Grand Rapids, MI

Riverside Park

3.335(based on 43 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Riverside Park reviews

Filter
1 2
lampin
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
1.00 star(s)

could be a lot better 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 5, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

its better than not playing

Cons:

-lots of water holes
-frequently throwing into groups of people enjoying the park who are oblivious to the disc golf course
-old out of date signs that need removing
-bad tee pads
-lots of holes that are just wide open fields, you dont really get to throw any technical drives

Other Thoughts:

seems like they have the space and means to move things around and fix a lot of these problems
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
DFrah
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.8 years 227 played 225 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Underwhelming (for now?)

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 2, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

As other reviews have mentioned, Riverside Park is large and mostly open. The course plays around and near two large lagoons at the center of the park. Several of the holes use these lagoons to create significant water hazards.

There are 18 DISCatcher baskets that look brand new (new since the photos on here were taken). They have correct hole numbers on them. A few of them were in very interesting locations that added to both the degree of challenge and my enjoyment of the round (read: near the water). Most other baskets at least have a couple of trees between them and the tee. There is a new-looking practice basket, which also aided me in finding the beginning of the course (see Cons).

Cons:

There is a kiosk, but the "course map" on it is a faded 8.5" x 11" piece of paper that didn't seem to be fully accurate (the pin locations seemed correct, but not all of the tee pads). The map here is not fully accurate either. It shows hole 1 correctly and gives a correct general idea of how the course plays, but:
- The holes shown as #5, #7, and #12 have been removed. The numbers of the surrounding holes have been re-numbered accordingly (based on numbering on baskets only).
- Holes 14-18 are now south of the park road (where only holes 17 and 18 are shown on the map).

There are concrete tee pads, but they kind of just seem to be slapped down at random in the park. It wasn't clear to me if some holes are supposed to have multiple tees, or there are extra tees from an old layout that need to be removed. I think it's the latter.

Only a couple of the tee pads had tee signs, and the ones that were there were very old and didn't seem accurate.

The beginning of the course is difficult to locate within the park. The location pin on here is accurate, but to get there you have to enter the park at the Guild St roundabout, then immediately turn north along the drive to a small parking lot next to Monroe St. This entrance to the park is marked "Disc Golf" which is helpful, but don't be like me and miss the sharp turn north. If instead you continue west and park in the lot that way, you will find a kiosk with a map for an old pole hole course on it (this map is in better condition than the basket hole course map). I thought that this pole hole course map was the basket course map and had to do quite a bit of walking to figure it out. The old pole hole course also plays in the same area as holes 14-18 of the basket hole course, which at best doesn't make any sense and at worst could be dangerous. Anyway, I finally got back in my car and spotted what turned out to be the practice basket from the road. Once I parked and viewed the correct kiosk, it was still a walk north across a field to the first tee as other reviewers have mentioned.

This place is flat as a pancake with few obstacles other than the water.

Would definitely be largely flooded in the spring.

Errant throws could find a busy walking/jogging path on several holes (it was pretty well populated, even on the very hot day I was there). This is also a popular non-DG park where people could be having a picnic on fairways, etc.

I read about the geese and their feces in other reviews, but you really have to see it to believe it. I did not finish one hole because there were about two dozen geese in the 100' or so between me and the basket, and I would likely have hit one of them with my approach shot.

There is plenty of freeway noise throughout the park with US-131 just across the river.

Other Thoughts:

The hole info on here is inaccurate as of this writing. If I was certain where the tee pads were I would try to go back and update it.

From experiencing everything I have described above, I came to the conclusion that this course might be in the process of being renovated (new baskets currently, new tee pads and other infrastructure to come later?). With renovations this course would be closer to the 3 or 3.5 score it currently sits at on here, but right now IMHO it definitely falls well short of that. I can't recommend it as it is now unless you are a local who really enjoys water hazard holes. I live nearby so if I hear it is renovated, I will probably play it again and will update this review.

