Watch Out for That Tree: Flagstaff’s Mountain Disc Golf Scene

In July of 2023, nearly 1,000 disc golfers from around the world gathered in the ponderosa pine forests of Flagstaff for the PDGA Masters World Championships. The event brought together community, from participants to spectators, around the love of a sport with a growing competitive scene. Outside of this competitive scene, however, disc golf is a beloved pastime in Flagstaff for players of all levels. With five public courses enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, Flagstaff is considered one of the top disc golf destinations in the United States.

At Peace Outfitters, we’re stoked that the prospect of warmer weather means better conditions to throw discs. Whether you’re a local new to the sport or a seasoned player visiting the area for the first time, we hope this guide (and our store!) will set you up for success when you hit the courses here in Northern Arizona.

The Flagstaff Disc Golf Courses

Flagstaff boasts five exceptional disc golf courses open to the public, each offering its own style
of play and unique environment.

1. Thorpe Park Disc Golf Course: Located conveniently near downtown Flagstaff, the Thorpe Park Disc Golf Course began as an object course in the 1990s. It is the most visited course in Flagstaff, featuring challenging terrain and holes nestled within densely wooded ponderosa pines (Flagstaff Disc Golf). Due to how dense the trees are, Thorpe Park is considered one of the harder courses in Flagstaff.
   • Course type: Permanent
   • Terrain: Forest
   • Number of holes: 29
   • Tee type: Concrete
   • Hole type: Basket
2. Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course: Located just south of town at Fort Tuthill County Park, the Fort Tuthill Disc Golf Course was developed in 2018 by the Flagstaff Disc Golf Club. Although this makes it the newest course in the Flagstaff area, it has quickly become a popular spot due to being part of the Coconino County Fairgrounds, which also includes the Pepsi Amphitheater, Rodeo Arena, and Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.
   • Course type: Permanent
   • Terrain: Forest
   • Number of holes: 18
   • Tee type: Concrete
   • Hole type: DISCatcher
3. McPherson Park Disc Golf Course: The smallest of Flagstaff’s disc golf courses is the McPherson Park Disc Golf Course, located in North Flagstaff, just south of Buffalo Park. Nested within ponderosa pine and oak trees, the course is located on the historic Beale Wagon Trail. A horseshoe found onsite was embedded into the teepad at hole number eight as a homage to this history.
   • Course type: Permanent/Seasonal
   • Terrain: Forest
   • Number of holes: 18
   • Tee type: Concrete
   • Hole type: Mach V Targets
4. Northern Arizona University Disc Golf Course: The NAU Disc Golf Course is located on the southern edge of the university’s campus, offering both students and non- students alike easy access to play. The course offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks and includes lined paths between holes, making it a popular and accessible course.
   • Course type: Permanent
   • Terrain: Forest
   • Number of holes: 18
   • Tee type: Concrete
   • Hole type: DGA Mach 2
5. Arizona Snowbowl Disc Golf Course: In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Arizona’s largest downhill ski resort. In the summer, however, Snowbowl is home to a 18-hole disc golf course among the highest peaks in the state. The course is famous – or perhaps infamous – for hole number 18, which follows the Agassiz ski run as it drops nearly 1000 feet toward the patio of the Agassiz Lodge.
   • Course type: Seasonal
   • Terrain: Hilly and forest
   • Number of holes: 18
   • Tee type: Rubber
   • Hole type: Mach V Targets

Disc Golf Gear Essentials

Before hitting the courses, make sure you have the right gear, including a variety of discs, a
bag, solid footwear, and the right clothing and layers for whatever conditions in which you’ll be
playing.

1. Discs: It is no surprise that discs are the most important piece of gear for disc golf. They come in a variety of weights and designs tailored to different throwing styles, distances, and terrain. Generally, there are three main categories of discs: putters, drivers, and mid-range discs. Putters are designed for short-range shots and putting into the basket or target. Conversely, drivers are designed for the longest shots you will make, aiming for maximum distance off the tee. Mid-range discs are somewhere in between the two, designed for shots that require more control and accuracy than a driver, but are still too far from the basket to warrant using a putter. For beginners, a putter and a driver or versatile mid-range disc is a good starting point. Later on, you can start to look into the Flight Ratings System to understand how different types of discs function in the air, such as their speed, glide, turn, and fade.
2. Bag: While you can carry discs in your hand or in any kind of backpack, a bag specifically designed for disc golf will let you carry your discs more comfortably around the course. Disc golf bags come with ample and organized storage space for your discs, water bottle pockets, and room for food/snacks, and layers.
3. Footwear: When walking between tees and holes, it is smart to wear a solid, comfortable pair of shoes. Hiking shoes or trail runners are a great option to comfortably navigate dirt, rocks, and brush (who knows where your discs could end up!). In warmer months, however, especially in Flagstaff, many people wear sandals such as Chacos or Bedrocks when hitting the courses.
4. Clothing and Layers: Dress appropriately for the terrain and conditions in which you’re playing. Opt for moisture-wicking clothing (no cotton!) that stays breathable and keeps you dry when you sweat. Moreover, in Northern Arizona, conditions can change rapidly; make sure to bring layers in case the weather cools down or a rain shell for the possibility of afternoon monsoons in the summer. Lastly, don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

Getting Started

For beginner disc golfers, it may seem like you’re stepping into a daunting, complex world. Just as in every other sport and outdoor hobby, however, once you get going it will quickly start to make sense.

Ready to give disc golf a try? Or maybe you’re an experienced player visiting Flagstaff to hit the courses? Swing through Peace Outfitters for a wide selection of gear and lots of quality advice from our staff. We sell discs and bags from brands such as Innova, Westside Discs, Discraft, Discmania, Dynamic, Infinite, Thought Space, and more. We also buy and sell used discs if you’re looking to get rid of old discs or pick up a few burner discs.

There are many great resources out there for disc golf players of all levels. UDisc is perhaps the best resource out there – an online website and mobile application database of courses, events, blogs, and more. It also has a social media component so you can check in at courses, play with friends, keep track of scores, and share real time beta on course conditions. In Flagstaff, the Flagstaff Disc Golf Club is an awesome resource and community space for local disc golfers. Visit their website for all-things disc golf in the area: https://flagstaffdiscgolf.org/.

See you out there!