What's the highest concentration of disc golf courses?

[johnt1969]

I just got to thinking about something from another thread. I don't know if this has been looked at before but...

What's the highest concentration of disc golf courses in one area?

I know Cincinnati has a lot. If you do the map browser and put in 45231 for the zip code I think 34 courses come up. Those are all within about a 45 minute drive. It makes it hard to decide where to play. haha

What other high concentration areas are there?

[timg]

John,

Check out this link:
http://stevewestdiscgolf.com/DGinUS.aspx

This guy used the PDGA directory to create that map.

[johnt1969]

That's cool. Have you ever seen the picture of the world at night with the lights on? It reminds me of that.

From that map it looks like theres a high concentration in Michigan and maybe somewhere in Wisconsin. I haven't looked at the map to see exactly where those places are.

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/49261main_usa_nightm.jpe

[Luke@DiscTrips]

I love that map. But without a doubt, Minneapolis/St. Paul has to be number one overall in terms of course density. Take the zip code 55402, which is the dead center of downtown Minneapolis, and you have exactly 50 courses within 50 miles. And 60 within 60 miles.

I think a 50-mile radius, based on the PDGA's zip-code lookup, is a pretty fair standard to use for this type of comparison.

BTW - I just moved from Minneapolis three months ago, and I miss those 50 courses a LOT!

[Red Eye Gravy]

I have a few courses..zip code 27607 which is one code of Raleigh NC.. also there are a few home courses that are not listed..I don't have 50 courses within 50 miles. And 60 within 60 miles but there are enough not to get tired of anyone course

[Olorin]

But without a doubt, Minneapolis/St. Paul has to be number one overall in terms of course density.

That's the same thing I was going to say before I saw this post, so I second that opinion.

In fact, I'd suggest this be considered the standard that others would have to beat. I wonder where numbers 2 and 3 are, though?

Not sure on #2... Cincinnati? Charlotte? Austin?

[DGtourist]

what about the quad cities?

[DGtourist]

The results of some quick research..... Chicago looks good! What other cities should be covered?
Austin TX 78701
29 within 50 miles

St. Paul MN 55101
50 within 50 miles

Davenport IA 52801
30 within 50 miles

Denver CO 80203
32 within 50 miles

Los Angeles CA 90018
22 within 50 miles

Cincinnati OH 45202
33 within 50 miles

Charlotte NC 28202
30 within 50 miles

Seattle WA 98168
22 within 50 miles

Portland OR 97201
29 within 50 miles

Des Moines IA 50314
37 within 50 miles

Chicago IL 60514
64 within 50 miles

Dallas TX 75207
36 within 50 miles


other things to consider; how many are full 18 hole courses, should 50 be the standard?

[garublador]

That's the same thing I was going to say before I saw this post, so I second that opinion.I'm not sure it's an opinion. AFAIK, MPLS/St. Paul is know as having this honor for sure. IIRC, it's the only place where it's possible to even tie the record for most number of holes played in one day. Anywhere else and there would be too much time spent driving to make it.

[Three Putt]

The results of some quick research..... Chicago looks good! Numbers don't tell the story. Chicago is a suckhole of despair when it comes to disc golf. There are a lot of 9-hole flat wide open pitch and putt courses around Chicago. The very best courses in the area can only be considered average. I always tell my friends when they go to Chicago to just play the course that happens to be nearest to you. NONE of them are worth a special trip out of your way.

[Greg Layton]

Numbers don't tell the story. Chicago is a suckhole of despair when it comes to disc golf. There are a lot of 9-hole flat wide open pitch and putt courses around Chicago. The very best courses in the area can only be considered average. I always tell my friends when they go to Chicago to just play the course that happens to be nearest to you. NONE of them are worth a special trip out of your way.

I'll second that. I've only played two courses in Chicagoland but I'm betting they're indicative of the rest of the area. One was wide open, spread out, and completely flat with almost no trees to speak of. The other was 18 holes crowded onto a piece of property that would have a hard time with 9 holes. Keep in mind that I selected these two courses because they were among the best reviewed in the area. Pretty sad. I guess Michigan has spoiled me.

[johnt1969]

Numbers don't tell the story. Chicago is a suckhole of despair when it comes to disc golf. There are a lot of 9-hole flat wide open pitch and putt courses around Chicago. The very best courses in the area can only be considered average. I always tell my friends when they go to Chicago to just play the course that happens to be nearest to you. NONE of them are worth a special trip out of your way.