UPDATE September 2021: No real changes since I wrote this last year. This could be a fun, mostly open round with the water hazards and scattered trees...but the course currently seems to be in a state of neglect. As of this writing, the previously mentioned "Disc Golf" sign at the entrance to the park has partially fallen off its mount and appears to be hanging on by a single nail. That sign is kind of the entire course in a nutshell.

UPDATE August 2022: Nothing has changed since last year, but the city put up a large information board near the parking lot that goes into detail on multiple improvements to the park. This board makes no mention of disc golf, but it does detail plans for a pavilion right at what is currently hole 10's fairway. This makes me a little bit concerned about the future of disc golf at Riverside Park.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

My Fourth Riverside Park Course Played! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 1, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

This Riverside Park is a large sprawling, flat park in Grand Rapids. The course is predominately open lawns with some scattered mature trees to provide obstacles to throw around as well as, some water hazards and the street coming into play on the first few holes.

The amenities are basic with trapezoid shaped concrete tees and there are simple little faded, wooden signs with the information routered in. Some signs are missing or haven't been changed to account for the revised layout. At the start you'll find picnic tables. The baskets are new Discatchers which are easy to spot on the longest holes.

Holes 1-5 are pretty standard issue. Of these, only # 4 plays longer than 300' and you always have a few trees to try and shape your line through. The navigation got confusing here. My on-line map is out dated and I had to scout around to find my way.

# 10, although treacherous, is a great hole. The basket is 500' away and hysers around the water and set about 20' feet from the water. One option would be to lay up and then throw across the water on your second shot which would be mighty scary.

Then # 11 is 280' throwing across the corner of the lagoon is another great tourney hole.

The # 12 basket is currently set right next to the water and the wind, distance and water makes this a "pucker up and throw hole". These three holes in a row must have seperated the men from the boys in the recent Senior's Tournament held here.

Cons:

Lots of geese and their droppings.

Lots of holes with little in your way except a few trees.

Totally flat.

First tee pad is difficult to find.

Navigation is difficult. I wasted a lot of time wandering about.

Other Thoughts:

Players with big arms will at appreciate the bomber holes here and better players will enjoy the challenging water holes with their tricky basket placements. Intermediate players and above probably won't feel challenged except for the water holes. Recreation players will be intimidated by these water carries.

I think the course is lacking a true identity. Besides it's water holes, it's probably a little too mundane for better players. Recreation players will be OK with the more open holes and probably skip some or all of the dangerous water holes. In the end, I'm not sure what player is completely happy here.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
Spindler
Experience: 6.8 years 3 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 20, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

* Challenging but not too bad
* Tees are all concrete or mats
* Good, new Innova baskets
* Great scenery
* Great shade

Cons:

* Geese crap everywhere
* Some holes have needless water (peninsula hole)
* Map hasn't been updated as of 9/1/17 since they redid the course spring '17
* Can be confusing where you're going
* Pedestrians come into play if you're not super great

Other Thoughts:

I loved playing this course, and just skipped the water holes. The PDGA released a map for the '17 Masters, but it's not entirely accurate for the standard player (they moved some tee spots, etc.). Wish there wasn't so much geese crap.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 1
OCKWRd
Experience: 20 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good course when water levels are down 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 17, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Tee Pads
Near downtown
Layout

Cons:

Flooded fairways and baskets (early-mid season)
Goose droppings
Can be crowded/lots of pedestrian traffic

Other Thoughts:

I live very close to this course and play here frequently, especially when the water levels come down.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 0
stndpenguin
Experience: 24.9 years 53 played 7 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 10, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- Easy navigation
- Open layout to test actual flights of new plastic
- Water holes to test the mind

Cons:

- Busy park
- Lots of trees have died and made some holes point and shoot
- Goose poo

Other Thoughts:

The course I learned to play on forever ago. Still fun to go throw a round at especially if bringing players new to the sport. Its dated and the city neglects it for the most part but they do replace baskets when stolen. Not quite worth traveling to if youre from way out of town but if you're visiting or a local, you'll enjoy it
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
Jbot49506
Experience: 12 years 11 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Riverside 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 16, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice open field prior to the first tee, I love warming up here for nice open drives. The cement tee pads are all fairly decent lengths, and the disc catchers are all in good condition. There are usually lots of people playing, it is always fun at Riverside!

