Whitehall, MI

Whitehall Township DGC

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3.715(based on 42 reviews)
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14 0
DFrah
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.8 years 227 played 224 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Solid disc golf in a sandy woodland 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2021 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Whitehall Township DGC occupies a large, wooded, and rolling piece of land about 15 minutes north of Muskegon, MI. The course is easily accessible, just off the US-31 freeway. There are a whopping 36 holes on site here, if you can find them (more on this later). The course layout allows you to play a "front 9", a "back 9", and a "deep 9" all starting relatively close to the parking lot. Each 9-hole loop also has three additional "alternate" holes.

All 36 holes have concrete tee pads and yellow banded DISCatcher baskets in good condition. There are benches at almost every tee, and trash cans at some tees.

The hole design here is good. Almost every hole here is tightly wooded, but the fairways are generally wide enough that it feels fair. There are a good mix of left turns, right turns, and straight pin locations. Many baskets are not visible from the tee. The forest here is mostly old growth, with mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. The rough is thick enough to be punishing in most places, but it doesn't eat discs. The fairways are dirt, turning to sand in some places. What elevation the property has is used well, with some nice downhill throws in particular. My favorite hole 16 is a fun 340' downhill throw with multiple lines to the basket.

The course starts with a couple of 200'ish holes. Many may think of this as a Con, but I don't mind the opportunity to warm up a little bit and hopefully get some easy birdies or pars, before tackling the longer holes later in the course. Several of the later holes are longer than 300', and if you play the Deep 9 there are two holes that clock in around 420' plus a 650' beast. That 650' hole (D6) feels slightly more open as well, "slightly" being the keyword.

The parking lot has a porta potty and a kiosk. The course has two practice baskets as well, but they aren't the one behind the kiosk (that's hole 9's basket) or in the woods behind it (that's hole 2's basket). The practice baskets are off to the left near the picnic shelter. They are mislabeled as baskets 14 and 15 as of this writing.

Cons:

This is another mostly solid course that is held back in part by poor signage. The only directional signage I saw on the entire course was small white painted signs near the parking lot directing towards hole 1 and hole 10 (also a nice sign for the course at the entrance to the parking lot, which is appreciated). The navigation between the original 18 holes flows pretty smoothly (I would still appreciate Next Tee signs, but generally the paths were well worn and it was clear where to go). The real problem is finding the other 18 holes. In two solo outings at this course, I never managed to find the extra three holes on the front nine (during the more recent outing I passed no fewer than four groups on the front nine, so that didn't help). I caught the extra three holes on the back nine (which are located between holes 13 and 14) only because the third extra hole's basket is close enough to hole 14's tee that it is difficult to miss. I consider myself to be fairly observant, so I can confidently say that there is zero signage directing you to the alternate holes.

In addition to this, you are highly unlikely to find the "Deep 9"+3 at all without the aid of UDisc or prior knowledge. After seeing no sign of it (1/3 of the course!) over two rounds, I was thinking these holes might be located at Deep Space Nine. At this point I gave up and downloaded UDisc, and with that aid I finally found hole D1 which is located up the hill to the right of hole 10's fairway. Two of the deep 9's extra holes are between hole D5 and D6, and the final one is between holes D8 and D9. This final one breaks the theme of the other "alternate" holes...if you aren't paying attention, you are probably going to see and play this hole without realizing it, rather than take the long cutoff trail through the woods from hole D8 to hole D9.

There was no map posted on the kiosk either. I think the map uploaded here in 2008 is still accurate for the original holes 1-18...but again these are the holes where you are least likely to need a map.

The tee signs are pretty basic too, with just a rough flight path, hole number, and distance. The signs are colored red on the front 9, yellow on the back nine, and brown on the deep 9. Some of them are partially cracked off. A couple of them do show OB areas or mandos.

There isn't a ton of length here. This course is more of a technical challenge than a "grip it and rip it" affair, though you'll probably get tired if you find and play all 36 holes. Even though I enjoy technical courses, I feel that this place starts to get boring after a while. There are no water hazards and nothing particularly memorable. The elevation changes are enough to affect drives, but I did not notice/appreciate any steeply sloping greens or serious risk/reward opportunities.

