What is Willow Stream Park like?
Set in Buffalo Grove, Willow Stream Park has been on the PDGA course list since 1999. Across 1,818 ft the course fits 9 holes at par 27, which works out to around 202 feet per hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
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 forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. 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 Willow Stream Park?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
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
Willow Stream Park 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 Willow Stream Park
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Willow Stream Park
More disc golf in Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Creeks Park | 9 | Beginner | $5 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Willow Stream Park?
Willow Stream Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 1,818 ft, averaging about 202 feet per hole.
Is Willow Stream Park free to play?
No. Willow Stream Park charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Willow Stream Park good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Willow Stream Park?
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 Willow Stream Park located?
Willow Stream Park is in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, at coordinates 42.15881, -87.97266. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Willow Stream Park?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.