Cons:

There are water hazards on a few holes. Around these water hazards there are also lots of geese, where there are geese there is lots of goose crap. This is particularly bad especially on the hole that goes out on a little peninsula, there is so much crap out there that the grass does not even grow.

Other Thoughts:

Most average players skip the water holes on this course. As I find myself getting better I challenge the water here more and more. I really enjoy the big trees and playing near the water! There are also lots of people in the area that sell used discs if your in the market for one.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
chad groen
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.1 years 42 played 41 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A Decent Course in Need of Signage

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 6, 2022 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is a somewhat scenic course that offers a decent variety of layouts. It's located near the Grand River, and there's also a big pond in the middle of the park that comes into play on a few holes. There are tons of trees scattered throughout the park, and each hole has at least a few trees that come into play. A few holes are next to wooded areas that are dense enough you don't want your disc to go in. There are a couple holes that favor backhand drives and a couple holes that favor forehand drives. There are also a couple blind tee shots. There are two holes that are unique in that their baskets are located on peninsulas, then there's another in which you have to throw your disc over part of the pond. Also, most of the holes are par 3 range, but most of them aren't that short either, while a few of the holes are long enough to be par 4.

Cons:

First of all, it's kind of hard to find the first hole for this course. The tee box is a long walk from the parking lot, and it's not clear which parking lot you're supposed to go to if you want to play this course (and this is a big park that consists of multiple parking lots, baseball diamonds, and some other things). You sometimes have to do a lot of walking to find the next hole. Finding holes 14-18 is especially difficult. Some holes don't have any signs, while others have signs that look like they've either been vandalized or simply rotted away because of how old the wood looks, so sometimes you have no clue if you're at the right hole and don't know where the basket is located. Quite a few of these holes are fairly easy, especially for more advanced; they don't have many obstacles and the fairways are wide enough that you have lots of room to work with. The holes next to the pond can be real muddy if it's rained recently, and sometimes they can also have a lot of goose poop (apparently the geese love this park). Those holes are also close to a walking path, so on a busy day you'll want to be careful not to throw your disc too far to the right where the walking path is located (which can complicate things because throwing your disc to the right on those holes is a safe option with the pond being on the left). You might even have issues with people fishing along the shore on some of these holes. I've seen people fishing near some of the baskets.

Other Thoughts:

Overall this is a decent course, but at times it seems a little too easy to play, especially most of the front 9. The biggest problem, however, might be that it's in serious need of signage. Not only do all the tee pads need new signs, but there are also times when they need signs showing you where to go to get to the next hole, including the very first hole.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Mixed feelings 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 18, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through a flat, grassy park with scattered mature trees. Most of the holes have enough trees that you have to pick one of several lines and hit it to score well. Water comes into play on several holes, with a couple water carries (offering safe routes for shorter arms) and a few tricky pin placements that offer nice risk. The peninsula hole is a great risk/reward shot, plenty of room to lay up and leave a long putt with water behind, or go for the park job and risk getting wet on the drive.

When I played, the course was mowed and in pretty nice shape, the baskets show some age but catch fine and the concrete pads are grippy and a decent size. The course flow is obvious and easy to follow. There is a good mix of hole lengths to keep it a little more interesting, with a couple that let you air out a driver.

Cons:

The only tee I had trouble finding was the first one, it's a long walk from the parking lot and hidden behind a bush. A little signage at the parking lot with a course map would go a long way. Several of the signs had distances that didn't seem to match what we were throwing at. There was a lot of mud and standing water on the holes near the water, seems like flooding is an issue and the course holds water for a while after. The later holes have a lot of goose crap, a bit gross and unsightly.

The course feels pretty wide open and flat, there are trees on most holes but not enough to force tight lines or make you pay for inaccuracy off the tee. There are a few spots on the back 9 where holes can potentially interfere with other park activities on a nice day.

