Wayland, MI

Yankee Springs Golf Course

3.425(based on 6 reviews)
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9 0
DFrah
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.8 years 227 played 225 reviews
3.00 star(s)

One for the big arms

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

Yankee Springs Golf Course is located south of Grand Rapids, MI. The site is home to 27 holes of ball golf, and 9 of those also overlap with 18 holes of disc golf.

As you might expect, this course is pretty open as disc golf courses go. But the designers did a pretty good job of utilizing scattered trees next to ball golf fairways as disc golf obstacles. Many holes play diagonally across ball golf fairways, with trees guarding the approach to the basket and occasionally complicating flight paths off the tee as well. Ball golf greens and sand traps are also in play on some holes and are assumed to be OB (although the tee signs do not call them out as such). Thicker brush/forest around the edges of the property or between ball golf holes comes into play a few times.

The main challenge, of course, is the hole distances. Five holes play over 600' length and are scored as par 4s. Besides this, there are three more par 3's over 400'. I appreciated how these long holes are fairly well dispersed throughout the course, with shorter holes mixed in between. Three holes around 250' give even noodle arms like me a chance at a birdie or two.

My favorite holes were #7 and #8 at the back of the property. #7 is the only hole on the course with appreciable elevation change. It's a 371' downhill throw along a ball golf fairway that is also sloping right to left. The left side of the hole is lined with thick brush - actual rough that would be easy for a RHBH throw to fade into. The basket is guarded by a single large pine tree. Right after that, hole 8 presents a 700' challenge - the longest on the course. I liked this one the most of the longer holes because you have the choice to play straight at the basket through an area between two ball golf fairways that actually has some trees to contend with - or you can choose to throw the extra distance out to one of the ball golf fairways but then have the space to air it out without worry.

The baskets are Chainstars in fine shape. One per hole.

The tee signs are large and have a color map of the hole, as well as the hole number/distance and a dotted line indicating where the next tee is. The only thing that they are missing is the par for each hole.

The onsite pro shop has scorecards, a restroom, snacks, and drinks available.

Cons:

It's disc golf on a ball golf course. You'll need to keep an eye out for ball golfers at all times, and per the course website they always have the right of way. The DG course does follow the progression of the "Red" BG course, so you should generally have an idea of who is around you. That said, the groups of ball golfers I encountered definitely did not seem to really understand what I was doing on the course. I imagine it is not very common for them to encounter disc golfers. I had to wait a couple of times.

The holes are very open. Some have no obstacles between the tee and the basket. Most holes have only a couple of trees and/or OB areas to work around. The main challenges here are just the need to air it out on hole after hole, and coping with any wind that may be present. The overall variety is lacking.

Other than hole 7, the course is flat. There are no water hazards.

There is no disc golf infrastructure other than the baskets and tee signs. The tee pads are natural and unmarked - just tee off from the grass next to the sign. There was no practice basket (although you could use #18's to warm up), trash cans, or benches on the course. Other than the path indications on the previous tee signs, there were no navigational aids. The provided scorecard does not include a course map, so I pulled up UDisc to help with navigation. Tape on basket rungs would be nice here.

Other Thoughts:

There is a cost of $13.50 to play a round. This is payable in the pro shop located at the back of the parking lot. Credit cards are accepted. You can also rent a golf cart for an additional fee. I chose to walk, and although there were several long walks between holes I thought it was manageable overall. The course starts right behind the pro shop/golf cart parking (follow signs for the Red BG course).

Yankee Springs is only the second DG course on a BG course that I have played. The DG infrastructure here was in better shape vs. the other one I played (Pine Hills near Lansing), but disc golf is clearly still a secondary activity. For big arms who like this sort of course, I think Yankee Springs is a fine place to play. But personally, I doubt I will be back. I took advantage of my time here as an opportunity to test out some new drivers I purchased - which contributed to an extended stay on the bogey train - but I prefer courses that are more technical, hilly, and naturally beautiful.
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12 0
chad groen
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.1 years 42 played 41 reviews
3.50 star(s)

An Interesting Disc Golf Course on a Ball Golf Course 2+ years

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

Pros:

This course is unique in that it's located on a ball golf course. Most of the disc golf holes are located on or right next to the ball golf fairways, but there are a few that are farther out on the rough, giving you more obstacles to deal with, like trees, weeds, and bushes. Although a lot of the holes are pretty open, there are some trees here and there that come into play on most of them, preventing you from having an easy straightforward shot at the basket. Most of the holes are pretty long, and that makes them more challenging to play. There are signs at each tee pad that are real nice looking and also helpful. Also, because this is on a ball golf course, the grass is very well maintained.

