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The Best Disc Golf Courses In North Carolina You Have To Play

Calling all disc golf aficionados! If you haven’t yet set foot in North Carolina, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of some of the nation’s top-notch disc golf courses. This state is home to a handful of exceptional disc golf courses with a diverse range of layouts, natural beauty, and fantastic amenities. Pack your colorful discs, and get ready for an exciting journey through the best disc golf courses in North Carolina you can find.

The Diavolo Disc Golf Course

Hole 14 at Diavolo Disc Golf Course

“Play like the devil” – seems like the fitting mantra of the Diavolo Disc Golf Course, one of North Carolina’s magnificent disc golf jewels. It’s the kind of enclave that truly captures your heart, regardless of whether you’re a rookie just starting out or an experienced pro. Nestled in a predominantly wooded setting, this course is known for its consistent and varied hole designs.

Here are some highlights:

  • Mother Nature’s design: It opens up to stunning splashes of open areas and serenely beckoning water holes. Even a formidable downpour can’t dampen the spirit of the course as it remains impressively usable soon afterwards.
  • Incredible Signage: Expect impeccable signage that gives you a sense of direction even in the most confusing corners. You won’t need your UDisc app here.
  • Impeccable Amenities: Hooks for bags along the tees and copious benches, along with next-hole markers and distance markers at each hole.

Room for Improvement?

There’s just a minor hiccup: the natural and rubber pads can retain standing water after a rain. However, this is overshadowed by the course’s generally fantastic condition and other superior features.

Even with a few unfinished tee pads on the last few holes and a potentially crowded parking lot (shared with other park-goers), it doesn’t take away from the overall superb experience. Fear not – there is alternate parking just a crosswalk away!

The love the City of Cary and the CADL has bestowed on this course is evident in every corner. This course is truly a reflection of an actual golf course in terms of thoughtfulness, design, and player experience.

TL;DR

At Diavolo, you’ll discover the essence of disc golf – a harmonious blend of friendly competition, love for nature, and zest for life-filled activity. It’s an absolute must-play for every disc golf enthusiast!

Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course

Hole 12 at Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course

Tranquil hills and beautiful trees, the essence of North Carolina, are the backdrop for the Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course—an amazing spot frequented by players of all skill levels.

The Positives

Here are the main selling points of this stunning course:

  • Consistent Tee Pads: Players have consistently praised the great tee pads. They’re well-laid and maintained, setting the course apart.
  • Varied Hole Design: It excels in offering an intriguing variety of holes. You’ll be on your toes throughout this course, never knowing what’s coming up next.
  • Cleanliness: Visitors note just how immaculate the course is, free of any litter. That’s saying something about the character of the players and maintenance staff!
  • Natural Beauty: With beautiful trees and hills enveloping this course, playing disc golf here feels like the perfect way to soak in nature’s essence.
  • Accommodates Skill Variety: One of the key strengths of this course is that it is able to accommodate players of various skill levels from beginners to advanced.

Room for Improvement?

Rolling Pines isn’t without a few issues. Players have reported several ‘spit outs’ due to the basket type, and a few of the steep drop-offs along the course make it easy to lose a disc. Also, footing can be dangerous on certain steep hills. There’s a distinct lack of a practice basket or warm up area. One surprising concern expressed by players, unfortunately, is the odor—it’s downwind of a waste treatment facility which can make for an unpleasant aroma on some days.

Also, there are comments about the course seeming predominantly right hand backhand friendly, so left-handed players or those who use different throwing styles might find certain elements quite challenging.

When it comes to navigation, permanent signage hasn’t kept up pace with new 24-hole additions. With the UDisc GPS map, however, you can easily bypass this inconvenience and enjoy the game without getting lost in the lush landscape.

TL;DR

Despite minor drawbacks, Rolling Pines stands tall among the disc golf courses in North Carolina. What it delivers in terms of the sheer fun factor, beautiful vistas, and design variety outshines the minor hiccups. The course’s gentle reminder of physical fitness, with its rolling hills, is an added bonus! Regardless of these tiny negatives, it’s apparent that Rolling Pines is a course that keeps players coming back for more. It’s an impressive blend of challenge, beauty, and fun, marking it as one of North Carolina’s finest!

North Cove Disc Course (Boulders)

North Cove Disc Golf Course Boulders

Tucked amidst the stunning landscapes of North Carolina lies the North Cove Disc Golf facility, home to the Boulders Disc Golf Course. This gem is a must-visit with its breathtaking rock features, elevation changes, and spectacular view of the Catawba River.

