This is a pleasant course in the middle of Grand Rapids. It's friendly to all skill levels. There are more than enough trees to get in your way, but no underbrush for you to lose your discs into. Most of the holes are similar in nature, but there's just enough variation to keep it somewhat interesting. The homes on Jefferson along holes 5-7 are a visual treat. Garfield is a comfortable, local, friendly course.

Looking for serious disc golf challenge? You won't find it here. If you can throw 350 feet you can reach almost every basket in one. Some variation, but not much. Traffic on Burton and Madison is pretty constant. A little hard to navigate the first time.

I visited this course many times in high school to play the wooden-post frisbee golf course, and it's a lot of fun to bring my boys there now to play disc golf. Lots of big trees came down during storms in the past year, but there are still many old, large trees. Holes 14 and 15 always come up when we tell disc golf stories - 14 because it's the short island hole with the double mando, and 15 because it's far longer than the rest of the course. My youngest once got a 24 on hole 15 because he was so worn out by the hot summer day (I didn't know he was counting as he went).

Garfield Park is located in Grand Rapids, MI. As some other reviewers have mentioned, it used to be a pole hole course but was renovated a few years ago. Each of the 18 holes now has a large cement tee pad, color tee sign showing flight path and distance, and yellow DISCatcher basket in great condition.

The pin placement and use of the available land is outstanding. This course is a shining example of how a city park with a few acres of underutilized, fairly boring terrain can be turned into an interesting and enjoyable 18 hole disc golf course. As noted in the course description, the park is mostly flat and lightly wooded. Yet, the trees and small elevation changes that are present are used very well to force disc golfers to think about their shots. There are a good mix of hyzer, anhyzer, and straight holes here and many baskets are guarded by trees, rewarding accurate drives and approaches. Most holes have at least a couple of trees between the tee and basket.

For a multi-use park, I feel that this course is pretty safe. There are many other amenities in this park (picnic areas, tennis court, baseball diamond, basketball court, and more) but all of the holes stay pretty well away from them. Some of the fairways run a bit closer together than would be ideal, and a couple holes are fairly close to the street. That said, I feel it would take an exceptionally bad throw for either of these to become an issue especially because most of the holes are fairly short.

The course is pretty short. Only four holes top 300' length, and the two longest holes are straight shots across a flat field to the basket with no obstacles in between.

No major challenges except for pin placement/trees.

No practice basket, and no course map or kiosk. I uploaded a rough map here, but a higher quality map posted at the first tee would be an upgrade (edit: This map also is longer correct for holes 9-11, which have been redesigned since I made it).

The course mostly flows well, and most baskets have a "next tee" arrow sticker on them. However, without a map there are a couple spots where the navigation could be a bit confusing for a first timer especially with multiple tees and baskets visible. Perhaps the most confusing spot is after the very first hole. Proceed left if looking at basket from first tee (east) for tee #2. Also - after #17, proceed straight (west) as indicated by the sticker, past the parking lot and Garfield Park Neighborhood Association building to find tee #18.

I would call this a beginner friendly course. The trees are all old growth and I really can't imagine how someone could lose a disc here (update: even in the fall with leaves on the ground, there aren't enough leaves to be problematic).

Thanks to the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association and others involved in renovating this into a pleasant, accessible course. This is not a destination course, but definitely worth a play if you are in the area!

UPDATE October 2020 - A few small trees were recently added to the course. They don't really come into play on any of the holes, but add to the aesthetic appeal!

UPDATE July 2022: I returned to this course today and found that holes 9-11 have been redesigned. I was sad to see this, as hole 11 was my favorite on the course. Comparing the old and new layout of these three holes, I suspect that the reason for the redesign was that an errant throw combined with an unfortunate tree kick on hole 11 could find private property bordering the park. The new holes 9-11 flow well with the rest of the course (honestly, maybe better than before) but they are less interesting. The new hole 9 plays similar to the old hole 10, but it is shorter. The new hole 10 is an easy ace run that plays slightly downhill. It's completely open, with just two tree trunks off the tee that prevent only the most excessive hyzers/anhyzers. The new hole 11 is flat and pretty much open as well, although there is an overhanging branch that creates a low ceiling for RHBH throwers.

This was one of the first reviews I ever wrote. Even before I arrived at the park today, I was thinking my original rating of 3.5 might need to be bumped down to 3.0 just as a correction from the experience I have gained playing and reviewing about 100 other courses since the time I originally wrote this. When I found three of the holes downgraded here, that only cemented my feeling that a rating adjustment was necessary. I still feel that the ~2.5 average here is low, and this is a strong course for what it is. With a complete set of extras added (a kiosk with course map, practice area, and some benches and trash cans at tees) I would consider putting it back at 3.5. But at that point it would be pretty much maxed out on the land available.

