Just over the OH/PA border near the small town of Jamestown is Pymatuning State Park. This seemingly endless piece of property has excellent views throughout, with most of the course playing within view of the Pymatuning Reservoir.

+ Each hole has three sets of tees, with the total course distance ranging from 6271' to 8880'. Both the whites and the blues have concrete, while the red tees are natural.

+ There is great variety throughout the entire 18. Your round starts with a fantastic 600' par 4 (from the blues) that trails off into a wooded area on the left. You'll see a few holes under 300' and a few over 700'. Elevation, tree coverage, and hole shapes vary as well.

+ The course makes two nine hole loops. It looks like the front 9 can get really sloppy after rain, so the back 9 can be played by itself easily to avoid that.

- Navigation is inconsistent would be very difficult for someone not using UDisc. While a few holes have signs and tape on the basket, many do not. This can lead to some confusion, especially with longer walks between a few holes.

- Not a real con, but the course is in the middle of nowhere. There's only one or two gas stations nearby, and the nearest fast food place is about eight miles south.
- It's been well documented on my reviews that I don't like two baskets per hole. This can be especially confusing at Pymatuning, with the different basket colors not always coordinating to the tee/layout color.

- Parking is pretty limited. There is a small area that can fit maybe 5 or 6 cars behind the shelter next to the first tee. Other than that, the nearest lot is down by the reservoir.

While some of my cons would usually severely impact the rating, this course is so much fun that I can overlook the flaws.

Western PA has some of the best courses in the region. While I wouldn't put Pymatuning up there with the likes of Moraine, Knob Hill, etc, it's still a very fun track that's worth a separate trip.

~Challenging layout with 3-sets of tees for most skill levels
~Very fair par 4's and 5's
~Solid variety of hole types and distances
~Concrete tee pads for White and Blue layouts
~Nice rolling terrain, great lakeside setting

~Red tee pads are natural with gravel base
~Marshy wet spots in some low lying areas
~Tee signs and baskets could use updating
~Some long gaps between holes in a few places

Visited on an early October day for a local C-Tier tournament. Played two rounds from the white tees, and walked away impressed. This is a well designed and challenging course that offers three sets of tees that should accommodate most players with a few years or more of experience. The course throws long and rewards those with 350+ feet of very controlled throwing distance. Shorter arms such as myself can play well with good course management, but many holes will limit your shots off the tee if you aren't able to throw far.

The white and blue layouts have concrete tees, while the reds are worn in gravel. Concrete tee pads for the reds would appeal more to the casual players and would benefit this course greatly. The baskets are already showing their age and new ones would be a huge improvement. The tee signs are also looking worn, and more descriptive hole signs would also be a key asset.

The terrain is mostly rolling hills with fairways defined by tall grass/vegetation, mature trees, and the waters edge on some holes. There are a handful of holes where the lake comes into play, but for the most part it's strategically located groupings of trees and brush that define how well you will finish each hole. A big arm is rewarded here, especially if you are able to hit the tight landing zones setting you up for a clear shot on your next approach. At first the course seems open and accessible, but the natural terrain plays great into the overall design to challenge you most every step of the way.

The course flows fairly well, there are some longer walks between holes in a few spots. Navigation is pretty straightforward, and only a couple spots where you might need to think a bit to continue onto the next hole.

It's a very good course, that offers repeatable play due to the variety offered from the tee pads and course layout. A well thought out design, and a wonderful state park atmosphere. Worth the visit when in the area.

This is an awesome course in a beautiful BIG park. This course will utilize every shot in your bag & then some. There are bathrooms throughout course if needed. Very easy to navigate course.

Tee boxes are gravel & uneven & I didn't trust them since some were uneven. Some signs need replaced. Hole #17 & #18 can see your disc in the water if overshot. Low ceilings on a couple different holes throughout course.

This course had great flow and was easy to navigate. Cement tee pads would make this course a 4* course in my opinion. I had nothing but good to say about this course throughout. I drove for 2 hours to play this course and wasn't disappointed.

