UPDATE - Schroeder Park has very recently been updated to be a full 18 hole course. The new 9 holes use the woods around the original 9, and keep the short feel of the original design. This 18 hole design has been an idea that's been around for a while, and I will be sure to update this review once I get to play this course again. Check UDisc for the new layout.


Schroeder Park is a highly utilized recreational complex that gets plenty of use and love from the local community. The 9 hole disc golf course that calls this park home is among the oldest in the area, and brings with it the vibes of old school short wooded golf of the past.

Schroeder Park is located near the junction of Manchester Road and 141 in the West County region of St. Louis. The park itself is not in an obvious location, but putting the park in Google Maps or Waze should get you to the right spot without any problems. In addition to disc golf, the park has an abundance of amenities, including bathrooms, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, a large playground, walking paths, and an amphitheater. Schroeder also has a large aquatic complex as well.

The disc golf course is not visible from the parking lot, but you will want to park at the far end of the lot. The course is on the other side of a large pavilion just north of the parking lot, between the aquatic center and the parks department building. Despite the amount of courts and walking paths in this park, the disc golf course is largely secluded along the north side of the park, with it's own patch of land that includes wooded sections as well as a more open middle area peppered with mature trees.

On the other side of the pavilion you will find a bright, yellow banded practice basket, a sign at the start of the course, and the start and end of the course itself, with hole 1's tee to the left and pin of hole 9 to the right. The practice basket is in a great spot on the hill that not only allows space for practice longer putts, but also elevated putts that have you looking either up or down at the basket. The sign at the start of the course provides some nice history behind the creation of the course, and also has some pencils available. In addition to the permanent sign, there's an additional yard-style sign that notes the weekly league that takes place Tuesday nights, as well as contact info for individual and group lessons.

Each hole on the course has a concreate tee pad and a fiberglass style tee sign that takes you back in time when you see them. Most of the holes have at least a bench at the tee, with many holes having a whole picnic table. Trash cans are also available at multiple holes. The tee pads, while a little shorter than the ones at most of the 18 holes in town, are in great shape and get wider at the front. The tee signs, while showing their age, give enough info to show you the shape of the holes and the direction to the next tee.

The baskets are Mach 3s and look older, perhaps even the original baskets. They're still in great shape, and should catch and putt or throw that deserves to be caught. It looks like the glow league here is alive and well, as the baskets have tape along the basket tops as well as some small LED lights around the center poles. Each basket has a larger number plate that are elevated a foot or two above the basket, making them easier to spot. The color selection on these can make them a little harder to spot for folks like myself that have mild to moderate colorblindness, but the size and height of the circle shaped plates make them easier to pick out than the typical smaller plates that many baskets have.

The layout of this course is divided between a central, more open zone with mature trees, and more wooded sections to the east and west. Navigation could be a little dicey the first time you play here if you don't make note of the signs as you play. The next tee directions on each tee sign are pretty accurate, so if you take a look at them, you should be able to figure out the less obvious transitions. The map on DGCR is pretty accurate as well when it comes to hole and tee locations, minus a couple of fairways that bend differently now. This course actually gets a lot of traffic, so you can always watch where other groups are going as well.

There are some beautiful shots and a surprising amount of variety of shot shapes on this course. Hole 1 starts you off with an open downhill, 262ft drive that requires navigating a number of larger trees. This hole allows for either left or right hooking lines, allowing folks to play to their strengths. Holes 2 and 3 require drives into greens that are guarded by the woods line, with 2 having a RHBH line and 3 having a RHFH line depending on pin placements, though 3 can be attacked with a hyzer if you can get through a small tree and brush line.

Holes 5 and 6 are open and in the same clearing as 1. Hole 6 has a mandatory dogleg to the left around hole 1's pin. While the course is on a relatively small piece of land for 9 holes of golf, this is the spot that had the biggest risk of overlap between holes, so it's nice to see that they made that addition. The mando is noted by a white pole that is visible from the teepad.

Holes 4, 7, and 8 are the completely wooded holes of the course. These holes each offer a different shot shape; hole 4 is straight over a little valley, hole 7 finishes right, and 8's main line is a gap in the woods that is great for RHBH shots. The holes are cleared out enough so that you have clear fairways to throw down, and the brush is cleared enough so that you should be able to find shots that get a bad kick or release without much trouble.

This course has a lot of offer beginners and intermediate players, and I'd argue this is among the best options in town for folks getting into disc golf and are learning the game. Holes 6 and 9 are the only holes that require a rip to get to the basket, so newer players will find this course a nice opportunity to practice different shot shapes, as well as both forehand and backhand shots. As an intermediate player, I brought a bag of 3 midranges and 4 putters of varying molds and stabilities, and I would a good opportunity to use each disc on this course. The low risk throughout this course will have newer players not feeling too discouraged by bad tree hits, while accurate drives will be rewarded with how open most of the greens are.

