Introducing the TOP Disc Golf Course!Possibly the most scenic disc golf course in North America, our gem-in-the-rough was designed to take full advantage of natural features at Top of the Pines to create a uniquely challenging yet family-and-beginner-friendly course that shamelessly showcases spectacular views of the Sneffels range.
Whether you are a freestyle frisbee golfer, competitive disc golf player or just headed out for the first time with your kids in tow, this course will suit you to a tee! The long-awaited first nine holes were completed just in time for the 2020 summer season. Most of this portion of the course is located in mature, gently hilly ponderosa forest, where the understory was already relatively clear, leading to only minor altering of the environment. The additional 9 holes were put in place in 2023 and complete our 18-hole course! We hope you enjoy! Course designer Ned Bosworth, a Ridgway resident and landscape architect, took care to make sure that all the holes interrelate, minimizing long uphill holes and walking distance between one basket and the next tee. 
Disc Golf Q&A:
Q: What’s disc golf? A: It’s just like regular golf, except you use specialized frisbees or “discs” instead of clubs and golf balls, and you aim for elevated chain-link baskets instead of little holes in the ground. Q: How do I find the TOP disc golf course? A: Pull into the main Top of the Pines parking lot near the road, get out of your car, and look for a 6’x4’ sign that shows the layout of the entire course, holes 1-18. The first tee is right behind that sign. Since most of the course is in the woods, you can’t always see the next basket from where you tee off, so look for the signs next to each tee that show you where to go next. Follow the marked trails connecting each basket to the next tee. The course plays very easily because it is so well signed. Q: I’ve never played disc golf before. Any suggestions? A: Disc golf is a very easy game to learn. Rules are close to identical to traditional golf. If you’re trying the sport for the first time, we recommend that you bring someone along who is familiar with how to play the game. That being said, it is also fine to go freestyle. Just aim for the next basket and hope for the best! The main thing is to have fun. Q: Do I need to buy any special equipment? A: Purists will want to buy a proper set of discs with drivers and putters, just as traditional golfers have a whole carefully cultivated bag full of specialty clubs. But your favorite frisbee will also do the trick. Q: Is the course and the sport kid-friendly? A: Yes! The first nine holes of the TOP disc golf course are easily accessible and connected by a well-marked system of short trails. For a longer game, opt to play the entire 18 hole course! Disc golf is a fun game that costs virtually nothing and the pressure is nonexistent. Q: I am an experienced competitive disc golfer. Will I find this course challenging enough? A: The first nine holes are considered a short course with a moderate difficulty rating due to the elevation change and the trees. Some of the holes have an elevation change of over 50 feet, which makes the course more interesting and more difficult to play. The next nine holes are more difficult by way of length, bringing together a challenging certified course for tournament play. Our ultimate goal is to host PDGA tournaments. We are in the process of pursuing PDGA certification. Q: Can I play year-round? A: Sure; you may need snowshoes or xc skis to tromp around in the woods on a snowy day. Q: Do I need to set up a reservation? A: Individuals and families are not required to register for any day use activities at TOP. Educational and commercial groups should fill out a reservation form on the registration page. Q: How much does it cost to play? A: Day use for individuals and families at TOP is by donation on an honor basis. We encourage visitors to use the donation boxes. Even better, become a member! Educational and commercial groups must pay a small fee. (See registration page.) Advice and Etiquette
|