Road noise from the freeway can be heard in the distance throughout your round.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course most recently on a Sunday afternoon, and it was crowded on the main 18. The Deep 9 felt a little more secluded to me, which I liked. Of course, that was probably in part because a lot of the other people playing the course did not know where it was.

With 36 holes here, I have to wonder if a slight redesign/renumbering could produce two 18 hole courses. Two well-signed 18-holers on site here would make for a rock solid DG option that I could strongly recommend for locals and out-of-towners alike. I'm not a huge fan of the "pick and choose your 9, and maybe add 3 more" approach. Seems like it would create flow issues between groups if some want to play extra holes and some do not, etc.

Overall, this course is solid but I think it is a little bit overrated on here. I feel it is more comparable to the nearby Henderson Lake Nature Center (currently 3.29 rating), than it is to the best courses in the area. With better signage I would give a 3.5. Other than the signage, it doesn't have any glaring issues but it also doesn't have anything really memorable. It's definitely worth a play if you are in the area, but visitors looking for "wow" factor can keep on driving.
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10 0
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.9 years 970 played 542 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 18, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course consists of 3 separate 12 hole loops. Each loop has 9 numbered holes and 3 letter holes. The letter holes on each loop are A1, A2 and A3. The 3 loops all start and end by the parking lot which is always a bonus. The front 12 starts on the east side of the power line trail with the back and deep loop starting on the west side. There are nice level concrete tees on all the numbered holes. These are very grippy and well done. The letter holes are just dirt with logs serving as the front and sides of the pad. Currently has orange flags on the front corners of tee areas as well. The baskets are all DISCatchers with the yellow bands. These are all in really solid shape and catch great. One position per hole it seemed. There are numerous benches, chairs and trash cans throughout the course. The tee signs are pretty basic with the a basic hole map, hole number and distance. The red signs are for the front 12, yellows for the back 12 and the brown painted wood posts are for the deep 12. There is a port o pottie by the parking lot and there is ample parking as well. The course is free to play and very well maintained. There is a solid mix of left, right and dead straight shot required here. It will test almost every shot in your bag. It has an above average number of right turning shots compared to most courses too so you better have a decent forehand or a good anhyzer game to do well.

Cons:

For first time players it can be a bit tricky to find the letter holes. If you use Udisc it shows them on the front 12, back 12 and deep 12 maps though. Not a con for everyone but this is pretty much just a bunch of short to medium length technical wooded holes. Not really any grip it and rip it holes if that's your thing. The only other thing I can think of is that it gets a bit repetitive throwing very similar shots on most of the 36 holes. They're not all the same, it just starts to feel that way after such a long round.

Other Thoughts:

This is just a really fun relaxing place to play. It's definitely worth a stop if you're anywhere nearby. It's located just a couple minutes off of 31. It can easily be played as just a 9 or 12 hole course. 18 hole, 24 hole etc. It's almost a choose your own adventure course. It seem that this is a popular one among the locals with good reason. It's also very well taken care of and clean. Not an absolute must play but I'm sure glad I did. Very fun course. Henderson lake nature center is only minutes away as well, making for a very fun day of disc golf.
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2 1
TeebirdDan
Experience: 20.8 years 90 played 24 reviews
4.50 star(s)

sandy pines 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 28, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

love the flow of this course , a few shorter ones to start and by hole 4 the fairways get longer. hole 8 has a cool elevated tee pad ,I usaully go to the deep 9 from hole 8 and save the downhill hole 9 shot for after . The deep 9 is where its at ,the fairways get meaner ,longer and more secluded . and alot of them are tighter .there are 3 extra holes back there too, so its like a deep 12.

Cons:

a few of the holes on 10 threw 18s loop are kinda average but 16 is a great down hill shot . 17 and 18 are sweet too

Other Thoughts:

love how this place looks its all pine forest with ferns ,one of my favorite west Michigan stops
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3 4
Discgolfer123
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 5, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very well landscaped. Easily marked course. Not buggy at all. No pay to play. Decent variety of shots. 3 different mini courses along with alternate holes let you choose where to stay and how many to go through.

Cons:

Not very much variety in elevation change, most of the course is flat.

