Playing Disc Golf in Asheville

Written by Chris Tuten, Broker | REALTOR

Asheville ranks high on many travelers’ bucket list thanks to our diverse beer and food scene and the wealth of outdoor opportunities. But did you know that Asheville is also home to some of the best disc golf courses in North Carolina? Read on below to learn about disc golf and where in Asheville you can play this fun and competitive sport. Be sure to check and see if the course is open before you go!

What is Disc Golf?

History of the Sport

The sport was formalized in the 1970s, but its inception goes all the way back to the 1930s when Fred Morrison and his future wife, Lucile, were offered 25 cents for a cake pan that they were tossing back and forth on a beach in Santa Monica, California.

After selling cake pans for years, Morrison started producing his own disc called the Pluto Platter in 1955, which is the basic design of all modern flying discs. He then sold the patent to Wham-O. The company began capitalizing on the product by naming the disc Frisbee after learning that Northeastern college students were calling the Pluto Platter by that name, the term “Frisbee” coming from the name of the Bridgeport, CT pie manufacturer Frisbee Pie Company. 

The man behind the Frisbee’s phenomenal success, however, was Edward “Steady Ed” Headrick, Wham-O’s general manager and vice president in charge of marketing. Headrick redesigned the Pluto Platter to increase control and accuracy of the disc. In the late 60s the first model went on sale and the International Frisbee Association was conceived. Multiple styles of play were established like Distance, Freestyle and Guts. However, Disc Golf quickly became the most popular disc sport and took off when the first disc golf basket was invented in 1976.

How do I play?

A disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the “hole”. The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The trees, shrubs, terrain changes and out-of-bounds provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the “putt” lands in the basket or chains and the hole is completed.There are four main types of disc golf discs – distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score! There are different types of flight patterns for different discs too.

What do I need to start playing?

For casual play you only need one disc and, if you prefer, you can play with a Frisbee. Stores like French Broad Outfitters, Play-it-Again Sports, Dick’s Sports, some box stores and local disc golf clubs are great sources for picking up discs. If you enjoy competition, local clubs usually offer singles and random draw doubles multiple times per week.

Why should I play?

First off, the game is fun and enjoyable, no matter what your age or skill level! Disc golf also provides a good workout, not only for your body, but for your mind as well. It is an activity which greatly increases the number of steps you take moving you much closer to the 10,000 recommended steps most Americans do not get. Concentration skills increase by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles and players of limited fitness and skill levels can start slowly and gradually increase their level of play. In addition, there’s a low barrier to entry – most courses are free to play and the start-up cost of disc golf is negligible compared to other sports with discs typically costing between $8-$20 and used discs usually costing less. There’s also the convenience of it. You can either play by yourself or with others, but you generally don’t have to try to coordinate times around other players. Plus 9-18 holes courses only take about 1-2 hours to complete. 

Where do I play?

The greater Asheville/Hendersonville area has a wealth of disc golf opportunities with courses sprinkled all around the area. Here are 6 courses worth checking out:

Richmond Hill Disc Golf Course:  300 Richmond Hill Dr, Asheville. 18 hole course just north of Asheville making it the closest course to downtown. The terrain is mostly hilly and wooded and keep an eye out for poison ivy!

Lake Julian Disc Golf Course:  About 2175 Hendersonville Road Asheville. 18 hole course that runs along Lake Julian. You’ll find a mix of short and long holes that follow a nature trail. Challenging layout.

Sandhill Disc Golf Course: 58 Apac Circle Asheville. In the Buncombe County Sports Complex. One of the areas newer courses can be found in the Buncombe County Sports Complex. Course offers a mix of various shot lengths and takes advantage of the elevation.

Jackson Park Disc Golf Course: 801 Glover St., Hendersonville. 18 hole course that’s moderately hilly and heavily wooded. Course is currently open for play.

Black Mountain Disc Golf Course: 10 Veterans Park Dr Black Mountain. 18 hole course in a small park near a scenic creek area. Located in Veterans Park. Relatively short but technical. Front 9 is links style – the back 9 are longer throws.

UNCA Disc Golf Course: A 6 hole disc golf course that is available to students and the public. Mostly wooded with some open area holes. Easily accessible on the UNC Asheville campus.

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