Niles, MI

Madeline Bertrand Park

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2.955(based on 31 reviews)
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11 0
pcoso
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good course for locals. For visitors... drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 4, 2022 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Very well distributed range of shot shapes, distances for beginner - I found myself using forehand hyzers/anhyzers, backhand hyzers, and even a tomahawk or two.
- Good baskets, teepads, and signaling - hard to get lost, as course is very linear
- Fun course to play as a starting player, as you don't have the need to put full power on every shot to get par (or even birdie), unlike George Wilson, for example

Cons:

- EXPENSIVE. I am a local and bought the parking/disc golf yearly pass for 65 bucks, and have already played two passes' worth of golf. With that being said, if you are not a local, be ready to pay 7 bucks for parking/disc golf. As some reviews said, that's pretty steep considering Rum Village (free, 24 holes, 20 mins away) or George Wilson (<5 bucks, 24 holes, 25 mins away).
- The alignment of some tee-pads with the previous holes are kinda dangerous (14/15, IIRC). If you miss your line on 14, you run the risk of hitting people teeing off on 15.
- Cross-Usage: This isn't really a course con, more of the park attendants/organization of the park. You seem to encounter people walking every once in a while (more often than you should, though) on the fairway, or across fairways, or using the course as a trail. That, to me, is a hazard to these people that do not seem aware that there is a fast spinning disc flying their way.

Other Thoughts:

I love this course. I've been playing for around one year and only live about 10mins for it, so it's fair to say this is my home course, which does not mean there aren't things that can be improved.
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10 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

That Really Sticks In My Craw! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 6, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

I remember my mom, aunts, uncles and grandparents using this phrase. I know it means that it pisses you off. I think the craw is part of a chicken's neck. Madeline Bertrand Park made a horrid first impression on me. As I drove up to the little, guard gate, no-one was there. Yeah, free round, right? I found the parking and the start area and I was overwhelmed with all the signs and rules. $100 for having alcohol on the course. Now I would love to have TSA agents stationed at the start of every course telling you have to empty your bottles and cans and think how much cleaner our courses would be. There' a rule for dog walkers. There are notices telling you how big your group can be and to let smaller groups pass. Wow, this place has more rules than Singapore. No spitting on the course! $25 fine for not flushing!

Back to Madeline Bertrand and it's rules. As I was jotting down some course notes, a ranger lady came bounding over and in a not very pleasant way, informed me that I would have to come over to the Ranger Station across the street and pay. Now I had to walk over to my car and get my wallet. Inside the station, lady ranger informed that it would be $3 to park and $4 to play. I felt like I was being gouged here. And then she puts this hospital bracelet thing on me showing I've paid. By now, I'm more than annoyed with this park and their rules. There looks to be a well stocked pro shop here but I wasn't about to give them another dime.

So I start my round ready to hate this course to it's core. The start has a practice basket, kiosk, benches and picnic tables. The first holes are just nice little recreational holes in the 200' range. There are benches and garbage cans at each hole. Nice concrete pads. The baskets are great. My resolve is starting to weaken. I'm OK with the course. Then I get go # 6. It's 305' and the basket is down these wooden steps. OK, nice engineering work here. There are wooden steps all over the place leading down. Wow, I'm impressed. Keep playing and I reach # 12. Very cool 165' but very tight shot to the basket over this gorge. Excellent hole! The next hole has a nice elevated tee pad. I like this course a lot.

Cons:

There aren't many but they start with $7 to play. I still think they're gouging the golfers here.

Recreational distances and challenge.

The # 15 pad is not safe from the drives coming from 14. This would be the perfect place to put up a protective screen or build a small wall to protect the tee area.

Too many rules and regulations.

Other Thoughts:

After my round was finished, I started talking to the three guys playing behind me when they finished their round. They said they play here all the time and buy a year's pass for play and parking for $60. So it seems much better now knowing that they only gouge us visiting players.

Also in talking to these three players, they had:

1. Never heard of Flip City.
2. Never heard of DGCR.

I'm not sure which of these things amazed me more but by the time I had finished talking to them, they were all three going to join DGCR and they were talking about taking a road trip up to play Flip.

