Michigan, known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, is also a premier destination for disc golf enthusiasts. With nearly 500 courses located all over the state, players can experience a wide variety of terrains, environments, and difficulty levels. From top-rated courses like Flip City in Shelby and BlueGill in Wayland to hidden gems like Hunts Hideaway in Otisville, Michigan’s disc golf scene caters to players of all skill levels.
The beautiful and diverse landscape of Michigan allows for unique and challenging course designs, attracting both casual players and professionals alike. While some courses feature wooded and technical layouts, others offer wide-open fairways with breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty. In addition to the well-maintained courses, Michigan’s disc golf parks and facilities provide a welcoming atmosphere for players to connect with the local community, participate in events, and improve their skills.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan boasts a diverse array of nearly 500 disc golf courses, catering to all skill levels.
- Course designs range from wooded and technical to wide-open fairways, taking advantage of Michigan’s natural beauty.
- Local disc golf parks and facilities promote community connection, events, and skill development.
Top Disc Golf Courses in Michigan
Michigan is home to several top-rated disc golf courses, offering a variety of challenges and unique experiences for players of all skill levels. In this section, we will focus on some of the best disc golf courses in the state.
Flip City Disc Golf Park is considered the best disc golf course in Michigan and ranks 9th in the world’s best disc golf courses in 2022. Located in Shelby, this 24-hole course offers a target line for each hole, multiple play options, and a diverse range of challenges suitable for all players. It has a cost of $5 per day, making it an affordable option for a fun day out.
Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey is an 18-hole course set in the wooded areas of Chocolay. Known for its challenging and technical layout, Silver Creek provides a stimulating environment for players seeking more complex courses. The course is conveniently situated near the Bayou and Chocolay River Brewery, allowing players to quench their thirst after a demanding round.
The Tailings in Iron River is another excellent disc golf course in Michigan worth experiencing. Details regarding the specific layout and challenges may vary, but rest assured that The Tailings will offer a memorable round of disc golf.
Additional courses worth exploring in Michigan include Hickory Hills and Green Lake DiscGolfPark. Each of these courses provides their unique set of challenges and scenery, contributing to a diverse collection of disc golf courses in the state.
By visiting any of these top disc golf courses in Michigan, you can experience the rich disc golf community and enjoy some of the best layouts the state has to offer.
Regional Highlights
In South Michigan, the Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey stands out for its challenging and technical 18-hole course. Set within the wooded areas of Chocolay, it offers a thrilling experience for disc golf enthusiasts. After playing, you can refresh yourself at the nearby Bayou and Chocolay River Brewery.
Main Michigan is home to the well-known Flip City course in Shelby, with 24 holes and a beautiful landscape. Established in 1980, it has received countless positive reviews and is highly recommended for any disc golf lover.
Iron River offers The Tailings, another fantastic disc golf course to enjoy. The local forested terrain provides a challenging and technical course that keeps players engaged.
For those in Kalkaska, the area boasts the Green Lake DiscGolfPark, which has a 4.6 rating and 767 reviews. The course provides a satisfying mix of open fields and wooded sections.
In the Memphis area, the Will Bendik Memorial DGC stands out with a 4.6 rating and 418 reviews. Known for its various throwing challenges, this course will test your skills while offering a serene environment.
Traverse City brings you the Civic Center South – The Bear’s Den. With a 4.5 rating and 683 reviews, it is a popular spot for local disc golf lovers. Enjoy the challenging layout combined with beautiful scenery.
Manton is home to the Meyer Broadway – North course, which features a 4.6 rating and over 1,348 reviews. This well-maintained course is ideal for all skill levels and provides both wooded and open spaces to navigate.
Lastly, in Grand Rapids, you will find the Black Locust – South Green course, a highly-acclaimed 4.6 rated course with a whopping 1,480 reviews. It provides a balanced mix of technical challenges and beautiful scenery, making it a must-try for disc golf enthusiasts.
Design and Course Features
Michigan is home to many highly-rated disc golf courses, featuring excellent layouts and intricate design elements. In this section, we will explore key design aspects such as elevation changes, trees and obstacles, and water hazards.
Elevation Changes
Ample elevation changes make a disc golf course more challenging and visually appealing. Michigan courses incorporate varying elevation in their design, like Flip City in Shelby, with its 24 holes offering players a diverse and dynamic experience. Rolling hills and sloping greens can be found in other courses, adding to the excitement and complexity.
Trees and Obstacles
One crucial aspect of a well-designed disc golf course is the presence of trees and natural obstacles. These elements often provide tight fairways and obstructed targets, requiring players to strategize and execute skillful shots. Courses in Michigan, such as Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey, make excellent use of wooded areas and tree lines to create an especially challenging and technical experience.
- Challenging Courses
- Flip City, Shelby
- Silver Creek Disc Golf Park, Harvey
Moreover, other popular courses like Renegade’s Trail and Black Locust – South Green showcase a clever combination of open greens and wooded sections, forcing players to adapt their game and put their skills to the test.