This is not a course that any non-locals should consider a must-play. But among the locals, this is a VERY popular course. In fact, I read that it was the #1 *played* course in Michigan on UDisc in 2021. I was a little bit surprised to see this at first, but upon further reflection it makes sense. Every time I try to play here, it's extremely busy - to the point that on multiple occasions I have driven here to play, seen a full parking lot and multiple groups waiting at the first tee....and turned my car around to go to some other course. This course is played by complete beginners throwing only 1-2 discs. It's played by people who are mainly looking for a more interesting way to walk their dog. It's played by couples on double dates. It's played by experienced local players who are going for an ace on almost every hole. It's simply a well-executed, fairly easy course in a highly populated area. If you're a travelling disc golfer, try to come play this one on a weekday morning and see where the locals hang out!

UPDATE November 2022: A full new set of tee signs has been installed. Other than the redesigned holes, I wouldn't have said these were needed since the others were only a few years old - but always appreciated!

After reading the previous reviews before embarking here , and being an out of towner , I half expected that my car would be up on blocks and have no tires before I finished my round . Even though I am exaggerating ( a little ) , I am not fond of parks where many of the park users mainly just sit in their cars . Hmmmm . Anyway , when you pull into the park lot directly to your left when you pull on to Jefferson and lock your car , you will proceed to your left ( facing the park ) for the first tee. Make sure you print a map . I followed a twosome that kept ahead of me the whole time , and I was even alone . You could navigate without a map , but it will cost you a little time ,because since this park is so wide open , you can see maybe up to 10 baskets at a time . I was expecting this course to be short ( 4150 ' ) and nondescript , but I was wrong . First , there are large cement tee pads at all holes . Discatcher baskets are in good shape and visible . Good Signs help to guide you . The course description on disc review needs to be updated by the park board . If you do the math , 4150' for 18 holes = about 230' per hole . It is probably closer to 5000' or 277' + per hole .An example would be the longest hole on the course . #15 is an open air bomber that is 494' .The course starts out with a shorter #1 then #2 is a long open drive 335' that's basket sits high on top of it's pole , making for a tough putt . The lengths of the holes vary off and on throughout the course , ranging from short ( 157' ) to long ( 494 ) . The course is pretty flat , with a couple of slight inclines or declines , which the course designer utilized well on several of the holes . What this designer Really Did that was special was place the baskets and drives around the minimal amount of trees in this park . Some of these large established trees have create canopies to help control the height of your drives . The course itself kind of winds inside and out and counterclockwise in this park , ending you right back at your parking lot . The course itself makes for a quick round . I was through in under an hour as was the 2 that were playing in front of me . Many good holes to air it out on and some for controlled drives . I think that the locals will leave you alone , since most seem aware that disc golf exists and some come to play . Not a lot of traffic on this course so you will not have to wait for other groups of players or the park users , since most never leave their cars ( those are their cars . I hope . haha ) . I didn't see a water fountain and the bathrooms were locked when I was there . . No benches or trash cans on the course , but the play is so fluid , you may not need them . The park is clean and seems well kept . Garfield is seriously underrated .There is literally no way to lose a disc here .A great course for casual play and intro players. I would play this course a lot if I lived within 5 miles of it . I watched one of the locals bury about a 130' putt which was fun . Some of the holes I thought were good . #8 , I think is a bender with a mando that turns left down a tree line to the basket with is situated to the right of the tree line . , but if I had to pick a signature hole , maybe #2 with the basket on top of the pole ,

#1 . Garfield park is in what looks to be a tough part of Grand Rapids . Be sure to hide all valuables and electronics out of sight in your car . #2 Navigation . Without a course map online ( or a kiosk with one in it ) you have to kind of look around . #3 redundancy . There wasn't a great amount to work with here . No elevation , water , woods ,,,,, . No amenities . This course looks clean , so carry out what you carry in . Since this park is so open and lacking many trees , I can guess that it can be windy at times . It wasn't an issue with me , and this could also be a positive .

I always look around and survey a park before actually playing so I can soak up the atmosphere . After seeing the abandoned and discarded tennis court ( and a decent one ) and the clientele of the park , I was unsure why the park board approved funding to upgrade this course . Any course that has been given this much attention and funding in the last couple of years is a plus . I think it gives some advertisement and notoriety to the area . Hopefully , this will promote disc golf and make it a favorite with the locals . This course is very underrated in my opinion . Garfield Park Neighborhood Association has stuck its neck out and put together a good course . Thank You ! My recommendation : COME HERE AND ENJOY A QUICK ROUND !!

