Ionia, MI

Bertha Brock County Park

3.625(based on 13 reviews)
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10 0
SpartanDisc
Silver level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 21.8 years 241 played 27 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Over the hills and through the woods 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 15, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

-- As others have said, elevation. Almost every hole has elevation in play, either up, down, or down then up across a small valley. This makes for some very unique, fun and challenging shots
-- The course is very wooded which technical players will love. You really need to be able to hit your lines. Hole one is really the only true "spray and pray" type hole... the rest all have tough lines that are there in front of you to hit (or miss).
-- While it's very wooded, there isn't a ton of undergrowth so finding errant shots isn't really a problem. This course is a lot of big trees, without the frustrating thick brush that you find on some Michigan courses.
-- Great signs. They are very detailed with lengths and something which I've never seen before: an elevation profile that shows you how the elevation changes along the fairway from tee to pin. However: a few of the maps were a bit inaccurate. There were some holes that had a pretty big dogleg while the sign showed a more or less straight shot.
-- Fun. Between the elevation and tree growth features of the land and the great course design, there are a lot of very fun shots and a lot of variety. It's challenging, but very scorable.

Cons:

-- The tees are small and carpet. For most holes, they weren't too bad but a few were damp and muddy and very slippery.
-- No real bomber holes. As a Michigan native, I don't mind playing in the woods and this is a very fun course. However, I do like a course to have at least one or two fairly open long holes that you can really open up on.
-- Bugs. I started without putting on bug spray and didn't even make it to the first tee before going back to the car. Bring bug spray for sure. There's even a sign warning that there are a lot of ticks in the area.
-- The front 9 is closed on Wednesday evenings due to proximity to a gun range

Other Thoughts:

I played this while in the area on a whim after playing at Ionia State Recreation Area. I really liked the first course and wasn't sure what to expect here but found myself really enjoying this course. At the end, I couldn't really decide which I like more. The elevation here is certainly a pretty unique feature which makes this stand out against a lot of other MI courses.
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8 0
Reniger
Experience: 21 years 49 played 11 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Hiker's Dream 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 6, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

•Elevation
This course has MASSIVE elevation changes. Bring water, snacks, and get a good night's rest before! The challenge of this forested course is less a challenge of trees, but, one of placing an uphill, valley, or downhill shot and keeping your energy up as you hike through some serious trails. The physical demand is just as impressive as the skill required.
•Signage
Each hole has great signage showing obstacles (trees, paths, OB) as well as suggested lines, but, most importantly here, gives a profile layout of elevation from pad, along the flight path, and at basket placement. Moreover, each basket has purple tags showing the direction to the next pad. Very useful in a dense forest with multiple recreational use paths.
•Challenge
As stated, the elevation changes are daunting, but, this is also a heavily wooded course with shots ranging from 200' downhills, to 400' valleys, L-R, R-L, reversed dogleg (coming back toward the pad after clearing obstacles) tunnels galore, and hiking/biking trails used as OB. This course will offer even experienced players plenty of challenge.
•Layout
Starts at parking lot, hole 9 ends back at parking lot, and 18 ends at parking lot. No hike back to where you parked after either a half-round or full-round. Too many parks overlook this type of layout.
•Aesthetics
Beautiful hike through deep old growth. Lots of wildlife and flora.
•Seating
With the hiking you'll be doing, even for those of us in good shape, you'll enjoy the benches, converted logs and stumps at each hole to take a rest!

Cons:

•Spiders
I hate them... and there's millions over this forest floor
•Lack of drinkable water/restrooms
Would DEFINITELY be nice on such a physically demanding hike to have a couple water stations. And while there are plenty of trees/bushes for guys. Women have no option for bathrooms and we all know a guy or two on "The List" for urinating in public...
•Short Carpet Pads
While better and more even than most dirt pads, these are still seriously lacking for driving.
•Footing
Not really a "con" per se, but, be careful, folks! Lots of branches, roots, and rocks along the paths and more dangerously, hidden under the dense forest floor of moss and leaves. Not a con, but, be mindful of your footing
•No Open Holes
While I loved the challenge of the heavily wooded course, it would be nice to have at least one or two open holes to wind up on.

Other Thoughts:

Physically this course is as challenging as the forest makes parking your shots. I feel this is a truly great course, but, unless you're ready for a serious workout, stick to Fallasburg or other Grand Rapids/Lansing courses.

Beautiful nature trail through some stunning scenes with plenty of bugs to remind you who's home you're in. Bring water, energy bars, bug spray, and your patience and you will have a great time!
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6 5
TheKohn
Experience: 12.1 years 17 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

WOW! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 27, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

WOW!! this course is epic. huge elevation changes, some tighter fairways. can be extremely challenging and lots of fun. planning for your next shot is a must and this course may force you out of your comfort zone in some situations. also no water hazards (for me thats a pro as i don't enjoy them)

Cons:

carpet or dirt tees (i hear they are planning on putting in concrete tees in the future)

lots of leaves and some blind shots, make sure you watch your disc!

Other Thoughts:

this is the hardest course i have played and i loved it for that. its also kinda close to Fallasburg so you can make a great day of disc golfing 2 awesome courses.
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