Grand Rapids, MI

Garfield Park

2.55(based on 24 reviews)
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10 0
chad groen
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.1 years 42 played 41 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A Nice Layed-Back Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 10, 2021 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This park has a lot of trees scattered throughout, and the course does a good job utilizing them. They come into play on almost every hole, some more so than others, and they usually set you up either for a tricky drive or a tricky approach shot, sometimes both. There's a decent variety of layouts as some of the holes are kind of narrow with a bunch of trees to worry about, and then there are some holes that are mostly open with only a few trees to worry about. A few of the mostly open holes are pretty long so that it's not too easy to get par. There are a few holes that encourage backhand drives, and there are a few others that encourage forehand drives. Some of the holes have OB and one has a mando. The second hole is unique in that the basket is on top of a pole that's about 5 feet tall. Also, the top rim of the baskets show you where to go to get to the next tee pad, which is helpful.

Cons:

A lot of the holes are kind of short, so as long as you can avoid the trees, which isn't too difficult for most of these holes, you're going to have a good chance of getting a birdie or at least par. A few of the holes are too wide open and could benefit from having more trees as obstacles. On the flip side, there are a couple holes that are too narrow because of all the trees in the way, and it doesn't look like there's a fairway for your disc to follow. Also, there are a few holes that aren't as difficult as they could've been because they each have some trees that are a little too far away from the baskets to serve as obstacles. If those baskets get moved back a little farther then those tree would make those holes trickier and more fun to play.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, this is a nice course with a decent amount of variety. Some of the holes are real tricky and a few of them are kind of easy. As for the rest of them, they're not too difficult, but they're still tricky enough that if you're not careful, you'll hit a tree and end up in a tough position to get par.
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6 0
blidablat
Experience: 7.8 years 11 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Old Trees, Old Park, Decent Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 24, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

Other Thoughts:

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).
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8 0
DFrah
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.8 years 227 played 225 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Outstanding urban park disc golf experience!

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 9, 2020 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

Other Thoughts:

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!
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7 0
MrFrosty
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 31 years 764 played 386 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice Inner City Park Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 9, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

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 ,

Cons:

#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 .

Other Thoughts:

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 !!
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5 0
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 115 played 89 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

Other Thoughts:

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.
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2 2
geodude
Experience: 40 played 38 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A tale of two cities 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 12, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

Other Thoughts:

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.
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5 1
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Fun Recreational Course In A Shady Neighborhood! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 2, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is your typical little, neighborhood city park, complete with abandoned tennis courts. The park and course both show that they get a fair amount of use. The course is definitely recreational in length and difficulty. Only two holes reach over 300' while five play under 200'. The pars are dialed to easy recreational level so the two 300' holes are both rated as par 5s. No problem, go for those eagles, birdies and occasional Aces.

There are no tee pads, just big worn spots in the dirt which keep expanding as players try to get closer or change their angle somewhat. The course could really benefit by installing some front kick boards and maybe some wood chips around the tee box areas. The baskets are new Discatchers with one feature I've never seen anywhere. They have these great little next tee stickers with an arrow on the yellow band. If they're homemade, someone should market them. They're great. They should be on any baskets all over the world.

The designers did a pretty good job here hiding baskets behind or between trees. # 6 was a fun little throw into a grove of small saplings. # 10 is 275' to a basket tucked into some trees.

Cons:

The worn, natural tee pads are an eyesore (maybe not such a big deal in this neighborhood). I would love to see front boards installed.

Recreational length and challenge throughout.

Sketchy neighborhood.

There are holes that play over walking paths, parking and close to streets. Not a huge concern but just things to be aware of.