Other Thoughts:

One of my favorites along with Flip city in Shelby. Would highly recommend.
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3 3
tangerinewarehouse
Experience: 9.6 years 98 played 34 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fantastic 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 23, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety of shots needed
elevation changes
cool terrain
nice tight fairways with lots of trees
easy layout flow with chances to play a quick round
Secluded right off the freeway

Cons:

not much, if your particular about signs and amenities then whatever but there's not too many negative thoughts going thru my mind when i'm playing a course like this.
there was some garbage

Other Thoughts:

stopped by this course on my way up to mason county parks from Wisconsin and didn't want to leave. what a blast to play. after playing all the mason county parks, leviathan, flip city and all those wicked courses in western michigan this one still sticks out in my mind cause it was so much dang fun to play.
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6 0
ACE Ventura
Experience: 12.9 years 105 played 24 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 24, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has an amazingly private feel to it even though it's very popular and has many players pass through daily. The entire course greatly utilizes the areas elevation and TONS of trees/ foliage, making it very challenging but loads of fun.

Each 9 hole segment is built like a stand-alone course with very well done layouts that always bring you back around to the parking lot. They are all very simple to follow and even first timers shouldn't get lost.

The course demands you to bring out every shot you can command, from deep hyzers, S-shots, annies, rollers.... it's all useful here! Hole length varies from ace runs to deep bombs with tight alleys to hit.

The main teepads are cement and in great shape; there are shorter dirt pads which I assume are for the ladies. Signs give basic information for the hole and the double chain baskets are in good shape and easy to spot.

TWO practice baskets, can be found just down into the woods by the #10 tee. They are numbered but don't worry, they are for practice.

Plenty of seating areas all over and there are trash cans and a port-a-potty next to the parking lot.

I definitely got a kick out of the amusing lawn ornaments scattered throughout the course. I don't know if the headless thing was done pre-course placing or what but those kind of give off a funny but creepy vibe for being in the middle of the woods

Cons:

I would like the teesigns to include a detailed map since multiple holes require blind drives. I know this is not a necessary addition but it would definitely make this course even nicer!

A sign or course map next to the parking lot would be nice as well since I had to ask a local to point me in the right direction (the Deep 9 can be a little tricky to find).

Maybe a little less clutter around the parking lot... but again, minor details.

Other Thoughts:

Since it seems many people miss the Deep 9 (easy to do), here's a hint: When you approach the tee for Hole #10, there is a trail just to the right of it with a sign on a tree that says "Deep 9" ... follow that path and voila, there is the first teepad!

I gave this course a 4.0 rating because it really is an excellent course, there is no other way to put it. I would like to see a couple of amenity additions be added to really make it a top notch course, but it the difficulty is high and the fun factor is very high, so quit reading me review and get out to this course ASAP!!
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1 5
DirtyA13
Experience: 16.6 years 12 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

FUN 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 4, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

nice tees
seating
place to throw away garbage
great people always out and about
course is easy to follow whether you play the first 18 or the deep 9

Cons:

bugs but hey were in MI get use to it

Other Thoughts:

can be busy at times...that's ok though
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4 2
nickrockey
Experience: 18 played 18 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Whitehall 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 15, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

+Cement tees! - most have brooms!
+Look around, really nice, lots of trees!
+Baskets are nice
+Great course layout
+The deep 9 is one of my favorite spots to play ever!
+Great to play when the weather isn't so good because of the tree coverage
+Broken up into the front 9, the back 9 and the deep 9, what a treat! I love the deep 9!
Whats cool about this is they all loop back to the parking lot so you can mix and match which 9 or 9's to play!
+Sooo many good holes, what a great mix
of placement type to driving type, backhands, sidearms, thumbers, rollers, its pretty cool
+lots of benches and trash cans
+Really took advantage of the landscape with great tee to basket placements!
+Not far off the highway and food and gas are not to far either
+I have played here many times and often it seems there is someone on just about every hole!
+Great chances for an ace

Cons:

Too many people! Ha!

Other Thoughts:

^They are adding on, that is aWeSoMe!
^Hikeing shoes, bug spray.
^Have seen all kinds of wildlife, really cool!
^Places to sit at every hole
^Dog friendly
^One of my favorite places to play, good place to break in new discs
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8 0
harr0140
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15.2 years 1508 played 475 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Winning at Whitehall 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

1) Tee Posts have Hole # and distance. It helps with navigation and it helps you find the basket a little bit. There also is a rudimentary routered line for direction of the hole.

