What is Bow Lake Golf Course like?
Bow Lake Golf Course is one of 287 PDGA-listed courses in Illinois, and one of 1 in Barry itself. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 6,714 ft — an average of about 373 feet a hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course demanding overall, making it experienced players who want a real challenge. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Bow Lake Golf Course?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Bow Lake Golf Course charges $3 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Bow Lake Golf Course
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Bow Lake Golf Course
Barry, IL — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Bow Lake Golf Course
More disc golf near Barry
Bow Lake Golf Course is the only PDGA-listed course in Barry, but Illinois has 287 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Bow Lake Golf Course?
Bow Lake Golf Course has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,714 ft, averaging about 373 feet per hole.
Is Bow Lake Golf Course free to play?
No. Bow Lake Golf Course charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Bow Lake Golf Course good for beginners?
It is rated advanced difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Length, tight lines, and unforgiving misses mean newer players should expect a long round. Play the shorter tees if they exist.
How long does it take to play Bow Lake Golf Course?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Bow Lake Golf Course located?
Bow Lake Golf Course is in Barry, Illinois, at coordinates 39.69926, -91.02976. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Bow Lake Golf Course?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.