Cons:

Too many of the holes are wide open with very few obstacles to worry about. It seems like the course tried to make up for this issue by making most of the holes real long. This gets tiring after awhile, playing one long hole after the other. What's funny is that a few of the shorter holes actually have room to be a little longer, and they would've benefited from that because it would've made them more challenging in a good kind of way. There are a few holes in which the baskets have some obstacles nearby, but those obstacles aren't close enough to be a factor, so overall there are some missed opportunities for this course to be more challenging to play. Also, I can understand why this course would charge people to play, but it seems a little too pricey. Finally, it's a bit of a turn off that there aren't cement tee pads, but it's understandable for a place like this since it's on a ball golf course (it does help that, because it's on a golf course, the ground is flat and grassy, and that the grass is kept short). It would still be nice though if they could at least mark out the tee pads in a way in which people know exactly where to stand when teeing off.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, this is a decent course to play because it has a few good layouts and the course is very well kept. The biggest problem is that a lot of the holes are real long and mostly open. I suppose if you're going to play a long course, you don't want to deal with a bunch of obstacles, unless you're a more experienced player with a strong arm. It's nice that they give you the option to use a golf cart (although I guess in this case it would be called a disc golf cart) because this long course requires a lot of walking. You do have to pay extra for the cart though just like you would in ball golf.
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11 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Would Be More Fun With A Bigger Arm! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 28, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

I've played, maybe 10 disc golf courses on golf courses (mostly in California) and Yankee Springs looks as though they are really trying to welcome the disc golf community. The gentleman at the counter told me that they had a tournament with 200 players. I bet every one of the 200 could throw farther than me. But that's my problem. Yankee Springs does have these really nice professional looking signs complete with a map. The baskets are new Chainstars. The tee pads are just grass but because of little useage, they're great. All disc golf courses could make do with grass tee pads if you all would not play so much.

The cost is $8 and includes a map and scorecard. Carts are available and I would strongly recommend renting one. Playing alone, I decided against it and as soon as I got out there about three holes (too far go walk back), I was thinking what a dumb, cheap decision I had made. There are some long walks from basket to the next tee.

Because it's mostly flat and a golf course, many drives are open with little in the way of obstacles. There were a few holes under 300' but not many and at least, they were set in trees or around the back of trees. 600' foot holes wouldn't seem so daunting if one could drive 400-450 feet.

Cons:

Much more open then most disc golf courses in Michigan or most other states for that matter.

Grass tee pads not currently a problem in late August.

$8 to play will be a deterrent for some but might keep some undesirables away.

Might have to duck a few golf balls. Good news is you will find a few golf balls.

Other Thoughts:

I don't quite understand this thinking. # 18 is 170 yards (510 feet) from the long tee for the golfers. And there are two sets of shorter tees. But it's 615' for all the disc golfers? Shouldn't our holes be shorter than those guys with clubs hitting little balls?

If I were rating this course strictly for my enjoyment, it wouldn't be a 3, but I know the young and stronger players will like airing out hole after hole here at Yankee Stadium.

And I have to give these folks here some props. I've played similar courses on ball courses where all they've done is marked the tees with little, hard to see ribbons, had no signage what so ever and couldn't wait to take your money. On the other hand, there is a cool little 3 Par Golf Course in San Diego, with wonderful hilly terrain ideal for disc golf, that is now making more money off the disc golfers than the guys with the clubs. How long before we're welcome at Pebble Beach or Augusta National? But then you'd have to wear polo shirts and long pants!
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8 0
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 115 played 89 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 18, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Situated on Yankee Springs' Red nine, this course has plenty of length for those looking to throw lots of long drives. As one would expect, the long grassy fairways originally meant for ball golf are relatively wide-open compared with most disc golf courses. As is the case with other similar courses, bolf greens and bunkers are OB. However, clever design details still provide a satisfying disc golf experience. Instead of running parallel with ball golf holes, disc golf lines tend to either run alongside or diagonally across the ball golf fairways. The best holes include Hole 7, which has a great downhill drive with out-of-bounds fenced areas on the left along the north side of the property; Hole 8, a long (700') but fair hole with unusual lines winding around tree hazards; Holes 11 and 17, more long holes with ideal tee positions and precarious but fair green OB areas, and the 316-foot Hole 12, which is between bolf holes with tall tree hazards. This is a par 4 ball golf course, so fairways often are huge, well-mowed and flat. Pin positions often have separate mowed greens out of the way from ball golf greens, making it easy for bolfers to pass. Though this course is quite long (about 7700 feet), the challenge is not so excessive that it will discourage intermediate-level players, provided they have some throw distance.