And old Madeline Bertrand got me out of my funk and forced me to join those who are in her corner. I count myself as one of those players now.
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2 9
SheWantsTheD...G
Experience: 7 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Great Course! Challenging holes, quick play! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 10, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Next tees close to previous baskets. Several short, skill shot holes. Very well maintained, little time spent looking for discs. Party 2 played through 18 in under 1-1/2 hour.

Cons:

Posted at hole 1: "$100 Fine for Alcohol Strictly Enforced". Wager your risk.

Other Thoughts:

Good selection of discs in Pro Shop. Park ranger told me I couldn't bring my mini machete (if you play Meyer Broadway as poorly as me you'd understand). I didn't need it anyways, course it's mostly shaded. I don't recall seeing one single pricker patch.
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9 1
prerube
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.8 years 274 played 235 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Stands the test of time. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

I went into this course expecting a lame flat pitch and putt, but was impressed by how much the course has been able to stay relevant with new disc technology. It is still a mostly putter course, but the holes are as good as you can get under 200 feet.

This is a Steady Ed course, play it just for the history.

The fairways are very fair for the distance and the holes are scenic.

Nice tee pads, good flow, and navigation.

Pro shop had a good selection of discs.

They read Apdryva's review and you now get a score card with a map when you pay.

Area around the course was flooded, but the course had no flooding or drainage issues.

Cons:

There are 7 holes shorter than 200 feet, which limits the level of challenge.

This is not a tournament caliber course. I saw a doubles tournament sign and thought, "How in the world would that work if I as a mediocre player can get a 2 on half of the holes"

COST. The cost ($4) sounds semi-reasonable, but for a course that is so short $5 to park and $4 to play was a lot for less than an hour of playing. plus my wife and daughter were not allowed to walk the course with me unless they paid an additional $8.

No signage other than distance

Other Thoughts:

This course was a blast to play.
One thing I think about after leaving a course. Were there holes exciting enough where I wanted to throw more than one disc, YES
Would I return to this course if I were local? Absolutely, even for $7 (local cost) per round.

Hole Notes:
1. Straight and easy at 180'
2. Right turn with blind basket
3. Right turn near 90 degrees only 202'
4. Right then left S curve 345 feet. Legit par 3
5. Plinko shot 182' slight right.
6. looks longer, but the correct basket is down hill. 303'
7. 189' uphill slight right.
8. 2 or die hole. 152' simple putter hole
9. Narrow 191.
Front 9 as a 900 rated player I shot a 22 with one bogey
10. scenic hole over slight valley 193'.
11. Blind anny shot (RHBH) or RHFH over a hill. 300' Easy 3, but very hard 2.
12. Closest to signature hole. Easy 2 165' over "valley"
13. Long and narrow over valley. Only 376 feet, but it is a legitimate Par 4.
14. Straight, narrow and short 232'
15. 292' narrow dog leg left. quality Par 3
16. 224' multiple fairways for any style of shot.
17. 231' easy birdie
18. 239' Subtle S curve with slight down hill. Easy to end up in brush behind basket. requiring an amazing putt ofr 2 or a simple drop in 3.
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3 2
Paul420MW
Experience: 4 played 1 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Its ok at best 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 26, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clean, well maintained, well manicured, nice baskets, cement teepads

Cons:

Seems to be run by overbearing obnoxious park attendants that seem to be more concerned with posting signs about all the police patrols and collecting their fees for discgolf. This course is definitely not worth the $4.
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2 5
Jpopi1995
Experience: 9.1 years 30 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Awesome 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 1, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Very well Maintained.
Tee's are nice and clear
Holes are challenging but not impossible
Shop is loaded with goodies
Nice staff.

Cons:

Paying to play on top of a fee to park you car is annoying
Last tee off is relatively early (6 P.M. on the day we went)

Other Thoughts:

Worth visiting
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1 3
Indiana574
Experience: 7 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 9, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice teepads pretty clean. A garbage can at almost every hole. Nice pro shop with a good selection of innova disc

Cons:

Some hole are pretty short. Pay to play some ppl don't like this but I have never cared

Other Thoughts:

Very nice park threw the woods hole 12 is pretty cool
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5 0
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
3.00 star(s)

a little slice of history 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Aesthetic- Course winds through a moderately dense wood and intertwines with a hiking trail. no other activities take place around/near the dg course. Beautiful park.