Other Thoughts:

Not a great course nor a great challenge but it fills the need for locals, rec players, huckers, beginners, etc. I must fit into one or more of those categories because I enjoyed my round here. If I lived anywhere close, I'd play here regularly and be sure to lock my car while playing.
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2 5
myhouseinthewoods
Experience: 13.7 years 14 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Near the Kiddies 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- The pars on this course are really easy to make, as most holes give you many chances to hit the pole.
- Usually in a hole, you get 3 chances to get it in the basket, well most holes here give you 4 or more chances.
- Theres this one hole, during the beggining of the course, where you have to go around a bathroom area, you might hit a person coming out haha, but to me it's fun because you throw your disc and you dont know where it went, until you go around the corner.

Cons:

I dont think I can really think of any cons, except for the distance from my house and this course. Of course this may not affect other people.

Other Thoughts:

There are poles instead of baskets. Which is fine with me, but other people may not like it.
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8 2
jhoover
Experience: 20.3 years 24 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Inner-City Disc 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 12, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

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.

Cons:

- 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!

Other Thoughts:

-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.
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6 0
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
2.50 star(s)

decent inner city park. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 25, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Aesthetic-- course plays around the perimeter of a multiuse inner city park. park is HUGE for grand rapids proper. Surprisingly very little trash or broken glass the day I played.

Teesigns/routing-- decent. the tees tend to point toward the pole. Routing is relatively easy with the exception of finding the pole for #13.

Poles-- all in place and in reasonable condition.

Variety-- maximized in this park. there are mandos (sorta), trees, elevation and is a good time!

Cons:

it's a pole course-- I don't think baskets would survive here.

danger-- plays close to some paths, roads... these areas aren't heavily travelled though.

length/pars-- I don't mind forgiving pars but I threw a -25 the first time I played here.. that's a bit rediculous.

Other Thoughts:

Course is great and not as shady as I thought it would be. I played a pretty quiet round here without being hassled or leered at. good all around.
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2 0
Jbot49506
Experience: 12 years 11 played 10 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Inner city disc 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 13, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This park is with in biking distance from my house. It is very easy to navigate, and if you are in a hurry to get in a quick round you can do this course in 25-35 minutes. I find it very enjoyable to play around the perimeter of the park watching everyone else.

Cons:

It is a stick course with dirt pads, if you are use to cement tee pads and disc catchers than you will most likely not enjoy the course. The signs seem to be a bit off distance wise. You need to be able to throw quite low in order to do really well at this course.

Other Thoughts:

Make sure to park up by the pavilion the tee for hole #1 is just north of there. I feel this course could really be all par 3's. I played this morning and shot 28 under par based on there sticks. This course does make you play low and accurate, if you can not do that then you may have some difficulties. Enjoy this little treasure in the city.
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3 0
jarnson
Experience: 13.8 years 27 played 27 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 1, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

- An okay 18 hole course
- A good challenge with the many trees, the mando on hole 2, and post setup in a group of trees
- Without the great signs, this course would have been a pain in the butt to play, but it had good stats, and a great map (for the most part)
- Mostly mid-range course, with a few long range (top is about 333ft, which is hole 1)
- Played mostly anhyzer shots, good right turns

Cons:

- Posts instead of baskets, gotta change your game to play this
- No cement pads
- Hole 14 was difficult to find, but the setup worked I guess, and it played out well
- No bathrooms
- Can't see posts half the time but once you see it, it is easy to see

Other Thoughts:

- Its an okay park, not the best, but it was enjoyable for the most part.
- Back 9 was the best, so I wouldn't mind playing at least the back again.
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4 0
sgamerp
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16 years 99 played 73 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nicer then I would have guessed 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 12, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Signs, The park had said it was redone by a boy scout group, and they have some nice looking signs they made.

- Great to work on Mids and putting. There are some actually pretty well made placement of tees.

-The park seems to be kept up pretty well.

-Easy to find your way around and play in less then an hour.

Cons:

-Poles, I don't really like poles and I think that is the biggest flaw here.

-It's a park that is multi-use but didn't seem to really come into play besides the first few hole. The road can be in play, but if you are playing smart it shouldn't be anything to go by.

-Natural pads, although some are made on sideways and roads so they kind of are like cement pads.

