Grand Island, NY

Beaver Island State Park

3.665(based on 46 reviews)
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3 3
Straightpow
Experience: 38 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

La Isle Grande 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 14, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Easy to Navigate, Nice Signs, concrete tees. 2 miles from my place ha and a great view of the niagra river. New baskets on holes 7 and 17 and now a practice Pin is just to the right of hole one.

Cons:

Can be a lil swampy here and there. esp at the pin of hole 4.. look out for park police

Other Thoughts:

Watch out for metal posts holding up trees on hole 14..
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3 0
UncleSweat
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 127 played 23 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 12, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun course plenty of elevation change

Detailed signage on every hole

Good mix of open and technical holes. some of the more technical holes have some creative basket placements.

Worth the 6 bucks! bring a few friends and enjoy this beauty!

Cons:

Course par is pretty generous. Coming from Rochester, you'll never see a 400 foot par 5.

Last time i was there hole #7 was missing a basket!

white tees have the pads and the signs blue tees are natural and you have to walk to the white to see how far it is, and then walk back to the blues.

Other Thoughts:

This is one of my favorites in Buffalo! its close enough to a couple others which makes it a great stop if you're going out there for the day.
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1 2
movieguy84
Experience: 16.5 years 28 played 21 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good Times Had By All 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of elevation makes for a good mix of holes. Great view too. The pars are generous so its a nice one too help make you feel good about your playing if you just starting out. There are trash bags and signs on every hole which makes it nice and clean all the time and the up keep is well done so the grass never gets too high.

Cons:

If you play after it rains it can get a little wet on the first few holes but once you get to the higher elevations its smooth sailing from there.

Other Thoughts:

Overall great cours the fee to get in i think is well worth this course.
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1 0
ssejhill
Experience: 23.3 years 23 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Pleasant older course - great choice for beginners 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 24, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Wide open throws. The course does have a bit of variety and some elevation changes. Holes # 1, 3 and 4 come to mind that you have to be careful about the elevation change and if you play well can be worked to your advantage. This course has no real water hazards (only hole #9 has any real chance of going in the water). Not a technical course and most holes are forgiving if you mess up a drive (or maybe even 2). BIG PLUS for having cement tee pads (at least for the Blue tees), great signage and signs at each basket pointing to the next tee.

Cons:

It could use maybe a little more variety. I'm not a huge fan of "woodsy-type" holes but it would definitely increase the technical level a bit if a few holes were made a tad more challenging. Even with holes 16, 17, 18 & 8 having a few trees in play I've survived multiple rounds without any incidents (a true rarity for me, I assure you).

Other Thoughts:

The park can get very damp (in late March there were large areas of standing water) for about 2-3 holes. Bring along some more waterproof footwear for a more pleasant round. The park can get a bit busy in the summer, but the course winds itself through areas that don't get overly used by the typical beach and picnic traffic.
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2 1
EddieBTrue
Experience: 16.3 years 43 played 42 reviews
3.00 star(s)

I don't know how... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 10, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

One very nice elevation drive into an open field. Several grip and rip holes. Watching ice floes in the Niagara River is nice. Having a herd of deer watching me play was interesting as well!

Cons:

Very little in the way of technically challenging shots. Mostly flat, although there are a couple of water hazards.

Other Thoughts:

There's a course called Lighthouse perhaps 25 miles from this one that is WAAAY better; and if you really want to get technical, go play the Chestnut Ridge course!
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6 0
TommyGun'n
Experience: 18.4 years 106 played 18 reviews
3.00 star(s)

nice park, ok disc golf course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 13, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-very scenic (view over river)
-good wildlife (i understand why it is called the blue heron disc golf course)
-3 tee spots for all levels of players
-just enough trees (no throw and pray shots)
-good open fairways, with basket snuggled in tight area's
-trash and benches on nearly everyhole
-nice signs (see photos)
-although other reviews here say it is windy, the day i went was rather calm
-many holes make you say "oh, this is a cool hole"

Cons:

-although there are 3 tee's here they're all very similar, just a slight change in distances. i enjoy courses (deis hill in ohio for example) that the different tee's give you different types of shots not just a change in distance, nearly making the hole completely different.
-basket on hole 3 has a redic lean to it (cost me a birdie)
-baskets are older with slight rust, no real issue just needed to be noted
-the signs here although wonderfully showing distances and hole layout are in craaaazzzzy spots. in some cases you find the sign, read it and then look around for the tees. on hole 18 from the blue tee i would have been furious had my disc hit the sign next to the white tee as it was directly in the throwing lane. Every course i have been to the signs face opposite of the holes, here it is not always the case.
-no real signature holes, would have loved a shot over the river.
-water doesn't come into play unless you have a very poor drive

Other Thoughts:

mixed emotions after playing this course. i feel the average 4 star rating is quite high here. but i have to admit i had a good time playing here. this course just needs some work before it gets a 4 star rating. cement tee-pads on all tees, new baskets, better located signage and a practice basket would greatly improve my rating.
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1 4
Gator
Experience: 15.4 years 19 played 19 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Nice Breeze 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course has a good breeze coming of Niagra river that adds to the courses difficulty. Its a fairly open course but enough trees come into play in the fairways to add moderate difficulty. The white and blue tee's are worth playing.

