Disc golf continues to grow across Arkansas, offering an easy and inexpensive way for people to enjoy the outdoors. The sport attracts players as young as five or six and remains accessible well into older adulthood. It is low-impact, affordable, and available at dozens of public courses across the state.
How Disc Golf Works
Disc golf follows the basic structure of traditional golf. Instead of clubs and balls, players throw specialized discs from a tee area toward a metal target called a basket. Each player takes a turn throwing from the tee, then everyone walks to their discs to continue the hole. The player farthest from the basket throws next. That rule keeps other players safely behind the thrower.
Once all players have made it into the basket, they record their total number of throws. The player with the lowest score wins the round.
Why the Sport Is Growing in Arkansas
Most Arkansas courses are free to play and located in public parks, which makes the sport easy to try. Several courses are intentionally designed for beginners, while others offer more challenge for experienced players.
New players often benefit from starting on an easier, shorter course before moving to longer layouts. The popular UDisc app helps users keep score and locate nearby courses. It offers a free version with limited features or a more robust paid subscription.
To get started, beginners only need one disc. A putter is the easiest disc to learn with, but many new players prefer a starter pack that includes a putter, a midrange disc, and a fairway driver designed for slower arm speeds. Buying in person at a local shop allows players to feel the discs and choose one that fits comfortably in the hand.
Disc golf is a simple way to get exercise, enjoy sunshine, and spend time outside, whether alone or with friends.
Getting Started With Disc Golf in Arkansas
Below is a list of beginner friendly 9 hole and 18 hole courses grouped by region.
9 Hole Beginner Courses
Northwest Arkansas
- JBeast Junior, Springdale
- Arkansas Tech University Ozark Campus, Ozark
- Trinity Junior High, Fort Smith
Northeast Arkansas
- Forest Home Church, Jonesboro
- Greers Ferry Park Disc Golf Course, Greers Ferry
- Reynolds Park, Paragould
Central Arkansas
- Burns Red, North Little Rock
- Hindman Park 9, Little Rock
- Morehart Park Disc Golf Course, Little Rock
Southwest Arkansas
- Lake Hamilton Disc Golf Course, Pearcy
- Lake Valley Community Church, Hot Springs
- Hot Springs Baptist Church, Hot Springs
18 Hole Beginner Friendly Courses
Northwest Arkansas
- Ben Geren White Course, Fort Smith
- Disc Golf Dojo Country Club, Van Buren
- Sonora Elementary and Middle School, Springdale
Northeast Arkansas
- The Course at Lyon College, Batesville
- Two Bridges Disc Golf Course, Cabot
Central Arkansas
- Beaverfork Disc Golf Course, Conway
- Tyndall Disc Golf Course, Benton
- Fort Roots VA Disc Golf Course, North Little Rock
- Burns Park Blue Course, North Little Rock
Southwest Arkansas
- Lower Lake DeGray Disc Golf Course, Caddo Valley
Give it a fling
If you have been looking for a simple way to spend more time outside, disc golf is an easy first step. You do not need much gear, most courses are free, and the learning curve is friendly enough that anyone can enjoy it on day one. Arkansas has an incredible mix of beginner layouts in city parks, school campuses, and community spaces, which makes it simple to try a round on your lunch break or as a weekend outing with friends or family. Give it a shot, see a new park, and enjoy one more excuse to spend time outdoors.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