Solid city park course. Nice, large concrete tee pads and better than average newer signs. 'Next Tee' signs on rim of DISCatcher baskets are crucial in keeping navigation straight. Not much in terms of elevation changes, but there are some gentle slopes in play. Some tall white pines are present near the halfway point near a nice older subdivision. Many well-guarded baskets present some challenge. A couple of holes open up a little for longer drives.

A few other park users can be around, particularly near Holes 16 and 17. Some of the distances listed on this site appear to be not quite accurate; Hole 16 is approximately 500 feet, raising the stakes if others are within throw distance. I'd estimate the total length of this course at about 5000 feet. Some winds do come up here, and Hole 17 is a little too close to Burton St. Being a general use city park, there's little here that would rival a top-level course.

Many shorter holes with tight throw routes through trees give this course some challenge. Respectable space for a city park course, though there are some compromises like heavy handed mandos and nearby streets. However, one can't complain about a decent free course being in such close proximity to a large population base. One can work on their game here without having to travel to more distant course. Since the course has had some recent improvements, the composite rating is a bit low.

Lot of tree obstacles, good baskets with next tee arrows, T posts, pretty enough inner city park, grassy park good for some rollers, a rec course that will still be fun for most. most holes have tree obstacles of some sort. Older review called it a course with post type targets, but there are baskets for each hole in good condition. Course plays around perimeter with just a few holes across the grass. Next tee signs on the baskets.

The hole length information on this website does not match the length of holes. Some sketchy folks in the center of park, but was not a big problem, can be a bit repetitive because of the flatness, navigation a bit tough. Did not see a water fountain.

Visiting family who live nearby and will play again when I can. Concrete tees have been installed. Definitely recommend especially for a mixed group. I agree that this course is now better than its cumulative rating.

not going to loose discs, unless its into the fall season.

-generally low canopy, good for learning to controll your throws. (#1 #4 #5 #10 #14)


-Poles (sticks) are firm in the ground, no damage to course signs or poles.

-Seasonal bathrooms, and year round running water.

-Takes 45 minutes to play, is a non physical course, and can be played multiple times in one go.

-Never anyone on the course, no waiting.

-Always parking avalible

-Police patrol the area regularly.

- some people would feel the Stick targets are not true to disc golf, but in an area such as this I would have to guess the metal baskets would not last long.

-many may also be turned off by this area, which is understandable. I lived in the neighhbor hood and can vouch that there are indeed gun shots heard echoing throughout the summer, and police speeding down Burton st regularly throughout the year. Not for the faint of heart.

-There is only minimal elevation change. I think there are only 2 upshots and one shot down a hill.Everything else is flat.

-There are only 2-3 long holes for big arms.

-There are no T pads, only worn grass where many have stood before you.

-after finishing hole 13 you will naturally gravitate toward hole 16 becasue it seems like the natural course flow, but you actually have to turn around 180* and walk back to hole 14. sorta strange, but i will add a map to DGCR to clarify. everytime i have seen other people on this course they go from 13 to 16 and dont even know they skipped 14 and 15. # 14 is the best hole too!

-during fall the leaves can get a little intense at times, but the maintained crew is VERY good with cleaning the park, and have normally already started cleaning some portion of the park before it becomes an issue.

-Your best scores will be during the winter months when there are no leaves on the trees.

- Most park goers are aware that there is a disc golf coarse throughout the park, and generally stay out of the way. Only those cutting across the park on their way to the side walk get in the way, but for the most part there is little to no pedestrian traffic.


All in all this is personally my favorite course. I have played Flip, Mason County, even Dela in Cali, and I got to say I think about this course every time I disc.

I am the kind of guy to take a few BUZZZs out and spend the whole day developing my short game at Garfield Park. Every hole is deucable, and there are PLENTY of ace chances. I have aces on #2 #3 #7 #12 #14 (hardest line in the park) #17 #18x2 best score is -12 (PAR 54)

This course will teach you to keep your shots low and snap hard. I can't imagine where I would be if I hadn't had this treasure in my backyard for the past 2 years!

Also I will be taking pictures of every hole when I visit next, as my contribution to DGCR! Maybe even make an overhead map, as there is 1 confusing area that would mess you up the first time you play.

I would give this course a 5 but personal bias aside, it is a honest 3.

For an older 'pole course' this is an amazingly interesting and challenging layout. Many mature trees and creative pin placements make for a challenging round and a good way to practice your short game. For a neighborhood park, it was amazingly uncrowded, and despite being a multi-use park, and the fact that a lot of the course winds around the outer rim of the property, I found little interference with other park activities through most of the course. Easy to navigate, and most of the tees and signs seem to be well cared for.

Dirt tees and poles. A few of the holes come uncomfortably close to either picnic areas, or sidewalks. Distances are short compared to some of the more modern courses, but are of a reasonable variety.

Avoided this one for much too long, and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was to play. This will definitely be a frequent stop for me in the future.