A Fun, Free Outdoor Activity for the Whole Family

Disc golf is a sport that is played much like golf, but instead of using balls and clubs, players throw plastic discs like Frisbee®. Players try to throw their disc from the tee pad to the designated "hole" a certain number of feet away in the least amount of throws. The "hole" is usually designated by a metal basket that is elevated off the ground. There are two types of courses: nine hole and eighteen hole. The winner is the player with the lowest score. It is a lot of fun and doesn't require a private membership to play. Most disc golf courses are free and open to the public. All you need are a couple of discs, a nice day to play and you're good to go!

How Do I Get Started?

It's simpler than you think. There are many ways to get discs and while there are several types, styles and companies you really only need two types to begin: a driver and a putter. Yes, just like in golf, there are different types of discs for different distances. Drivers are great for teeing off and approaching the basket. Putters are essential when you get closer to the basket and you want to complete the hole.

There are local disc golf shops you can support like Fly Green Disc Golf or Bad Habit Disc Golf & Collectables, opens a new window. Sports shops like Big 5 or Play It Again sports will often have gently used discs for purchase or you can stop by Wal-Mart for a starter pack of discs.

If you're feeling sustainable, check out Trash Panda, a sustainable disc golf manufacturer that 100% recycled plastics to create their discs. The company started by local disc golf player, Jesse Stedman, and you can check out his YouTube channel for more insight and information.

How Do I Throw a Disc?

If you are completely new to the sport, welcome to the community! There are a plethora of resources that help you learn the ins and outs of the game. A great starting point is the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) website. If you want some more detailed instruction on how to best throw a disc, check out some of these videos:

• Dynamic Discs - Beginner's Guide Playlist
• Latitude 64 - Disc Golf Basics
• Overthrow Disc Golf - Disc Golf Instruction Playlist

Local Disc Golf Courses

You've got your discs. You've done some research on how to throw. Now you're ready to get out there and play. Here's a list of local disc golf courses:

• Village Greens Disc Golf Course - Greenwood Village, CO 
  • This is a great course for beginners. There is no water on the course. Tee pads are well marked and it's easy to find the next hole. It's also centrally located in Greenwood Village, across from Cherry Creek High School, just off Dam Road.
• Westcreek Disc Golf Course - Parker, CO 
  • This course is a little bit longer than some other courses in the area but if you're wanting to practice your power throws, this is one of the best courses for that.
• West Fork Disc Golf Course - Highlands Ranch, CO 
  • This is a fun, challenging course. It has long and short baskets for beginner and advanced players. There is a large gorge that runs through the middle of the course that offers from strategic holes and might add a little hiking to your game.
• Exposition Park - Aurora, CO 
  • This is one of the most beautiful courses in the area. It has two large lakes in the middle, so be careful throwing your most prized discs. But it's a polished course with great tee pads and some creative holes.
• The Dock Disc Golf Course - Aurora, CO 
  • If you want a refreshing beer while playing disc golf, then stop by this course right next to the North Dock location of Dry Dock Brewery. Even though beer is allowed, this course is open for all ages. It's a nine hole course with two tee pads for each hole so you can get a full eighteen holes in. 
• Centre Hills Park, Disc Golf Course - Aurora, CO 
  • This is a shorter course that was originally a nine hole golf course. It was a smart repurposing of the land in that area and brought new people to the sport who previously knew the area as a golf course. There is a creek that runs through the center of the course so it might not be the most friendly course for lefties.
• Green Valley Ranch West Park - Denver, CO 
  • This is a delightful course that wraps around a park that has a playground, a baseball field and even a cricket field. So you have to be cautious of other park users, but if you want a community space while you play a game, this is the spot for you.