Austin, TX

Zilker Park

3.135(based on 53 reviews)
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11 0
Breh
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.8 years 191 played 189 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 10, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Umm there is lots of parking lot area, and places to park once you enter the park, hole 1 is right by parking lot easy find
Big long teepads!!! Might be the selling point here but the tee pads are in amazing condition with length wish more courses had these pads. Tee signs are adequate and nice as well, with nice stone benches near the tee pads.
This is a great course for all skill levels, as it's mostly open and averages around the 250 mark on hole distance.
Pros will find it on the easy side, but it's very well taken care of and manicured. If not for player traffic would be a great quick 18. Most shots are pretty open and birdies to be had
Baskets were in good shape and the lines were very nice to forehand and backhand players.
Baskets had arrows pointing you to next pad

Cons:

Pay to park
Can get really busy with big groups and new players
Some fairways play close together and you might hear the occasional fore!
4 to 5 can be confusing but you'll find it if you just follow the path.

Other Thoughts:

Overall a great place to get out learn the game and work on your mid accuracy and some ace runs
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1 3
psvines
Experience: 17.4 years 49 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great course for intermediate player and first time in the area 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 25, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Signage is the best I've experienced ever, very easy to navigate.
Excellent tee pads, concrete with brick borders.
Tape on basket tines indicate direction to next tee.

Cons:

Nothing comes to mind, though not particularly long, it worked well for not being a long thrower.

Other Thoughts:

I'll definitely play again when in the Austin area.
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13 0
blake833
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.9 years 160 played 140 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short and sweet 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 23, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Zilker is an incredibly popular park with an incredibly popular 18 hole disc golf course in Austin. Hole 1 is right by the parking lot. It's easy to see why the course gets so much play, it's very easy to digest, especially as a first timer.

Each of the holes is pretty short and manageable, straightforward disc golf. The distances are good par 3's for beginners, tempting twos for pro's. The back 9 is longer more difficult two's, and maybe just out of reach for a beginner, but not daunting. The front 9 does make a great beginner course, and the back 9 completes a pretty fun round.

The baskets are old discatchers, holding up well. The tee pads are full concrete, the signs are well designed maps on large rocks. Navigation is pretty easy, with maybe a couple spots on the front 9 where it gets kind of crowded and you could get turned around.

Cons:

It's lack of length is just fine for beginners, not as fun for people who want a couple par 4s or a par 5 on the course.

A lot of the holes are just kind of straight shots. There are some fun lines, but maybe just a few holes out of the 18 that bend left or right.

I played on a Tuesday, but it looks like the parking is pay-to-park on the weekends. Just keep that in mind if you're passing through.

Other Thoughts:

I had a great time playing this course. Austin has some pretty notable courses for various reasons, this one for just being a fun casual round, easy to access for people wondering what this game is like.

Zilker Park was a great warm up round, and I would play this course anytime I'm in town. I've played with a lot of friends before and if you're just looking to have fun this is the course for you
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4 1
TheQuietCroc
Experience: 6.1 years 19 played 16 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Excellent beginner/casual course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 23, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Tee signs are in excellent condition and show where to go for the next hole
- Concrete tee pads are in excellent condition
- Large rock slabs for sitting can be found at most tees
- A few holes play with elevation change, hole 6 being my favorite
- There's enough variety of open and tree-filled holes
- Hole distances are very beginner friendly
-- Easily the most beginner friendly course I've played
- Adequately shady for half the course

Cons:

- The path from hole 4 to hole 5 is really confusing for a first timer
- Hole 9's basket is placed in a way that implies it's a practice basket
- Holes 7, 10, and 11 are pretty close to a road, with 7 being near a low traffic road and 10 & 11 being next to a high traffic frontage road
-- If you're not confident in your shot, I'd skip holes 10 and 11
- Lots of pedestrian traffic along the road to the course from park and pool goers
- You can sometimes run into park goers in the middle of some back nine holes

Other Thoughts:

Zilker Park charges a parking fee of $5 per car from March to September on weekends and holidays. Some players will pay it forward and pass on their ticket to you if you're lucky.

Pokemon Go: there's one stop on the course, no gyms. The course is a high traffic area so you can find plenty of Pokemon spawns.
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1 3
Happydc
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Awesome little gem 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 24, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

It's a birdie-fest, everything is right there in front of you. Great tee pads, we loved how y'all do it in Austin. So convenient to our Downtown hotel. Well maintained, mulch kept it dry.

