Lighthouse Christian Ministries reviews
8
0
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Gold level trusted reviewer
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Experience:
18.7 years
256 played
237 reviews
Another Respectable Church Course
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 1, 2023
Played the course:once
Pros:
- serviceable concrete tees, tee signs, and baskets
- some basic amenities like garbage cans and benches
- some wooded obstacles and shot shaping
- cool setting in a nice wooded piece of land
- fun casual setting for pitch n putt/ace runs
- some basic amenities like garbage cans and benches
- some wooded obstacles and shot shaping
- cool setting in a nice wooded piece of land
- fun casual setting for pitch n putt/ace runs
Cons:
- all equipment is a bit worn and more basic
- fairly rough around the edges on upkeep
- some may feel it's too short
- navigation was confusing
- extra baskets made which was which unclear
- no numbers on baskets
- extremely flat
- fairly rough around the edges on upkeep
- some may feel it's too short
- navigation was confusing
- extra baskets made which was which unclear
- no numbers on baskets
- extremely flat
Other Thoughts:
It's interesting how many "church courses" have popped up - Michigan seems to have a lot of them, and some are downright amazing (The Breakers in West Olive, MI is incredible - check it out). In typical church fashion, most of these are open to the public. Lighthouse Christian Ministries is much the same. There is a donation drop which is optional, but it's worth putting a few dollars in if you'd like to see the course improve.
When I stopped by on a Saturday morning, this place was deserted and I was the only soul around (there's probably a joke here, but I've got nothing at the moment). After driving in through the one-way circle gravel drive, there is a sign for disc golf parking near the start of the course at the far end of the parking lot. There is a course map and sign here to start off.
This is a pretty short course overall, and it was a bit confusing to navigate - you may want to take a picture of the course sign, as next tee indicators are sorely needed, and the maps on DGCR didn't appear to be entirely accurate/jive with what you see in front of you. However, as has been mentioned, the course map doesn't have any landmarks to really make it that useful. It appears a few holes have either been changed or they are in the process of expanding this course to 18 holes - there are at least 11 baskets, and some of them aren't marked yet.
I figured it out but they could definitely make it easier. The equipment is decent but not amazing. The tee signs are a bit basic; they have maps, but not great ones. There are concrete tees which is nice although they are a little small. The Chainstar baskets, again, are serviceable but not incredible.
The course is mostly flat and moderately wooded. There are obstacles and shot shaping is required, but no elevation change, water, or other major hazards. The course is pretty short overall but is fun. It's a bit rough around the edges, but not in a punishing way, and finding discs was generally pretty easy. Some of the trees here had INSANE numbers of caterpillers (literally hundreds) so check that out if it interests you and it's the right time of year, I guess.
A few fairways felt a bit overly tight and I suspect trimming back the growth is not a monthly occurrence here, but everything was playable. Basic amenities like garbage cans are on the course, as well as benches. The wooded area seems entirely dedicated to disc golf which is cool, and has some of western Michigan's iconic sandy soil.
I wouldn't necessarily go out of your way for this course, but the nearby LakeShore Disc Golf Complex is pretty cool, and this is a respectable course worth playing a round at. It's fun and casual due to the short length, so go in to it expecting that - fairway drivers are occasionally worth it, perhaps, but nothing longer than that. For the intended audience, this is a nicely done course.
When I stopped by on a Saturday morning, this place was deserted and I was the only soul around (there's probably a joke here, but I've got nothing at the moment). After driving in through the one-way circle gravel drive, there is a sign for disc golf parking near the start of the course at the far end of the parking lot. There is a course map and sign here to start off.
This is a pretty short course overall, and it was a bit confusing to navigate - you may want to take a picture of the course sign, as next tee indicators are sorely needed, and the maps on DGCR didn't appear to be entirely accurate/jive with what you see in front of you. However, as has been mentioned, the course map doesn't have any landmarks to really make it that useful. It appears a few holes have either been changed or they are in the process of expanding this course to 18 holes - there are at least 11 baskets, and some of them aren't marked yet.
