What is U.C. Santa Cruz like?
Located in Santa Cruz, U.C. Santa Cruz is part of a California disc golf scene that now runs to 333 registered courses. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,312 ft, averaging roughly 368 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is wooded/hilly — wooded fairways with real elevation change, which puts the emphasis on shot shaping in three dimensions. Elevation compounds every mistake: an uphill approach plays longer than the sign says, and a downhill tee shot carries much further than expected.
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 U.C. Santa Cruz?
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 U.C. Santa Cruz
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 U.C. Santa Cruz
More disc golf in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has 4 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course | 29 | Advanced | Free |
| DeLaveaga Golf Course | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Bridge to Bridge | 9 | Beginner | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is U.C. Santa Cruz?
U.C. Santa Cruz has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,312 ft, averaging about 368 feet per hole.
Is U.C. Santa Cruz free to play?
Yes. U.C. Santa Cruz is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is U.C. Santa Cruz good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wooded fairways with real elevation change and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play U.C. Santa Cruz?
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 U.C. Santa Cruz located?
U.C. Santa Cruz is in Santa Cruz, California, at coordinates 36.98805, -122.05821. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to U.C. Santa Cruz?
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.