Cons:

Only 2 holes with elavation change. Most of the course is a birdie fest (unless your Campbell who shot a 27 over from the whites).

Other Thoughts:

A great opportunity for a picnic near the water after you play.
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1 1
jonnieoh
Experience: 15 played 14 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A great place to play 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 11, 2006 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun place to play; lots of variation in scenery, (along the Niagara River), in open fields, in woods. Well designed, unique holes provide a good challenge. Even some elevation changes, (though minor).

Cons:

Have to share this popular park with others; picnicers, walkers, bikers, etc. Water holes mean that potential for losing discs is higher.

Other Thoughts:

There are some really unique and challenging holes on this course, which make this a fun place to play.
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1 2
NIBSTOOLS
Experience: 35 played 35 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fantastic course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 17, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful park, fantastic layout. Can't say anything bad about it. the signage was good, holes were challenging but fair.

Cons:

look out for the swamp on hole 5!

Other Thoughts:

almost lost my prize monster on hole 5, but i trudged into the mud and found it.
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8 0
DaKineSurfer32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 23.5 years 577 played 57 reviews
4.00 star(s)

WINDY! 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

- three sets of tees, but only the whites are cement
- nice signs by the white tees
- quality water hazards
- many benches around course
- the park office has a small selection of discs with the Blue Heron course logo (the park is Beaver Island State Park, the course is actually called Blue Heron DGC)
- the first five holes are an elevation dream, but the wind off the Niagara River is pretty intense and will really make you work your discs
- good transitions between holes
- if you play between October & April you won't have to pay the park entry fee

Cons:

- if you play after it rains plan on the course being waterlogged and getting wet feet because there will be puddles everywhere
- a couple long walks between holes (5&6, 8&9), but the paths are pretty worn so it's not too hard to follow
- the red tees are much too simple

Other Thoughts:

This course will train you to play in the wind! It is windy 99% of the time because the course is bordered by the Niagara River.

The wind combined with the water hazards that dominate this course make for a beautiful and challenging round.

There's a little family restaurant on Grand Island Blvd with a lighthouse out front, about 3 miles north of the course, that has awesome food for the cheapest prices you'll find.

Grand Island is a neat little community and it is well worth the $1 bridge toll to get to the Island and course. The course is fun and hardly ever crowded. It's a must if you're in the Buffalo area.
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1 2
macgwiz
Experience: 15.5 years 15 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 2, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good for beginners, the park store sells disc when open.Hard to lose a disc.

Cons:

Front 9 is nice but the back 9 are boring for the most part. Can be very wet depending on when you go. $7/car during the summer.
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3 0
OzzyMac
Experience: 23.6 years 18 played 17 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Island of Fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 4, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice hole variety, good scenery/wildlife. Park is very well maintained, park also has normal golf course/beach/etc. Shop sells a variey of Innova discs with the park logo on them (reasonable prices).

Cons:

Park holds water for WEEKS. First few holes can be a swamp at certain times. Very windy at times, and your disc is gone if the wind takes you into the lake. Parts of the course seem boring, but others make up for these. $7/car to get into the park.

Other Thoughts:

Don't plan to play 9 here because there's no easy way to park. There's parking at the beginning/middle/end but the course plays across the park for the front 9, and back for the back 9.
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3 0
TheRicker
Experience: 17 years 20 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Blue Heron Island Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 22, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Really clean, well maintained park. The course uses the elevation available well, with some downhill shots, a couple sidehill shots, and one that has you going uphill. There are holes of varying lengths, some which you can park your drive with some finesse, and some where you're going to have to rip one into the fairway and set up your second shot. I love the sled hill shot on hole#4, when the wind is blowing you really need to plan your drive so it doesn't end up hundreds of feet away from the basket. Location and park fee really keep the Litterbugs, and vandals away!

Cons:

There is always someone mowing the grass, during the weekdays, and it is busy on the weekends. The parking lot is only close to holes 1, 3, 4, 18 so if you forgot something, or it begins to downpour you could be a long way from the car.

Other Thoughts:

$7 to enter the park which is collected between Memorial day-Labor day. The wind off the river is often stronger than at home inland. Overall a great course with nice scenery and good upkeep
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2 0
badmofo27
Experience: 15.5 years 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 21, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

very well kept and clean, quite challenging 4 beginners and very fun 4 everyone else.i like the hills and the distance of the holes. beautiful scenery.