-A lot of variety of holes (open, wooded, water, uphill, downhill, doglegs, etc.)
-Challenging for novice/intermediate
-Great practice for advanced/pros
-Restrooms are easily accessible during play

-Tees are not in great shape and very slick when wet (red tees are just grass).
-I never found a course map and the layout was not intuitive to me. Course needs to be marked better.
-Only one tee had a hole diagram which made blind shots very challenging since I didn't know where the basket was.

I played in the Keystone Classic, so course navigation was easier since my group had played the course before. Someone just playing a casual round for the first time would struggle to navigate the course without a map.

The local club is currently raising funds (to be matched by the state park) to replace the tees in time for next season. This will make a big difference in the playability.

-2 to 3 tees and multiple baskets on every hole gives alot of options

-gravel tees on front 9

-very easy to follow, had no course map, played alone with no info and found my way around without a problem

-many par 4s, that have very good distances: good drives are rewarded with easier upshots:

-nice views of the lake along a few holes

-rolling hills throughout the course, but no extreme elevation shots

-most of the par 4s/5s had a VERY similar tee shot- long flip up straight shots with very little fade. bring understable discs!

-poorly done flypads on the back 9. very bumpy and uneven, also the ones in the woods were so slippery from pollen and dirt that even throwing stand still on them was very difficult wish they had gravel tees on the whole course

bit out of the way as nothing is nearby, but an easy 30minute drive from rt 79 that is definitely worth it

-Course layout: really nice layout, it's somewhat sprawling but feels like a golf course. Not much elevation change, but seems to be well utilized. For the most part, we had no trouble navigating the course without a map on our first visit.
-Course maintenance: Very nicely cut "fairways" with some thicker rough to give you some troubles if you don't hit the fairways. Really thick brush will generally punish you and force a throw just to get back on to clear ground.
-Hole variety: seemed to be well balanced with no RH/LH bias. Maybe only 2-3 holes felt like repeats. Multiple baskets (while not utilized by us) looked to offer a pretty good challenge for more advanced players.
-Scenery: This would have have been a great walk through the park, the fact that we were playing disc golf just made it more fun. I especially like holes like 8 and 18 which offered great views of the lake and 14 which offered an unexpected great view of the lake.
-Restrooms: For the most part these were located within a reasonable walk from the course without causing a major delay in play.

Most of these cons should be taken as minor hits against the course, not major negatives. All could likely be easily remedied.

-Tee pads: While I would say they were all comfortable to throw from, they varied from gravel on the front 9 to flypads/natural on the back nine. It'd be nice to see flypads on the front nine. A couple of the flypads on the back nine are in need of replacement.
-Tee signs: Back nine signs were really nice, but the front nine (newer portion of the course) could use an upgrade to match the back nine. The signs showing the direction to hole 12 and all of the tee signs for 18 are missing.
-Garbage cans: I didn't see a single one on the course and this is kind of a pet peeve of mine. There wasn't any trash or broken glass on the course so it is obviously well maintained but the only place I could conveniently hit a trash can was on our walk from 9 to 10.

Overall my wife and I had a great time playing this course and we were somewhat surprised that we were the lone disc golfers on the course. I played from the red tees for the front nine and the whites for the back nine. I really enjoyed the layout of the course, while there are many holes that will have you reaching for your drivers they will likely be fairway drivers because of a clump of trees in just the right location. While the woods are fairly sparse on the course the trees that are there really force you to hit some accurate tee shots. I think the pars were fair and the different tee positions offered appropriate challenges for a wide variety of disc golfers.

One note on the long grass along the fairways (and I'm sure this is seasonal) but they are full of bees. On several holes we could hear the buzzing like we were standing next to a hive, but they were all scattered throughout the flowers in the rough. So if you have allergies, take your epipen! Everyone else may want to include some Benadryl in their bag even if you aren't allergic.

The park as a whole is somewhat remote so I would recommend planning a full day to take in some of the other available recreational opportunities like swimming, fishing, playgrounds (for the kids), and picnic tables. I suppose you could also just play another round! Regardless, this course is definitely worth hitting up for a round. We'll be back for sure!