Cons:

Being a ball golf course, this doesn't have the all-season convenience of a typical disc golf course. One is recommended to call ahead to arrange a tee time, and you may have to wait for ball golfers to tee off before getting on the course. The distance between tee pads means that a cart is mandatory, adding to cost ($15) but not detracting from the experience. The tee pads are grass and marked with wood blocks, though they do have large visible signs. The distances on the signs are less accurate than those on the scorecard, so check where the basket is before teeing off. Occasionally one can end up shooting at the wrong basket, especially on Hole 17. Watch out for flying golf balls; the ball golfers are fully aware of their right-of-way and aren't afraid to shoot on you.

Other Thoughts:

Loosen up before a round, particularly if you haven't thrown a lot of long drives recently. The relatively wide-open spaces (for disc golf) mean that the winds can be brutal, especially for forehand drives. Those with high-power backhand drives and solid wind putts will fare best. One would expect that rollers would work well, but these are often confounded by subtle undulations in the fairways. However, there are a number of opportunities for well-executed overhand shots, especially on Hole 12. Beer is available in the pro shop (a nice perk), along with course maps and scorecards.
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11 0
apdrvya
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.9 years 350 played 293 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fore! discs... but seriously folks... 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 29, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Aesthetic-- playing along side ball golfers may be daunting for some but they all seemed to be super friendly and welcoming, even chuckling at me pushing my kiddo in the stroller across the fairways!... BALL GOLFERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY!! please remember this.

Teesigns-- beautiful with big beautiful diagrams, distances, direction to the next tee and ball golf layout that you are laid out over.

Tee areas-- nice and level. A couple were a little worn but for the most part they were super flat and nicely marked with red square pegs.

Baskets-- Chainstars. Flags may be useful to add visibility on some of the longer holes but may confuse the ball golfers...

Routing and nav-- easy, maps available at the proshop. pick one up for the longer walks.

Challenge-- the challenge here is based mainly on the distances presented. It's to be expected on a ball golf course and it's welcomed.

Variety-- I spent the entire first half whining about how the course favored lefties and forehanders but by the second half it evened out nicely. I ended up throwing overstable to fight the wind and fade left...

upkeep-- impeccable . being on a ball golf course has it's perks... like a grounds crew.

Ability to rent a cart-- Although I wasn't able due to the fact I couldn't hook a carseat to the cart, it's nice to have the availability.

Cons:

Fairly minor negatives here:
Benches/garbages-- It would be nice to have a bench or two throughout the course. I understand that most will take a cart and won't need a bench but for those adventurous folks who walk, a bench or two would be appreciated.

Topography-- Steve Hedstrom designed both here and Pine Hills in Laingsburg. Pine Hills makes excellent use of the topography of the golf course even utilizing fairways (especially those that have elevation change). Here, there is little elevation change to work with. Only one hole with significant elevation change to speak of. I wish, rather than constantly throwing OVER the fairway you were throwing DOWN the fairway feeling like you were playing GOLF. This may have been a management decision but I think it's a poor use of the natural beauty of the golf course.

Other Thoughts:

I truly think this is the wave of the future having disc golf on ball golf courses and this continues the tradition nicely with plenty of room to expand.

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8 0
hellbound
Experience: 15.8 years 91 played 17 reviews
3.00 star(s)

First time playing a course with golf carts 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 23, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Great club house with full bar and food service

-Everything that you would expect if you where ball golfing

-personally i love the natural tee pads

-good fair balance of holes. Most holes even finishing right will still give you ample room to throw a rhbh to finish

-At the very least two holes could be considered to be signature holes

-Great mix of long bombers and short birdies

Cons:

-First time could be a little hard to navigate even with the map.

- Some of the tee box markers (yellow stake) could be knocked out of the ground with the grounds crew

-Does not play back to the club house after the first nine

- layout little long with the transitions to be walking the course

Other Thoughts:

Really finding it hard to decide on how high of a rating this course should get. First off its the first ball/disc golf hybrid layout that I have gotten the chance to play.

18 holes of great manicured land. The natural tee pads have a feel that as they wear in the box will be moved from time to time to allow the ground to be in the best condition. I am always happy to see a good grass tee pad as long as its not all trampled. More then one of the holes could contend with being the top hole. From a nice 400 foot down hill shot to a 400 foot right to left that has a shorter up the gap line to a pin on a hill side. Few of the holes even play with the bunkers right next to the pin.

This was my groups first time being able to play using a golf carts and what can i say that its fun driving around from hole to hole. We played doubles and it still took us a couple of hours to get the round in, so the 18.00 fee seemed reasonable to me. (not like we are going to play here every weekend)

Personally I would Rate this a 3.5 almost a four if it had a few more trees vs open fairway drives. However being as its unique and not what we all are use to I think a solid three is a fair score. If I ever get a chance to play a couple of different courses with similar setups I might even rate it a little higher.


Looking forward to my next trip back to Michigan to play it again
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