I was just looking at Chicago and was amazed at the number of courses. Then I saw your comments. What a shame.

But "suckhole of dispair" is a great descriptor. I think I'm going to borrow that one from you and include it in a review some time. I've been accused of being mean in my reviews. That should really tick some people off. haha.

Just kidding.... btw.

[ERicJ]

The results of some quick research..... Chicago looks good! What other cities should be covered?

Houston TX 77002
29 within 50 miles

[Three Putt]

Hey, it's not that the Chicago guys don't try. They are stuck in a weird political situation. The Park Districts up there traditionally have not tried to gather up large portions of open space because there are Forest Preserve Districts. So the Park Districts have small parks that they like to develop. The Forest Preserve Districts have large pieces of undeveloped land that they manage as open space.

The Park Districts do allow disc golf, but by in large they don't have the space for appropriate courses. The Forest Preserve Districts DO have the appropriate land, but every Tom, Dick and Harry special interest group that wants access to a plot of land is knocking at their door. If they allow any group access, they open the door to all groups. Since their mission is to protect and manage natural open space, they can't do it. So disc golf gets a "NO" along with everybody else (except ball golf, which they make an exception for because they make a TON of money from it.)

Also, there are so many people that there is incredible pressure to develop land. The land prices are sky high. Nobody with 15 acres in their right mind would pass on the big payday of selling their land to a developer so they can install a private disc golf course and charge people $5 to play. The land also is some of the best farm land in the nation, and many of the counties in the area are putting the kibosh on converting any more farm land to any other use due to the wild population spread out of the traditional Chicago area. Add to that the fact that the land around there is flat-flat-flat.

What you end up with is the best you can get...A whole lot of very unremarkable flat, wide-open 9-hole pitch and putts. Sadly, that's all those folks really can expect.

[Iceman]

Yea, plus Chicago has the Bears and the Cubs...BLAH! YUCK!! Sorry guys, I had to add that while the bashing was going on.

[Disc Dog]

I found this old thread and found it interesting. I got to thinking where I would like to live if DG was apart of the decision.

While I honestly do not believe it would be any of these, except maybe Minneapolis or Charlotte, it just got me thinking. I'm to small town for most of these.

Philadelphia 29 in 50
Charlotte NC 31 in50
Detroit 31 in 50
Milwaukee 30 in50
DesMoine 32 in50
Minn/St Paul 51 in50
Houston 33 in 50
Dallas/ Ft Worth 40 in 50
Portland OR 26 in 30
Chicago 65 in 50

[mashnut]

If you're going to consider a place to move for disc golf, you might want to consider how much of the year you're going to want to be outside playing. I'll play in any weather, but I know there are lots of people who won't play in Texas summers or Minneapolis winters.

[Disc Dog]

I will play in anything outside of a blizzard or a lightning storm. I may live in Virginia. But I was born and raised on the Washington/Idaho border and I know what snow to your bung hole is all about.

As for summer heat. It was 95 with 95% humidity today and that does not stop me.

I just want to throw plastic!

[Adaven]

I think Grand Rapids/West Michigan is being overlooked. We have a tone of courses almost 40 within 50 miles of my house and the ones I have played are great. I should really make an effort to play the rest.

[cydisc]

Also consider quality vs. quantity.

Austin, TX is good for year-round golf excellence. Yes, it's hot in the summer, but there is shade available.

Kansas City is more temperate and has some quality courses from which to choose. Plus they host Worlds.

[mashnut]

I think Grand Rapids/West Michigan is being overlooked. We have a tone of courses almost 40 within 50 miles of my house and the ones I have played are great. I should really make an effort to play the rest.

And you've got some courses that sound really nice a little further out. I really want to take a trip to your area this summer, hit up Flip and Beauty/Beast/Goliath along with all the cool courses in the Grand Rapids area.

[Midnightbiker]

Houston TX 77002
29 within 50 miles

I counted 31 with the new course at Jack Brooks and the new course at that Church they just built.

[Midnightbiker]

If you're going to consider a place to move for disc golf, you might want to consider how much of the year you're going to want to be outside playing. I'll play in any weather, but I know there are lots of people who won't play in Texas summers or Minneapolis winters.

Those people are just wimps. I was out there today at 3pm at 98 degrees, and I had fun. You just have to be smart and wear light colored clothing and drink lots of fluids.