Cons:

Not really any long holes.

Other Thoughts:

Played quick, good pace. Next tee pads not always easy to remember, were indicated on map. Fun, competitive little course. Tidy. We weren't exhausted afterward and still had energy to party and walk around downtown.
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14 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Popular Recreational Course With Great Amenities! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 1, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

I always laugh when I read multiple reviewers list a course's popularity as a con. It's too crowded! You have to wait on # 1 to tee. These are a testament to a course's design and enjoyment factor. Only on the rare occasion is it due to a lack of competition. Morley Field in San Diego is the perfect example of that having the same great design and fun factor and almost no competing courses. Austin has a wealth of courses but there's a reason Zilker is so popular. Zilker Park is a lovely, well maintained recreational course and recreational players make up the greatest percentage of disc golfers.

Zilker is a very large, city park with much going on. This morning workers everywhere were setting up for a giant music festival. There was a large group of high school wrestlers engaged in a pre-season conditioning program and there was a disc golf tourney starting at 10 AM. Parking was a problem this morning. The park is too popular.

The course's amenities are second to none. Only, here in Texas have I seen these large stone benches. They are much more aesthetically pleasing than the hodge podge of old broken down lawn chairs and poorly built handmade benches you find on many courses. The same goes for the great tee signs which are bolted to these large stones. They have great information, look great and most importantly, appear to be vandal proof. The baskets are Discatchers in good shape. Another great idea here are the octagonal shaped, rubber mats below each basket. They look nice and are aids in the fight to prevent erosion around the baskets. The tee pads are masterful. They consist of a nice suzed concrete pad with a large border of paving stones.

Most holes are in the 225-275' range. There are only a couple playing over 300' making this a true recreational course. I think intermediate players can enjoy Zilker, as well. I see it as being beginner friendly, too. The course is mostly flat with just a touch of elevation here and there. It's mostly open with scattered trees but there are more trees and brush in the front nine.

Navigation is good with well worn paths leading you to the next tee although as I was hurrying through trying to beat the tournament start, I missed one obvious path and wandered away on another.


Cons:

Rec distances. No par 4's or 5's.

Fairly repetitive design with no raised baskets, no crazy 90 degree turning holes and no water.

The holes near the busy street are quite loud, if that bothers you.

Although generally easy to navigate, I would love to see some simple next tee arrows attached to the basket. I saw a course in Michigan that had next tee stickers stuck to the bands on the Discatchers.

Players throw hysers out over the park road on # 7. Be sure and check for traffic before throwing.

The # 3 tee box is just left of the # 2 fairway. You need to be aware when standing at the # 2 pad and not just ignore those fellows teeing off behind you.

Other Thoughts:

Wonderful course for you Austin players. If I lived here, this would be my go to course. I didn't get to play 16 & 17 due to the tournament getting started. My congrats to the Austin Park's Department. This is how you build a first class course from start to finish. As opposed to the buffoons who so badly bungled the design and building of Willow Fork Park DGC in Katy. If I were the mayor of Katy, I'd poach this parks and recreation director away from Austin. Maybe double his salary! Guarantee him hookers for life.
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5 3
paulbmann
Experience: 34 years 67 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Very Well Done 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 15, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very large tee pads, well maintained, well designed, sense of fairways, slightly hilly, easy to find someone to play with, many players using the course. Holes are variable in length and amateur friendly, but some holes are 325-375 ft. which I like. Variety of shots is required, straight, hyzer, anhyzer, 200 ft to 400 ft holes.

Cons:

Being Austin, about 33% of the players stop at the table near hole 5 tee pad and smoke marijuana or something else. Lots of beginners here and I got hit with a disc -- nobody yelled "fore". No two-drive holes, except #10, which is about 400 ft with a low ceiling.

Other Thoughts:

It's good practice for your drive, upshot and putt game. Although, not many radical shots are required, no spike hyzers, no rollers, no tunnel shots, no over-water shots. Designed by John Houck.

I did not have to pay for parking. The disc golfers won this battle and the parking meters are not being used.
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9 0
tst3c
Experience: 13 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Zilker Park- Calibration Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 12, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Overall a delightful course that I use to calibrate my game as well as get reps in for more casual and/or post-workday games in throughout the week.

Easily accessible (right off Mopac) and parking is hardly ever a problem.

All of the tee boxes here are actually my favorite for the area, as they have extra length around them with cobblestone.

