+ Design: 9-Hole Layout Designed by 4X World Champion Johnny Sias. This course was created for beginners but still has fun design elements for more advanced players to practice the short game. Signage provides accurate distances and the layout flows well so there is no chance of getting lost.

+ Dynamic Discs Veteran Baskets: These targets are sturdy and catch putts well. They have white bands and flags to make them visible from a distance. Players will have no trouble finding their way around the course.

+ Tees: These tees are framed up nicely and filled with packed gravel. They provide a sturdy surface to throw from and are large enough for a small run-up. Players will not need full-power drives as this course is very short.

+ Landscape: This area of the state is beautiful and the landscape is mostly flat and the perfect space for a beginner-friendly nine-hole course. Players could easily roll a cart on this course as there is very little elevation change. This is much different than most other layouts in the state which have elevation as a key design feature.

+ Location: This state park is approximately 20 minutes from Huntington and Barboursville. There are plenty of places for food, lodging, and entertainment close to the course. Once you leave Route 60 be prepared for the landscape to thin out quickly. Beech Fork State Park may be off the beaten path but that's part of the allure.

+ Amenities: With over 3,000 acres to explore visitors will have much more to do than just disc golf. The lake here is HUGE! The shore line stretches over 30 miles and provides plenty of room for boating and fishing. There are also trails for biking and hiking. Shelters are close to the course and are the perfect place to picnic. Immediately next to the disc golf course is a campground so you may want to turn this trip into a vacation and stay for the weekend.

+ Proximity to Other Courses: There is a championship caliber 18 hole course across the street. I generally play this 9-hole layout to warm up my short game before teeing off on the championship layout. If you're into course-bagging there are several other parks in the area you may want to check out. I especially enjoy Armco, Rotary, Barboursville, and Valley Park.

- Lack of Variety: If you are searching for big distance or a challenging course this is not your layout. Check out the tight and technical "Champ" design across the street or travel to another course in the area. All holes are flat with partial woods and between 150 - 200'.

- Rough: There are only a couple spots you may find the rough but it can make your approach very difficult. There is little chance of losing a disc but you may find yourself dealing with briers or poison ivy. I would recommend wearing long pants or bringing a disc retriever for this course just in case you find a pocket of the rough stuff.

This course is really fun but the big draw for disc golfers is the Championship layout across the street. The original layout is the perfect warmup to get your short game ready but you'll likely be finished within 20-30 minutes. If you're a beginner start here with a midrange and/or putter and let them fly. Bring the family or a friend for a great time.

For more advanced players consider this a place to practice. You'll have plenty of ace runs and birdie chances. Putter-only rounds or a three-disc challenge would be fun at this course. You could also do a round of RIPT Revenge or Disc Dice to keep things interesting. If you're in the area definitely take the time to play here (and if you're up to the challenge) add in the Championship layout to your itinerary. Beech Fork State Park is a local gem!

Very playable course for a new player.
Clean
Well maintained
Friendly atmosphere
Larger championship course on the same property

Only 9 holes for the family course
May be underchallenging to more experienced players

This is the perfect course to visit if you are just starting to learn the sport of disc golf or you want to introduce someone to the sport. A lot of courses are intimidating with long fairways that will put newbies way over par and possibly discourage them from pursuing the sport further. All in all a fun quick course to play.

This 9 hole course encircling the General office and canteen of Beech Fork State park has plenty of parking right next to hole #1 . Hole #1 starts within about 30' of the front door and runs counter clockwise around the office lawn . The signage is adequate , the tee pads are natural with toe boards . The baskets are brand new Dynamic Veterans . There is not much here that course designer Johnny Sias could do with this 9 . I am sure they wanted him to keep the course short and close to the canteen , so the store can hawk their drinks and food . There is also a disc selection in the store for purchase or rent . The course was mowed , trimmed and in good shape . Unfortunately , there is no elevation or even water here . This course is as flat the the parking lot . There are a couple of surprises her , especially since there is also a lack of trees . #2 a short putter throw , has a bush line right in the middle of a shaded fairway , giving you the choice of a right or left angled toss . #7 has a bush line on your immediate right , forcing an angled shot to the basket . #8 can be played as an island hole with a small green and thick brush in front and around it . I am not sure if the online map is much help , but the course is very easy to follow . No long walks between holes . The canteen at the building has scorecards with a better map on it inside . This is actually a good course for a family or the kids or campers to do if they are bored , especially since discs can be rented , I think for 3 hours at a time ( 3 hours ? ) . This course plays about as fast as I ever played a course . I might have finished it at less than 20 minutes . Disc Risk : Zero , unless you griplock a drive on #4 and a car crushes it after it lands in the street ,The fun factor if you are a camper or family is here . I will explain it later .

#1 Challenge . This course poses no challenge to anyone that plays more than 5 times a year . Super flat and mostly open . I don't think it was built for a tournament or a bag tag . It is more of an add on for something to offer the campsite . #2 Safety . There are a few areas that you might have to look up before you throw .since it sits so close to the store/office . This course might be slick and soggy after a rain since there are natural tees and it looks like it could hold water .

Nice little addendum to a park . Easy to find and discs to rent or buy right next to hole #1 . If I camped here with friends , I would organize a " Putter Challenge " or a " One Disc Only " just for fun . The best part of playing here is after you finish your round . The canteen has some great tasting ice cream about 25 yards from hole #9 . I heard that Johnny is designing an additional and more competitive 9 holes on this course to be played on the other side of the park area through the tunnel next to hole #1 . I will update my review when it is installed . My Recommendation : Unless bagging or camping onsite ( this looks like a nice camping area ), or a nearby local or newbie , there is little reason to come here , especially since it is only 9 holes . Again , my opinion will change after the next 9 are added . Thank you Beech Fork for letting me play here and eat your ice cream .

*I'm reviewing the front 9 only, the back 9 are not ready.

Great Parking.
Brand new baskets, and they are really nice.
Simple layout, it plays fast and you will not get lost moving from one to the other.

Unfortunately, this course isn't ready, so I'll review this based on what I expect will be done.

No teepads or signs yet, I'm sure that will be a huge plus.

Grass needs to be cut often, It definitely hindered the ground from drying at the last three holes.

Could have some issues near the parking lot if a lot of cars are near. But I doubt more seasoned players would over throw that much.

This seems like it will become a good course to play. I'm excited to see how it turns out on the back 9. The holes are laid out, just no teepads, signs, or baskets.

I plan to amend this review once things are finished. But I still see this to be a really fun course.