Other Thoughts:

This place is in kind of a bad part of town, but didn't seem to be very noticeable while I was there. If this place had baskets I would probably play it once a week. It's actually a pretty nice course minus no baskets.

It plays very well around the course and has a lot of good shots to go for. They seem to keep this place pretty clean also for the part of town it was in.

I would say if you live in the area give it a try, it is by far not a destination course at all. It's not even a repeater because of the fact that it doesn't have baskets.... but if I lived in walking distance, I would play it every day.
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1 0
worldbnice
Experience: 15.8 years 12 played 3 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Just to play it 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 16, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Short quick course to play 18 holes. Nice park to walk in. Not too many hard holes to go with. More than gracious if you actually use the pars listed on the posts. I played it all at par 3.

Cons:

Around busy streets, by playgrounds and ballfields, possibility of pedestrian traffic.

Other Thoughts:

If you use the pars listed on tee's, you can shoot way under par for this course. Is fairly open so it is a nice beginner course to learn how to play at a post type course.
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2 0
rshrevo
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 45 played 34 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Garfield Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 5, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course plays around the outside edge of the entire park. nice course to work on your approach shots and accuracy on putting since you are aiming at a post you don't have the luxury of the extra space where the chains might stop your disc. really hard to lose a disc unless you overthrow a hole or shank it badly and it ends up in the street. can play the entire 18 in less than an hour. tees have nice signs stating where the post is located. hole posts have number engraved at the top of the post as well as the par for the hole listed above. fairly easy to navigate your way around.

Cons:

would normally list dirt tee pads as a con but since the holes aren't really that long there is no real need for any other type of surfaced tee pad. The pars listed for this course i would believe are if you actually used a frisbee and not a golf disc. not really in the greatest of neighborhoods. a couple of holes throw across walking paths or next to sidewalks but when i played there was hardly anyone in the park. the post for 18 is only about 10 feet from the parking lot. so don't overshoot the hole if anyone is parked directly behind the post. a couple of holes have fairways the cross each other.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 1 any errant shot left can hit Burton street on the left of the fairway you have the parking lot and a pavilion that could come into play on the right side of the fairway..
#2 The only hole that doesn't really say it but it is a mando to the right of the building and then back left to the hole. The reason behind it is to avoid the beach volleyball court and what looks like a memorial grave site for who the park is named after.
#3 short hole shooting towards Burton street.
#4 post is over near the corner by the stop light on Madison.
#5 nice little hole with trees guarding the post.
#6 Anhyzer shot around the back edge of the ballfield
#7 straight shot with post just past 4 trees 2 on each side of fairway.
#8 Tee sign may look confusing but blue in this case is for the walking paths not water. shoot over one path post is just before second path.
#9 you shoot across old parking lot area to post near trees by sidewalk and back edge of park.
#10 they want you to shoot from access road to post just left of road.
#11 Shoot from access road again towards 4 big trees near shed post is between the last 2 big trees.
#12 Dogleg left post is tucked in by a clump of trees.
#13 have to shoot almost directly in front of the tee for 14 to get to post.
#14 you are shooting back across the fairway of 13 towards a tree out by the open field
#15 you are shooting back and just to the right of the post for #13.
#16 post is just to the right of the tree line. when i played there was a trash can within inches of the post. you could easily bank your disc off the post and have it land right in the trash can.
#17 straight shot post tucked in by trees.
#18 shooting back towards parking lot. don't overthrow.

All things considered it is not a bad little course. the neighborhood may not be the best but the course itself is in good condition. the sign by the 1st tee said the course was redone as part of a eagle scout project. I think it was done really nicely. just need to adjust pars to take in account for the distance a golf disc can fly. par should be 54 at max.
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1 2
mambrose
Experience: 30.9 years 6 played 6 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Not So Much Fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

New Signs, and the last 5 holes are fun

Cons:

Some of the Shots are crazy, like on hole 2 or 3, they want you to throw around a building that is way right of you, then back to the left, it makes no sence. there arent really any tees, and you just throw from where ever you want (on alot of holes)

Other Thoughts:

it seems like a good place to start out at, but after you get used to parks like riverside and johnson, you prolly wont have much fun here

being in the ghetto is kinda scary aswell as the little kids, im glad i played when it was cold out


Sorry to the people wholove this park, but after playing riverside park 6 days a week this park seems worse than riversides pole course.
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1 2
valkyrie
Experience: 16.8 years 10 played 4 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Fun, challening, small 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 18, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Shot selection is great at this course! Also, if your good at controll shots and putting, you will love this course. No spots to loose your disc. Tee Sighns!