Other Thoughts:

Beginners might find the water shots a bit daunting, though otherwise it's a forgiving course with only moderate length. More experienced players won't find their line shaping skills tested here, the only real challenges are on the water shots and a couple longer holes.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
14 5
B3NDER
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18.8 years 120 played 15 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Watch where you step 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 3, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

***FREE TO PLAY***

• Located within a large, city park with plenty of other activities going on (baseball fields, multiple playgrounds, jogging/walking/bicycle paths) The park itself is rather flat and grassy, and plenty of older trees, and with an addition of some new saplings that are strewn about (Hole 2, Hole 3) There are multiple holes with water hazards that come into play (13,14,15,16) so there is some risk/reward options there to test your accuracy and driving.

-Specifically hole 15 which is a Peninsula Hole, or better yet called "Goose Sh*t Island" would be definitely considered the Signature hole of this course, if it weren't for the insurmountable piles of goose mines everywhere. This is a more challenging hole, focusing on placement as not to overshoot and go in the swamp water behind the pin. I want to say this hole is a "Pro" for the course and not a con...but I'm not too sure with the amount of goose crap everywhere.

• Another Pro to this course would be the large open field that is between the parking lot you'll pull up in, and the first hole. You can use this area for warming up some drives, or just tossing a disc back and forth to work on accuracy.

- I have brought my DGA M-14 portable basket to this field as well to warm up and practice putting on nicer days, as there is no practice basket here.

• The upkeep here in terms of mowing and trimming is usually pretty good, with the grass and weeds never getting out of control.

• The baskets here are DISCatchers, and for the most part are still in decent shape.

• Concrete tees are always a plus and most are in decent repair.
- There are a usually a few trash cans at the course (Hole 1, Hole 7) and also a few picnic benches to rest on (Also Hole 1, Hole 7 and a few others)

• Navigation here is easy enough to follow, as the park wraps around the disgusting swamp water in the middle of the park, and as soon as you finish up on 18 you'll be within a few minute walk of the parking lot where you started.

• With most of the first half, and some of the second half, the holes are open throws with obvious lines and just a few trees to avoid. Perfect for beginners as well as more familiar players to practice their drives/line shaping. Nothing TOO complex however. Shot variety exists, but is at a minimum.

• Course is definitely cart friendly, as long as you don't mind doing your best to avoid goose landmines.





Cons:

• First major con is the fact that the first hole is difficult to find if you don't know where you're going. I've been asked multiple times by new comers where the first pad is. The parking lot that you park in has a field next to it, and you have to go across the field to a large bush on the right hand side by the road. The first pad is there behind that bush, as well as a trash can, and picnic table.

- This park would benefit from a map located up front to at LEAST inform people where the first hole is located, as well as maybe some updated hole lengths etc.

• Seems they have been making some changes at the park lately, trees have been being cut down in some spots (Hole 9 used to be an awesome Risk/reward chance, with multiple lines to choose between trees, but now is a barren and extremely boring open shot at a basket, YUCK) and some new saplings have been planted around as well. (Hole 2, 3)

• The teesigns are AWFUL (that is if they are even still there) most of them are either gone, drawn all over or just plain unsightly. It seems that most of the distances are way off too, not really sure how they got that far off track.

• People seem to like to leave trash all over, even with the amount of trash bins around. Bottles are usually at every pad, as well as left on the top of the basket. If you brought it in, bring it out as well.

• As I stated, Geese like to hang out at this park due to the swamp water that is in the middle of the land. So you have to be weary where you step as it is pretty much a guarantee you'll step on a nice pile, or your disc may land in it.

• Flooding is a huge issue here as well, and can sometimes make it impossible to play the first couple of holes, as well as Holes: 13,14,15,16. Also, it seems like the water will sit for days and days and take forever to evaporate. Likewise, sometimes the river water and pond will dry up significantly, and stay gone for extended periods of time. It all depends on the season.

-Bugs here are terrible in the summer months around the water holes, BRING BUG SPRAY!

• Advanced players just won't find this course an overall challenge, as it is more suited to beginners/intermediates.