Teepads- Big, level and pointed in the general direction of the basket. helpful for when signage is missing.

Baskets- mach v and in good repair. grippy, they catch discs nicely.

Routing/Nav- easy easy, the paths are pretty easy to follow and have been followed for years so they are super worn in.
100% signage would help though.

elevation/uniqueness- there are some very unique holes here. #11 comes to mind where it follows the culvert left then right, immediately followed by the little "ravine" shot. Elevation is used fairly well where it is available.

Upkeep/Staff- the upkeep is reasonably nice and the staff is super friendly in the proshop/visitor center.

It's a steady ed course!- nice to play a course designed by the godfather.

Cons:

Pay to play- I have to agree on this one. if I am paying $11 for two people to throw here, I expect 100% signage or a score card or something to help with navigation

Variety/length- most holes are sub 250' and don't offer a ton of challenge. putter/ mid off of the tee and putt (putt) done.

Other Thoughts:

as a piece of history from a different era this is a definite stop for anyone in the area (south bend area) but a destination course, it certainly is not. a very quick play and fun but not much challenge.
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6 0
davetherocketguy
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.6 years 114 played 105 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Old School - Glorified Pitch and Putt(Updated 2017) 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 5, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Great layout - while it might be short it is a ton of fun.
- Some holes are very ace-able but because of pin and tee-pad layout many are not.
- Benches and trash cans at most tees. Didn't really keep track of exactly how many there were but it certainly seemed like more than enough.
- Unlike most courses I review, navigation is easy peasy. In almost all cases, once you hole out the next tee is within view.
- Unique holes (like 12) that play off of an elevated tee and throw over a small ravine which make play fun.
- Staff I encountered were pleasant and professional.
- This is set in a nice park which has oodles of walking trails.
- The baskets, while a little old are in great shape.
- Nice little pro-shop. Not something you see everyday. They now carry Innova and a limited selection of Trilogy plastic and bags.
- Fairly clean when I have played here.

Cons:

- Pay to play - While this isn't really much of a con they do charge for parking AND for disc golf. If you come, bring a big carload and keep the cost per player down. Do I think it's worth the expense? Considering other options in the area which are free (Rum Village) and others that charge much less (George Wilson) I would say almost certainly not.
- If pay to play weren't annoying enough there is the wristband thing the park is doing. Every player is required to don a wristband and it has to go ON YOUR wrist. Completely unneeded IMHO and extraordinarily irritating. There has got to be a better way to do this.
- Short. Very Very short. No place to really open up and rip it. Even with my noodle-arm that can only manage 300 to 320 there really aren't very many decent spots to let one go. Hole #1 is almost a joke with a dead-straight wide open shot at 180'. Yawn. Over the years, trees have come down and nothing grown up in their place so the original challenge of these holes is lost.
- Huge numbers of people play here. Not a big deal but some lessons in etiquette would be a big plus. Groups as large as 10 have been seen here with little to no regard for common courtesy.
- While the navigation is a piece of cake, it's also a con. In several situations, the next tee is way too close to the previous basket. #1 basket is a great example. So is #10 and #14.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very old course in terms of disc golf. While it is a fantastic layout it is an out-dated design. Even so, it is in many ways rather timeless since it is still fun to play.