I figured it out but they could definitely make it easier. The equipment is decent but not amazing. The tee signs are a bit basic; they have maps, but not great ones. There are concrete tees which is nice although they are a little small. The Chainstar baskets, again, are serviceable but not incredible.
The course is mostly flat and moderately wooded. There are obstacles and shot shaping is required, but no elevation change, water, or other major hazards. The course is pretty short overall but is fun. It's a bit rough around the edges, but not in a punishing way, and finding discs was generally pretty easy. Some of the trees here had INSANE numbers of caterpillers (literally hundreds) so check that out if it interests you and it's the right time of year, I guess.
A few fairways felt a bit overly tight and I suspect trimming back the growth is not a monthly occurrence here, but everything was playable. Basic amenities like garbage cans are on the course, as well as benches. The wooded area seems entirely dedicated to disc golf which is cool, and has some of western Michigan's iconic sandy soil.
I wouldn't necessarily go out of your way for this course, but the nearby LakeShore Disc Golf Complex is pretty cool, and this is a respectable course worth playing a round at. It's fun and casual due to the short length, so go in to it expecting that - fairway drivers are occasionally worth it, perhaps, but nothing longer than that. For the intended audience, this is a nicely done course.
8
0
Disc Golf Purgatory
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 20, 2022
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Lighthouse Christian Ministries has a small 9-hole course located in the patch of woods at the front of their property, with the entry road circle in the center, roughly. Parking is a small lot with marked sign.
- Very nice signage, bag holders, trashcans, brooms, concrete short tees, some short rubber tees (with wooden boards holding down the front) for longs, which change the distance maybe 15' and the looks ever so slightly. Bits of scripture on the signage.
- Very nice signage, bag holders, trashcans, brooms, concrete short tees, some short rubber tees (with wooden boards holding down the front) for longs, which change the distance maybe 15' and the looks ever so slightly. Bits of scripture on the signage.
Cons:
- Scrubby wooded holes, short and fairly repetitive. Blind ace runs, straightish ace runs, hyzerish ace runs, etc. Everything feels like a NAG (not a golf shot), like the designer got stuck in between.
- Flaaat.
- Without compelling disc golf to accompany the proselytizing, it feels cheap.
- Flaaat.
- Without compelling disc golf to accompany the proselytizing, it feels cheap.
Other Thoughts:
- Avoid unless bagging and tagging: this place is disc golf purgatory.
- My 300th course played.
- My 300th course played.
9
0
Short, flat, and wooded 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 11, 2020
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
The Lighthouse Christian Ministries course is a 9-holer that plays on the property of a church of the same name.
The nine holes are all short and run through the woods, with fully cleared but tight fairways with wood/brush on either side. The wood/brush is thick enough to be punishing but thin enough that it is still easy to find a disc. The pin placement is decent with a mix of LH, RH, and straight shots.
It is clear that the church or someone else is investing time and money into improving this course. The first time I played a few months ago, it had the rubber tee pads mentioned in previous reviews. When I played again yesterday there were nine freshly laid concrete tee pads. I have to say, I don't know much about the process of pouring concrete but these pads looked a little unusual. They were more "yellow" and porous-looking than I would have expected, resembling large slabs of tofu. I'm not sure if it is the type of concrete used or if that's just what brand new concrete looks like. Also some of the pads already had cracks or chunks missing, and one had a message carved into it by an opportunistic vandal prior to it fully setting. Still, these concrete pads are a vast improvement over the old slippery rubber pads.
As part of the improvements benches were also installed at the tees, and I think they cut down a few trees to make shots down some of the fairways a little easier. These are nice touches.
The tee signs are well made and nice looking, but more on this in the Cons section. There is a Bible verse on each tee sign as mentioned in previous reviews. The baskets are a little older but still in fine condition.
The nine holes are all short and run through the woods, with fully cleared but tight fairways with wood/brush on either side. The wood/brush is thick enough to be punishing but thin enough that it is still easy to find a disc. The pin placement is decent with a mix of LH, RH, and straight shots.