- An excellent blend of big-arm open-air bombing holes and holes that require accurate, technical throws to navigate the trees. On some holes, you have to do both in the same hole.
- Utilizes a variety of shots. I threw so many variations of hyzer and anhyzer angles to navigate the doglegs; I threw tomahawks and thumbers; I threw rollers to navigate the fairways peppered with trees. So many shots will be needed, so bring a decent bag with you!
- More elevation than I anticipated. We're not talking super steep hills--just rolling hills that vary enough to make for blind shots and slight downhill and uphill approaches to the basket.
- Water comes in play on #14 (kinda) and definitely on #18. The big risk here, more or less, is rolls or skips into the reservoir off the fairway, so it definitely adds an element of concentration and fun!
- Distinct lines are present on many holes for red, white, blue, and gold tees. As such, each tee has a line that rewards the respective skill level. In this regard, the tees are accurately rated, IMO.
- Many pins are well guarded by trees. You better have a good upshot game to try and make par or better.
- All 18 holes are now complete, and there arent any navigation issues. Aside from some long walks to the tee (see cons), you should be fine finding every hole.

- The gravel tees here are terrible for run-ups. The gravel is really thick, too--none of that nice crushed stuff. I know that the DCNR will never pour concrete, but flypads would be nice.
- Long walks between some tees. It's definitely more of an issue on the back nine as it is on the front nine. The course could use some "next tee" signs, as there's only one between #17-18.
- The less fun aspects of nature are quite prevalent here. And I'm talking of course about bugs and poison ivy. Watch out especially on hole #13, as there's quite a bit growing in the middle of the fairway between the tee and pin.
- Not a big fan of the dual pins on a lot of holes. From far away, it's hard to tell whether the pin belongs to gold/blue or red/white shots and is kind of annoying for a first timer.
- Wind from the reservoir can be a factor. I noticed some heavy gusts on the back nine, but I'm sure it's a hazard on all 18 holes.

It's fitting that PA's largest state park is also one of the largest disc golf courses in the state park system if you add up the hole lengths (Codorus and Tyler are larger, but are also 27 holes).

This course is a no brainer if you live in NW PA or are visiting the area. I waited to play here when all 18 holes were done and it was well worth the wait! Can't wait til Prompton is done being worked on so I can compare the two!

It's definitely different than some of the quality courses south of it (Moraine, Deer Lakes, Knob Hill, etc.) in that the course is far more open and less wooded. I would also say that, from the red tees, a beginner would have an easier time playing here than some of the quality courses in the Pittsburgh Area. Well, except for the noodle arm part.

During the summer months, taking a dip in the reservoir is almost mandatory!

From what I understand, the PA State Park Points Series will culimate at this park for the championship. After playing at places like Nockamixon and Pinchot, the competitors should really have fun airing out some discs.

Scenic, well maintained course in a large state park with all the amenities that come with, including several clean bathrooms (with running water), pavilions, camp sites, and lots more: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/s...ion/index.htm

• Interesting set up: Thirteen "Par 3" holes with three tees and a single basket, plus five "Par 4/5"holes featuring dual tees and dual baskets, with the extra (blue) basket in a longer, harder to reach position for those seeking greater challenge. This allows you to play a red, white, blue, or gold level layout... kinda. Does a decent job of accommodating players of varying skill levels.
• Clearly defined fairways were well mowed - really gives the course a much more polished look.
• More long &open rather than short, wooded and technical, but several holes get a bit tight in spots, with decent variety overall. Most holes allow for numerous routes to the basket, with opportunities to throw hyzer, annie, straight and overhand shots. Distances that will have you throwing putters, mids, fairway and distance drivers from the tee.
• Significant elevation comes into play with tee and fairway shots that have you throwing uphill, downhill, over gullies and rises, as well as some greens where rollaway putts can bite you.
• Starts off with an appealing hole that has you shooting downhill to a landing area that lies 400'+ away behind a stand of tree, grass and brush that traverses an otherwise open fairway, for your upshot and putt. The long pin lies another 180'or so further out, tucked in among some trees. The rest of the front 9 is comprised mostly of flat fairways that play through some open fields, except for one or two holes where you really need to work around some trees to reach the pin. Back 9 really ramps things up, with trees and elevation figuring more prominently on more holes. Hole 15 is the only true "technical" hole; a short straight shot through some fairly densely packed trees. Most of the holes are pretty solid and stand on their own.
• Nice, tall 4x4 posts mark each tee with hole #, tee color, distance, and basic hole layout; simple yet effective and really helps you find the next tee. Scorecards with map available at the office near the park entrance.