Cons:

not much to complain about, i lost a disc but it was me trying 2 do something i shouldnt have. $7 is a little steep 2 park but i still think its worth it

Other Thoughts:

if your close u have 2 come play
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3 0
ghova
Experience: 19.3 years 42 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Beaver Island 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 23, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a beautiful course in a very nice state park. Uses the elevation available very well and can be very challenging on windy days (usually is windy due to proximity to the river). Mostly a fairly open layout, but does have a fair amount of trees to provide obstacles and force you to shape your shots. There has also been about 20 new trees planted within the last couple weeks to add difficulty.
Concrete tee pads for the whites, with future plans to add them for the blues.
Overall this course is very well maintained and is a pleasure to play.

Cons:

$7/car to get into the park or get the empire pass for unlimited access. So carpool with your friends and play a couple rounds to get your moneys worth.
Some of the baskets are a little beat up but they all catch fairly.
All the birds, especially the blue herons are very cool to watch and are distracting :)

Other Thoughts:

This course is definitely worth playing if you are in the Buffalo area. The 7 bucks is pretty steep but that is only from memorial day weekend to labor day. Good times.
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1 3
Nerdboy
Experience: 17.3 years 15 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

This review is the supplement to others 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 30, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

You should go here. It's in my top 3 favoritest places to be. So clean...pro shop. pretty.

Cons:

Pay to park holds it back, as does the island tolls, and it's a 15 min. drive from most places. But, I suppose that really keeps the people who tear down nice things away, so I don't mind that. So that is a positive then...think of this, not as cons, but as pros #2
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3 2
Pyro419
Experience: 16.3 years 19 played 13 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The Island 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 15, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

An excellent 18 right on the Niagara river. Beautiful and very well maintained course with a mix of open and woodsy holes. Concrete tee offs are a wonderful change to the muddy mess the tees at Chestnut ridge and Emery park can be.

Cons:

None to speak of. One thing though, when it is windy in western new york, its about twice as windy here, because of the winds off the river, choose your days here wisely.

Other Thoughts:

Great course, I love making the drive to play here,
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6 0
shirfan
Experience: 16.5 years 22 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Worth the trip 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

A great course for airing out your drivers. There are several long, open holes, and a few short enough to be ace possibilities. Slight doglegs, a few trees sprinkled around, and good elevation changes keep things from becoming a boring distance fest.

Very lenient par, and it takes real determination to get into hazards unless there's serious wind. A nice change from Como Park, where almost any bad throw might end up as a lost disc.

A good confidence builder. Less difficult than Como or Chestnut Ridge, but better maintained than either and very scenic, with views over the Niagara River.

Easy to follow layout, complete signage, and concrete pads are much appreciated.

Cons:

The only major con is that there's no "signature hole" here.

Weather surely factors large here, as strong winds off the river can move those forgiving hazards a lot closer. A few spots where water pools, as well.

Other Thoughts:

Great upkeep, scenery, and lack of litter makes this course seem just that much better.
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3 1
bryon
Experience: 63 played 58 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 21, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Course is just North of Buffalo. Pretty wide open course that is almost always windy. It used to be hard to follow but now that concrete tee's exist its not that difficult once you find the first hole. Big arms will enjoy this course and many consider this the best course in the area. Changes that were made in 2004 have improved the course overall.
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5 0
bfaslewis
Experience: 20.4 years 16 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Blue Heron Disc Golf Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 24, 2007 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-The course is extremely well maintained, and rather easy to navigate
-each hole has three set of tees: the white tees have cement tee boxes and the red & blue are natural
-each tee has signage which indicates length and a rough map of each hole (although hole #5 was updated and the sign is outdated)
-it's a well balanced course with a good variety of holes. some elevation changes come into play on #'s 1, 3, 4, 12, & 14 some woods on #'s 6, 8, 9, 11, & 18 there are two extreme dogleg right's on #'s 5 &16 and a few holes where water could come into play

Cons:

-there is an overlap of fairways on #'s 15&16
-the course is one large single loop (but if you only want to play 9 holes i've seen people park in front of #5 at the sledding hill and play #'s 6-14)
-this can be a very busy course and a lot amateurs aren't keen on etiquette. large parties won't allow smaller one's to play through, nor will they tell you when an obstructed hole is clear to play

Other Thoughts:

-The park office is next to the first tee, and it's hours very between seasons. At the office you can buy/rent a variety of discs or just pick up scorecards.
-restrooms can be found before hole #1 and after #9
-i think hole #4 would be the signature hole. there's a great view of the river and a 400+ ft downhill drive towards the pin and canada
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