

One thing to keep in mind is the time required to play the course. It is close to two miles of throwing and certainly much more than 2 miles of walking. If you want to play a casual round without feeling rushed then figure 4 hours from gold and 2.5 to 3 hours from red. Most of the big elevation is walking downhill so it's not to bad that way but still be prepared for a workout!

I live 2 miles from this course and have volunteered many hours to help here so my opinion is probably somewhat biased but i think it has the potential to be one of the top courses in the USA. So come and check it out for yourself!!