• No fly-pads when I visited, gravel tee pads are less than desirable, felt unsteady. Please: pour some CONCRETE! This wouldn't be such an issue if this were a short, placement critcal type of course, but it's not. It's a long course that requires power off the tee to score well, and power comes from... the legs. It's hard to crank out good drives on long holes without firm footing to push off on. Most of the holes on this course are quite accessible, so it really shouldn't be as tough to put concrete pads in here as it is on other courses.
• Not a fan of thick, 3ft tall grass lining fairways - doesn't serve to shape shots, its sole function is to hide discs. If I land 15 feet off the fairway, I deserve to hump around looking for my disc, but not on a shot that lands in the fairway and skips or rolls a few feet into the savannah.
• Navigation can be tough, even with the map, particularly on the back 9. Feels a bit disjointed, with several long walks to the next tee that kind of break up the flow. Doesn't really have you throwing over one, but you have to cross a road about 8 times to get to the next tee, which means there are many instances where locating it isn't as obvious as "follow the well-worn path." My round would have taken a lot longer without the map. Also kind of kills that secluded, "away from it all feel." Had to wait for a car to clear the area before throwing my tee shot on 2.
• Holes 2, 3, 5, 6, 12... meh. I'd say they are filler holes to get you to the next hole, but the way the course is laid out, I can't really buy that.
• Some tee signs are damaged/missing.

• Wind off the lake can be strong and figure prominently in disc/shot selection.
• A bit paradoxical in that the park kind of seems in the middle of nowhere, but with the open holes, crossing over roads, holes playing near the park office, pavilions, marina, etc, the course itself lacks that "away from it all" feel.
• Memorable holes: 1, 4, 8, 9, 11, 13,14, 18
• Not sure I buy this as a true Par 66, but I wouldn't call it a Par 54 either. • Not sure how much my perception of "disjointed feel/flow due to long walks between holes" is really the result of being unsure where the hell I was going; entirely possible I might not feel that way if I were familiar with the layout. Visitors take note: I should have used the aerial photograph on the Links/File tab of the course page links on the course page - MUCH better than the map on the score card.
• There's a lot to like, but I have my criticisms.

Beautiful Park.
Fairly new baskets
Tee signs at every hole and decent signage
Tees are color coded Blue white and red, some Gold

Tall grass
Vandals have damaged some of the tee signs
Finding 1st hole was was little confusing.
Some walks in between holes, can be confusing as well.
Dirt Tees

I started this game on Hole 8 . There was no real indication where the begining of the course was, so we followed it from there.
After 8 you walk behind the baseball feild and you will eventually find the Blue tee, opposite corner of the field.

Hole 9 was an enormous hole, with several elevation changes up ,down , and up again.
After the basket you'll walk probably 70 yds past the pavillon thru a field to eventually end up at hole 10 .
Cross the street to 11 , which again plays up a hill to a basket that sits on the edge of a ravine .
From 11 you have to walk back to the street down and around the wooded area..You will see the tee's for 12 in the woods, but no path makes it a hike to get to . After that the course is pretty easy to follow.



Alot of up and down elevation changes in the fairways of this park, which i thought was really unique.
There are several holes with multiple baskets, and not all the tee's indicate it , making it confusing to first timers.
As much negtive as i've said about this course, i still think it is worth the trip. Figuring out the course for the first time was tough.

I drew up a google map, and placed everything as best i could remember. I hope this is able to help somebody in finding most of the holes.

Some tees are kickboard, some are gravel, some rubber

LOts open fields to air it out on . Winds off the HUGE lake will make for some tough throws. Not sure if it is like this year round...but the grass outside the fairways was really tall when i was there.

Fun challenging course, i'd give it 4.5 if was cleaned up a little . JUst some TLC.
Definitely a course you can play over and over.

Marina is near by. They have great rates on Pontoons as well !