Other Thoughts:

This course definitely has potential, however just the sheer amount of goose dump everywhere just really drags this place down. Some of the holes have been getting changes made to them indirectly, as trees have been getting cut down and some new ones put in. I think taking OUT obstacles here is a bad call, as wide open shots with nothing to challenge you is just no fun.

This place is generally FULL of chuckers on the weekend, so if you are looking to get a more serene, calm round in, come early morning or even during work hours to avoid the shenanigans.

All-in-all a good course to get practice in at, as well as some meeting some decent regulars. I pretty much only played this course as much as I have because of how close it is to my house, but given the option to play elsewhere, I would take it. There is also a pole course (Riverside South) located in the same park that is worth a quick play through as well.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
jarnson
Experience: 13.8 years 27 played 27 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Riverside = Sure IS! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 25, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

- A very challenging course
- Not too many terrain changes, but it makes up for that with the challenges of the trees, water hazard and the road along holes 1-5.
- A great 18 hole course in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
- Hole 15 is the most memorable hole on the whole course. The Peninsula!
- Tees are great and baskets along with posts are in great condition.
- Good anhyzer and hyzer shots course
- Bathroom right by the parking lot to hole one.

Cons:

- Goose poop around holes 14-16 are so caked up that most stray away. 15 is the only one worth walking through to play.
- During the early part of the Spring and later parts of the Fall the water rises and most of the back 9 are flooded, making it inaccessible to play.
- The bog along most of the course is discouraging due to the fact that it stinks, is mucky, and if you lose a disc in there, chances are its gone.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, I loved playing the course, even with the above aforementioned cons. Just remember to bring water and crappy discs/shoes for most of the course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 9
libertine5010
Experience: 19.8 years 21 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Professional but wet 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 14, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Well designed. A great mix of distance and technicality. Water adds a fun mix of pressure and skill. Holes 1, 7, and 14 are gems.

Cons:

Since its so close the Grand River, flooding can be extremely troublesome. Hole 15 can be nearly impossible half the season.

Other Thoughts:

A must if in the Grand Rapids region. Besides Brewer, Riverside is the most professional course in Grand Rapids
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 5
B1eedB1ue
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 14, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Perfect distance for me, I like throwing long, and Riverside lets me open up on a few while still having the challenge of a few trees.
Varied hole types
Water holes (with exception of goose poop peninsula) are just right.

Cons:

Goose poop peninsula, skip every time, can't afford to risk losing discs here, and it's covered by bird feces.
Sometimes they go too long without cutting the grass, killing any skip or roll.

Other Thoughts:

Definitely worth it. Bring more than one disc just in case, but if you choose to play safe you won't lose a disc.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 4
discdeviant
Experience: 25.8 years 111 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

good course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Fair layout w/ good mix of shots
4 very challenging water holes
Pretty scenery

Cons:

Goose crap is a problem on 1 or two holes
Lost discs happen frequently in water

Other Thoughts:

Best course in Grand Rapids. Definitely check it out if you get a chance and enjoy the back nine.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 1
rshrevo
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 45 played 34 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Riverside 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 29, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

nice large concrete tee pads. course has a lot of long and short holes. easy to navigate course. challenging holes when water is in play.

Cons:

goose crap on holes is really bad. some signs missing but tee pads do face the hole. prone to flooding from heavy rain or spring snow melt.

Other Thoughts:

Overall i really like this course have played it many times over the years. Its a nice long walk as you walk around the course. plus with the first tee on the other side of the ball field it gives you a chance to warm up and throw some warm up drives as you head to the first tee. a chance to work on some long drives as well as some control shots when you get near the water.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
12 0
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 315 played 266 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Riverside 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 16, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Located in a well-manicured multi-purpose park. The course forms a ring around a sort of lake created by an off-shoot of the Grand River and is mostly open grass with little to no underbrush. Water figures into play prominently on several holes, giving the opportunity to go over the pond or around it. One basket sits precariously close to the water on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the pond.
-Mature trees dot the park, and the designer did a great job of weaving the holes around them. The trees force you to take one of often several potential lines to the baskets.
-Concrete tees in good shape. Trashcans, portajohns, and benches located throughout course. Fairly straight forward flow without much possibility of getting lost.
-Optional 19th hole allows you the opportunity to skip a water hole if you choose and still get a full round in. Look for the natural tee by the yellow fire hydrant after finishing #18. The optional hole uses #18's basket.

