‘Feels like a champion level course’: New disc golf course opens in North Monterey County

Posted by Admin January 15, 2025 Golf

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Local players have already deemed the new disc golf course in north Monterey County at Royal Oaks Park a champion course in the making.

Disc golf, a sport where players throw flying discs into baskets or targets on a specially designed course has a dedicated following along the Central Coast, which has hosted World Disc Golf Championships in both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

“You’ve got your tight technical shots and long drives out in the open; you’ve got the picturesque views from the top of the world — it feels like a championship level course,” said Ian Sun, who was playing a round of disc golf on Tuesday morning with his two friends.

Sun regularly plays at DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course in Santa Cruz, which is rated one of the most challenging and famous disc golf courses in the world by UDisc. He said the new 21-hole course along rolling terrain in Royal Oaks Park is quickly becoming one of his favorite spots.

“The full property here is being utilized, which to me is awesome,” Sun said. “You can play along the picnic sides without being too close to them; you can come out here to host a tournament, there’s barbeque and it’s a great environment for families.”

“I really hope the county makes it permanent because there are already so many people excited and buzzing about it online,” he added.

Since its soft opening in October, the new course at Royal Oaks Park, which does not require a reservation, has already had more than 600 rounds of play.

“Every day, park visitors are using the course, weekends are particularly busy with large groups of 10-15 players,” Chief of Parks Bryan Flores said in a statement. “Players have come from as far away as New Mexico and Colorado, as well as local enthusiasts.”

Located among the picturesque oak trees and lush trails of Monterey County’s first public park, the disc golf course was designed by Monterey County Park Commissioners Nicholas Kite and Kelly Stracke. Members from local disc golf clubs also volunteered their time to help install the course, including digging holes and anchoring baskets, officials said.

Currently in a trial period to ensure it integrates well with other park activities, according to park officials, the course has dirt tee pads and is just over 1.2 miles.

Baskets were loaned by Watsonville-based disc golf manufacturer DGA (Disc Golf Association) and local clubs during this phase.

Players only need their own disc golf disc, and a water bottle is recommended by park officials to stay hydrated on the course.

For those who are new to disc golf, Salinas and Monterey libraries have disc golf packs to check-out.

A map of the course is available at UDisc.