When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course
Why Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers an 18-hole disc golf experience suited especially for beginners and casual players looking for a relaxed outing with friends. Established around 2009 and reconstructed in 2010, this free public course is nestled on the south side of Ann Arbor near a gentle hilly and wooded terrain that adds scenic natural elements to the game. With two tee pads per hole and mostly short distances, it is ideal for new players or anyone wanting an easy-to-navigate course. The course is often praised for its accessibility and is a popular spot for locals to introduce friends and family to disc golf. Visitors can enjoy playing in a mixed-use public park setting that allows dogs and is friendly for carts, enhancing the casual recreational vibe. While the course features basic amenities and well-maintained concrete tees, it is important to note that restrooms and drinking water are not available on-site. The Mary Beth Doyle course is recognized for its community feel and is a convenient option for a social, outdoorsy meet-up in a less intense course environment in the Ann Arbor area.
Here's what people think of Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course
As of recent, Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course holds a 4.3-star rating based on 30 reviews.
Reviewers generally find Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course to be a decent, beginner-friendly course that serves well as an introduction to disc golf, especially for locals or those new to the sport. Positive reviews highlight the course's accessibility, ease of play, and the fun environment it creates for friends and family to gather and enjoy the game together. Many appreciate the scenic wooded areas and gentle hills that add variety despite the course's short length. Frequent mentions note that it is a suitable place to bring new players for their first round and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere without the pressure of a highly competitive layout. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out drawbacks such as the course being somewhat overgrown, the presence of thick rough and poison ivy patches, and limited amenities like poor signage, no drinking water, or restroom facilities. A few experienced players mention that the course layout might feel too short and not challenging enough for advanced play, and some users have noted the occasional maintenance issues and the risk of lost discs due to thick brush areas. Overall, the course is appreciated as a solid community resource for casual disc golf, with a mostly positive consensus that it is well-suited for beginners and social outings, though less ideal for seeking out a challenging or polished tournament-level experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Trevor
I love this course! Solid for beginners, I got an ace on hole 1 today! Lot of straight shots in and through the woods. Only problem beyond all the litter was people sleeping on the course? FORE!!!!
Brinsley Porter
Such a fun course! Not very crowded and great length apart. Do wish more people would pack out what they pack in. Needs more garbage cans!
LeAnn D
I play a couple times a year with my disc golf league, Grit & Grace, and there are never restrooms or porta potty's. Parking is challenging sometimes because it's a park within an apartment complex. Great conditions otherwise.
Leanne Ma
Not a bad free course, well maintained. The front 9 has mostly shorter holes. In the summer there's a ton of mosquitos which makes it not worth playing some days in my opinion. But overall, it's a good place to play a quick round.
Rob Baxtresser
I appreciate so much the work that went in to reviving this course some years ago. It is a shorter, more technical course. It is a bit of a weird layout because of the parcel the designers (good job btw) were given to use. And yes, a few woods holes can be too wet, and mosquitos. This is Michigan. I'd like to see wood chips at the baskets. From a useless dumping ground to a decent DG course inside of a nice park on the south side of Ann Arbor. Yeah, I'll take that.
How to reach Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course
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Why Mary Beth Doyle-Disc Golf Course may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course with your friends? This course offers an inviting outdoor escape ideal for socializing and enjoying friendly competition while engaging in a sport that accommodates all skill levels. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, its free public access and scenic setting make it a budget-friendly and convenient destination for groups wanting to bond over an active and refreshing pastime. The course’s 18 holes are thoughtfully designed to wind through gentle hills and wooded areas, creating an immersive experience that encourages camaraderie, laughter, and a break from routine urban life. Whether you’re an experienced disc golfer or newcomers eager to try something new, the course’s mix of easy to moderate challenges fosters a relaxed, inclusive environment where everyone can participate. This laid-back atmosphere combined with the physical activity and natural surroundings makes Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course a perfect choice to gather friends, family members, or coworkers looking to enjoy quality time together, challenge each other, and make lasting memories outdoors.
What activities can you enjoy at the Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course? Primarily known for its 18-hole disc golf course, this facility allows players to engage in a sport similar to traditional golf but with discs (frisbees) instead of balls and clubs. Each hole has two tee pads, typically concrete, and ChainStar targets for putting, designed to offer a fun and competitive experience. Disc golf involves aiming to complete holes in as few throws as possible, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels since players can use varying types of discs suited to different throwing techniques. Additionally, the course’s layout through mild hills and varied vegetation introduces a mix of open and wooded shots, enhancing the challenge and variety. Beyond disc golf, Mary Beth Doyle Park includes picnic areas and open green spaces where groups can relax, socialize, or enjoy casual games like frisbee toss or catch, extending the recreational options beyond structured play and making it a versatile meetup spot. The park as a whole also welcomes dogs on leashes, which means you can bring your furry friends along for the outing, contributing to a lively and friendly group atmosphere.