Pymatuning State Park is located directly off Route 322 and is easy to get to and fills the NW PA disc golf Bermuda triangle that extends from NE Ohio to Pittsburgh to the Buffalo region. The park itself is well-kept and offers many amenities...not the least of which is disc golf.

Saftey should be one of the first items to consider in the design of a course. In this case, the design guides most throws away from other public areas, walkways, and roads and keeps pedestrians and bystanders safe.

The course design offers lots of variety and a few memorable holes from short shots at the basket to long-bomb, wide-open fairways to tight wooded holes to moderately wooded fairways to any combination in between. Ace & birdie opportunities were present on many holes, especially from the short tees (but, see the cons). In general, there was good use of elevation, incorporating the gently rolling hills throughout the park. There was also some use of water in the design (but see the cons).
Holes 8 and 18 both incorporated water into the design and were the biggest the risk/reward standouts.

Multiple tees on every hole is amazing and makes for a great experience for all levels of play from beginners to long-time, well-seasoned players. Additionally, multiple permanent baskets on par 4 & 5 holes really expands the layout and play possibilities.

Fairways were mowed and well maintained. The rubber tee pads (on those tees that had them) were in great shape.

Next tee signs were present when really needed. The tee signs on some holes showed fairways, all tees, and fairway direction (but, see the cons). Additional convenience features included score cards at the first tee and a practice basket that was accessible at the start of the front and back nine.

On several of the holes (especially from the shorter tees), the layout was repetitive. Numerous holes were simply straight drives or gentle left-turning fairways. Right-turning fairways weren't quite as prevalent. There were many blind baskets on a lot of the longer holes which made throwing decisions difficult.

Additionally, there was limited risk/reward aspects on most of the holes. As such, water OB could have played a larger role in the course design.

While a few of the holes had rubber tee pads, others had gravel and some had none at all. To really set this course off, concrete tees would be a massive foot forward.

While some of the holes on the back nine had detailed tee signs, most holes did not and this type of perk would help the player better comprehend the layout of the fairway and any obstacles.

Once you arrive at the park, navigation to course parking lot is difficult as there are no signs indicating a disc golf course. Further, navigation to first tee from the parking lot can be difficult as well.

Although the fairways and fields were mowed, there are some serious, blood-letting briars and rough along the edge several holes making a lost disc or numerous lacerations a good possibility.

Garbage cans weren't really present on the course. While litter wasn't much of a problem, having a can here or there would help.

Even though route 322 is a major US route, Pymatuning State Park isn't really located near anything and is kind of "out there".

All things considered, Pymatuning State Park's disc golf course was well done and is an enjoyable experience. The variety of play at this course is extensive and caters to all level of player. This course is another testament to the PA State Park systems willingness to work with the disc golf community to install solid, enjoyable courses. If only Erie Bluffs or Presque Isle State Parks would take a hint from Pymatuning, Western PA could become a go-to disc golf destination.

-Located in a beautiful state park with tons of ameneties. There are something like 6 seperate, very well kept, bathrooms along the course, which is the most I have ever seen at a DG course.
-Very Nice DG Terrain. This course plays over gently rolling hills, in and out of wood, and briefly along the lake. No dramatic elevation changes but rarely straight out flat either.
-Hole Variety. There is a great mix of short (200' )and long (750'), open and wooded, left turning and right turning holes.
-New baskets. I think they were Mach V baskets and were in great shape.
-Pro layout. Each hole has three tees. but there are some holes that have an extra pin that makes the hole play much longer adding that little bit extra difficulty
-Distinct Fairways. Each fairway was very distinct with lines clearly available. Each fairway was mowed and in good condition.
-Punishes bad shots rewards good shots. The rough can be pretty thick and punishes shots that get a little loose (I should know since I was in it pretty often) but if you play the holes right birdies are plentiful.

-Tee's on the front nine are gravel and are not in the best of condition. Hole number 4's pro tee slopes down is hard to throw from. These tee's are by no means dangerous but I like the flypads they have on the back nine.
-Hole Number 4 from the pro tee allows Forehanders and Lefties to just swing out and around all of the trouble and gaps that make the hole intersting. Two good forehands and I am sitting under the pin. A couple of small trees planted correctly would funnel everyone into using the fairway.