Water Hazards
Incorporating water hazards into a disc golf course design adds an additional layer of excitement and challenge for players. Some notable courses in Michigan that feature water hazards are the Tailings in Iron River and Green Lake DiscGolfPark, where ponds and rivers act as risk factors for players attempting long shots or navigating birdie opportunities.
Disc Golf Parks and Facilities
Earle Brewer Park
Earle Brewer Park, located in West Michigan, offers a great disc golf experience for players of all skill levels. The park features an 18-hole course set amidst a beautiful wooded landscape. With a good mix of long and short holes, as well as open and wooded fairways, this course provides a challenge for even experienced players while remaining accessible for beginners.
Kensington Metropark
Kensington Metropark, near Milford, is another popular disc golf destination in Michigan. The park boasts a picturesque 18-hole course located within the sprawling metropark grounds. Players will enjoy a challenging layout that winds through a diverse mix of terrain, including wooded areas, open meadows, and water hazards. With a variety of tees on each hole, the course can accommodate players of all skill levels.
Sage Creek Disc Golf
Sage Creek Disc Golf is situated in Laingsburg and offers a fun and challenging course suited for players at all experience levels. The course is set in a beautifully designed park that features rolling hills, wooded areas, and creek hazards. Players can expect a mix of technical shots and longer, open drives throughout this well-maintained 18-hole course.
Equipments and Pro Shops
As you explore the disc golf courses in Michigan, you’ll likely want to visit some pro shops for disc golf equipment and supplies. Some courses, such as Whitehall Township Disc Golf Course, Chippewa Banks Disc Golf Course in Midland, and Wild Haven Disc Golf Resort, have on-site pro shops offering a wide selection of discs, bags, and other accessories. Other notable disc golf courses include Flip City Disc Golf Park in Shelby, which is often ranked as one of the best courses in Michigan and has a variety of challenges for all skill levels.
Skills and Techniques
Developing a good score in disc golf often requires understanding of different skills and techniques that can help improve your game. Conversing with fellow players and experienced disc golfers can provide valuable insights. Feel free to bring friends and enjoy some friendly competition while refining your skills.
Disc golf, sometimes called Frisbee golf, requires a diverse set of abilities, including throwing the frisbee accurately, adapting to different environments, and mastering various shots. Play a few games or practice at different locations to expose yourself to all possible challenges for best progress. Here are some key skills to focus on to improve your overall performance.
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Throwing skills: Becoming familiar with different throwing techniques, such as the backhand, forehand, and hammer throw, can provide more options during gameplay. Effective and consistent throwing is crucial for navigating challenging courses or executing shots in tight situations.
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Reading the course: Understanding the layout of each disc golf course can greatly benefit your game. Take note of obstacles, elevation changes and wind conditions. This will aid in choosing the right disc and style of play that can help you achieve the best possible score.
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Disc selection: Familiarize yourself with various disc types and weights to adapt to specific situations on the course. Each disc can fly differently, and choosing the right one can impact accuracy, speed, and distance.
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Mental strength: Like any sport, disc golf requires the right mindset. Stay patient, focused, and motivated to play each hole with the same level of excitement and determination. Confidence in oneself can lead to improved play and better scores.
Events and Community
The disc golf scene in Michigan is vibrant and active, with various events and clubs fostering a strong sense of community among players. Throughout the year, you can find several tournaments and leagues catering to different skill levels, from casual players to professional athletes.
One of the notable events in Michigan is the annual Discraft Great Lakes Open, a prestigious tournament that attracts top players from the region and beyond. Additionally, many local parks and courses host weekly leagues and seasonal events, providing ample opportunities for enthusiasts to participate and hone their skills.
The Michigan Disc Golf Organization (MDGO) plays a significant role in promoting the sport throughout the state. The organization supports local clubs and events while advocating for the growth of disc golf in Michigan, both through course development and player engagement. MDGO also coordinates the Michigan State Championship series, a multi-stop tour culminating in the crowning of state champions each year.
There are numerous disc golf clubs spread across Michigan, with some of the popular ones being Disc Golf Scene, Lansing Area Disc Golf Club, Kalamazoo Disc Golf Club, and Motor City Chain Gang. These clubs regularly organize tournaments, leagues, workshops, and casual meetups to bring like-minded disc golfers together and help grow the sport at the grassroots level.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is no exception to the enthusiasm for disc golf. With numerous scenic courses available, this region also hosts events and has an active community of its own. Clubs like the Superior Disc Golf Club and Yooper Disc Golf Club cater to players on the Upper Peninsula, organizing tournaments, leagues, and other engaging activities throughout the year.
Disc Golf Course Ratings
Michigan is home to a variety of top-rated disc golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. The following are some of the highest-ranked courses in the state, offering a combination of exceptional quality, exciting challenges, and beautiful scenery.
Flip City in Shelby, MI, is consistently rated as one of the best disc golf courses in Michigan. With 540 reviews and an A+ rating, this course has earned its reputation for providing an enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced players alike. Established in 1980, Flip City offers 24 holes for players to navigate.
Another highly-rated course is BlueGill in Wayland, MI. With an A+ rating and 158 reviews, this course is known for its blend of technical challenges and natural beauty. Established in 2001, BlueGill has 20 holes (24 baskets) to test players’ skills.
