What is Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course like?
Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course sits in Carbondale, one of 3 courses in the city and 287 across Illinois. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 4,842 ft — an average of about 269 feet a hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
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 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
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. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking 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 Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course
Carbondale, IL — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course
More disc golf in Carbondale
Carbondale has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIU - Campus Lake | 9 | Beginner | Free |
| SIU - Rec Center | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course?
Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 4,842 ft, averaging about 269 feet per hole.
Is Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course free to play?
Yes. Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course 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 Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course located?
Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course is in Carbondale, Illinois, at coordinates 37.75128, -89.24969. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.