Each hole is clearly marked for distance and with a good graphic of the hole.

The back 9 holes still has enough length for a bit of a challenge, with some tight lines. It is also be very beginner friendly and a great place to bring inductees into the disc golf world (REMEMBER! GROW THE SPORT!)

I love using this course to try different discs on different lines. Who would've thought a RHBH power-hyzer to the sky with a Harp on Hole 9 would be an ideal shot for my level?? The shot variety isn't amazing, but at least there are holes of various lengths and directions, so I can get work for both my RHBH and RHFH and my overhead shots.

Baskets are Discatchers and all clean/maintained. They seem to hate me sometimes, as I get a lot of chainouts, but that's personal... The whole course is really well maintained, with most fairways being grass it's light on your disc as well. It can be very open/forgiving on most holes, which is nice when I'm practicing, but it's also nice because I've never lost a disc here.

In summary this is a very clean, shorter course that's well worth a visit. It's still challenging enough for me, and I can consistently work on improving my game and shots, particularly on the front 9 holes.

Cons:

I don't want to diss this course at all, as it's perfect for what it is and my expectations.

However, it really doesn't offer a ton of variety when it comes to holes- it's all Par 3's, nothing over 400ft. That's OK for me, but I know others yearn for longer holes and more challenge.

There are a ton of pedestrians and park-goers, as it's in Zilker Park's circle area. That being said, I've had picnickers sit in the middle of the course with discs whirling by them. That doesn't make sense to me, but those who don't know the sport basically ignore us- for better or worse.'

Also, it can get really crowded. Since it's so beginner friendly, I find Hole #1 gets backed up pretty bad at times. I usually try to play the front 9 once then repeat the back 9 a few times just to avoid the clogging.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, it's a great short course. To reiterate, it's my calibration course- I know as a variable it doesn't change much and is very manageable, so I can bust out new discs and throws knowing how the course will handle it. I really like Zilker and it's the one I play the most, and although it's not the best ever for what it is as a short, clean course? It's perfect
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11 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 652 played 629 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Beautiful Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 6, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

(3.230 Rating) I find Zilker to be a fun and relaxing round for every skill level.
- TEES - Some of the best tees in all of Austin. They are concrete, long and wide.
- CHARACTER - There is a community board, (no map unfortunately) at hole 1. There is very well artistically illustrated and accurate hole signage at each tee. Most of the tees are shaded well and there is some of the best seating in all of Austin at each hole. Zilker however, is void of multiple tees, extra pin placements, and a practice basket.
- FORGIVENESS - The odds of losing a disc due to an errant shot is very low. There are a couple of moderate overgrowth areas between holes 3 and 8. There are no water hazards. Perfect for beginners and rec players.
- MAINTENANCE - The course appears to be constantly trimmed and manicured. I've played here at least ten times and never saw the grass in the wide fairways, higher than 6 inches. Despite the heavy use, trash was in check.
- ACEABILITY - Numerous holes are very aceable to intermediate players and above, You will have great opportunities on holes (1,2,4,5,9,11,14).
- NATURAL BEAUTY - In my opinion, Zilker is one of the most beautiful courses to walk in the Austin Metro area. You will have wonderful views and picture opportunities of downtown Austin's skyline. I will also add that the wild flower bloom in March/April can be quite amazing.
- NIGHT GOLF - This is an ideal night golf course. Spacious fairways and no overgrowth. No water hazards in play.
- CHILL AREAS - holes 3 threw 6 all play threw a somewhat secluded wooded area.
- LOCATION - located in the "crown jewel" of the Austin park system, and across the river from downtown.

Cons:

Just a few minor things.
- PARKING FEE - Although there is no cost to play, there is a cost to park your vehicle. I have gotten a ticket before, I think it was 20 bucks if I recall correctly.
- TIME WAITING - This course gets heavy use and sometimes has mob golfing going on. In addition, there are plenty of other park users and walkers about. I don't think I've ever played a round here and did not have to stop and wait for other park users.
- UNIQUENESS - The holes themselves in terms variety are a touch below average. There are no water features (creek on pond) along the layout. All but 3 of the holes play between 220 and 320 feet. There are only two sweeping shots (#16 and #18) There are only a couple of blind baskets. There are no par 4's or 5's.
- ELEVATION - Really not much to speak of. I know that lack of elevation is typically for other parts of eastern Texas, but its far less common for a south Austin course. No more than 40' elevation change throughout the entire course and no more than 20' on any one hole.
- DIFFICULTY - Not much of a challenge to advanced/pro level players as they should have no problem finishing well under. Intermediate and Recreational players may be delighted however as it can be a feel good round. It's a great opportunity for those players to finish a couple above par.

