Disc golf has been around for almost 50 years, but never has it enjoyed the level of popularity and excitement that it does today. Over the past couple of years, people of all ages have been drawn to this outdoor activity that combines challenge and skill with the enjoyment of spending the day in beautiful landscapes.
The best place for disc golf in the Blue Ridge Mountains is North Cove Disc Golf & Leisure Club. The club hosted the 2022 College Disc Golf National Championship, but don’t let that intimidate you — North Cove has courses designed for all levels of players.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is played very much like traditional golf — but instead of a club and a golf balls, players throw flying discs in an attempt to complete each hole in the fewest throws.
The target of each hole is typically an elevated metal basket, and the terrain can vary throughout the course to include trees, rocks, meadows, ponds, rivers and elevation changes. Players must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous one landed, so those terrain features often make for interesting obstacles!
Disc golf is easy to learn and accessible to all ages. It’s a great fitness activity and fun for families to play together.
Disc Golf at North Cove
Nestled into the rolling hills along the Catawba River just north of Marion, North Cove has constructed three 18-hole disc golf courses on the club’s 157 acres:
- The River Run course (5,118 ft.) is designed for all skill levels — though experienced players can still find a challenge on it — and takes about 2 hours to play.
- The Boulders course (7, 274 ft.) is best for intermediate to advanced players and features large rock structures and views of the North Fork of the Catawba River. Expect lots of elevation change, and plan for about 3 hours of play.
- The brand-new Gorge course (9,090 ft.) was designed for this year’s college championship tournament. The club’s website says this one is for those “ready for a workout and a unique challenge” and takes about 3.5 hours to play.
North Cove Disc Golf & Leisure Club is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tee time reservations begin at $10 for a single round or $15 for a day pass, and annual memberships are available.
Stop by the North Cove pro shop for all your disc golf supplies. New players can get started with just one disc, and more experienced disc golfers can choose from a selection of specialized discs. Also on the horizon for North Cove is a new restaurant and bar, as well as a tiny neighborhood of glamping rentals — perfect for planning a Blue Ridge Mountain getaway with disc golfing right in your front yard.
