Chains and Dunes: Disc Golfing in Southwest Michigan's Playground

Southwest Michigan boasts stunning landscapes, charming towns, and, for disc golf enthusiasts, a wealth of fantastic courses! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, here's your guide to hitting the fairway (or should we say, the treeway?) in this beautiful corner of the state.

Courses for Every Throw:

Redeemed By Grace Disc Golf Course | St. Joseph: 

This highly-rated 19-hole course offers a unique twist – play it forwards for a standard challenge, or backward for a new set of obstacles! Nestled near Lake Michigan, this course provides scenic views alongside technical shots. 

Benton River Township Park-River Park Disc Golf Course | Fair Plain: 

This course is a local favorite, recently earning a perfect 5-star rating. With a mix of open fairways and wooded holes, River Park offers a fun challenge for all skill levels. 

Andrews University Disc Golf Course | Berrien Springs:  

This scenic course winds through the beautiful Andrews University arboretum.  With long, open fairways, this course is perfect for letting your discs fly! Be sure to check their hours, as they are closed on Saturdays.

Flaherty Park | Watervliet:

 This park offers a fun mix of wooded and 9 open holes—the first half challenges you with tight fairways through a heavily wooded area, demanding precise throws. A flowing creek adds an extra layer of strategy on a few holes.

Lake Arvesta Farms | South Haven: 

The first elite course is located on the west side of Michigan. The 18-hole, 9,600-foot, par 68. The course is a mix of par threes, fours, and fives, crosses four bodies of water, and features an 80-foot elevation change. The course, designed by veteran course designer and former Disc Golf World Champion Jim Schultz, weaves players through various landscapes found at Lake Arvesta Farms. The course offers tee pads for both novice and seasoned players and offers a 9-hole option for quicker play.

Madeline Bertrand County Park | Niles: 

The Madeline Bertrand disc golf course features 18 holes from spring through fall. The course is open to all during regular park hours and is host to several disc golf events each year. It offers a challenging but fun experience for players of all skill levels. Designed by Ed Headrick, the course winds through 18 holes set amongst tree-lined hollows and open meadows. 

Jones Park | Niles: 

A fairly new course was established in 2021. It's a recreational course playable by beginners and experienced players alike, offering a mix of open shots and obstacles across its 9 holes. The course utilizes concrete tee pads and features a par of 27. While there aren't multiple tee or basket placements to choose from, the course is known for being cart-friendly and offers restroom facilities.

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park | Vandalia: 

An 18-hole disc golf course that winds through a heavily wooded and moderately hilly terrain. Established in 1999, the course offers a challenging experience for intermediate players. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to play alongside a flowing river and catch glimpses of the nearby mountain bike trails.  Concrete tee pads and basket targets guide you through the course, while the natural fairways offer a chance to test your skills in navigating wooded terrain.

SHARA Disc Golf Park | South Haven: 

This 18-hole course offers a fun challenge for players of all skill levels. With open areas and wooded sections, you'll get to experience a variety of throws throughout the course. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, so you can tee off whenever the mood strikes.  Whether you're a seasoned disc golfer or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, SHARA Disc Golf Park is a great place to spend some time in South Haven.

St. Paul's Journey DGC | Stevensville:

A beginner-friendly course perfect for a casual round. With only 9 short holes, all par 3, it offers a quick and manageable game. The course provides some variety with open fields and lightly wooded sections. Play when the church is closed: weekdays from 5:30 pm to dusk (depending on season) and weekends from 9 am (Saturday) or noon (Sunday) to dusk.

Points of Interest:

After Your Round: After conquering the course, head to one of the charming towns nearby. St. Joseph and Benton Harbor boast of delicious restaurants and a vibrant art scene. Take a stroll along the pier and soak up the lakeside views!

Make a Weekend of It: Extend your disc golf adventure! Southwest Michigan offers stunning natural beauty, with options for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Explore the unique shops and restaurants in the area, or visit one of the many beaches for a relaxing afternoon.

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