To me, the challenge is lost in this course. It has become sort of a shell of it's former self and turned into a glorified pitch and putt. My noodle arm only needs a driver on about 3 or 4 of the holes. The rest I am tee-ing off with a mid or utility disc of some sort. In fact, a few holes like 1, 3, 8 and 12 I've resorted to using a putter off the tee. Kind of ridiculously short. I hope someone in Berrien County government is reading this because this course is in dire need of a redesign. Install second tee locations, or push some of the basket locations further into the woods. If that's not an option I see no reason why a second 18 hole course could not be installed with as many people that play here. Install something challenging. The land is there.

if you are in the area hit this course up. Is it worth the time and money? Not sure. Hopefully my review helps in that decision. While it may not be an Idlewilde or a Flip City by any stretch and I have said it isn't challenging I will admit it is truly unique disc golf experience. Try to avoid weekends and holidays and the crowds should be manageable.
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2 0
stoltzjl77
Experience: 30 years 179 played 13 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun for a power lunch 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 8, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Beginner-friendly but requires a variety of shots. Fairways nicely-shaped by woods that can be thick in places to penalize errant tee shots. Course is clean and in decent condition, and while it is missing signs the layout is intuitive for the most part with a nice map on the scorecard in case you get turned around.
Gullies add fun potential elevation changes on some holes.
Decent selection in pro shop - watch for sales as you can get essentially dealer pricing when they are clearing out inventory.
***Updated 2013*** Adding a half-star because somebody did a fantastic job sprucing up the course over the winter - erosion control and new signage added, course looks fantastic!

Cons:

Short. Very short. And it is too compact to allow for alternate tees or pin positions to be installed.
Pay to play and park, though the combined annual pass is reasonably-priced - get your money back after 8 or 9 rounds.

Other Thoughts:

If I didn't live/work close enough to the park to make the season pass worth it I'd be more upset about paying to play. It really is a nice course and the baskets are in great shape, as are the tee pads.
It is a fun course to play if you can get away for an hour at lunch and sneak in a quick round - no danger of spending more than 30-35 minutes here!
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2 1
alexjensen
Experience: 15.6 years 42 played 11 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Get Technical 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 26, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course was a blast to play and a must play if you are in the area. Though fairly short, this course is very technical and offers a variety of shots. Every hole is fairly tight and offers a variety of lines to get to the hole. Anytime I am wrestling in my bag with what disc to throw I know I'm on an excellent course.

Tons of tree obstacles, but not impossible ones. Clear but challenging lines to just about every pin.

Good pro shop, which I replaced a disc I had lost a few weeks prior at, very reasonable prices. I always enjoy getting a scorecard and course map as well, which they had in the shop for free.

I elected to bring the majority of my bag out on this course, which I was glad for. You will literally need to throw every midrange and putter you have in your bag to play this course. As stated before, a driver is not incredibly necessary if you can bomb a midrange over 300, but I used every disc in my bag on this course.

It is very well trimmed so there isn't too much worries about loosing a disc. Everything off the main lines is pretty clear, and there is enough traffic to pack all the thick brush down.

I play with my girlfriend who throws around 200. This course was awesome for the two of us to play because we could stay competitive without the length giving me an unfair advantage.

Cons:

It costs $4 to play, but it's totally worth it. I wouldn't say the length is a con because I'm a fan of the shorter more technical courses.

Don't bring a new player here as it's way too technical for someone that is just starting to have fun at.

You're not allowed to drink on the course, but I did and didn't get in any trouble for it. There are plenty of garbage cans too toss the empties.

The course wasn't super well marked, but the trails are clear enough to understand where to go. I had to run up multiple holes to find out where the pin was. This was slightly annoying as I really appreciate a good hole map at the beginning of every hole.This is my biggest con of the course.

Other Thoughts:

Way too fun not to play if you're in the area. As long as you're with a group of players willing to throw the technical courses you will have a blast.
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5 0
cmchavis
Experience: 42.1 years 26 played 12 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Decent short course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course was put in in 1985 and it shows. The course and the hole lengths in general are, by today's standards, short. The longest hole is 376' and the entire course length is 4240' but despite the length, the course is fun to play. Lending to this - the course has a nice variety of tree obstacles, hole variety and is well maintained.

The standard amenities are present - concrete tees, a practice basket, benches, etc. An Eagle Scout's project was to add benches and there is a bench available at each hole which is nice and they get used because this course gets busy.

The pro shop has pencils and scorecards available. back of the scorecard has a course map, but the course is well laid out and doesn't really need a map. There were only two navigational issues we had. First was hole 6 - the basket is offset and if you look straight ahead on the 6 fairway, you see the basket for 7. The basket for 6 is obviously though if you are looking around.The other item was the steps leading up to the 12 tee - at the basket for 11 there are other paths leading away from the basket, so be sure to take the steps up to the next tee and not the path. Simple enough though.