Other Thoughts:

An all around good course. I recommend this course to those visiting downtown as it is easy to get to and quick to play. If you have more time in the area, check out Circle C or Bible Ridge nearby.
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4 2
Davesdisc
Experience: 39.2 years 9 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

DG @ZilkerPark 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 25, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Location = Central Austin, most folks know where ZilkerPark is but locating the #1 teebox and parking may be an issue.
Easy = Not a challenging course for intermediate to advance players.
Tee box and layout = all tee boxes have pads and have very good signage. Course is easy to follow if you pay attention.
The view of downtown Austin TX is great.

Cons:

You now have to pay for $5 for parking. The lot parking meter only takes plastic and coins. The parking pass gets you all day parking up until 9:59pm.

Other Thoughts:

We played this course in the spring after an overnight rainstorm and the course drained very well. Little mud on our shoes and hardly any standing water. Tee boxes and cage surrounding all were damp but not wet.
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1 3
jackybaby72
Experience: 8.1 years 22 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A Little Bit of Everything 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 14, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful course. The tee pads are great. Hole plaque on each hole, though #10 was covered by a bush. Enough trees for shade. For a beginner, most holes are short. No water holes, again for beginners. Fast course to play. Good course for beginners to start and get better. Enough of a challenge to be encouraged by a good shot, for a beginner.

Cons:

For the more experienced, the course is short. No real obstacles to throw around. Did I mention the course is short? No holes to let loose a drive. The lack of distance can become boring.

Other Thoughts:

There are signs to tell where everything is in the park, except the course. There is parking right by #1. The day we played it started raining by #4. We played on and had a blast. We are already planning a weekend to come back and play again. My wife was challenged. I thought the grounds were beautiful.
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7 0
SimonCarr
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.9 years 115 played 57 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great Austin Disc Golf Experience 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 24, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course was a pleasant surprise based on the previous reviews that I had read.

I was unsure about the kind of topography or wooded area in this part of Texas. However, I thought this course did an excellent job of using the lay of the land to weave between trees and across fields.

- Really good mix of shots, most of which required control.
- The flow of the course worked well, with the parking in the middle.
- The location of this course was really great. I spent a lot of time in Zilker park with my family, so the location was very convenient. And the backdrop of downtown Austin is great. It made the park feel very accessible.
- Quite a few birdie opportunities to make it exciting.
- Oh, and I thought the stone benches were super awesome. They seemed to be somewhat randomly spaced, but top quality benches.

Cons:

I didn't find and major cons with this course, just a few things that could be improved upon.

- Some of the baskets and teepads were placed within close proximity on the front 9.
- A lot of the short hook shots seemed to favor lefties or a sidearm shot. Not necessarily a con, but worth noting.
- The course was moderately busy around 3pm on a weekday. With that said I only had to wait on 2-3 holes during my round.
- This course was not the most challenging, but I knew that going in to it.

Other Thoughts:

I somehow managed to get 4 birdies on the back 9 and none on the front 9. Not sure how that happened. The front 9 plays quite a bit shorter.

Around hole 7 I caught up with a couple local players. We talked for a bit and they let me play through the remaining holes with them. Its a good thing when you have a friendly disc golf community. I can see why the park is popular and the folks in Austin made disc golf enjoyable too.
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6 0
KenanFlagler01
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 195 played 190 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice urban course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 10, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

I played Zilker while on a business trip to Austin. This was my first disc golf experience in Texas. I thought the course was average/typical, but my experience, and the fun factor, were well above average. I walked from my hotel in downtown Austin to the river walk and a system of parks with a nice hike and bike trail. The beautiful river and city views added to my experience actually playing the course. If I could rate the greenway walk plus the course, I'd give it a solid 3.5! Now, on to the course...

