Written, in part, by local professional disc golfer, Stephen Schroeder. Follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
Disc Golf in Charlotte
Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports across the nation because it’s simple, fun, and affordable for all ages. This exponential growth is evident here in Charlotte, which is referred to by most disc golfers as the mecca of disc golf.
The numerous courses, leagues, and tournaments are a testament to the sport’s popularity and Charlotte Disc Golf Club (CDGC)’s hard working 500+ members in coordination with Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec.
There are 13 top notch courses in public parks across the city and over 30 courses within the surrounding areas.
Many of the courses are world renowned and have become the breeding grounds of countless local junior, amateur, and professional world champions.
Read on to learn how to get started with disc golf in Charlotte, including the best courses for beginners and experienced disc golfers, and where to buy gear.
Disc Golf Basics
The objective is very similar to traditional golf — get the object, which in this case is a specially designed disc, into the basket in the least number of throws.
Drives are thrown down the fairways from tee-pads, which are often concrete, turf, or natural turf.
Par for the holes range from 3 to 5, and distances range from approximately 150–1000 feet, with varying difficulty.
There are drivers, fairways, midranges, and putter discs, which vary in speed, flight pattern, and controllability.
Disc Golf Gear in Charlotte
The average cost of a new disc ranges from $10-$20, but used discs are also widely available at local disc golf stores.
Charlotte’s premier disc golf store is Another Round Disc Golf Store and Taproom, 1200 E. 36th Street, in NoDa, where you can sip local craft beer while perusing the shelves of discs or talk shop with the owners for suggestions and tips. You can also order online for local pickup and delivery. Check out the new mural being completed on the side of the building by Darion Fleming! They are active on Facebook and Instagram.
Also, visit Chain Reactions Disc Golf and Trading Cards, 19701 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC.
Disc Golf Leagues in Charlotte
The Charlotte disc golf community is very welcoming of newcomers and touring professionals alike. The Charlotte Disc Golf Club (CDGC) Event Calendar is full year-round.
One of the most popular leagues is held weekly at Sugaw Creek Park, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. It draws 60-70 members on a weekly basis and is a handicap league that is frequented by players of all ages and abilities. Once a handicap is established, you are essentially competing against yourself. Payout is in new discs, and “closest to pin” (CTPs) often earn cash or discs.
Another popular type of event is random draw doubles. This format allows you to partner with a random individual who you will team up with and play a Captain’s Choice format, where you select the best of your collective shots for each time. It provides opportunities to learn through a team format and can also alleviate the pressure of performing as an individual.
There are weekly events at breweries and other venues too.
Top Disc Golf Courses for Beginners in Charlotte
There are other beginner-friendly courses besides Sugaw in the area. The top four beginner-friendly courses are characterized by their length, or lack thereof, openness, and simplicity of design.
Bailey Road Park
11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius
Family friendly park. The course is mainly open. 20 holes. Par 63, 4656’ layout.
Also at the park: Band shell, batting cage, basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, playground, soccer, tennis, walking trails, football.
DG Course Review
Eager Beaver at Elon Park
11401 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte
There is a variety of open and wooded holes. 18 holes. Par 54, 3338’ short layout. Par 54, 4415’ long layout.
Also at the park: Gymnasium, game room, fishing pond, walking trail, soccer fields, playground, softball field.
DG Course Review
Reedy Creek Park
2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
It is the oldest course in Charlotte! It has exclusively wooded holes with some elevation changes. 18 holes. Par 55, 4578’ short layout. Par 60, 6046’ long layout.
Also at the park: basketball court, softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, community garden, three ponds, fishing pier, playgrounds, dog park, Reedy Creek Nature Center, 10 miles of hiking trails in the adjacent 727-acre nature preserve.
DG Course Review
RenSke at Renaissance Park
1536 West Tyvola Road, Charlotte
A variety of open and wooded holes. Par 54 5229’ layout.
Also at the park: Golf course, softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, soccer fields, bike trails.
DG Course Review
Top Disc Golf Courses in Charlotte for Experienced Players
If you are looking to tackle some of the more challenging courses, here are the top four, characterized by their length, demand of shot-shape, and complexity of design.
Renaissance Gold at Renaissance Park
1536 West Tyvola Road, Charlotte
Located at the same park as RenSke. This course has a variety of open and wooded holes. Par 70, 9459’ layout.
Also at the park: Golf course, softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, soccer fields, bike trails.
DG Course Review
Nevin Community Park
6100 Statesville Road, Charlotte
Mainly tight, wooded holes. Par 63, 7284’ short layout. Par 69, 8764’ layout.
Also at the park: Softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, shuffle board courses, playgrounds, sprayground.
DG Course Review
Hornet’s Nest
6301 Beatties Ford Road
A variety of open and wooded holes. Par 58, 6534’ short layout. Par 70, 9015’ long layout.
Also at the park: Lighted softball complex, lighted tennis courts, horseshoe pits, playground, BMX bicycle track, basketball court, lake with fishing pier, sand volleyball courts.
DG Course Review
Bradford Park
17005 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville
A variety of open and wooded holes. It is very nicely maintained and family friendly. Par 54, 5325’ short layout. Par 58, 6646’ long layout.
Also at the park: Playground, picnic areas, shelter, soccer field.
DG Course Review
Other Recommended Disc Golf Courses
Disc Golf Course Review is a good place to get a sense of a course before visiting. All of the following Charlotte area courses have at least an average of at least 3.5 stars (out of 5) in at least 25 reviews.
Kilborne Park
2600 Kilborne Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213
Robert L. Smith Park
1604 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC 28214
The Scrapyard
Idlewild Road Park
10512 Idlewild Road, Matthews, NC 28105
Plantation Ruins
Thomas McAlister Winget Park
12235 Winget Road, Charlotte, NC 28278
United States Disc Golf Championship
While Charlotte hosts many club events and tournaments, it is not the only place in the region to do so. The last Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) National Tour event of the season, the United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC), is held just down the road in Rock Hill, SC at Winthrop University.
Winthrop has hosted this event since its inception in 1999. This famous course is extremely spectator friendly, as hundred of fans and families flock each year to see the world’s 130 best professional competitors from over 10 countries vie for the claim of United States Disc Golf Champion.
Follow the above link for details about the next Championship event.
Spectator passes are required for this event and are available on the USDGC’s website.
There are many event staff and volunteers to accommodate and direct you. The Pro Shop on site offers a wide variety of discs and other merchandise that make excellent souvenirs and autograph material.
Both autographs and pictures are welcome after the rounds. The rules for spectating this or any other event are simple — be careful, be mindful of the competitors, and of course be ready to “golf-clap.”
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