Holes 12 and 13 are pretty cool 'throws over a ravine' type shot. For beginners, the thrill of having to throw over the ravine is pretty cool - although 12 is short, having the elevated tee is cool. Most of the other holes are straight shots - but offer some mid line shaping opportunities.

Saw a few groups of, what I guessed were dads out with their kids playing was pretty cool. My 7 year old threw on a couple holes and did well on a few holes.

Regular restrooms at 1 & 18 by the visitors center.

Cons:

I did notice a few missing tee signs, but having the scorecard map available and for most of the holes, you can see the basket from the tee made the tee signs unnecessary.

This is a short course, so it's not a very big con, but the course starts at the parking lot and doesn't return again till 18. The entire course is tree covered, but on a hot one - bring a drink.

As stated above and just about every other review - length. There are 7 holes under 200' for the majority of holes the basket is a straight shot from the tee.

With today's players being able to throw well over the hole length here. There were a couple holes where people were teeing off and throwing into a group that was teeing off on the next hole.

Other Thoughts:

The pro shop has a great selection of discs for a decent price which is a nice surprise for a county park. Pay for disc golf at the visitor center - they do take debit with a $5 minimum.

There is a sign posted that no walk-alongs are allowed on the course and that all people on the course must have wrist bands. I took the family and they walked with me without a problem. $4.00 for a wrist band - that allows unlimited play, so play a couple times.

Holes 3, 5 and 18 are the only real right handed hooks on the course - RHBH. So having a highly overstable utility disc helps here for a sidearm throw. As stated in other reviews though - you don't need any high speed distance drivers here. In fact, there isn't any need, at all, for long bombs - the longest hole (376') has a fairly narrow gap straight out from the tee, so having a good straight driver is about all you need here. A stable mid or even a putter will get you through most of the other holes.

Overall a decent little course. Being out of state and only having time to play a single round - I probably wouldn't go back for $9. ($5 parking - $4 DG) but if I had time to play a couple rounds I would stop in and play. If I lived close I'd get the pass to work on my short game.

This is probably a 2.5 course, but it's fun and quick, so it gets the bump up.
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4 0
TorboniousD
Experience: 15.9 years 23 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

She's My Chubby Girlfriend 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 18, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I absolutely love this course and as a beginner it has taught me the values of having more in my bag then a bunch of drivers. Yes, you can probably play the whole course with a putter, but practicing a heavy S-curve while threading the needle in a heavily wooded area with a fairway-driver has its value too. Great mid-range shots and putting are important in this game too, or so I've been told. I'm no Happy Gilmore, but the narrow fairways have done a good job of helping me to straighten out my drives as well, and I find even when I'm off the fairway, the underbrush is pretty well beat down so unless the throw is completely horrible, I can find my disc no problem. The staff is completely friendly unless you decide to break the local county laws. They also have three tournaments a year with multiple teirs from the novice to open for trophies and swag. Only $20 which includes all-day play, parking, lunch and drinks. I call this course "My Chubby Girlfriend" because she's clean, nice to my new friends, and after getting my feelings hurt somewhere else I can come to her and she makes me feel like a hero. Great pro shop, and at the end of the year they sell all their discs at HUGE discounts...

Cons:

For what they charge, if they kept the course up in the winter they would make bank. This sport has no "season', so I would give them much higher marks if they kept it open year-round. ANYWAY, yes, it's a short course. Play it twice and shoot for par, hero. YES, it is expensive. Park at the Indiana park south of it and walk over the border (most people do) or do like I do and buy an annual play and another annual parking pass (save $20 if you buy both at the same time for $60) which also gives you access to another county park that has a sweet beach on Lake Michigan. It pays for itself in a couple weeks if you play often enough. The signage also doesn't show the pin/tee location, but they have maps or join a couple locals playing.

