What is Harlem High School like?
Harlem High School is one of 287 PDGA-listed courses in Illinois, and one of 1 in Machesney Park itself. Across 2,871 ft the course fits 9 holes at par 27, which works out to around 319 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Harlem High School?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
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. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Harlem High School charges $5 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 Harlem High School
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Harlem High School
More disc golf near Machesney Park
Harlem High School is the only PDGA-listed course in Machesney Park, but Illinois has 287 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Harlem High School?
Harlem High School has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,871 ft, averaging about 319 feet per hole.
Is Harlem High School free to play?
No. Harlem High School charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Harlem High School good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Harlem High School?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Harlem High School located?
Harlem High School is in Machesney Park, Illinois, at coordinates 42.35576, -89.02543. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Harlem High School?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.