As one of the most legendary venues in professional disc golf, Northwood Park in Morton, IL, has been a staple of the Ledgestone Open since its inception in 2011. Over the years, the course has evolved dramatically, growing from its original layout into a world-class championship destination. Today, Northwood Park boasts two permanent courses, each offering a unique and unforgettable disc golf experience:
- Northwood Blue – A balanced mix of original and new holes, blending wooded fairways, orchard-style shots, and open bombers, with plenty of elevation changes.
- Northwood Black – Considered by many to be the hardest course in the world, this brutal championship-level track tests even the best players with tight fairways, extreme length, and punishing rough.
Northwood Black – One of the Hardest Courses in the World
Northwood Black isn’t just a course—it’s a test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. Created after the 2019 Pro Worlds event, Northwood Black was designed to be a true championship-level layout, demanding precise placement, elite shot execution, and an incredible level of patience.
At nearly two miles long, with tight wooded fairways, punishing rough, and grueling elevation changes, playing even par here is a professional-caliber round (1020-1025 rated).
Course Highlights
- Extreme Length – Nearly 10,500 feet.
- Brutally Tight Fairways – There is no room for error; a single mistake can cost strokes.
- Punishing Rough – If you stray off the fairway, recovery is often a difficult scramble.
- Championship-Caliber Challenge – A true mental and physical test, for even the highest skilled players.
Northwood Blue – A Course with Variety
Northwood Blue is a beautifully crafted course that showcases the best of Central Illinois disc golf. With a blend of wooded and open shots, rolling elevation, and a variety of shot shapes, this course is accessible to a wider range of players while still offering plenty of challenge.
Course Highlights
- Classic Wooded Fairways – Precision is key on the tight, tree-lined holes.
- Orchard-Style Layouts – A unique feature that blends technical and open shot-shaping.
- Mix of Old & New – Incorporates beloved holes from the original course, while introducing new, well-designed challenges.
Take I-74 to Morton Avenue on the Northbound exit. Turn right onto Courtland Street and then turn left onto Main Street. After crossing the train tracks, you will pass a large dog park on the left. The entrance to Northwood is just ahead on the right side of the road, just before the road begins to turn left. Pavilion is all the way in the park.