Sunset Ridge Disc Golf Course is a new ( ca. 2018 ) disc golf course north of Clearwater Beach , just off of Hwy 19 . The course has some interesting features . There is a pro shop , Sun King Disc Golf in front of the course ,with a full stock of discs and also serves food and drinks . The course is pay to play , which can be a pro and a con . The baskets are basic Chainstars , there is adequate enough signage , and concrete tees . There are a few alternate tees per hole . The course seems well taken care of . Mike Barnett did a good job of course design here . Lots of interesting places to tee of from coupled with basket placements . The course is kind of divided into 2 different areas . There is a lower basin that utilizes the 2 ridges it sits between and holds most of holes 2-11 . Some holes are placed either up on the ridges , in the middle of the ridge hill , or in the basin where you throw from the top of a ridge down to the pin . Holes 12-18 are on an upper plateau and increase the length of some of the back holes . The holes range from 185' ( #7 ) to 530' (#16 ) . There is a lot of variety here .I was lucky enough to catch on with locals , Willie Wilson and Joe B. who play here regularly and filled me on the course and its improvements . For instance , recently , the course installed a man made pond so the could have a water carry on hole #5 . The course starts you off on an uninspiring first hole , a 285' drive with obstruction to your immediate right and more open on the left . It quickly gets batter with a tee off from a driveway , slightly elevated , through an open fairway , to the green which is up the embankment and into the woods . #4 is a good hole , starting in the basin and wrapping around some trees and uphill on the ridge to the basket . They apparently just installed the steps to get you to the green here . #9 takes you from the tee on the top of the 2nd ridge ,to some woods at the bottom of the first ridge . #12 has a fairway that runs alongside of the 2nd ridge on your right , with some scattered trees to your left . The pin is placed right next to the edge of the ridge , with a risk reward putt ( I missed ) that can take you down and 25' from the basket . The last 7 holes are relatively flat with scattered trees in the fairways or near the tee pads . #18 is a good finishing hole , 410' angled a little left to right for your fairway drive , to the basket sitting on a slight uphill grade and guarded by some mature trees . Signature Hole : #5 , the water carry from an elevated tee to the basket sitting in a grove of trees . The 3 of us playing together took about 90 minutes or so . I was having fun , so I forgot to look at my watch . Mt new friends told me that there are more scheduled improvements in the offing .

#1 Safety . There are some concerns . Pay to play doesn't seem to deter the locals . The course had some groups on it when I played . Some of the fairways run pretty close together and some of the baskets are hidden . Combine that with a course that is attractive to the locals and your 2 disc players and newbies , and you have a recipe for a noggin' knocker . They should have a " Zombie " stamp for the discs that the Newbies buy at the pro shop that reads " More Brains " , so the other course players can identify them as a risk . #2 Challenge . A good am or any pro will crush this course . I think it caters more to the less tournament tested . There are still some good lines here . #3 The Elements . If there is a good rain , then holes 2-11 may not be a lot of fun to get through . Not sure about holes 12-18 , but the fairways may or may not get soggy , too . #4 Pay to play . It costs about $7.50 total to play all day . There is a $2 discount if you buy something from the shop . There are also year passes , but I didn't see what the cost is . Most of the time , the cost keeps the foot traffic down , but here , it still stays popular .Disc Risk: Depends on what part of the course you are on . Back 9 is minimal , the front 9 has some rough and hidden baskets that could make for a lost disc . Plus , the new pond . Anywhere 3 feet or farther out , and the murky water will claim your disc .

This is the type of place that you want to make some time for . Maybe play a round or 2 , since it plays fast , and wander around the pro shop looking at disc updates for your bag , then ordering a sandwich and drink . The staff was friendly the locals are even better , This course isn't going to give you a bunch of memorable holes for your cash , but it should give you some fun . I like a private course where some of the money paid goes right back into the course . My Recommendation : Unless the pros or good ams live nearby or know the owner , I can't see them coming here . and it would be too expensive for families . Otherwise , I feel it is a worthwhile experience for travelers staying in Tampa or Clearwater area , a good play for locals , even the 2 discers . Don't go much out of your way here , but if around , give this course a shot .