Why is Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course ideal for a group meetup? Its structure is especially conducive to gatherings due to its 18-hole course set in a spacious public park with natural beauty, allowing groups to spread out and yet stay connected through gameplay or breaks. The course can handle a variety of group sizes since multiple players can rotate through each hole, making it easy to organize informal tournaments or rounds without long waits. The dual tee pads per hole facilitate varied skill levels playing together, enabling beginners to enjoy easier throws while experienced players use longer tees to keep the competition stimulating. While formal amenities are limited—such as no on-site restrooms or drinking water—the park’s accessibility and outdoor picnic spots offer a relaxed setting for post-round refreshments, snacks, and conversations. The course encourages physical activity combined with social interaction, perfect for groups looking to mix exercise with entertainment. Moreover, being a free public course, it removes financial barriers for group outings, making it an economical option for friends, families, or clubs interested in spending several hours enjoying fresh air, nature, and healthy competition in Ann Arbor.
What are the challenges and unique features of the course? Mary Beth Doyle Park’s disc golf course is uniquely designed with a beginner-friendly, relatively short layout, averaging about 180 to 220 feet per hole, aimed at developing throwing skills like backhand and forehand techniques. The elevation changes, gentle hills, and inclusion of wooded areas give players a variety of shot opportunities and tactics for navigating natural obstacles. While some holes demand precision amidst brush and trees, others offer more open fairways, providing a balanced mix of challenging and straightforward shots suitable for novices and more seasoned players. The course includes concrete tee pads and durable ChainStar baskets, which enhance the playing experience and ensure durability in all weather conditions. Although some reviews suggest that occasional maintenance such as brush clearing and signage improvements would enhance navigation and aesthetics, the course remains a well-loved spot beloved for its casual yet thoughtfully laid out design. This combination of natural terrain and course features makes Mary Beth Doyle a strategic yet approachable disc golf destination.
What should visitors know about the facilities and logistics? Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course is located south of the stormwater pond in Mary Beth Doyle Park, accessible by public parking and entrance points on Packard Street in Ann Arbor. The park itself supports a welcoming outdoor atmosphere without extensive built amenities; for example, there are no restrooms or water fountains on the disc golf course premises, so visitors should plan accordingly by bringing water and making restroom stops beforehand. The course operates during daylight hours and is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, fostering an inclusive and unrestrictive environment. Since the course winds through a public park, visitors should be conscious of park etiquette, including respecting other park-goers and practicing environmental stewardship. The surrounding park areas, with walking paths and open green spaces, provide additional options for non-players in the group to relax or explore. Being pet-friendly and dog-walking friendly adds to the welcoming atmosphere for groups wishing to bring pets along for their excursion.
How does Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course compare to other disc golf courses in the area? This course stands out in Ann Arbor for offering a full 18-hole layout in a moderately wooded and hilly setting, compared to other local courses that may be shorter or primarily nine-hole, like Bandemer Park’s nine-hole course. The free access and beginner-friendly design emphasize accessibility for casual players who want a less intimidating but still enjoyable disc golf experience. While some courses may have more extensive facilities or tournament-grade features, Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course’s charm lies in its natural scenery, relaxed pace, and community vibe. This makes it a favored choice for groups who value spending leisurely hours outdoors and practicing disc golf skills rather than focusing solely on competitive play. The course's location in a well-maintained city park also ties into a broader recreational experience, as visitors can enjoy picnic spaces and nature trails in addition to the game itself.
What tips can enhance your group outing to Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course? First, plan for a full visit by bringing sufficient water and light snacks since amenities on-site are minimal. Consider bringing your own discs; however, local sports shops nearby provide equipment if needed. Arriving early or during weekdays may help avoid crowds and facilitate easier group coordination. Using a disc golf app like UDisc can help with navigation and scoring, especially since some signage can be outdated or overgrown in places. Bringing a basic brush clearing tool or gloves might help if you want to assist in maintaining the course while playing. Finally, embrace the outdoors by dressing in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven, sometimes brushy terrain. With these preparations, your group will maximize the fun and camaraderie that Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course uniquely offers.
Hosting a meetup at Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course means combining casual sportsmanship, social bonding, and enjoying one of Ann Arbor’s beloved outdoor gems. The welcoming environment, engaging 18-hole course, and natural beauty make it an excellent place for friends and families to gather, compete, and create joyful memories in the fresh air. The course’s accessibility, combined with challenging but enjoyable play, promises an outing that balances physical activity with quality time, perfect for any group looking to rally together. Whether you are celebrating an occasion, aiming to stay active with loved ones, or simply looking for a new way to experience the outdoors, Mary Beth Doyle Disc Golf Course offers a well-rounded and refreshing destination for memorable group meetups.