What is Northwestern Michigan College like?
Northwestern Michigan College is one of 308 PDGA-listed courses in Michigan, and one of 5 in Traverse City itself. Across 2,448 ft the course fits 9 holes at par 27, which works out to around 272 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is open/rolling — open fairways across rolling ground, which puts the emphasis on distance control and wind reading. With few trees to block it, wind becomes the main hazard, and the rolling ground means discs run out unpredictably after landing.
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 Northwestern Michigan College?
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
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. 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 Northwestern Michigan College
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Northwestern Michigan College
More disc golf in Traverse City
Traverse City has 5 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace Park | 24 | Intermediate | $3 |
| GOREC Disc Golf Course | 18 | Intermediate | $5 |
| Hickory Hills - North | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Hickory Hills - South | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Northwestern Michigan College?
Northwestern Michigan College has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,448 ft, averaging about 272 feet per hole.
Is Northwestern Michigan College free to play?
Yes. Northwestern Michigan College is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Northwestern Michigan College 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 Northwestern Michigan College?
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 Northwestern Michigan College located?
Northwestern Michigan College is in Traverse City, Michigan, at coordinates 44.76590, -85.58243. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Northwestern Michigan College?
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.