What is Howard Park like?
Howard Park is one of 333 PDGA-listed courses in California, and one of 4 in Ione itself. Across 3,876 ft the course fits 12 holes at par 36, which works out to around 323 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 75 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Howard Park?
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 Howard Park
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Howard Park
More disc golf in Ione
Ione has 4 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Amador Campground | 18 | Intermediate | $3 |
| Lake Amador North | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Lake Amador South | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Howard Park?
Howard Park has 12 holes with a total par of 36. The course measures 3,876 ft, averaging about 323 feet per hole.
Is Howard Park free to play?
Yes. Howard Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Howard Park good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Howard Park?
About 75 minutes for a typical group on 12 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Howard Park located?
Howard Park is in Ione, California, at coordinates 38.34270, -120.93111. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Howard Park?
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.