The fiberglass tee signs are a nice throwback, but like many other courses that still have these, the signs are really showing their age. Most of the signs either have broken glass coverings, dirt, or sticker residue on them. The signs are getting the job done since they are on a short course where you can see most of the pins from the tee. I think either newer signs or refurbishment of the current ones would be a nice touch.

The course is far from the hardest to navigate, but I think a course map near the practice basket and hole 1's tee would be a nice addition as well for first time course goers. The signs at the holes take care of navigation, but with how much traffic this course gets, a full bulletin board to put a map as well as league info would be a great addition.

It sounds like there is supposed to be a sign for the mandatory dogleg on 6 along with the white post, but it was not there when I last played. Replacing the sign would be great - the group in front of me did not play the dogleg and held up a group on hole 1, but I'm not sure that they knew the dogleg existed.

Just a note for more advanced players that unless you are looking for an ace run course, this is not a course you are as likely to enjoy. This is primarily a course design that will be great for beginning and amateur players to learn the game and shot shaping, and for intermediate players to test accuracy and go for low scores.

This course was the first original Dave McCormack/Gateway Disc Sports design according to other reviews on here, though the Gateway website says his first design was back in 1976. Gateway Disc Sports and the St. Louis Disc Golf Club are noted as the designers and constructors, but Innova and Discraft are credited with donating the course. This course feels like a great piece of history considering the number of companies and organizations that came together to make it happen.

I don't know the full history behind the course and future plans for it, but if there are talks of expanding the course to 18 holes at some point, then this could be a great wooded short course with a similar feeling to White Birch up in Hazelwood. There seems to be more land to the east and especially west of the course that doesn't seem to be used by other park goers, so the space is there. Such an expansion could also avoid the issues that White Birch has with the proximity of holes to each other with the amount of space this park has. It sounds like this plan may have also been put on ice due to past issues with some poorly behaved players, but I'm interested in learning more about this part of the history of this course.

It's a shame to learn about the issues that the residents that live near holes 5 and 6 have brought up with the course. I'm glad that more recent reviews don't mention this, suggesting that perhaps these neighbors have relaxed their opinions on the course a little bit. With the amount of traffic this course gets, it would be a shame if it were to be removed. That being said, be considerate of others both on the course and around it. Playing nice with other park goers and neighbors benefits everyone.

During my round at 3:30pm yesterday, there was probably a solo player or group on every hole. However, as someone who is more often playing the 18 holes at JB, Willmore, or Quail Ridge, the collection of folks playing this course stood out to me. The group behind me was comprised of 2 players that looked to be intermediate level. The person behind them seemed to be intermediate as well. The group in front of me was 3 teens that seemed to be amateur players learning the game. In front of them was a father with his boys that looked to be 4 or 5 (If your reading this, Dad, your kids can rip). While I was on 6, a 12-13 year old kid was playing with their dad.

I've played a lot of rounds across 77 courses, and I have never such a variety in terms of experience on a course. It was refreshing to see, and it's amazing to see a course getting so much love from local residents in addition to the regular disc golf players in the area.

Schroeder isn't going to blow anyone away. It doesn't have any bomber holes. None of the holes are particularly challenging. Tree kicks aren't going to be penalized severely. But it has fairways and drives that will help beginning and amateur players develop their skills. It has holes that intermediate players will find fun in a more easy going round if they want a break from the local 18s. I think advanced players could even find some joy in playing this course, as every hole is an ace run at that level.

If you have been playing disc golf for a bit and are looking for a challenge, there are plenty of more difficult courses in the area. If you want to bomb drives your whole round, I highly recommend the 10,000 behemoth that just got installed at Sunset Lakes. But I would be careful when overlooking Schroeder Park's 9 hole. It's a fun throwback to the days when short wooded holes reigned, and genuinely has something for everyone. If you're looking for a chill round as a seasoned vet, or are looking to get your friends, kids, or family into disc golf, this course is a great place to get them started.

Come give some love to one of the hidden gems of St. Louis Disc Golf.