2) Dual tees, the main tee is concrete and the forward tee is dirt.

3) These are what I would call fast greens because they are compacted. Anything that hits the green area with speed will take a monster skip. There also are a few dropoffs around a few baskets which make them a little tougher, effectively making a 20' putt feel like a 30' putt.

4) Plenty of benches and chairs for those hot days.

5) Excellent variety in shot shaping in the woods. You need to throw hyzers, straight shots, and even a few anhyzers or flicks.

6)The woods seem to be very clear of underbrush . . . I have a feeling this is simply just a really healthy forest. I don't think this course has ever been overrun with buckthorn or honeysuckle, I just think it was naturally a clean forest. The trees are awesome, healthy, and large!

7) The all sand power line easement makes for a different feel. I wish maybe they would have put more than just one basket out there. It makes it feel like you are on the beach and it makes for an interesting shot decision on how to land it close to the basket.

8) Kiosk is availabe at the first tee area.

9) The lawn ornaments make the course feel interesting . . . especially when the few I found were all headless.

10) 3 Nine hole loops coming back to the parking lot. Ufortunately, we missed one of the 9 hole loops, now I have to go back.

11) Practice area with some benches and two baskets . . . a nice feature for what I assume is a very popular local course.

12) Elevation is found to be good on a few later holes, and simple rolling undulations early on. It is a nice mix of elevation change from subtle to moderate.

13) Very well defined clear executable lines . . . this always makes for a more enjoyable round.

14) Good distance variation with 100's 200's and 300's from the short and 400's from the long plus one 600' on the deep 9.

15) Portopotty is available near the prking lot. It's out in the sun so I am sure it is not always pleasant.

16) The variety of the course is much improved when you add in the Deep 9. There is a different feel on those holes than on the other 18.

17) This area of the park is completely dedicated to disc golf. It is nice to not have to worry about other park users. Just get up and throw!

18) Discatchers are a great basket for this course it makes them so much easier to see in the woods.

Cons:

1) While the soil is healthy and soft and sandy, it still is bare soil at times. It may not be extremely compacted except around the greens, but it will be messy after a rainfall.

2) Garbage cans by the entrance for recycling and such. Really unattractive to the entrance to the park and it blocks the kiosk.

3) Tee posts should have a simple diagram . . . because there are a few longer or blind holes that make it hard for the first timer. All it has is a simple inscribed line on the sign.

4) A sign near the entrance showing you where each 9 starts would have helped me not miss the third 9. Oh well.

5) Slight repetition and similarity in the feel of the holes, fortunately for me I like these holes, but a little more variety would have been good in terms of hole types.

I don't have a lot of negatives, but I think there will be a few more when I get back for the additional 9. Apparently it is can be confusing.

Other Thoughts:

I agree with the sentiment that this course feels like a private course. It is clean and beautiful and quiet . . .something you typically only get at a private course. It is nice to see that it is well taken care of by the club and the local players.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly and would come back anytime if I was closer.

My rating is about only the original 18 because I . . . like others . . . missed the Deep 9. I know we aren't supposed to write reviews without seeing the entire course, but I know I will be back, probably soon, and i just didn't want to forget anything in my review.
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1 2
JSquizz
Experience: 12.6 years 16 played 14 reviews
4.00 star(s)

good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 12, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Technical course, a good challenge cut out of a forest. I enjoyed the little tree "structures" around the course and the little statues left had a surreal feel to them.

Cons:

Some of the holes are ridiculously hard, but other than that I enjoyed my round here.
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2 1
archon21
Experience: 13.1 years 7 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nicely laid out course. There's 3 9 hole loops to play that all come back to the parking lot. The first 18 are relitivly shorter holes with some difficult lines to follow adding a nice degree of difficulty. Built in a nice forest so there's a lot of trees to get by, but it makes the course look stunning. Deep 9 are longer holes with a bit fewer trees, but there's still the degree of difficulty that the trees create.

Cons:

Lots of trees. If you hit trees often, you're going to hit them a lot more often here. Not a place for Dx or Pro D plastic. All the holes have a similar feel to them due to the same trees around. Only one hole feels different when there's a slight feild shot in the deep 9. Lots of downed trees laying around off the fairway so if a disc bounces off into it, you might just end up twisting your ankle.

