Backyard Getaways: Disc Golf Courses
Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove and Bryant Lake in Eden Prairie attract dedicated athletes as well as newcomers who find the game accessible and affordable.
The sport is growing and is a great way to have fun without spending a lot of money.
Disc Golf Course at Elm Creek Park Reserve
The first stop on our tour was Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. With an 18-hole course, Elm Creek in Maple Grove is a disc golf hot spot where players gravitate to fling the Frisbee.
“There’s a lot of variety here,” said Deryck Lawson. “There’s a lot of open shots. It’s fun to play with the wind. There’s a lot of elevation change too. It’s really challenging. It’s a lot of fun.”
Disc golf has a loyal following – thanks to hard-core Frisbee fanatics who play at a high level and newcomers who find the game accessible and affordable.
“I think it’s easy to get into,” said Thomas Mercier with the Three Rivers Park District. “It’s an enjoyable way to take a walk through a scenic area. Doesn’t require a ton of practice and refinement.”
Frisbee golf is similar to real golf. Players start at a tee box and toss the mini flying saucer toward a basket. The lowest number of throws wins. Holes range from short to long. The main difference is Frisbee golf is not as time-consuming or costly as real golf. The Three Rivers Park District day rate is $6.50 and an annual pass is $45.
“If you know how to throw a disc or a Frisbee,” Mercier said, “you can pretty much pick up the sport.”
Elm Creek is a draw because of its top-notch course and spectacular views.
“It’s pretty open and you’re on top of the hill a fair amount,” said Bruce Bolduan of the Three Rivers Park District. “You get a nice vista of the area.”
“Every time you come out and play a round you get away from everything,” Lawson said, “and enjoy what you’re doing and focus on the game.”
Disc Golf Course at Bryant Lake Regional Park
The next stop on our Frisbee golf tour was Bryant Lake Regional Park in Eden Prairie. This is a scenic course and is very challenging. At Bryant Lake players better bring their A-game, or the course will chew them up. There is also plenty of elevation, which provides a good cardio workout.
“Some people come out just to exercise on the steps themselves and don’t even play the disc golf,” Mercier said. “It’s just a nice setting.”
Bryant Lake is one of the premier 18-hole courses in the Twin Cities and has benefited from the sports growth.
“It has continued to be a very popular sport,” Mercier said. “It’s continuing to grow to the extent that we are challenged finding enough parking spots and other accommodations for people.”
At Bryant Lake, water and woods form a stunning backdrop. There are also wild flowers and wild turkeys. It all adds up to the perfect suburban escape.