It is clear that the church or someone else is investing time and money into improving this course. The first time I played a few months ago, it had the rubber tee pads mentioned in previous reviews. When I played again yesterday there were nine freshly laid concrete tee pads. I have to say, I don't know much about the process of pouring concrete but these pads looked a little unusual. They were more "yellow" and porous-looking than I would have expected, resembling large slabs of tofu. I'm not sure if it is the type of concrete used or if that's just what brand new concrete looks like. Also some of the pads already had cracks or chunks missing, and one had a message carved into it by an opportunistic vandal prior to it fully setting. Still, these concrete pads are a vast improvement over the old slippery rubber pads.
As part of the improvements benches were also installed at the tees, and I think they cut down a few trees to make shots down some of the fairways a little easier. These are nice touches.
The tee signs are well made and nice looking, but more on this in the Cons section. There is a Bible verse on each tee sign as mentioned in previous reviews. The baskets are a little older but still in fine condition.
Cons:
Other than the tight woods alongside each fairway there are no other challenges here to speak of. No water hazards, elevation, or guarded baskets. Very short holes.
There is a large kiosk at the front of the course with a course map on the back. How can this be a Con? The "map" is simply awful. It is basically a large metal plate with a stylized rough representation of each hole painted on. Each hole is shown as basically floating in space on the metal background with no other pick points like roads, buildings, etc. All nine holes are shown as parallel to one another, and the red dots (which I think are supposed to represent tees, not pins) are shown pointing in certain directions. In reality, the holes are not parallel and some go in different directions from what (I think) is indicated on the "map". The entrance road runs between many of the holes and this would be an obvious, easy feature to add a lot of clarity to the map. So I would call the map nice looking, but misleading/inaccurate. If someone printed out either of the maps currently posted here and tacked it on top of what is there, it would be a significant improvement.
The tee signs at each hole have a hole layout/path shown in a similar style. Again, I believe the red dots represent the tee pad and not the pin. Some of these seemed inaccurate too and I found myself walking up the fairway on each hole until I could see where the basket was. Hopefully redoing the overall and tee sign maps is another part of the improvement plan for this course. Some of the new concrete pads were oriented a little differently/a few feet away from where the old rubber pads were so that will change the distances and how the holes play a little bit (it isn't a significant course redesign though).
The course was pretty well beat in when I played, but Next Tee sign would be helpful especially when you have to cross the road.
There is a large kiosk at the front of the course with a course map on the back. How can this be a Con? The "map" is simply awful. It is basically a large metal plate with a stylized rough representation of each hole painted on. Each hole is shown as basically floating in space on the metal background with no other pick points like roads, buildings, etc. All nine holes are shown as parallel to one another, and the red dots (which I think are supposed to represent tees, not pins) are shown pointing in certain directions. In reality, the holes are not parallel and some go in different directions from what (I think) is indicated on the "map". The entrance road runs between many of the holes and this would be an obvious, easy feature to add a lot of clarity to the map. So I would call the map nice looking, but misleading/inaccurate. If someone printed out either of the maps currently posted here and tacked it on top of what is there, it would be a significant improvement.
The tee signs at each hole have a hole layout/path shown in a similar style. Again, I believe the red dots represent the tee pad and not the pin. Some of these seemed inaccurate too and I found myself walking up the fairway on each hole until I could see where the basket was. Hopefully redoing the overall and tee sign maps is another part of the improvement plan for this course. Some of the new concrete pads were oriented a little differently/a few feet away from where the old rubber pads were so that will change the distances and how the holes play a little bit (it isn't a significant course redesign though).
The course was pretty well beat in when I played, but Next Tee sign would be helpful especially when you have to cross the road.
Other Thoughts:
With better maps/navigation I would give this course a 3.0. Beyond that, even with the recent improvements it is limited by the land available. This is definitely a family friendly/beginner friendly course. I feel that it was designed for these groups and I think to that end the designers did a nice job.
For more serious discers, it's worth trying out if you are local but even with the improvements here there are lots of more interesting options around.
For more serious discers, it's worth trying out if you are local but even with the improvements here there are lots of more interesting options around.