Other Thoughts:

Difficult course. I like it for the degree of difficulty it offers. Well planned out course layout. Another thing I noticed was there were always headless little lawn statues creeping me out. One of the heads ended up on top of a basket with a swastika painted on it's forehead. Creepy... But funny in a way.
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13 0
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.6 years 568 played 281 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Intermediate/Expert 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Course is set in a giant, wooded park, completely devoted to disc golf. Each 9 is a separate loop to customize your round.
- Biggest pro here is the constant challenge of shaping lines. From start to finish, an endless supply of pine trees and other typical foliage are present off the tee, in the fairway, and near the basket. The looks are fair, with well defined paths to take to the basket, but there are many spots where the line must be shaped from start to finish.
- Some fantastic shots here, with a plethora of various tunnels, hyzers, and anhyzers, and more if you got it. #2 Deep has a double teepad allowing for a big hyzer or anhyzer, extremely unique and enjoyable. #6 Deep is a true par 4, pretty much the whole deep 9 is great. Decent elevation changes in some spots as well.
- Awesome variety of hole length, with over 6 around 200', 7 over 350', and a lot in between. The break-up of each section lets people pick and choose in a good way; the front 18 are generally on the shorter side, with the deep 9 providing a lot of the distance. This also holds true with the difficulty, with the deep 9 designed for the more experienced players.
- Some tricky basket placements, due to sloped greens or other obstacles. Good shot placement off the tee can be critical on these holes.
- Signage isn't too bad, navigation on the holes and the course isn't too tricky. Good baskets, and good teepads.

Cons:

- Obvious con at this course is the similar terrain. While the holes themselves feel different, the look is the same, the obstacles are the same, and the hazards are more or less the same (there is rough in places). If this isn't your type of golf then it's gotta be murder.
- A lot of short holes overall, so the difficulty factor is probably lacking for some. Tough lines for the most part, but it might be a bunch of approach shots for the big arms.

Other Thoughts:

- Overall, a solid course that demands accuracy on every throw. Tight pine tree lanes of all variety, noticeable elevation changes, and a wide range of difficulty. Beginners may find the lines too tight, with too many trees, and experts may desire some more length, but there is something for everyone.
- I would put the front 18 at a 3.5, but the deep 9 easily bump it up to a 4, almost a 4.5.
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15 0
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 315 played 266 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 7, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Whitehall, public but with many of the trappings of a top-notch private course, provides 27 holes of solid discin' set in moderately forested, moderately hilly terrain. Pines, both mature and young, mix with various deciduous trees throughout. Schule is minimal to non-existant: although the trees are numerous enough to create awesomely tight holes, little to no undergrowth impedes the round. The course is largley clear of the debris of fallen limbs, etc. giving the course a very clean and neatly groomed appearance. The park space seemed wholly disc golf dedicated. Distances vary from 187- 650'.
- Whitehall is comprised of three separate nine hole "loops," with each "loop" ending back at the parking lot. As one enters the park, the front nine is on the right with both the back nine and "Deep Nine" to the left.
- Elevation and vegetation are used to full potential. No major elevation changes, but enough throughout to keep the fun factor high. The fairways, defined by trees, are fair and spacious in places, but tight enough in others to be considered extremely technical, especially as the course progresses. Many holes offer multiple routes. Deep #2 goes so far as to have a dual tee and dual fairway, each route offering its own unique set of risk/reward.
- Amenities, details, upkeep and grooming. The people taking care of Whitehall are ahead of the curve. Besides the basics of deeply brushed, level, wide, long, grippy concrete tees (on the pros), descriptive and consistant signage, and solid baskets, Whitehall one-ups most other courses with brooms, patio furniture or benches, cans for cigarette butts, and large plastic trash barrels on most holes. Port-a-john in the parking lot. Chill spots, wooden indian statues, guardian frogs, defaced maiden statues and twin pink horses dot parts of the Deep Nine.

Cons:

- #4's am tee was basically a pile of broken glass, the only part of the course to suffer any such treatment.
- Someone defaced a few of the maiden statues, albeit in a grudgingly humorous manner.
- The am and Deep Nine tees are above-average natural dirt tees, although I'd hesitate to consider this much of a drawback.