Cons:

Small, no holes where you can really throw a long drive. Pole Course (i like poles, however i would still call it a con) Also, natural tee pads are not fun.

Other Thoughts:

Overall it's a fun course as a change from what i normay play. Definatly worth checking out!
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4 5
Terry C
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27 years 54 played 27 reviews
1.00 star(s)

better than nothing?? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 19, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

-good practice
-close to other better disc parks in the area
-cant lose a disc
-your disc golfing
- might get exercise running from someone shooting at you.

Cons:

-pole course with shabby layout
-bad high crime neighborhood
-no tees
-no baskets
-no signs
-crowded with unsupervised kids running wild. Its the ghetto hangout spot, you will see the local gang bangers and crackheads giving you the evil eye everytime.

Other Thoughts:

I would say install baskets but they would all just get stolen imediately. I guess discing anywhere is good but drive a couple miles from here and you got some real good disc parks instead. sorry locals if I hurt your feelings. Any course with no tee pads, no baskets and really honestly unsafe to even be playing disc golf there gets a 1 disc review from me. Honestly dont even waste your time this park sucks. Go to a better park, there are several close by.
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2 1
rbrown87
Experience: 15.9 years 18 played 5 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Little and Loveable 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Logically flowing course (starting and ending at relatively small parking lot) makes posts and tees easy to see -- fantastic signs as well. Post are well maintained and easy to see.

The perfect course for true beginners, or even kids.

Simple, yet effectively satisfying. A great ego boost for the experienced disc golfer.

Park is clean and well maintained/mowed.

Good for a quick round to loosen up or just have some fun. Practically every shot is an ace run; who doesn't like that feeling once in awhile?

We played in the rain and still found the course more playable than, say, Riverside Park. In fact, after playing it in the rain, I will count on being able to go there when other courses are swamped.

No opportunities to "bomb" a disc.

Can a course be cute?

Cons:

No opportunities to "bomb" a disc. Simultaneously not technical.

Course score is a bit ridiculous. With only a few holes more than 100 yards, it would make more sense to make them all par 3's.

Negligible elevation changes.

Holes, as I mentioned, are extremely short. If you're looking for a long, technical course, Garfield Park would be the polar opposite of that.

Occasionally crowded with innocent civilians and children who would rather not be pelted with drivers.

Dirt tee pads will collect water after a rain.

Other Thoughts:

If I were rich, I'd donate baskets just for the heck of it.
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4 1
Adaven
Experience: 24.9 years 22 played 8 reviews
1.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 22, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course uses space very well, the park can be very crowded with non Disc Golfers, but only a few holes pose any problem/delay to your game (Holes one and two). The course is very playable by even first timers. the trees in the park makes for some interesting shots and good pin placement.

Cons:

The course uses natural tees that can get very muddy on some of the holes 1 and 10 get the worst. The course uses 4x4's as pins so there are no baskets. The course is short and easy and par is easy to hit for everyone, which can actually be great for newbies. Several of the hole are really close to the road and it can be busy.

Other Thoughts:

I hate to rate this course so low, it was the first course I ever played in Grand Rapids and it made me feel like a pro. In fact this is the first course I play after the long Michigan winters to get back into the game. Over the past several years I have posted my personal best at minus 24 (marked par of course). All in all this course is truly great for anyone who wants to start playing and I suggest you take anyone who is learning to this course. When they get better take them somewhere else.
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