[mashnut]

Those people are just wimps. I was out there today at 3pm at 98 degrees, and I had fun. You just have to be smart and wear light colored clothing and drink lots of fluids.

Oh I agree completely, I've played in temperatures from -15 to 110. I don't believe in letting the weather stop me from doing what I love to do, I just look at it as one more challenge on the course.

[caney44]

I don't have 50 within 50, but I have 21 within 50 miles from 42320. There is a lot of varity in those course's, so theres always a heck of a challange

[Midnightbiker]

Oh I agree completely, I've played in temperatures from -15 to 110. I don't believe in letting the weather stop me from doing what I love to do, I just look at it as one more challenge on the course.

I agree. Most of my friends won't go out if it drops below 50

[mashnut]

I agree. Most of my friends won't go out if it drops below 50

Heck, I don't even put on long pants to play until it gets under 50. :D

[Midnightbiker]

Heck, I don't even put on long pants to play until it gets under 50. :D

I almost killed my friends today. We started at 3pm when it was 98, and played two rounds. My friends game fell apart in the second round, and I shot 3 under par. They were ready to quit after 2 rounds. I wanted to play one more, but they were driving, and I didn't want to walk home.

[mashnut]

I almost killed my friends today. We started at 3pm when it was 98, and played two rounds. My friends game fell apart in the second round, and I shot 3 under par. They were ready to quit after 2 rounds. I wanted to play one more, but they were driving, and I didn't want to walk home.

I understand completely, that's how it is when my gf and I take friends out to play. We're just getting warmed up after 36 holes, and they're dying. We love to go play all day, and we haven't found too many people who want to do that with us.

[Dave242]

Charlotte is putting in I think 6 more 18 holers in the next few years for 2012 worlds. They will all be great courses like the existing 5 in town.

If you are thinking about moving.....move now and put your stamp on what will be the unquestioned mecca by helping to build them.

[DGtourist]

holy thread unearth! This reminds me of last summer. Not that this is a bad subject or anything. I'm thinking Minneapolis might make a good trip destination!

[Midnightbiker]

Texas is also a cool place to play

[phishbrained]

The only reason im go to school in grand rapids is for all the disc courses. Trying to get into the college I really want to go to, but in the mean time I'll enjoy playing all the courses in Michigan I've wanted to. Weather's a big concern though as 2-3 months are very bad for snow and ice, but can be played in if my car can make it to the course.

[Midnightbiker]

The only reason im go to school in grand rapids is for all the disc courses. Trying to get into the college I really want to go to, but in the mean time I'll enjoy playing all the courses in Michigan I've wanted to. Weather's a big concern though as 2-3 months are very bad for snow and ice, but can be played in if my car can make it to the course.

Should be nice this time of year

[ejvogie]

My only broken disc was in a -5 wind chill. Just wear warm, waterproof boots in the snow and avoid trees (at least with DX or Pro plastic) if at all possible. What the peepz here tell me is that playing through the winter is what gets your distance.

[Disc Dog]

I understand completely, that's how it is when my gf and I take friends out to play. We're just getting warmed up after 36 holes, and they're dying. We love to go play all day, and we haven't found too many people who want to do that with us.

I know how it is.

[DannyM]

Yep, talked with a Charlotte planner....6 more are in the works, one definately as it's already been started. They already have one of the best "meccas" of disc golf in the southeast, by 2012....it should done and hopefully on the map as the best!

[DannyM]

Augusta,Ga is also coming into it's own as one of the "meccas" for DG. The IDGC has 3 and one other in the works, and then 5-6 others in the general vicinity.

[DavidSauls]

Quality over quantity.

Once you get past 20 courses within an hour drive, I'm not sure how much it matters. If there are 40, I suspect very few players play all 40---perhaps once, to check each out, but even the most avid players are likely to settle down to no more than a dozen they play with any regularity.

My other thought, for anyone looking to move or for local boasting rights (very little of the former, great deal of the latter), would be for tournament players: how many good-to-great courses, with tournaments, within, say, 2 hours?

[Guurn]

I'm in the Minneapolis area and my zip of 55418 shows 67 in 50 miles. As with most people many of those are 9 hole courses but here many that are not. :)

[Cgkdisc]

Several of the zip codes on the southeast side of the Twin Cities are the only ones where there are over 100 courses within 100 miles. The other advantage of so many courses is the number of leagues. There are leagues every week of the year in or near the Twin Cities with more than one on some days. Largest league in the world is the Sundog with over 180 players in multiple flights on some Tuesdays this spring/summer.