Other Thoughts:

- A touch repetitive in places, in that you're getting a bunch of really awesome variations on the same theme, more or less. Personally, I could play Whitehall all day every day, but I prefer tightly wooded technical holes over bomber style courses. I do wish more of the course was like D6, easily the signature hole.
- Twenty-seven holes of Goodness. God Bless America for Michigan Disc Golf!
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8 2
deBebbler
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 28.8 years 75 played 34 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Workman-like, But Skilled 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 21, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

3 sets of nines, each of which dumps you back at the parking lot, allowing for nice choices for 9 or 18 hole play.

A solo 27 hole round took me 90~100 minutes even with a busy lot.

Zero non-DG traffic.

Row pine forests make disc retrieval a breeze.

Well defined paths and serviceable tees on the original 18.

Playing in order allows you to warm up on shorter holes and then end with more distance challenge on the Deep 9.

Deep 9 is a significantly improved addition to the course. The greater distance and more challenging lines are not to be skipped. It smartly uses some higher ground to utilize some more deciduous vegetation. It feels like a different course.

Cons:

Lack of elevation. There are some mild peaks and valleys, and the Deep 9 is located up a bit of a hill, but this course is very level, and the elevation that exists, is ignored or countered, rather than being utilized in game-play.

Lack of variety. Pine forests are pretty dull to begin with, and I found the repetitive feel of the course by hole 10. Lots of slight to moderate dogleg left holes. The Deep 9 breaks this up to a degree, but much of that had to do with the still wild vegetation.

Lack of distance. Half of the original 18 holes are <250' and only one is >400'. The course is tight, but not especially difficult. I finished +1, which for me is very low on a new course. The Deep 9 dropped me much more significantly.

I was confused of where each set of 9 started, even with a map, and I didn't even notice the practice basket until the end of my round.. A couple of signs in the staging area around the kiosk would be of great help.

Other Thoughts:

I enjoyed playing this course, as I preformed very well, but I went a bit out of my way to play it, and it certainly didn't leave me with a desire to play any part of it again.

I perhaps am being a little hard on the course, as it has stiff local competition with Flip City, Branstrom, and Ludington being so close, but I just found it to be lacking any real character. This course does what it does, and you can like it or lump it.

This course is well designed considering the land they chose to use. At no time was i worried about other groups playing around me.

While I can think of many places where this course would be a significant improvement to the local DG community, Western Lower Michigan is so chock full of destination courses that you would be wise to leave this one till after you are bored playing the rest.
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1 4
Creepy Anhyzer
Experience: 16.1 years 30 played 10 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Whitehall 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 10, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Whitehall is in a great location right off the highway but snuggled into the woods. This course has a great 27 hole layout. The entire course requires accuracy and skill to post low scores. The Deep 9 were established in 2009 and will challenge even the best players. Play smart and enjoy the scenery. The Whitehall Disc Golf Club runs leagues here in the Summer and Winter they put in a great amount of time to make sure this course stays up to date and is taken care of.

Other Thoughts:

Come Play the Harvest Moon Classic held every year in September.
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7 0
odysseus81
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 26.8 years 99 played 35 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice Change of Pace 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 16, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This review is for the original 18 as we did not play the deep 9 when we were there.

Whitehall is a a heavily wooded course with no long open shots. The trees are mostly all tall slender evergreens so you usually have a nice tall canopy to work with. Because the trees are mostly evergreens, you rarely have to search for discs. which is kind of unusual for a wooded course, especially this time of year (fall). The course is beaten in really well. The paths from hole to hole are very well defined by logs on both sides. We spent no time at all searching for where the next tee was.
The baskets are disc catchers which was great because the yellow really stood out in the woods. There were very few holes where we had to walk ahead to figure out where to go. The baskets were in awesome shape. Many of them appeared to be brand new.

Plenty of technical shots off the tee that were usually in the 200-280 foot range. The course is enjoyable for all skill levels. Tee signs weren't sexy, but they were accurate and helpful which is all they need to be.
This course is very well taken care of by the local club. There are plenty of amenities and it has a "hangout" type feel which you don't always get with courses at pubic parks. There were plenty of little extras like brooms to sweep off tee pads, which only added to the enjoyability of the course

Cons:

The course can feel quite repetitive. It seems like you threw the same 3 or 4 shots over and over again....which is fine in short doses, but does grow a bit tiresome by the end of the round. Other than that, there are no complaints.

