Disc golf has exploded in popularity, and the Triangle has some of the best courses in the state. The great news for families is that many courses are short, beginner-friendly, and completely free. If your kids can throw a frisbee, they can play disc golf.
What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf works like traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball with clubs, you throw specialized discs toward metal baskets. Each hole has a tee pad and a basket, and you count your throws. Lower scores win. Courses typically have 9 or 18 holes set in parks and wooded areas.
Best Beginner / Family Courses
Cedar Hills Park (Raleigh)
Cedar Hills is my top recommendation for families. It's a 9-hole course in a city park with short holes, minimal elevation change, and open fairways. Kids won't get frustrated here because the baskets are close and the lines are straightforward. The park also has a playground and restrooms.
Details: Free. Off Barwell Road in southeast Raleigh. Par 27 (all par 3s). Estimated play time: 30-60 minutes for a family round.
Kentwood Park (Raleigh)
Kentwood is another 9-hole beginner course set in a small park. Short holes, open layout, and easy to walk. A great "second course" once your family has tried Cedar Hills.
Details: Free. Off Pleasant Valley Road. No restrooms on-site.
Leigh Farm Park (Durham)
Leigh Farm has a 9-hole course through open meadow and light woods. The holes are short to medium length, and the terrain is flat and easy to walk. The park also has hiking trails and restrooms at the trailhead.
Details: Free. Off Leigh Farm Road.
Cornwallis Road Park (Durham)
An 18-hole course that's one of Durham's most popular. While some holes are longer and wooded, many of the front nine are open and manageable for beginners. It's a good step up when your family is ready for a bigger challenge.
Details: Free. Off Cornwallis Road. Restrooms available.
Middle Creek Park (Cary/Apex)
Middle Creek has an 18-hole course through a beautiful park setting. The course is well-maintained with good signage. Some holes play through woods, which adds fun challenge for older kids. The park has trails, a playground, and restrooms.
Details: Free. Off Middle Creek Park Avenue.
Gear for Family Disc Golf
You don't need much to get started:
One disc per person is enough to start. A lightweight mid-range disc (around 165-170 grams) is the most versatile for beginners. The Innova Shark or Discraft Buzzz are classic recommendations.
For kids under 10, look for lighter discs (130-150 grams). The Innova DX Leopard in lighter weights flies well with less power.
A starter set with a putter, mid-range, and driver costs about $25-30 and is available at Play It Again Sports, Academy Sports, or online.
Regular frisbees (like an Ultrastar) work in a pinch but don't fly as well as disc golf discs.Tips for Playing with Kids
Start on short courses. 9-hole courses with short holes are much more fun for beginners than long wooded courses.
Skip the driver. Beginners should use a mid-range disc for everything. Drivers require more technique and will frustrate new players.
Throw from wherever the disc lands. Don't worry about foot faults or marking your lie with young kids.
Use "best throw" rules. Everyone throws, then everyone throws again from the best disc's position. This speeds up play and reduces frustration.
Keep it casual. Don't keep score at first. Just enjoy throwing and walking.
Let faster groups play through. If an experienced group catches up to you, wave them through on the next tee.
Watch for other players. Never throw when someone is in your line. Teach kids to look before they throw.Disc Golf Etiquette
Don't throw at a basket when people are nearby
Let your disc come to rest before picking it up
Yield the tee pad to the group already playing the hole
Don't litter — carry out any trash
Be mindful of noise near residential areasWhere to Buy Discs Locally
Play It Again Sports in Raleigh and Cary has used and new discs
Academy Sports carries starter sets
Disc golf specialty shops exist online with huge selectionsMaking It a Regular Activity
One of the best things about disc golf is that it's endlessly replayable. Unlike a one-time attraction, a disc golf course offers a different experience every time as your family's skills improve. Here's how to build it into your routine:
Start a family scorecard. Track everyone's scores over multiple visits to the same course. Kids love seeing their improvement.
Try a new course each month. The Triangle has enough courses to keep things fresh for months.
Join a casual league. Several Triangle disc golf leagues welcome beginners and families. The community is friendly and encouraging. Check local disc golf Facebook groups for league info.
Watch tournament coverage together. Professional disc golf is on YouTube and is surprisingly fun to watch. It helps kids learn technique by seeing how the pros throw.Disc golf is free, active, and works for a wide range of ages. The Triangle's courses are well-maintained and welcoming to beginners. Grab a disc and give it a throw.
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