Black Bear at Shawnee State Park

*Major note- I am the co-designer, founder, and one of the work-mules for this course* Since I was a kid, I have been coming to Shawnee State Park. It was always great playing in the lake, fishing, hiking, and what not... but after discovering disc golf in my mid 20s, I knew what it was missing. I am very thankful to a great parks department for allowing/helping me get this course in the ground. Due to the small (but growing) population of Black Bears in the local area, I lovingly bestowed ...
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*Major note- I am the co-designer, founder, and one of the work-mules for this course*

Since I was a kid, I have been coming to Shawnee State Park. It was always great playing in the lake, fishing, hiking, and what not... but after discovering disc golf in my mid 20s, I knew what it was missing. I am very thankful to a great parks department for allowing/helping me get this course in the ground.

Due to the small (but growing) population of Black Bears in the local area, I lovingly bestowed a majestic name upon this course. I think it is quite fitting. Without detailing each hole, I will say that the course starts wide open with some OB right,long, and left. The course then winds itself up the hill through dense forest. There are long holes, there are short holes. There are uphills, downhills, sidehills. The putting greens often find themselves near roll away or death putt areas. Definitely holes that can kill your momentum with large numbers over par, and holes thrown in between to help boost your confidence and give a chance at ace. One of the great moments is a very elevated shot, teeing off of the peak of the hill that you just ascended (actually from water reservoir) for an ace run. Finally, the last few holes are in the open and re-introduce you to the sky (that you probably haven't seen much of in the last few hours.

The course has changed significantly over the past few years. What were rock piles that you could easily twist your ankle on are now growing rockwalls and steps. What were dicey fairways are more fair. We still have 6 teepads to raise money for. We have permanent signs going in. We have next tee signs in some important locations.

We continue to improve yearly. We couldn't do it without Parks support and some hustle and effort of our small group. We hope you enjoy it!
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this course is not for the faint of heart. it's definitely physically challenging and it puts your disc golfing game to the test. The scenery is stunning. The course is great. No standing water really comes into play until the creek on 17 & 18-- but there are plenty of other ways to lose discs and/or get into trouble. Course is thoughtfully laid out; the first and last 2 holes are conveniently at the bottom of the hillside close to the lake, near the entrance of the Shawnee State Lodge roadway. ...
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this course is not for the faint of heart. it's definitely physically challenging and it puts your disc golfing game to the test. The scenery is stunning. The course is great. No standing water really comes into play until the creek on 17 & 18-- but there are plenty of other ways to lose discs and/or get into trouble. Course is thoughtfully laid out; the first and last 2 holes are conveniently at the bottom of the hillside close to the lake, near the entrance of the Shawnee State Lodge roadway. It gets interesting very quickly as you negotiate the forest and its rugged terrain, climbing the hill, one basket and bucket of sweat at a time... up to the top where the Lodge is located. You get somewhat of a break rounding off the front 9 on a somewhat level grassy knoll...
Fantastic facilities all around-- love this place. Teeing off the water tower/reservoir on #11 was a highlight... It's readily apparent this course has come a long way in a short time, and the people who invest their sweat equity are true ambassadors of the sport! I'm looking forward to the next round already-- see ya at the tournament in September if not sooner!
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The Black Bear course is in fact a bear. I don't guess it's finished yet, but hats - off to anyone who makes it around all 18 holes. First, the terrain is tough. Try not to sprain an ankle or tare your arms and legs off in the greenbriars. But the biggest problem is finding all the tees or getting lost! I wonder if anyone has made it around this course! If you are a young person and very adventurous I'd say go for it! You might like the challenge. Hopefully the course will get better signage ...
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The Black Bear course is in fact a bear. I don't guess it's finished yet, but hats - off to anyone who makes it around all 18 holes. First, the terrain is tough. Try not to sprain an ankle or tare your arms and legs off in the greenbriars. But the biggest problem is finding all the tees or getting lost! I wonder if anyone has made it around this course!

If you are a young person and very adventurous I'd say go for it! You might like the challenge. Hopefully the course will get better signage and a lot of clearing of downed trees, etc. The tee pads on the hillside are either gravel or nonexistent. The tee pads near the roads are concrete though.

No sour grapes. It would be nice to see this course improved and completed. Even if and when it is, it will still be a tough course!
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