Disc golf, unknown and foreign to many, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and Sabineland has multiple locations to play, including two 18-hole professional level courses housed within North Toledo Bend State Park.
As a sport, disc golf is much as it sounds. One uses discs (often called frisbees outside of the sport) of varying construction to play a game much like traditional golf, trying to move your disc from tee to basket in as few throws as possible. Different discs have different flight patterns and characteristics, which can be changed even more depending on angles at which each different disc is released.
It differs from ball golf in that there is much less expense in playing the disc variety, as many courses are entirely free or cost very little to play. A quick check of the Cypress Bend website shows that their green fees are $55-65 on weekdays and $95 on weekends. Comparatively, admission to North or South Toledo Bend state park is three dollars, which includes full access to the park’s amenities and unlimited use of the disc golf courses. Also, equipment is exponentially lower for disc golf, as professional level discs usually cost no more than $30, and entry level discs are available for around $10. For ball golfers, one new driver runs into the hundreds of dollars, and a set of irons can easily top $1,000.
Increased interest in the sport occurred during COVID, as disc golf was the perfect socially distanced sport with minimum cost of entry. The interest has led to a boom in disc golf courses being built nationally. Locally, North Toledo Bend State Park features two separate courses that were built in 2023 and are coming into their own now. The Lakeside Course is 18-holes that play alongside the lake, which comes into consideration throughout several holes on the course. The park’s Hillside Course is also 18-holes that moves away from the water and instead showcases the beautiful hills of the area, offering a number of stunning views as play progresses. Of note is that the park has discs to loan out with paid admission for anyone that is interested in trying out the game. There is also “Sabine Freestate Disc Golf” on Facebook, which is a loosely organized group of disc golfers and interested peoples who will be getting together soon to play rounds on numerous local courses.
There are also a number of other courses within quick driving distance of Sabine Parish.
Northwestern State University in Natchitoches maintains an 18hole course that features both wooded and open holes running through a large section of the campus. They also have a “Natchitoches Disc Golf Group” on Facebook that organizes a round of doubles play every Sunday afternoon or early evening, depending on weather and several other factors.
South Toledo Bend Park maintains one 18--hole and the “Hippie Point” nine-hole course. Each combines challenging play alongside the natural features of the park and breathtaking views of the southern part of Toledo Bend.
Also worth mentioning as far as courses are ones in Leesville and Logansport. Hemphill and St. Augustine over in Texas also maintain courses that are easily accessible and just a short ride away.
So, when it’s time for something new. Give disc golf a try.