West Michigan’s
Courses on the Coast By Christian Meteor
West Michigan’s most captivating natural destinations almost always fall along the lakeshore — and disc golf is a great way to enjoy them. It’s had fans for decades, with plenty of courses to satisfy them, but the pandemic made the sport’s popularity surge.. Discs flew off the shelves around the state as manufacturers tried to keep up with demand, while tournaments filled up in a matter of hours with full fields of 70+ players. People were loving it, and in a place with so many fantastic courses to play, who could blame them? Disc golf has a lot of things going for it. Most courses are totally free to play. Discs are cheap (and some lakeshore libraries lend them out). The skill ceiling is high. Plus, anybody can play — so it’s a great way to get the whole family out for a day of fun. Coastal disc golf courses make for some of the most enchanting rounds, and Lake Michigan’s pristine shores are brimming with them. Here are our prime picks in the stretch of the lakeshore from Muskegon to Saugatuck. Pro tip: Before you head out, download the UDisc app. 14
McGraft Park, Muskegon At first glance, McGraft appears to be an easy urban-style course — but after hole 8, many parts play through dense thickets and wet lowlands and lack appropriate signage. (A printable course map is accessible on the park website, or use the Udisc app.) This course offers a diverse disc golf experience unlike any other if you’re up for a bushwhacking challenge. 18 holes. muskegon-mi.gov/parks/mcgraft/
Ross Park, Norton Shores With a wooded front 10 featuring concrete tee pads and easy to follow signage, Ross Park is a perfect course for beginners. The throws are not too challenging or long, and the course runs right along the public beach on Mona Lake, so this is a great destination for the whole family. 20 holes. nortonshoresparksandrecreation.com/ parks/ross-park
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4/25/23 3:25 PM