Building a Home Disc Golf Course
Do you have 2–5 Acres? What to Know Before You Throw!
Creating a home disc golf course is a dream for many players, and with even just 2 acres of space, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you’re looking for casual family fun or a place to sharpen your game, the key is working with the land you have, planning around safety and flow, and finding the right balance of affordability and quality.
1. Know Your Land
Before placing any baskets, get familiar with your space. Walk it multiple times, observe where trees, slopes, and open areas are, and sketch out where throws might fly. On smaller properties, smart design is more important than size.
Key considerations:
Natural obstacles: Use trees, brush, and elevation to create challenge.
Safety first: Keep throws away from homes, sheds, gardens, or property lines.
Flow and space: Minimize criss-crossing fairways to avoid confusion or accidents.
2. Plan for Variety, Not Distance
You don’t need long fairways to build a fun or challenging course. In fact, shorter technical shots often offer more replay value — especially on limited acreage.
Design ideas:
Technical throws: Narrow gaps, sharp turns, or guardian trees.
Shot shape diversity: Left-turning (hyzer), right-turning (anhyzer), and straight shots.
Creative elevation use: Even small hills can create tricky uphill or downhill approaches.
Ideal hole length: Generally 100–250 feet is perfect for 2–5 acres.
3. Number of Holes: Keep It Flexible
You may not be able to squeeze in a full 18-hole course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have variety. Focus on smart layouts and multi-use features.
Suggestions:
6 to 9 holes: A great starting point for 2–3 acres.
Alt tees or baskets: Add extra layouts without needing more land.
Loop design: Make it easy to play multiple laps or stop mid-round.
4. Equipment: Baskets and Tees
The most important investment is your targets — but even that can be scaled based on your budget. You don’t need pro-grade gear to have fun.
Baskets:
Portable baskets: $75–$150 each, lightweight and repositionable.
Permanent baskets: $200–$400 each, great for durability and realism.
DIY options: PVC or metal DIY baskets can save cash but reduce play quality.
Tee pads:
Natural tees: Just a marked spot or flagged dirt area.
Rubber or turf pads: Cost-effective and more durable.
Framed gravel or concrete: Expensive but highly professional.
5. Affordability: Price vs. Passion
Your course can be as basic or elaborate as you want. Start simple, test layouts, and invest gradually. There’s no need to drop thousands all at once.
Low-cost setup:
3–6 portable baskets: $300–$900 total
Reused materials for signs or benches
DIY tee markers (stakes, paint, or bricks)
Mid-to-high-end setup:
6–9 permanent baskets: $1,500–$3,600
Professional tee pads: $100–$300 each
Optional extras: bag hangers, signage, landscaping, benches
6. Course Maintenance and Longevity
A backyard course doesn’t need weekly grooming, but light upkeep keeps it playable and fun year-round. The simpler your layout, the easier it’ll be to maintain.
Maintenance tips:
Trim fairways seasonally (especially in spring/summer)
Keep paths clear of debris or overgrowth
Revisit basket placements to refresh layout and challenge
Playtest often and get feedback from friends
Final Thoughts
A small private disc golf course can bring huge enjoyment, whether you’re practicing solo or hosting mini-tournaments with friends. With creativity and thoughtful planning, even just a couple acres can become a disc golf haven. Focus on technical design, safety, and versatility, and remember: your course should be fun above all.