I had a really great time playing this course. Talking with a few of the regular guys that are the "locals" (even though they are not that local) it seems like the State Parks department is really behind this course and is willing to work hand in hand with disc golfers to create a destination course. And they are well on their way to doing so. This is a great course in a very nice park.

Once the front nine have their permanent tees and tee signs this 9500 foot par 66 lakeside monster is really gonna take off in popularity and reputation. Will battle Little Lehigh, Tinicum, and Prompton for best open air course in PA. The front baskets are set but it is difficult to know where the tees are, thus at present time it is very frustrating. A simple drive and walk around as well looking at the course website gives you a general idea that the front nine are quality holes. Holes 1 and 9 look especially fun. I will report on the back nine which are complete and ready to be played. Multiple rubber tees and multiple baskets make for plenty of options...you could feasibly play 18 on just the multiple basket and tee options of the back nine. The course is set on the southern shores of a beautiful reservoir. Wind could be a factor here. The course is primarily open but don't be fooled shot placement is crucial here to set up approaches for second drives and par opportunities. There are long holes here with long fairways not neccesarily tight but not just open fields either.
Hole 10- Is open with the basket on a sloped hillside making for an elevated approach 355 ft.
Hole 11-Fun open hole with two trees in middle of field which will gobble many a drive. The basket is set on a steeply downsloping green with a creek brooding behind if your too reckless 940 ft par 4
Hole 12- trouble early shooting out of a wooded creekbed and up the bank to a field but requires a low ceiling shot to clear a tree guarding the wide open basket 295 feet
Hole 13-Epic one of the best holes I have played to date requires a perfect opening drive to land to a wooded hillside where your next shot is a tight fairway downhill and over a brooke like area and bridge and then back up to a basket resting in some trees up the gentle rise. Thats right over a field up a hill down a wooded fairway and back up to guarded basket. WOW! 875 ft par 5
Hole 14- A long dogleg left that requires a low ceiling drive then through a doorway in the treeline and down to a landing area where you can approach the basket which has the beautiful reservoir as a backdrop. Scenic 525 ft par 4
Hole 15-A true Eastern Hardwood hole to break up the open air. This one is not a filler but a true quality hardwood hole that woul be at home on any of the best wooded courses anywhere. 300 ft
Hole 16-Another par 4 uphill bomb that doglegs left. requires an accurate drive to set up your big crush up the hill to the protected green atop the rise 710 feet
Hole 17- Finally some relief from the monstrous holes but beware the green and basket area is guarded by the Reservoir so don't over shoot here 360 feet
Hole 18-After a short walk and a clever poetic sign which thanks you for playing and warns of the hole ahead you are met with a truly memorable hole. Its a big drive down to the lake with the basket sitting 10 feet from the reservoir and with the reservoir lining the entire final approach...the drop zone is the short tee which is perhaps one of the most daunting short holes as you must traverse a cove and then the entire shot has the reservoir easily threatening every shot. 675 ft of thrill!

Obviously the mess that is the front 9 detracts from this course for the current time. (May 2009). Once complete I would raise this score to 4.5 discs. It is rather open except for hole 15. Very Isolated so volunteerism and players may be at a minimum. Some nasty shule at places that with a good volunteer base could be taken care of rather quickly.

I really want to love this place and beg everyone to go here. It's just that the front nine were not complete and I don't want to lead anyone astray. If completed and tees and signs are as good as the back nine. Look out World this one will be a must play.

The part that is complete is nicely designed and well marked. Rubber tee mats put some spring in your step. Has a nice mixture of hilly and flatter holes, extremely open holes as well as one in the woods. The unique two pin system is something I've never seen before, but I like it.

Still only the back nine is completed. The fact that the course is so far from major metropolitan areas may be hindering its development; there just isn't a large local population from which people can be drawn to build and play it.
Also, I noticed that one of the rubber tees is already disintegrating. I'm hoping this is just an isolated defect, since I do like the tees.

Given its location and the fact that it plans to be a par-66 course, comparisons to Moraine are inevitable. Only time will tell if it holds up. Once it is complete, those who play Moraine might want to take a detour to Pymatuning to see this course for themselves.