-Concrete tee pads
-public bathrooms
-multiple pin positions
-tee signs
-quiet and secluded
-rarely busy, but obviously well used
-supportive city staff

Personally, it is very close to home

-some tee signs are not very accurate
-short course with limited opportunities to air it out
-course map is not accurate (never used it myself, but I've heard from others who have played the course)
-drainage issues on hole 3 and 6 (they do not affect gameplay, just the walk between holes)

-There is significant discussion of the city adding another 9 holes (east of 7 & 8, and west of 3 & 4). This will be an amazing addition, as this course is already pretty popular
-There are some alternate tee positions that are used during league play
-League happens every Tuesday from 5:30 until 8:00 or 8:30. In summer, it's a normal league. In winter, it's a glow league. It's a great time and very well run

The 9 hole Schroeder Park , set on the lower southwest end of the Saint Louis area of Manchester ( old Manchester Park , circa 1993 ), is a nice throwback to the short courses of yesteryear . It plays away from the main area of the park , so it will take a little looking . Drive past the pool , stay to the right and park as close to the main office as you can . Walk behind the office and you will find the first tee . The basket will be confusing , even if you have a map . The tee pad is pointed straight down a hill , but the basket is to the right . Next tee pad is a hard left . There a nice cement pads on each hole , the baskets are in good shape . There are 2 pin placements per hole , unusual for a 9 holer . The signage looks nice , but is inaccurate with regards to pin placement on some , distance on others . The course is well taken care of . The area supports its short courses well . The course has a good mix of open and woods holes . Even in the open , it's hard to let loose , as trees are a factor on the open holes , too . The course flows decent , but there are a couple of places that will make you wander around some ( 2-3 , 4-5 , 7-8 ) . Print a map . Schroeder was popular the afternoon I played it . Short enough for families to enjoy it long and technical enough for average intermediates to work on their approach and putt and very good for newbies . There is a mando on 6 , I guess to protect the players putting out on #1's basket . A short but solid course that is on all of the locals' radar . Pretty quick play if by yourself and the course isn't crowded , maybe 35 minutes . some pretty good elevation on the course . My signature hole : #9 a great finishing hole . Your drive is uphill with a canopy affecting your throw , to a blind basket on the left behind the trees and brush .

I really don't want to bash this course , considering it is sp popular the the area residents . No trash receptacles at the holes and no benches , but not a big negative since it is a 9 hole course and it plays fairly fast . Carry out what you carry in . Navigation can be an issue , especially without a map . You can easily walk to the wrong tee pad ( almost skipped #3 and went to 4 ) Figuring the walks to 7,8,and 9's tee pads can be tricky , too .

Overall , I was impressed with this course . Once you find it in the park , you feel good about the course itself . There is also much to keep young ones and spouses / friends occupied in the park while you get in a quick round ( or 2 ) here . Not long or very difficult but worth the trip . My Recommendation : No destination course or must play , but group this course up with Bluebird Park and/or Logan University and make a day of it . If in the area , TRY IT !

A nice 9-hole course. Decent concrete tees and good baskets. Well maintained and in good shape. Open fairways as well as tree-lined fairways. I've enjoyed all my rounds there and will play again.

None, actually. They've done a good job with the amount of room available.

Great for Beginners.
Short course with decent variety of shots. Even a Mando on #6.
Very shady for the sunny days.
Easy to get to, but away from the main park enough to not get too much 'outside' traffic.
Able to find every hole and never lost a disc.
Nice little park next to it, so you can drop the spouse and kids off and get a short round in. (or maybe that's a con, it's your call.)

Very steep hikes between a few holes. 7-8 is a pretty big hill.
Narrow fairways if you don't like that on half the holes. But open enough on the rest of them.
One reused basket for #1 and #6 (or I can't find #6, but everyone was using the same one)

*some construction issues with the current redo of the park offices - seems extremely temporary, and only affected play because I don't trust myself not to shank it into the bulldozer that was nowhere near my shot.*

Was able to find all the holes this weekend with no problem. (again, #1 and #6 seem to share the basket).

Shots going into the woods are still easy enough to find. The undergrowth isn't all that bad, but there is enough foliage to stop the disc from flying to far into the woods. Still, I'd suggest driving in the woods with a bright colored disc.

Schroeder Park's DGC shows right from the start the amount of work that has been put into this course. First you see a very, impressive colonial looking course dedication sign. The concrete tee pads are shaped to be wider at the front. # 1 pad is a well engineered pad. The tee signs are basic fiberglass giving the usual information. There are plenty of garbage cans around. There's a sign at # 1 stating that the course is closed on Tuesday nights for league Play.

# 1 is just a pretty hole. It plays 262' slightly downhill through a natural looking fairway. 2 & 3 were both similar holes with visible baskets. # 4 was a pretty throw across a small valley playing 245-307' with a fairly tight window to hit, another pretty hole.

Matter of fact, all of the holes here were pretty. This was just a nice little park with very little underbrush. Just the right amount of rolling hills and enough trees for challenge. The course gives you a little bit of everything, some downhill, hysers, anhysers, uphills, some semi-technical. It doesn't have the dramatic downhill or any over the water shots.

I had a really difficult time finding this park. My GPS took me to totally different part of town. Then when I finally found the park, I drove in, looked around and saw no evidence of any disc golf course. So I left and drove all around the town, thinking there might be another entrance to the park. I finally came back, asked a maintenance worker and he directed me to the courses, saying, "oh yah, You can't miss it!" Buddy, I've been missing it for about an hour.