[CwAlbino]

from my zip there is 68 within 50 miles, and 37 of them are 3 disc rating or more. The minneapolis area is great and there are tons of courses I've still yet to visit but hear are great. I'm already a part of two leagues which is a big change from where I am originally from and it's a great way to get together with others that love DG as much as you. I am also rather close to some of the nice WI courses, I hit up the towers this weekend which was great. Only a two hour drive to two great 18 hole courses.

[scarpfish]

I think it would be interesting to see what the best disc golf zip code is. See how your zip code fares under the following...

- Courses within 25 miles
- Courses within 50 miles
- Courses within 100 miles
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum)
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum)

My results:
- Courses within 25 miles 3 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 12 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 45 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 5 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum)6 courses

[CwAlbino]

I think it would be interesting to see what the best disc golf zip code is. See how your zip code fares under the following...

- Courses within 25 miles
- Courses within 50 miles
- Courses within 100 miles
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum)
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum)

My results:zip code = 55337 (Burnsville, MN)
- Courses within 25 miles 37 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 68 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 136 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 24 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum)13 courses

My results:zip code = 52556 (Fairfield, Iowa)
- Courses within 25 miles 2 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 19 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 69 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 2 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum)6 courses

would like to edit: there are(were) 3 just outside of 25 miles for 52556. One is temporarily removed. So that would make 5. From my house to them is < 25 miles

[Cgkdisc]

My results: zip code = 55077 (Inver Grove Hts, MN)
- Courses within 25 miles 38 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 66 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 138 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 24 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum) 14 courses

[amcarlson83]

Numbers don't tell the story. Chicago is a suckhole of despair when it comes to disc golf. There are a lot of 9-hole flat wide open pitch and putt courses around Chicago. The very best courses in the area can only be considered average. I always tell my friends when they go to Chicago to just play the course that happens to be nearest to you. NONE of them are worth a special trip out of your way.

Its sad, but if you want to play in the Chicago area, you have to go to West Park in Joliet/Rockdale (trees and elevation), or the course in Mokena (trees). Its a drive though.

End of story.

[Cgkdisc]

Or go to the Lemon Lake complex just across the IL/IN border and spend the day on four fine courses.

[jdggna]

My results:
zip code = 50003 (Adel, IA) <- Home while not in school, so most of the summer
- Courses within 25 miles 18 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 36 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 85 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 8 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum) 4 courses --> 3 within 35 miles

zip code = 50013 (Ames, IA) <- Home while in school, so fall/winter/spring
- Courses within 25 miles 16 courses
- Courses within 50 miles 38 courses
- Courses within 100 miles 92 courses
- Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum) 8 courses
- Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum) 5 courses --> 3 within 50 miles

Conclusion: We have a lot of courses, just not a lot of quality ones. Most are 9 hole courses squeezed into a park. We do have a few exceptional courses within a pretty close proximity though.

[mashnut]

Its sad, but if you want to play in the Chicago area, you have to go to West Park in Joliet/Rockdale (trees and elevation), or the course in Mokena (trees). Its a drive though.

End of story.

Or the Anna Page courses in Rockford, but you are correct that it's a real drive to get to any real courses.

[Disc Dog]

Hey I like this idea.

Courses within 25 miles: 0
Courses within 50 miles: 4
Courses within 100 miles: 41
Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum): 3
Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum): 12

[mashnut]

Courses within 25 miles: 19
Courses within 50 miles: 70
Courses within 100 miles: 120
Courses within 50 miles rated 3 discs or better (3 review minimum): Too lazy to count
Courses within 150 miles rated 4 discs or better (3 review minimum): ditto

[sidewinder22]

25 mi: 13 total with 7 rated 3+ and 2 rated 4+
50 mi: 27 total with 12 rated 3+and 3 rated 4+
100mi:89 total with 38 rated 3+ and 10 rated 4+
150mi:139 total with 60 rated 3+ and 15 rated 4+

[innova]

rated by whom?

AM players?

Climo?

[Disc Dog]

rated by whom?

AM players?

Climo?

The folks on this site.

[ShaZaun]

texas probally has the most courses..... but then again I may be biased.....

[solomon.trenton]

texas probally has the most courses..... but then again I may be biased.....

they do by far, and then its cali i believe. but mass is creeping up!

[Midnightbiker]

texas probally has the most courses..... but then again I may be biased.....

Yes! I agree. Texas rocks!