- Very well-maintained, especially for an urban park.
- When I say "urban park," this is a legit urban park. It's situated in a large, open, downtown park near the river. A major highway boarders one edge of the park. Skyline views from most of the course. Neat setting, minus the traffic noise on the handful of holes closest to the highway.
- The tee pads are fantastic. Very big. There's also a stone/rock border around the concrete pads, so they look really nice too. Good tee pad signs.
- Brand new baskets.
- There wasn't much variety in terms of elevation and obstacles, but there's a good mix of long and short holes, hyzer, anhyzer, and dead straight.
- No underbrush and no risk of losing a disc.
- Lots of ace run and high fun factor.
- This is a nice, open course with well-placed baskets and guardian trees. I'm used to wooded North Carolina courses, so it's a lot more open than I'm used to, but I think the course is laid out well with the existing trees, while also giving you plenty of opportunities to bomb.

Cons:

- I can't overstate this: the mosquitos were out of control when I played. I was swarmed form the minute I got to the park. I played on a cool fall morning and assumed this downtown park wouldn't be a mosquito hot spot like heavily wooded courses I've played. WRONG. Those suckers attacked and tried to carry me away. Stupid move not to wear deet. Don't repeat my mistake.
- I thought this was a nice, fun course, but there aren't any memorable, standout holes. It's pretty repetitive. Decent mix of long/short, hyzer/anhyzer. But no real standouts.
- There were maybe 2-3 slight downhill holes and 1-2 slight uphill holes. Otherwise it's all flat.
- Two holes are laid out right beside the highway. I wouldn't say they're dangerous, but a newbie or an exceptionally bad player could potentially hyzer a drive right into the highway. More than anything, this part of the course is just loud. Most of the course, maybe 12-14 holes, are peaceful and quiet, but these few holes near the road are the opposite of that.
- Navigation is fairly straightforward, this being a compact, park style course, but I had a hard time finding hole 1 and then going from 9 to 10. Arrows pointing to the next hole, when it's not obvious, would be nice.

Other Thoughts:

I understand there are better courses in and around Austin, but if you're downtown, this is definitely worth playing. I felt like I got a good taste of Austin.
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3 1
TejasKajun
Experience: 23.8 years 42 played 10 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Zilker Park has returned to its glory 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 12, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

+ the entire course has been renovated to make defined fairways and elevation improvements that are eco-friendly for a very busy course
+ baskets are all brand new
+ distances are accurate
+ heavy duty tee boxes that give any style of thrower the room they need
+ tee signs and marker (including drop zones) are now installed

Cons:

- none that can be noted at this time

Other Thoughts:

The recent year long improvement and total renovation was on behalf of the Waterloo Disc Golf Club, Austin Parks and Rec Dept., Austin Watershed Protection, Disc Nation, Innova Disc Golf, Houck Design, Amazing Locksmith, Pro Serv, Austin Parks Foundation and great volunteers.

The course now has sustainability for many more years to come as it is a highly active course for all levels of players.
The kiosk will soon be getting a course map and rules/etiquette sign installed.

This course is always a gem to play because it caters to all skill levels. The front 9 holes tend to be shorter and the back 9 are longer with more challenges like mando & OB's.

If you are in Austin, this is a great casual course to experience that "Austin" feel with.
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13 0
mndiscg
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 480 played 478 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Fun Metro Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 4, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

+High fun factor here. There are ace runs, some quick greens, just enough obstacles.
+Course was still under construction when I played but what was done was great. Lots of erosion control and other measures being put in to make this course look and play better.
+Can't lose a disc here.
+Lots to do in this park but it didn't feel crammed at all.
+All the tees are nice. They aren't uniform but the unique ones add to the character of this course. Nothing dangerous or too small.
+Easy to navigate.
+Safe and a great place to take new players or kids.
+Lots of fun places nearby to eat, drink, and see. Austin is a cool place.

Cons:

-Pay to park
-Others have said that this course gets crowded. I played on a December morning and had no issues.
-Can be Texas hot during the summer.
-Fairly short and lacking a ton of variety

Other Thoughts:

+This course is a casual course. It isn't a tourney course. No real hazards.
+An easier option that should take less time than Roy G which isn't too far away. Could be used as a warm up for Roy.
+For me, this course had a high fun factor and the park had a great atmosphere. The disc golf wasn't the greatest but it was better than nothing.
+Thanks to the City of Austin for doing necessary upkeep.
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3 1
SigLane
Experience: 26.2 years 4 played 4 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Under necessary construction 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 16, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Downtown Austin course near all of the great benefits of beautiful Zilker park. Other pros...right now... not many. You can get a margarita at one of the many amazing restaurants near by... :) Seriously though, this course is normally a lot of fun but it's half closed and under very necessary construction. It is a great course to introduce someone to disc golf. It's also a good course to practice some of your basic shots. It's not hard and the lengths of the holes don't exceed 370'. You'd have to try and lose a disc out here. No tall grass. Trees are pretty tall so unless you are throwing super high shots, which are unnecessary, the majority of the holes force you to shoot under the trees. I like this course as a relaxed change of pace from the crowded Marie Moore or the difficult and long Guerrero or Circle C courses. I more often than not play championship courses but this is the perfect course for a relaxed round with friends who may be new to the sport.