It's a little short for some players. I'd call it a nice little recreational course. Lacks challenge for many players.

There are some holes playing close to each other. As this course gets busy, players will have to be cautious.

Navigation is a little tricky around # 4.

Fun, easy, enjoyable course to play. You can get through it in 30-40 minutes, stress free with little worry of losing discs or falling off any ravines. Excellent courses for beginners or less skilled players but sill good fun but better players. I'd love to live near this course or better yet, wrap it up and take it back to Washington with me.

- Excellent variety for a nine hole course.
- Locals are always very friendly.
- Concrete Pads
- Multiple basket placements and extra set of natural alternate tee pads

- Tee pads can be short
- Can get congested between 7 and 1
- Lots of local teenage turds come out and mess with the picnic tables and benches.

I love Schroeder. This was the course I started on and is still the best 9 hole I have played. It has a great variety of shots both in and out of the woods, the baskets are changed regularly and the park setting is very nice. If I were traveling around playing, this probably wouldn't be on my list to visit, but as a nice local 9 it can't be beat.

Great course that has decent "flow." Good for beginners and noticed lots of veterans on the course as well. Seems to be a popular place, and even has a disc shop on site! Tees are interesting shape that gives you the option of taking some interesting approaches.

The flow is good, but still got lost briefly, many baskets are in view when teeing off, and hole 7/8 had the baskets swapped which was a little confusing at first, but got it sorted out.

Had fun, be careful of other players and pedestrians!

concrete teepads on all holes, and new signs (already have graffiti on them)

quick rounds

all of the holes except holes 1, hole 6(residents near by complained of discs in their yard), and hole 9 (sleeve got messed up) have new pin placements and get moved back and forth on occasion. These placements add a little length and difficulty to the course

Course is well kept and usually in great shape.

Mulch has been added around the baskets and along some of the trails to deal with muddy areas.

Underbrush isn't too bad, so losing a disc is difficult

good use of mature trees and some elevation makes the course somewhat interesting. with the woods coming into play on 6 of the holes.

if all the pins are in the original position there isn't a whole lot of challenge

only 9 holes, but locals have alternate tees for (1,2,3,5,6,9) to add some variety

hole 7 is a little tight and throws can end up in some tall brush easily or could end up by 8 basket. And tee shots on 8 can end up on 7's fairway if you over throw the basket

the basket for 1 is basically in the fairway for hole 6, there is a mando on 6, but the sign got stolen, and people disregard it or miss it, or flip something too much so heads up around 1's basket if there are people on 6

This course can get very busy in the afternoons and weekends.

Local random doubles league is on tuesday nights at 5:30

- great elevation use
- tight wooded holes
- overall great variety of shots
- Softball fields within walking distance (other side of park) where you can practice your drives.

UPDATE 5.2.2012 - giving the course a half star upgrade.

-Tees seem to be brand new.
-Maps on tees are very helpful.

- 1, 6, and 9 seem to be dangerously close to one another... keep your head up when playing these holes.

This was the very first course I ever played disc golf on. I also got my first Ace on hole 1 here. The park also includes a public pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a pair of softball fields. Needless to say, this park has a lot of teen traffic. Pranksters seem to have their way with Schroeder and it is no wonder why the locals are not huge fans of the course.

Apart from that, this course/park is a great place to learn disc golf. Lightly - heavily wooded holes can teach a disc golfer all sorts of shots that will translate well on many courses. Elevation changes present formidable challenges for all throwers.

UPDATE 5.2.2012

Tees have been vastly upgraded, and it seems the course is cleaner than ever. This seems to have made the course way more popular and therefore way more crowded - I will say that everyone I encountered had great etiquette and was very polite. Also the park office now sells discs when it is open. I am upgrading my initial rating of 2.5 to 3. Reason I don't think it is any higher is because the criss cross of 1 - 6 - 9 still bothers me, and the fact that it is in the end just 9 holes.

Fun layout and nice location. The course is situated on a hillside, which makes for some interesting shots. It has a nice mix of holes and the grounds are generally well maintained. My wife and daughter loved it.

The tee pads have been covered with wood chips and that really helps with the erosion problem mentioned above. And some of the wooded holes are also covered with woodchips, so they don't get muddy when it rains.

It's hard to find some of the holes. The maps on the tee boxes are inaccurate, so they're basically worthless.

I don't think I ever found hole 6. We ended up playing the hole 8 basket instead.

Good course that plays on a big hillside, it is well maintained. The first hole is a long downhill that you will want to throw every disc in your bag to see how close you can get. Offers a variety of terrain

Very busy course, short, some of the holes are hard to navigate, especially number 4 i think.

wish it was 18.