Destination Disc Golf: Volume 1; Issue 1
This issue quickly highlights some Washington State disc golf courses, and opens discussion on health and disc golfing. We also touch on what is to come in future issues.
The Real Washington State Gems
Recently, I reached out to a Facebook group titled, NW DiscGolfers. This group has over 8 thousand members residing in the Pacific Northwest. I received a great response in my first request for what Washingtonians consider their favorite courses in their state, in regards to natural beauty and the experience playing the game. While this is not a ranking order, there was a big difference in what UDisc considered their “top” courses, and what the Washington community I interacted with had to say. According to UDisc’s 2022 list of best courses in each state, they had Washington’s top 5 as:
Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort (Red)
Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort (Gold)
Lucky Mud Disc Golf Course
Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course
Rainshadow Disc Golf Park
While UDisc considers popularity of course usage for their metrics, it would be nice to see some courses highlighted that may not make a list like this. Reading the comments in the NW DiscGolfers group, they were able to share information on some spots not on the top five list in Washington (and some that are.) Without a newsletter posting like this, I may have simply visited what I saw on UDisc as the best courses in your state. Gathering comment information from locals, I wanted to present a list from players who know and play the courses, so people outside of the area may choose a lesser known gem of a course to connect with. While this does not go into any great detail about specific courses, it is meant to pique interest in each, and the player can then plot a destination to the course they research. Simply getting the names out there helps for anyone new to disc golf in your great state, or visitors who may need more than UDisc to locate courses. Each course is linked to its Google address in my newsletter, which will show you pictures and give you locations.
Rainshadow Disc Golf Course was mentioned the most, and seemed to be on many posts, including the UDisc top 5. NW DiscGolf group member Cameron Bagley mentioned it as having “elevation changes” worth noting. Nicholas Shuler shared it as having, “impressive views and landscape,” and Mark Hill agrees that it is known for, “natural beauty.” According to Nathan Zuchowski, “sunny days” are particularly enjoyable at this disc golf course.
Evergreen Disc Golf Course was also mentioned quite a bit. I could not find many Google images to support comments on its beauty, so I will take your word for it. Washingtonians, get out there and load those pictures into Google! Several posts mentioned this course as naturally beautiful, and David Robison describes it as, “Lush old growth forest surrounded by ferns and mossy trees.”
Lucky Mud Disc Golf Course got love from the group, as well. Looking at the Google pictures, I can see why! This reminds me of many Oregon private courses, adding simple old-timey nuances to the course. It fell in the middle of the UDisc list, and holds ground as one of the three most popular mentioned courses in my findings, as well.
After these three that were on most lists people shared, many courses were mentioned, including what seems to be the most known course outside of Washington, Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort. I personally feel it unfair to list any course twice in a top course list (as they do here in Oregon with Milo McIver.) Therefore, I group both the “Red” and “Gold” courses together. While both were #1 and #2 on UDisc’s list, it was far from mentioned a ton on the NW DiscGolfers page. Several users poo-poo’d it as one of the best, but sometimes when a course gets large like Kayak Point DGR seems to be, it can be a turn-off to disc golfers. With that said, it deserves to be mentioned, and the pictures on Google are gorgeous. It has a Milo McIver feel to it and as in Oregon, because of its notoriety, people will opt for something less grandiose. It looks like a “must-play” course in the state, to me, and I look forward to doing so. Other courses mentioned for their beauty are: Highbridge Disc Golf Course, NSRA Disc Golf Course, Mossy Rock Disc Golf Course, Frost Creek Disc Golf Course, N.A.D. Park, The Oasis, and one that was on the UDisc list high, but not mentioned a ton, Shelton Springs Disc Golf Course. Fun fact: growing up, my family owned a small tavern in Shelton, so personally, I would love to play this one. Washington has so many amazing courses to explore! I didn’t even cover all of them, and you are welcome to add these to the comment section.
To me, two courses stood out as honorable mentions, having several people commented on their beauty and scenery. Crystal Mountain Resort has a seasonal course that opens around April with stunning views. Below are several pics posted in the NW DiscGolfers group on Facebook:
Another course Heather Milne and Ivan Burford of Washington both agree needs a nod is Roche Harbor Disc Golf Course. The harbor pictures on Google alone make me want to play! Did I also see, “moat” holes? Check out these images on the course Google link.
Hopefully this list will help locals new to the game in their area find a course, and travelers find some real gems of Washington when they visit this beautifully forest-dense, and evergreen state. Check them all out, and always remember, you are stewards of the outdoors. Be respectful and kind, and keep the courses clean. Apologize to trees you hit, and thank the ones that help with lucky bounces!
“Health and Disc Golf” Coming Soon!
Having a conversation with a friend on our way to a course, we were both recounting our sports careers and how we loved capturing the excitement of pre-game rituals, competition in games, the thrill of going for wins, and lessons in defeat. We also spoke about being in our 40s, and how going out and playing soccer for him, and basketball for me was like playing roulette with our knees and ankles at our age. At any moment we could rupture an achilles, or an old powdery “catcher’s knee” could blow out on a simple cut move. Disc golf offers a lower impact way of staying healthy while connecting with nature, helps build friendships for mental health, and a way to get to know your own self during solo rounds. We all want to play this game late into our lives, and in order to do so, we will discuss and provide ways to exercise our bodies (and minds) in connection to disc golf, assisting in keeping you limber and ready to climb up and down mountains, and down through long grassy valleys in search of your hyzer bombs and turnover shots!
Other content on the way!
While the plan is to get around to each state, some states will be skinny in content, or require a little more time to gather due to so much content. This week was exciting to find out how much Washington had to offer, and along the way we will come back and do deeper dives on courses we have visited ourselves. This is just the beginning! Along with this information, I want to create the “Ultimate Disc Golf Music Playlist,” offer anecdotal stories from around the world and your adventures playing, post humorous moments, and anything that you may be interested in hearing more about when it comes to travels to courses. Feel free to email ideas/content to: agatealleymedia@gmail.com, and help us ignite the magic we would love this to become! Remember, as a new newsletter, this will be ever evolving, and ideas are never set in stone.
Enjoy the destination while out disc golfing!
I really enjoyed this. Very informative and well said. 👏
Ewalk
What a great read! Looking forward to having something more interesting to read on the toilet LOL! Keep it up Abraham!