Some other notable disc golf courses in Michigan include:
- North Bluff, rated 4.7 with 603 reviews
- Meyer Broadway – North, rated 4.6 with 1,348 reviews
- Green Lake DiscGolfPark, rated 4.6 with 767 reviews
- Will Bendik Memorial DGC, rated 4.6 with 418 reviews
- Civic Center South – The Bear’s Den, rated 4.5 with 683 reviews
- Black Locust – South Green, rated 4.6 with 1,480 reviews
- Lake Arvesta Farms
In addition to the top courses, there are many more disc golf courses throughout the state, offering a total of 546 locations and 594 courses. Some popular options include Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey and The Tailings in Iron River.
When evaluating disc golf courses, it’s essential to consider factors such as the course layout, difficulty, course conditions, and player experience to determine the overall quality. These top courses in Michigan have received high marks from players and are sure to provide an exceptional disc golf experience.
UDisc
UDisc is a comprehensive platform for disc golf enthusiasts, offering a variety of features including course directories, round statistics, live scoring, and access to disc golf gear through UDisc Merch. The platform also provides valuable support for tournament organizers and players through UDiscLive.
UDiscLive
Through UDiscLive, users can follow live scoring and round statistics during tournaments. This feature not only engages fans with real-time updates but also helps tournament organizers streamline the scoring process. UDiscLive takes pride in its reliable and accurate reporting of scores and stats, making it a vital tool in the disc golf community.
UDisc Merch
UDisc Merch offers a range of disc golf apparel and accessories, allowing players and fans to show off their enthusiasm for the sport. In addition to branded clothing, UDisc Merch sells useful gear like disc golf bags, water bottles, and towels. By shopping at UDisc Merch, customers can support the platform that has become essential to the growth and organization of disc golf events worldwide.
Beyond these core offerings, UDisc continues to expand its services to better meet the needs of the disc golf community. The platform provides a media kit for promotional purposes, helping to increase exposure and sponsorship opportunities for tournaments. For those looking to contribute to the growth of disc golf and UDisc directly, the platform also offers jobs in various capacities such as marketing, design, and app development.
Additional Activities
Michigan’s diverse landscape does not only offer exceptional disc golf courses but also a variety of other activities for visitors who come to enjoy a day filled with outdoor pursuits. With breathtaking scenic spots, countless biking trails, and prime fishing areas, there’s something for everyone to appreciate when taking a break from disc golf.
Many of the disc golf courses in Michigan are nestled within picturesque surroundings, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. As you take a stroll between holes or wait for your turn to throw, you can admire the beauty of these courses, some of which feature dense forests, meandering rivers, and rolling hills. These courses, like Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey, are excellent examples of how Michigan’s natural wonders serve as a backdrop for some unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Biking enthusiasts will find an abundance of trails near some of the top-rated disc golf courses. For example, Kensington Metropark, home to the Toboggan Course, offers a range of biking trails to suit various skill levels. These trails take riders through lush woodlands, around calm lakes, and along picturesque pathways, making for a perfect alternative or addition to disc golf at the park.
If you’re looking to cast a line during your disc golf trip, you’ll be pleased to know that Michigan has a wealth of fishing opportunities. The proximity of some courses to bodies of water, like the Bayou near Silver Creek Disc Golf Park, allows for an easy transition from disc golf to fishing. Try your luck at catching some of the abundant fish species found in Michigan’s rivers and lakes, such as trout, bass, and walleye.
By offering a vast array of activities to complement disc golf adventures, Michigan’s beautiful landscape ensures that visitors enjoy a well-rounded outdoor experience while exploring its top-rated courses.
Course Variations
Michigan is home to an extensive array of disc golf courses, catering to players of all skill levels. With nearly 500 courses spread across the state, there is a diverse range of hole configurations and challenges that await both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
One popular course layout is the 18-hole variant, such as the Silver Creek Disc Golf Park in Harvey. Known for its challenging wooded terrain, this course is a great test for players looking to hone their technical skills.
For those seeking a more extensive playing experience, courses like Flip City in Shelby offer a unique 24-hole layout. This highly rated course provides players with multiple options for play and targets for each hole, ensuring a versatile experience suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, some courses, like BlueGill in Wayland, feature 20 holes with 24 baskets, providing even more options for play.
Several courses also offer other unique hole configurations:
- 4 holes: Perfect for beginners or those with limited time.
- 9 holes: A quick yet enjoyable experience, sometimes incorporated into larger course layouts.
- 13 holes: Provides variety while maintaining a relatively quick round.
- 21 holes: Offers a longer and more challenging experience for seasoned players.
- 12 holes: A great middle ground between 9 and 18-hole courses, providing a diverse range of challenges.
- 16 holes: Slightly longer than the 12-hole layout, while still providing a quicker experience than 18-hole courses.
- 15 holes: Positioned between 13 and 16-hole layouts, adding more variety for players seeking a unique challenge.
Michigan’s disc golf scene is abundant with course variations, allowing players the opportunity to experience different challenges and layouts. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a course that fits your preferences and skill level.