Featured Course

Shipwreck Bluff

at Lake Erie State Park

Wayfinding on this course could be a bit difficult without udisc, so I strongly recommend having the app. There are no tee signs, just 4x4s next to the white tees with hole numbers. There are 3 layout options: red, white & blue. On my trip to the course, I only played the white tees. The difference from my observation of the tees was mostly just distance, with a few holes having slightly different lines from the varying tees. The distances & pars on udisc may not be entirely accurate, so take them with a grain of salt. For example, Hole 3 from the White Tees is listed as a 262 foot par 4. This course was designed by Paul Stephens in 2015. Paul has many designs, mostly spread through NY State Parks in the Western NY area, including Shore Winds Wind Rush Alley, Shore Winds the Beast, Wild Buck at Evangola, Angry Apple at Darien Lake & the Beacon at Golden Hill. I’m unsure if it’s the property that State Parks tend to be on or Paul’s design tenants, but you’ll often find a mix of shots such as tight tunnel shots & open bomber throws. Overall my impression of this course was a positive one. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s worth a road trip exclusively to play the course, but I personally feel it’s worth the stop if you’re passing through and interested in camping in the area.

Red Tees: 4728 foot par 58 layout

White Tees: 5537 foot par 58 layout

Blue Tees: 6302 foot par 54 layout

This sign greets guests at the entrance of the park. You'll also walk by it after Hole 9.

Cons:

  • Grass Tees. More of an issue in the Spring & Fall when wet. Likely not an issue when dry in the Summer. The tees weren’t excessively worn.

  • Poor Wayfinding / No Signage. Could not navigate well without udisc.

  • A bit overgrown in some places. It was late spring when I went and still damp, so some of the taller grass / mowing was unavoidable. However one basket in particular was tucked into a cut of the woods and nearly inaccessible / overgrown.

  • Depending on when you go to the park, there is an entrance fee of $7. The park charges from 5/24 - 9/1 (9am - 5pm). If you to go State Parks often, the Empire Pass at $80 may be a great option for you.

Located approximately one hour outside of Buffalo sits Lake Erie State Park in Brocton, NY. Whether you’re taking a road trip down to Pittsburgh (great courses & club) or heading more west to Ohio and beyond, this park will not be too far off your path. The park was only 15 minutes from the I-90 with a fairly simple route to follow. The park also offers plenty of camping options, looks like about $26 per night, so it could make a great layover spot while on that road trip.

Hole 1 from the White Tee looking out at Lake Erie

Pros:

  • Fairly simple design to follow. Once at the tee, most baskets are visible from the tees.

  • Decent variety of shots. I threw a variety of shot types & discs to navigate the course.

  • Short & Quick Playthrough. According to udisc, it averages 1 hour 50 minutes to play. I was solo and didn’t spend much time looking for discs, so it only took me about 1 hour 30 minutes.

  • On Site Camping & Not far off the “beaten path”. Some of the camping options are directly next to the first half of the course.

  • Beautiful & scenic park with a great view of Lake Erie. Hole 18 finishes right next to the lake!

  • According to udisc, there are discs available for purchase, presumably with the course logo on them. I did not confirm this.

Hole 18's Basket gives you a great view of Lake Erie.