12
0
This Course Put My Memorization Skills To The Test! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 23, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
The Lighthouse Christian Ministries course is set on the front property of the church. This area is lightly wooded and the undergrowth is light brush making it easy to find your discs. There is a large kiosk at the beginning. The front side has all the course's sponsers while the back side has a course map and and the rules of disc golf. The pads are small rubber ones with a front kick board. They are fine for this little pitch and putt. The baskets are new and most have a flag on top with hole number. The tee signs nice, little colored ones with hole #, distance and route.
In keeping with a Christian environment there is a white cross at hole # 1 and there is a bible verse on each tee sign post. I memorized each of these verses and am willing to take a quiz on them. Go ahead, ask me?
The course is basically a pitch and putt with three holes under 200' and rest between 200 and the 285' # 4 which is the only par 4 here. There's little in the way of trouble and Ace runs are everywhere. What I really like about this course is the designer knew his audience and designed the course with their enjoyment in mind. This course is perfect for the junior high youth group or families. It's also a great course to introduce that beginner to our game.
In keeping with a Christian environment there is a white cross at hole # 1 and there is a bible verse on each tee sign post. I memorized each of these verses and am willing to take a quiz on them. Go ahead, ask me?
The course is basically a pitch and putt with three holes under 200' and rest between 200 and the 285' # 4 which is the only par 4 here. There's little in the way of trouble and Ace runs are everywhere. What I really like about this course is the designer knew his audience and designed the course with their enjoyment in mind. This course is perfect for the junior high youth group or families. It's also a great course to introduce that beginner to our game.
Cons:
I find no problems here. It's perfect for the players it was designed for. It's mostly open and easy. # 8 is the most challenging hole here at 270' down a straight but tight fairway.
Other Thoughts:
I like what they've done here. This course is an easy 3 for their intended purpose. I fell bad only giving it a 2 but it is just a simple pitch and putt. But it is a enjoyable little course and the Ace runs are a kick. Go for the Aces or try to shoot minus 9.
Please respect their values and reframe from any drugs or alcohol. Watch your language and work on those bible verses. Heaven knows, most of you players could use some spiritual guidance. Pray for tree love and a win against Ohio State.
Please respect their values and reframe from any drugs or alcohol. Watch your language and work on those bible verses. Heaven knows, most of you players could use some spiritual guidance. Pray for tree love and a win against Ohio State.
10
0
LCM ace runs 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 16, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
Aesthetic-- plays through the woods on the property of a church (I think). Crosses gravel roads (between holes) watch for cars.
Baskets--brand new and easily spotted with yellow flags on top (numbered)
Teepads-- rubber mats with kick strips, not great but adequate for what run up you need.
Routing and nav-- not bad, not great. A next tee sign or two would be helpful as the paths aren't really worn in yet
Baskets--brand new and easily spotted with yellow flags on top (numbered)
Teepads-- rubber mats with kick strips, not great but adequate for what run up you need.
Routing and nav-- not bad, not great. A next tee sign or two would be helpful as the paths aren't really worn in yet
Cons:
Teesigns-- as of now, just 4x4's with the hole number on them. There are a couple blind shots that could use a map.
Challenge-- completely a pitch and putt course. hole average has to be around 175' or so. 7 of the 9 holes are easily aceable. there are a couple of longer holes (300' ish) but they are straight shots with little in the way.
Risk v Reward-- none to speak of. you throw clean or you hit trees... not really a risk.
Amenities-- Although this is a very quick play, it would be nice to have a bench at some point. There was A garbage can on the course so pack in/out for the most part.
Challenge-- completely a pitch and putt course. hole average has to be around 175' or so. 7 of the 9 holes are easily aceable. there are a couple of longer holes (300' ish) but they are straight shots with little in the way.
Risk v Reward-- none to speak of. you throw clean or you hit trees... not really a risk.
Amenities-- Although this is a very quick play, it would be nice to have a bench at some point. There was A garbage can on the course so pack in/out for the most part.
Other Thoughts:
I understand this wasn't meant to be a champion caliber course so it's a nice little course for what it is.
please be respectful of the property. I have heard rumors of people burning out on the gravel parking lot and just being general douches. This course won't last long if that's how we treat it.
please be respectful of the property. I have heard rumors of people burning out on the gravel parking lot and just being general douches. This course won't last long if that's how we treat it.