Other Thoughts:

After playing most of the courses in the Ludington/ Shelby area, Whitehall was a great change of pace. I am really pleased with the course they have put together and I assume that basically all the work was done by the local club, which only adds to the positive impression I walked away with. Perhaps the deep 9 would have changed my review a bit, but we just didn't have time to play it.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. They did very well with the land they had to work with. I will definitely play this again if we are ever blessed to be in the area. It is a testament to the quality of courses in the area, that Whitehall is one of the lower rated courses there. It is definitely worth the trip. Thanks to those who worked hard to put it together...and continue to make it better.
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8 0
rshrevo
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 45 played 34 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Whitehall 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 7, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very easy to navigate. i like the tree branch lined walkways between holes for the first 18. Concrete pads were great. plus brooms were available for a lot of the holes to sweep them if they were dirty. very clean course. Each nine got progressively harder as you went along Shot lines were well defined. If you threw off the line discs could still be easily found. Very quiet course. when i got there the lot was half full, but during the round i only saw 4 other people. could hear chains rattling but couldn't really see anyone else. There were easy to find short tees for the first 18. Deep nine now has the concrete tees

Cons:

Should have a sign near lot pointing towards the practice baskets. Also there should be a sign in the power line access area directing towards the deep nine. there is a sign on the path to it but if you don't go down that path you won't see it. on the deep nine i was wondering where the ninth tee really was. saw arrows pointing in the general direction followed them for a bit was almost ready to turn back when i found it.

Other Thoughts:

Overall i totally love this course. I love the fact that it is only for disc golfers no interfering with any other activity there. Was like taking a nature hike through the woods while enjoying a round of disc golf. Friendly golfers the ones i did see wished me a good round while i was there. Very well maintained course. I highly recommend that if you are in the area that you should really play this course. I live like 30 minutes away from it and would easily drive it to play it again. would probably drive 60 miles to play it again I liked it that much.
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7 5
tallpaul
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 35.8 years 934 played 133 reviews
3.00 star(s)

original 18 rather quick/but fun 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 27, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Navigation here a breeze. Was "getting dark" as we arrived; but we found our way around easily, and enjoyed a fine round.
Nice concrete tees.
Basic, but functional tee signs.
This one has an ease factor (for original 18) that can help your full day score, if you've been playing tougher courses in the area.
Friendly locals wished us a good round. As I noted, we played late in the day; so, most of these guys were hanging in the lot discussing their rounds. Parking lot equals clubhouse in disc golf/ball golf terms; and it's always nice to see everyone telling of their day's exploits, with a happy/tired smile.
Solid technical course design (original 18). Shot shaping required here. Holes are fair and require accuracy. Schule off fairways not stressful; course well broken in.
Couple well designed dog legs and a couple of multi route shots.
Nicely maintained course.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on the D9; but, I can say that having played a large chunk of the western Michigan courses in two journeys; one trip coming down through the U.P. and one coming up from the south; that one fine, "big impression" is that pretty much every one of these courses is in the process of upgrade on nearly all of the 15+ courses played. Kudos to Western Michigan designers/clubs.

Cons:

No signs telling you of the new back nine.
Original course a bit on the short side. Holes a bit repetitive; nothing signature.

Other Thoughts:

I mixed this course review up with another course of a multi course trip. Therefore, I have had to come here and change this entire review around; and, I must confess; I probably would not even be writing a Whitehall review if not for the fact that it was already mistakenly here. I really can't do this course justice without seeing the D9....
Drats...unlike me to not read reviews for a course before heading to it; but, this one was originally a back up plan that found it's way into play. (Glad we came, but wish we had known about the back nine). The original 18 is perhaps a weak 3 rating; and the D9 may very well push this up to 3.5....for now, I'll just have to compromise with a 3 and remind all traveling players to make sure to play the most recent addition.
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3 2
bennyb
Experience: 32.8 years 27 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

great use of land 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 2, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well groomed
Lots of garbage cans
Great lines through woods
Easy to follow course
Cool practice baskets,even thought I found after back nine

Cons:

Disc catcher. I'm a chain star man myself.
Favors a rightly
Deep nine needs better signage to next tee.

