Town of Penfield, Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club partner to create unique disc golf course at Shadow Pines

The Shadow Pines property boasts over 200 acres of land offering opportunities for all in the community to enjoy. One such activity that has become among the property’s most popular attractions is the Shadow Pines Disc Golf Course.

The development of the course was achieved thanks to a unique partnership between the Town of Penfield and the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club (GRDGC). Work on the course dates back several years to when a master plan for the Shadow Pines property was developed. Through this process, activities such as disc golf were identified as recreational opportunities for the property.

Armed with this information, the Town of Penfield partnered with GRDGC to create an exceptional amenity in the heart of Penfield. GRDGC led the design of the 18-hole course with the Town completing much of the groundwork including the creation of tee boxes and placement of baskets (think golf holes for those unfamiliar with the sport of disc golf) with the help of volunteers. Since the property was formerly home to a golf course, old bunkers, and other course features were included in the design to create an optimal disc golf experience.

The course officially opened last summer, and in just the short time since its inception, it has become a top destination for disc golfers young and old. Recently, the course hosted a national tournament shedding a spotlight on the Penfield community.

“This is such a great example of the Town of Penfield working with a community group to make a project happen,” said Supervisor Debbie Drawe. “I want to thank GRDGC for its partnership throughout this process. The result is an incredible course that has become widely popular among our community.”

The Town of Penfield would like to recognize all who helped along the way including the following people in particular who have been instrumental in the success of the course:

  • Jason Phelps (course advocate, liaison, designer, return box steward)
  • John Kelly (Penfield resident, sand traps, return box steward)
  • Dave Raffa (course maintenance, disc returns, event organizer)
  • Erika Apple (disc return from water hazards)
  • Andy Holtz (Penfield resident, return box steward, course maintenance)
  • Brad Pfrommer (course maintenance, installed the locked return box
  • Dave Copp (course maintenance, return box steward)
As a reminder, for those who use Shadow Pines, a lock box is available to return lost discs. The box is located near the main entrance and first tee box. Your help is appreciated in returning discs to their owners!

Looking ahead, Penfield will continue working closely with GRDGC to make the course even better for all in the community to enjoy.