Other Thoughts:

It also has a great putting basket and they also sometimes add extra holes for the tournaments. AND to this date I can't ever recall seeing ANYONE walking around with just a putter... DID YOU KNOW THE LATE, GREAT ED HEADRICK designed this course?!
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1 2
jimmie51
Experience: 13.8 years 50 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 28, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is in a nice park and pretty close to town so getting there is simple. The course is well taken care of and was easy to navigate. Short but challenging holes. The course is just plain old fun. Not the most challenging, not too easy, just fun.

Cons:

None really. It is a pay to play course but I never have issues paying for a course if you can see the money going back into the park and course and it is here. I would like to see them dropping the pay to play for the younger kids though. Say under 16 or 18 play for free. The price was fair, but alot of kids don't have the funds to be paying every time they want to play a course that is so local to town.

Other Thoughts:

Some of the holes have fairly high par ratings. There was a par 5 that I hit a 3 on, and some par 4's that honestly arn't needed for a solid experienced disc golfer. I am no pro by any means, I consider my self to be average and I shot two under and this was the first and only time I've played this course. I would reccommend playing the course if your in the area for no other reason its just fun
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5 0
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.6 years 568 played 281 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Beginner/Intermediate 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 30, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Course is set in a lightly forested area, with some sandy fairways and gentle hills. The disc golf seemed to be well separated from the rest of the park.
- Majority of the holes are in the forest to some extent, with a wide variety of lines present. A lot of them are pretty simple, and open, but the shots vary from hyzer to anhyzer, with a ton of straightish in between. Having a wide variety of shots, especially approach shots, can be extremely useful here (FH, BH, various OH can be handy). Eight holes are at or under 200', but they are pretty diverse. Some medium length holes help to mix things up, which are of similar superclass design.
- Four of the holes are over 300', which so it's not a complete putter course. A few of the shots are pretty tricky, and definitely need a particular line off the tee. There is some rougher terrain/hazards present as well, where saving par isn't a given. Even balance of lefts and rights overall.
- Some protected baskets, which are usually hazards off the tees as well. Most of the greens are pretty fair, but failing to get there can lead to a very tight or blocked approach/putt.
- Some slight elevation changes, with a small ravine to get over on one hole, and a down and left sloped green at the end of a longer one.
- Good tees and baskets. Old school tee signs including random Out of Bounds signs in some rough (I doubt anyone pays attention to these). Navigation is easy with available map and scorecard.

Cons:

- Biggest con here, for most players, is the old-school set-up. Hole lengths are extremely short overall, and usually have a free and clear line to the basket. Layout is also smushed together, so today's high speed discs can easily find other fairways and teepads.
- Course can get a little repetitive inside the forest, as the scenery doesn't change that much. There are some gnarly spots, and some sloped areas, but overall it is flat with trees.

Other Thoughts:

- I always have a soft spot for some good old-fashioned superclass courses, and this doesn't disappoint. Some longer holes are present as well, which add some real difficulty here and there. Fantastic course for beginners, and a good place to shoot low for developing players. Experienced players know what's in store at a course like this, maybe worth a visit to see some of the tougher holes.
- Pro shop has a decent selection of Innova, and some odds and ends. Take a look when paying.
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9 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Could be better 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 26, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through nice woods with enough trees and underbrush to punish errant shots, but not so much that you'll leave discs or blood behind. The course is mostly flat, with a couple holes using small elevation changes pretty well to add interest. Most holes call for accurate line shaping to stay out of the rough, it's a great place to work on short but accurate drives.

The baskets are in decent shape, and catch fine. The tees are nice concrete pads that are poured well and in good shape. I didn't see any trash, which is nice on a secluded wooded course like this. The course has the area to itself, with no interference from other park activities.

Cons:

I'm usually the last person to complain about pay to play, I don't mind contributing a few bucks to play especially when it goes toward the course. I found it a little much here though, with a fee just to get into the park, and then another separate fee to play the course, it adds up to quite a bit. It doesn't seem like that money goes into the course, as 16 of the signs are missing leaving the course not numbered and a little hard to follow.

