A Beginner’s Guide to Disc Golf in Lynchburg, VA
The secret’s out- Lynchburg, VA is a must-visit destination for disc golf enthusiasts. In August of ‘24, Lynchburg hosted the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships!
With 10 courses in beautiful landscapes at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a game of disc golf is the perfect blend of nature and sport.
Whether you’re a pro or a curious beginner, we’ve got you covered on the disc golf scene here in Lynchburg.
But First, the Basics…
What is disc golf?
It’s basically golf.
But you’re throwing a disc instead of swinging a club.
And the “holes” are metal cages above the ground on specialized courses.
Like golf, there are 18 holes, each with a par rating (the number of attempts required to get into the hole).
And you lead off from a tee, trying to make it into the hole with as few attempts as possible.
Is it the same as Frisbee golf?
Yessss, but watch out!
You WILL get shamed for saying, “Frisbee golf.” Frisbee is a brand name from the 1960s for a flying disc, similar to the kind used in disc golf.
Disc golf became an organized sport in 1974.
The late Ed Headric installed the first official disc golf course at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, CA, in 1975.
He was the father of disc golf and former executive vice president at Wham-O, the maker of the patented Frisbee.
What equipment do I need?
It’s best to have a set of 3 discs - one for long distance, medium distance, and a putter (short distance).
You cannnn still play with just one, but you’ll have way more fun with the different options.
Snag a brand-new set at one of these local sports stores: Foundation Disc Golf, D’s Disc Golf Emporium, or Dick’s.
Discs are also sold online at Amazon or other sports equipment retailers.
Orrrr, you can save a few bucks and get a used set (especially if you’re just trying this sport out). Check out the local Play It Again Sports, which always carries decent used discs.
Do I need a group to play?
You can totally hit the course by yourself.
But playing a round with friends is way more fun! Plus, what an excellent opportunity for bets and bragging rights!
Is it an easy sport to pick up?
Look, it is wayyyy easier than regular golf, where you’re trying to hit a tiny ball with a club.
That said, there are some strategies to improve your game quickly, and YouTube will be your friend.
Here are the basic rules:
Start from the tee. You must throw from behind the front of the tee area.
All following throws are made from behind the spot where the previous throw landed, known as the “lie.” If your disc lands in a tree or a bush, the lie is on the ground directly below.
You can run up to throw your disc, and your body can carry past the lie, but you must release the disc before stepping past the lie.
A “putt” is a throw from within 10 meters (32.8 ft) of the hole. When putting, you must not step past the lie until the disc comes to rest.
The hole is completed when the disc comes to rest in the basket or chains. If it comes to rest on top of the basket, you have to throw again to get it in the basket or chains.
If a disc goes out of bounds, you get one penalty throw. The most common thing to do is throw from any in-bounds spot within one meter (3.28 feet) of the point where your disc was last in bounds.
For the complete list of official rules from the Professional Disc Golf Association, click here.
What Makes Lynchburg So Great for Disc Golf?
A Strong Community
Lynchburg is all about community. And the disc golf scene is no different.
The Lynchburg Disc Golf Club (LDGC) is a lively group that organizes events, leagues, and tournaments throughout the year.
So, whether you’re looking for some spirited competition or just to meet fellow disc golfers, LDGC has a million ways to get involved.
Everyone’s friendly and always happy to welcome newbies and help them improve their game.
PDGA World Championships
Beginner-Friendly Environment
Speaking of newbies…
If that’s you, Lynchburg has a load of awesome courses to get your feet wet without frustrating you right out of the sport.
Peaks View Park even has warm-up practice areas before hitting the main course.
Plus, local shops like Foundation Disc Golf, D’s Disc Golf Emporium, and Play It Again Sports have a huge selection of discs and equipment and a knowledgeable staff to help you pick the right gear.
A Beautiful Blend of Nature and Sport
What makes playing disc golf in Lynchburg is being literally surrounded by Mother Nature.
