Disc Golf: Competitive Sport and Family Fun all in Wilkesboro!

If you’re looking for a fun way to get the entire family outdoors enjoying an activity together, look no further than disc golf. Wilkesboro is proud to claim two beautiful courses of its own, Rolling Pines and Fort Hamby, in addition to a third course in neighboring North Wilkesboro, Highland Hills.

One of the great things about disc golf is its accessibility. While there are people who play at a professional level, it’s also fun for beginners of all ages. And thanks to the relatively mild temperatures and sunny days of our spring here in the foothills of North Carolina, the disc golf courses are well-played and well-maintained all year long. “Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been limited on what they can do as far as activities, and disc golf is a great way to get outside and do something with the whole family,” said Tracy Meyerhoffer.

Tracy, a native of Wilkesboro, has been playing disc golf for years. He and his friends would travel around the state to find courses to compete, but then a sign in town helped him start a movement that would bring disc golf to our own community in a big way. “I saw a sign that said ‘interested in bringing disc golf to Wilkes County?’ and it didn’t take much to get me to make the plunge and call the number,” Tracy says. He teamed up with Lance McLean and a group of other disc golf players to build the first course in Wilkes County, Highland Hills. “I can’t give Lance enough credit, he really was instrumental to bringing disc golf to Wilkes County.”

A few years later, with help from the town of Wilkesboro, Tracy designed and built the Rolling Pines course, which opened officially in 2015. Owning a landscaping business for 25 years gave Tracy some expertise when it came to designing the holes and creating a course that would not only be playable but also beautiful, with each hole taking advantage of the natural landscape and views of the Yadkin River and the Brushy Mountains.

Now is a great time to come to Wilkesboro and experience the fun of disc golf first-hand. If you’ve lived here for years but never been out to the course, stop by Cook’s Sports, pick up some discs and check out what you’ve been missing. Avid players from out of town will enjoy the experience of trying a new course, and those in our own area who make Rolling Pines and Fort Hamby a regular part of their outdoor activity can always find a new challenge at these two beautiful courses.

You can also stop by the Wilkes County Public Library and check out disc golf and other recreation equipment through their "Check Out Wilkes" program. Made possible by a partnership between the North Wilkesboro Recreation Department, Town of North Wilkesboro, the Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, and the Wilkes County Library, “Checkout Wilkes” is a lending program that provides equipment that can be used to enhance recreational experience in Wilkes County. Whether you are a resident interested in trying something new, or a guest of our community, all items are free to borrow and can be used for one week. A photo ID or current library card are required to check out materials. 

Rolling Pines. This par 56 course is set on 70 acres along the Yadkin River. Concrete tees provide good footing in all types of weather. The course currently has gold and orange tees, and will soon also have red tees to make it even more accessible for all levels of players.  Rolling Pines is currently ranked 24 on the UDisc list of World’s Best Disc Golf Courses.

Fort Hamby. Located at the campground of the same name at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, this par 56 course sits on a mostly wooded lot. Not only are there great lake views, some holes are played right along the lake, providing great scenery as well as challenging water hazards. The course has gravel tees, and is built with long and short pads for novices and experienced players to enjoy.

Wilkes County Disc Golf Club. Follow this group on Facebook for the latest updates on course conditions and news of tournaments and activities.