Details and Amenities

Here’s what to expect from this course:

  • 18 holes: This course will keep you engaged with its perfectly laid out holes.
  • Turf Tees: Smooth, well-maintained turf tees mark one of the many highlights of this course.
  • DISCatcher Pro targets: These original targets add an extra challenging touch to your game.
  • Private, dedicated disc golf land: Exclusive disc golf experience on private land to ensure quality play.
  • Established 2021: Given the fact it was just established in 2021, it boasts modern features and a fresh feel.
  • Pet-friendly: Feel free to bring your canine companion along for the day.
  • Cart-friendly: It facilitates with cart usage, making your disc golf game a breeze.
  • Drinking water and restroom available: Basic amenities are provided for, making for a comfortable disc golf experience.

The Experience

Boulders truly lives up to its name with incredible rock features that tie in with both open and wooded holes. It delivers a varied experience that caters to advanced and tournament level players. Its length and hole variety truly test your skills. From the edge of certain holes, you can witness the majestic Grandfather Mountain in the background.

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Visitors’ comments highlight the incredible hospitality of the locals, especially Melanie from the Catawba River Inn. Situated right on the course, this charming inn has stellar food offerings and even backs up to basket 18!

Players rave about the unique and varying challenges the course poses, epitomizing “risk and reward” gameplay. You can maintain a consistent par, but get too ambitious, and it might leave you with a bogey.

Unforgettable Beauty

Beyond the gameplay, what stands out about Boulders is its astounding beauty. It’s not just another disc golf course—it’s a vista around every corner, painted with picturesque mountains views and the tranquil vibe of untouched nature. The scenery has been labeled as ‘magnificent’ by visitors, with many claiming it as the most beautiful course they’ve ever played.

TL;DR

In summary, the Boulders Disc Golf Course at the North Cove facility offers a blend of exceptional gameplay and stunning landscapes. It’s at the top of many players’ bucket lists and for a good reason—it’s challenging, beautiful, rewarding, and can rival even the top-tier courses worldwide. This destination, indeed, is a haven for any disc golf enthusiast seeking an immersive game combined with an unforgettable nature retreat!

Ashe County Park

A photo of the trees at Ashe County Park disc golf course

Nestled within the profoundly beautiful Ashe County lies a disc golf player’s paradise—the Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course. Known to offer an excellent blend of open and wooded holes along with epic mountain terrains, it’s a top contender among North Carolina’s disc golf courses.

Key Features

Here are some details about this charming disc golf course:

  • 20 Holes: Yes, you heard right! This course offers 20 holes for an extended round of fun.
  • Concrete Tees: High-quality, well-maintained concrete tees ensure a great launch every time.
  • DISCatcher Pro targets: Original DISCatcher Pro targets add to the challenging yet fun game.
  • Mixed-use, public park: It’s accessible to all as it’s located in a welcoming public park.
  • Established in 2006: This old-timer has a unique charm that newer courses can’t replicate.
  • Pet-friendly: Feel free to bring your furry friend along for your game.
  • Drinking water and restroom available: These amenities ensure a comfortable experience throughout your visit.

The Ashe Adventure

Ashe County Park offers players a diverse disc golf experience. A mix of pro and amateur pads allows all skill levels to enjoy the game. Adventure awaits with an epic water hole (hole #3) in the front nine while the back nine features predominantly wooded arena and crazy elevation changes.

Beautifully maintained, the course provides some long-range mountain views that are both a joy and a distraction! In between throws you might find yourself pausing and soaking in the mesmerizing vistas. However, be prepared for a bit of a hike—it’s a mountain trail, after all.

Navigational Hiccups

Some players do note a lack of clear signage leading from baskets to the next tee pads. It can be a bit of a wild goose chase trying to find your way at times, adding to its mountain trail charm, but also causing slight confusion.

The Buzz of Insects

An occasional critique from visitors regards the buzzing infestation of hornets around the first few holes. A minor inconvenience, given the rest of the course’s strong suite of thrills and excitement.

An Unforgettable Experience

Whether you’re throwing a huge rip off the top of the mountain on holes 9 and 18 or navigating through tight, technical fairways, Ashe Park offers a distinct and rewarding disc golf experience. A favorite among both locals who grew up playing here and visitors, its scenic shots and versatile terrains cater to beginners and advanced players alike.

TL;DR

All in all, the Ashe County Park Disc Golf Course offers pretty much everything you could ask for in a disc golf course and more. Beautiful scenery, fun yet challenging holes, and a whole lot of positive vibes make each visit worth the trip. So, grab your hiking boots, empty out 3/4 of your bag, and brace yourself for an epic disc golf adventure. This gem in North Carolina is certainly one to add to your bucket list!