What is Buoy Dunes like?
Located in St. Paul, Buoy Dunes is part of a Alaska disc golf scene that now runs to 38 registered courses. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 2,574 ft — an average of about 286 feet a hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is mountain/wooded — mountain terrain through timber, which puts the emphasis on elevation and commitment. Steep terrain means big elevation drops and punishing misses. Bring more discs than you think you need.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Buoy Dunes?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Buoy Dunes
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
More disc golf near St. Paul
Buoy Dunes is the only PDGA-listed course in St. Paul, but Alaska has 38 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Alaska.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Buoy Dunes?
Buoy Dunes has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,574 ft, averaging about 286 feet per hole.
Is Buoy Dunes free to play?
Yes. Buoy Dunes is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Buoy Dunes good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with mountain terrain through timber and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Buoy Dunes?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Buoy Dunes located?
Buoy Dunes is in St. Paul, Alaska, at coordinates 57.18924, -170.29032. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Buoy Dunes?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.