There's some nice land here, and I didn't feel like the design made the most of it. It gets really repetitive with lots of fairly short holes and similar lines, especially with how little elevation change there is. With this much money charged for each player, you'd expect a little more challenging and fun layout. On the holes that do have some elevation changes there are some major erosion issues, a wet day would be pretty slick out here.

Other Thoughts:

Beginners can have a really good time here. It will be challenging, but not overly so, with reasonable lengths and chances to recover from the rough. More experienced players won't find it terribly challenging, and won't find enough variety to keep it interesting for more than one round. Don't go out of your way to play this one, it's just not nearly exciting enough to justify both a park fee and the fee to play.
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4 0
noahrienks
Experience: 8 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Good, Old times. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 23, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very easy to navigate. Nice, ample sized tee pads. Short ace-able holes. Very good course for people wanting to get into the sport. Some of the holes are nice and scenic, and I loved playing this course again due to the fact that I first learned the game at this course. The course is well maintained, and while it is not that challenging, it is refreshing to play a course like this once and a while. There were plenty of trash cans around the course to help keep it clean, and there were plenty of seats for people to sit and rest at the tee pads. Nice pro-shop with a good innova selection, too bad they did not have other brands from which to shop.

Cons:

The cost. I have played much, much better courses for free. I would like to see the money made on this course, go back into it, and some improvements made. The course is very short, and you can use your putter the entire round and keep par or better.

Other Thoughts:

I love this course for the sentimental reasons alone. I cut my proverbial DG teeth on this course, playing yesterday brought back a ton of memories. It was great to play again.
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4 1
Emoney
Experience: 27.9 years 90 played 16 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Putt Putt disc golf course 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

This is truly putt putt disc golf. Almost every hole is a ace run other then maybe 4 and 13, for most. This course plays through all woods and is mostly flat. Some holes take advantage of elevation,(11,12,13). There are nice big concrete teepads and trash cans throughout. There is a pro shop with a good amount of expensive discs to buy. Clean restrooms near pro shop. The course is well worn and makes for a quick round. Takes about an hour. Nice practice basket next to first tee.

Cons:

*5 dollars to park( non-residents) and 3 dollars to play....not worth that kind of money at all...rip off
*Course was built in 1985 and looks as if it has never been updated,u can just play with a putter and score well under pro par.
*The course easily gets backed up due to short holes and locals love to throw at u when ur not looking.

Other Thoughts:

This course is truly dated and in my eyes is only good for one thing" ACE RACE". It will make for a fun round for most beginners but ams and pros looking for a challenge will be very very disappointed.

Also for a better selection of plastic, stop at the "pop shop" near stateline road. They usually have a large selection of discs available. Also they are combined with a liquor store.
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1 4
topflight
Experience: 32.7 years 174 played 13 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Good Not Great 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 7, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

It is a heavily wooded course, but overtime it shows a lot of wear. a few fun holes, but many seem to be the same thing over and over. lots of locals come here, it is certainly the best in the area.

Cons:

Several blind shots, directions are not always clear,but a shot off can easily be made up. lots of birdies.

Other Thoughts:

locals were friendly and helpful and good players. the park office has many discs to buy...Innova surprizingly - I though Michign was Discraft country?
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3 0
destroyeroftrees
Experience: 20.9 years 3 played 2 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Disc golf on ball golf prices 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 13, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Quick pace and easy to navigate. A solo person can get a round done in around 30min at timesbut gets very busy on nice summer days. Alcohol free park also. Decent pro shop with ok prices. Great place to escape from the world. Good maintenance on course. Great beginners course, lots of different shots, teaches accuracy and putting over distance. Tournaments are fun and relaxed

Cons:

$7/day for non residents? Yet course hasn't been updated or improved. Good pro shop but most employees are not knowledgable enough to answer questions accurately. Seems they are there to sell discs and not to help find that perfect disc for you. Seen new players under age 15 walk out with a groove for first disc even after asking for advice on what to start with. Course is really short and doesn't present a challenge for recreational to pro players. Tournaments, yet fun, lack incentives and good prizes.

Other Thoughts:

Great course for local family, new/beginner, recreational players or if your looking for a disc golf course to relax at. Nice employees and plenty for the family to do.
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