Cons:

Front 9 (which are the best holes) are closed for construction. Apparently the city plans on shutting all 18 down in a couple of weeks. Terrible erosion issues. According to parks and rec a decent amount of money ($40k) is going to be spent to get this course in good shape again. Looks like it'll be a heck of a project though. The back 9 have no hole markers. You have to follow groups in front of you to make sure you follow the course flow because it's not exactly obvious. Tee boxes are covered in eroded soil.

Other Thoughts:

We'll see how it looks and plays in the fall when construction and erosion management have been completed. I'll put together an updated review then. For now, I hate saying this because this course does hold a special place in my heart, you'd be better off going a bit further south to Marie Moore (when looking for an introductory/ intermediate course).
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1 3
IsThisThingOn
Experience: 48 played 12 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Excellent course for (almost) all skill levels! drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 27, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Zilker is a staple of Austin disc golf, filled everyone from first timer and 5-digit PDGA numbers (and the occasional 4). The course is short, but technical, especially with the change a few years ago to holes 3 and 4 which add a wooded section early in the round. If you're visiting Austin, Zilker is always worth a round. If you get there in the AM, a solo can play through 18 in about an hour
- Good course flow
- Generally easy to follow (needs 2 minor signage updates)
- Great shot variety for a shorter, more technical course
- Seating at every tee box

Cons:

- One of the busiest courses around, especially on weekends.
- Lots of newer players in large groups (primarily on weekends)
- Needs some additional navigation signs/markers
- No water fountains

Other Thoughts:

Updated my very old review from before the giant revamp a few years ago. Zilker is now my main course in rotation, about 2-3 times a week. Great for players in the 250-350 foot driving range. If you throw 400+ you might find it too easy. That being said, the shot variety is excellent, fun elevation changes and an overall clean design.

TIPS:
- The back 9 is across the street from hole 1/the parking lot
- Bring water, there are no fountains
- The tee pad by the basket for 2 that LOOKS like it should be for 3 is from the old layout. walk past the fenced in area and turn right for the path to 3.
- the safe route on hole 4 is the forehand line to the left, the hero route is backhand to the right (but the kick into the woods can be devastating)
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2 3
lowrie4
Experience: 36 played 21 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Zilker Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 1, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

As the title says, great course for beginners. Some variation in holes, but none are too challenging for beginners and most are fairly short (only two over 300 ft I think). Also, the entire course has recently undergone renovations and it looks wonderful now. New tee pads and tee signs.

Cons:

Sadly there is only one hole on this course that is even moderately challenging. I love playing this course with friends that haven't played disc golf before, but aside from that this course isn't great compared to others around Austin.

Other Thoughts:

There are many challenging courses around Austin which makes an easy course like Zilker a welcome to Austin disc golf. If you're introducing people to the sport, this is a great first course to take them to, but if not I would recommend playing somewhere else.
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nightwing
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 273 played 56 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Needs help 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 1, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Awesome location near downtown.
Huge and varied park setting.
Some good shots on the northside.
Also some decent pin locations.
Boring southside nine.

Cons:

Hideous baskets on the better nine.
VERY short layout.
Little elevation...typical park course

Other Thoughts:

Zilker Park is due for an overhaul. I will change or delete my review if it improves but it has really been let go and that's just kind of depressing. It does function as a close by practice course to downtown Nashville, but with so many great courses nearby, I would skip it unless it is on your way or you just want a quick 'grab a few discs and go for an hour' kind of round.
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madcow
Experience: 14.4 years 28 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Location is incorrect 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 19, 2013 Played the course:once

Other Thoughts:

This is just a place holder for now till i can come back and review but:

The location on here is incorrect. It took me to another part of Zilker park that is nowere near the DG course.

If you are coming south on Mo-Pac and get off the exit to the turn around for barton springs... head north on barton to the second right wich should be Andrew Zilker Road, then make a left. The course is in there.

(didnt find it till i did some random exploring)
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