Cons:

-Goose shit. Geese congregate near the water and answer nature's call without much regard toward such foreign concepts as "fairway" or "putting circle." The shit is literally caked inches thick on the peninsula hole, pretty much entirely spoiling the fun of playing it as you tip-toe around disgustedly. The fecal matter lay scattered throughout the water holes like a cancer on an otherwise quite fine course.
-A few missing signs.

Other Thoughts:

-Located near hole 18 is a bonus nine-hole pole course which apparently pre-dates the main course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 2
GREG2305
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Never again! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 1, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice layout and park setting

Cons:

Too much goose crap !!!!

Other Thoughts:

Actually had to clean the crap off my shoes after playing this course.
Peninsula hole should be closed as a potential health hazard from all the goose crap.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 5
brandi8326
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 8, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice layout, fun course to play. I would defiantly play it again when it's not so wet. Even though both days we played it rained. But it was still fun.

Cons:

Lot of water hazards. WET WET WET. It is right next to the river and when it rains its stay wet for awhile. Lots of goose crap. In fact they had flyer about e coli and the goose crap.

Other Thoughts:

i liked the layout of the course, minus the geese crap and on a dry day this course would be pretty great.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 3
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
3.00 star(s)

the bog of eternal stench 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 14, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Tees--Pads are large, level and concrete. well placed in relation to the target.

Variety--There is some variety but, mostly open shots with some light trees sprinkled in for fun.

Navigation-- Pretty much easy. with the exception of the long walks between 5 & 6 and the bridge between 16 & 17, it's pretty easy to navigate.

Scenery-- Set in a beautiful park on the river. probably the most idyllic setting in GR.

second course-- Riverside (south) is a highly overlooked and underplayed pole course to the south of the main course. I think it's fun and it's a very quick play.

Cons:

There is only one multifaceted con: Conditions.
--With the rise and the fall of the Grand River, the course can be bone dry one day and half submerged the next. The lagoon (bog of eternal stench) that the course wraps around is stagnant and doesn't move in a lot of places. The water is super murky and stinks and unless your disc is within a few feet of shore, you're not getting it back.
--Goose poop/salmonella threat-- There is goose poop EVERYWHERE, 14, 15, 16 are generally so caked with poop, most regulars don't play these holes. (I have only seen people playing the peninsula (15) once or twice). There are usually salmonella warnings posted everywhere to disuede you from going in the water or putting your hands in your mouth or eyes.

Other Thoughts:

A lot of the tee signs have gone missing in the last month or so, however, the pads directly face the basket on most holes.

It's still a very popular park and currently, the river and bog are at a record low.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 115 played 89 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 9, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Big cement tees on all 18 holes. Many front nine holes are right-sized (275-425 feet), with enough trees and multiple paths to keep things from getting boring. Easy navigation with the exception of Holes 9 and 10, which require a right turn before the bridge (easy to skip 9 and 10, and end up at 11). Adds several water holes on the back nine that are fun, but are serious disc-loss hazards (lost a disc I'd owned for two years on Hole 16). Hole 15 is a peninsula hole that is a unique challenge, but watch out for goose poop. Free admission.

Cons:

Many holes are likely prone to Grand River flooding (Hole 6, 13, 15, 16). A few others in the area not playing golf can get in the way. A very flat river plain, with no more than 10-15 feet of elevation on any given hole. Old signs are nearly illegible. Very old single chain Discatcher baskets. A minimum of benches and bathrooms along the way. Not a whole lot of course diversity.

Other Thoughts:

A city park course with cut grass and big trees in the mold of McGraft Park in Muskegon, Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge, or El Dorado Park in Long Beach, CA. Winds along the Grand River and a small bayou connected to the river, with lots of waterfowl. Not a destination course, but a fun course with nerve-wracking yet fun signature water holes.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top