Other Thoughts:

The
is was a great course that is not physically challenging. The course get progressively harder. Watch out deep nine will get you. If you need discs go to white lake furniture.
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11 1
BogeyNoMore
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 479 played 183 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Whitehall: Where every day is Arbor Day! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 29, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Densely wooded fairways with lines that are well thought out and challenging, requiring control and finesse. Most holes have an obvious line to follow, with a few 'alternate' lines that can work out pretty well (even if you didn't intend to throw them). Branches and small trees lining the path to the next tee are a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and very effective aid to navigation (along with the occasional arrow painted on a tree trunk). Tee markers with distance and basic line to the basket are again, elegant in their simplicity, yet quite effective. Given that many holes are 'nearly blind,' the bright yellow chastity belts certainly make this course much more playable (but first timers and infrequent visitors will still want to scout up ahead). Designers did a great job working with and around what they had. Mostly short runs with a decent mix of left, right, and straight fairways, with a few holes running longer plus the Deep 9.

The Deep 9 is a welcome supplement to the course. More than just another 9 holes, they add a dimension previously missing. Still heavily wooded, they certainly play quite a bit longer and more open than the original 18. The additional distance means discing up and throwing harder, which makes placement iffier, thereby bumping up the the risk/reward factor. By the time I played, the fairways for the Deep 9 had been quite well established and executable, although there appeared to be some work still in progress (distances on a few tee signs, as well as some path lining from basket to next tee), but still quite playable. D2 really plays like two holes in one - offering you 2 separate and distinct fairways that are clearly defined hyzer and annie paths to the left and right of an island of trees that extends 90% of the way from the tee to the pin.

This course is a high intensity workout for mids and putters and is a great place to work on shaping lines and improving your short game. I've played here several times, and find it maintains my interest despite its repetitive nature.

Challenge ramps up from the front 9 to the back 9, bumping up another notch on the Deep 9.

With no dense brush, risk of disc loss is greatly minimized, but discs can be tough to find if they bounce off trees with some zip. White and bright colors are easier to find here, - darker colors, not so much.

Well maintained pleasant course on land dedicated to disc golf. Locals have added tables, chairs and benches at several tee areas to give it that homey touch. Bags for trash and cans for cigarette ashes at many (if not all) tees to help keep it clean.

Tons of trees = lots of shade on hot summer days.

Concrete pads on the original 18, with sand on the Deep 9 (not sure if concrete pads are planned for the Deep 9 as of yet).

Cons:

Personally, I REALLY like this course and always have a blast playing here. Nonetheless, the course has its limitations, and anyone considering a round here should be aware of them.

In many aspects, Whitehall lacks variety, and I can't fault those who would say it's monotonous, and that few holes stand out. The first 18 are essentially different variations of tunnel shot after tunnel shot. While noticeably wider than the orig 18, even the fairways on the Deep 9 bottneck in spots, and never truly open up. A few holes open up a bit in spots, but placement is important on every single hole. Bouncing one long off a tree could cost you a stroke or two, and there's no denying it's a significant possibility on all 27 holes. Guaranteed frustration for those who hate this sort of thing.

Bring discs that can take a beating - unless you're looking to break a disc in fast, this course isn't friendly to DX/Pro-D plastic. Speaking of plastic, opportunities to use drivers are few and far between. Absolutely no grip 'n' rip holes.

Not that much can be done about it, but this course is essentially flat, with only a few holes featuring little to moderate elevation change.

Other Thoughts:

If you like tight and technical, you'd be a fool to pass this up, But there's simply no escaping the fact that Whitehall isn't everyone's cup of tea. If hole after hole of threading the needle or bouncing off trees isn't your thing, stay away.

Whitehall isn't destination disc golf by itself, but given that Flip City, the Mason County triplets and Leviathan are all within a 45 min stretch of US 31, it's certainly a nice addition to the local scene. IMO, it's a nice change of pace from the others and fits in well as part of a multi-day disc golf excursion.

Prior to the addition of the Deep 9, I'd have given this course a 2.5 or a 3.0, but he increased challenge and ability to throw drivers on a few holes bump it up a 3.5 in my book.

Feels like you're miles away from everything, but it's literally less than 5 minutes down road from road from every fast food joint you can think of. But if you want really want to unwind after great day of Michigan DG, head another 3-4 miles west on Whitehall Rd into Montague for some laid back local charm and good food.
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