From the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains…
To the tranquil flow of the James River…
To tree-filled parks, babbling creeks, and wildlife all around you.
It’s beautiful in Lynchburg year-round, but we highly recommend enough that you make time to visit in Autumn. Stunning…
Weather You Can Work With
One of Lynchburg’s strengths is its moderate climate with four distinct seasons.
Sure, it can get hot and muggy in the summer and quite cold in the winter, but generally, there are only a few days that’ll keep you inside.
Summers range from 60°- 85° with some mid-high 90s sprinkled in. We get rain and thunderstorms from time to time, so check the weather before you head out.
Pro tip: Get the RainAware app. It’s magic and way more accurate than the others.
Winters range from 24°- 46°. Brrrr! Make sure to dress especially warm between December and March. You simply can’t get by without that winter coat.
Average Temperatures: 20’s-40’s (though it’s not uncommon to get up into the 50’s)
Coldest Month: January
Average Snowfall Per Winter: 11 inches
Sun Set: Around 5 pm, so make sure you plan any outdoor activities earlier in the day.
You likely won’t need to bring snow boots, but you should check the weather forecast beforehand for any winter conditions that might impact your trip.
It’s common for Lynchburg to get a few good snows each year, while the mountains are used to seeing much more.
Spring and Autumn offer the loveliest weather.
In Spring, temps will start out 35°- 60° in March and end around 50°- 80° when June rolls around.
Autumn is the same but in reverse. It starts to get very pleasant at the end of September and then pretty brisk when December hits.
Terrapin Mountain Farm nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Lynchburg, VA
Events and Tournaments
Lynchburg’s disc golf scene has events and tournaments for players of all skill levels.
Annual tourneys like the Liberty Flamethrower Open and the Peaks View Open attract top players and stoked spectators.
These events aren’t just for competition. They’re also a chance to geek out on all things disc golf…
Like attending clinics, checking out vendors, and hanging out at social events.
The Best Courses in Town
Peaks View Park
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
18 Holes
Challenges: some densley wooded sections
A local favorite for disc golf
It’ll test your accuracy and power.
It is a great place to train alone or have some spirited competition!
2. Camp Hydeaway - Liberty University
Skill Level: Intermediate
20 Holes
Challenges: tightly wooded sections with no open shots, hilly sections
Created by: renowned disc golf architect John Houck.
It’s famous for its stunning views and varied terrain.
An all-around test of your disc golf game.
The University regularly hosts tournaments, drawing competitors from across Central Virginia.
3. New London Tech Disc Golf Course
Skill Level: “Professional” (but don’t let that keep you away)
18 Holes
Challenges: super long course that takes 2 to 3 hours, can’t see lots of holes from the tee (use the tee signs)
Created by: Lynchburg’s own pro disc golfer, Paul McBeth.
It’s also one of the courses for the 2024 PDGA World Championships!
Insider Tip: According to Paul McBeth, the State of Virginia has granted Bedford County the right to pave over 7 of the course’s holes. Booooo! Hopefully, the good guys can win the argument and keep the course intact.
4. Timbrook Park
Skill Level: Beginner
18 Holes
Challenges: elevation, technical wooded fairways, and water features
Created by: Bedford Disc Golf Club
If you’re looking for more laid-back golfing, Timbrook Park is your jam. Beginner-friendly yet super fun.
Lynchburg is a disc golf wonderland that has something for everyone.
With a great mix of courses for all skill levels, a friendly community, and gorgeous natural beauty, it’s a memorable destination that deserves a spot on every disc golfer's bucket list.
So, pack your discs, hit the road, and discover the vibrant disc golf scene that awaits you in Lynchburg.
Happy throwing!
Whether you’re just coming solo or bringing a group, don’t forget to check out our 25+ properties in the greater Lynchburg area!
*Many thanks to Bart Quigley for his help with this article! Go check out his podcast “Small Town Secret Sauce” as he interviews Lynchburg locals doing incredible things in order to help you thrive in your own community.