What is Southwoods Park like?
Southwoods Park sits in Des Moines, one of 6 courses in the city and 292 across Iowa. Across 2,655 ft the course fits 9 holes at par 27, which works out to around 295 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is open/rolling — open fairways across rolling ground, which puts the emphasis on distance control and wind reading. With few trees to block it, wind becomes the main hazard, and the rolling ground means discs run out unpredictably after landing.
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 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Southwoods Park?
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 Southwoods 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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Southwoods Park
Des Moines, IA — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Southwoods Park
More disc golf in Des Moines
Des Moines has 6 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becky Zallek Disc Golf Course | 18 | Beginner | Free |
| Ewing Park | 18 | Advanced | Free |
| Grandview Park | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Pete Crivaro Park | 9 | Beginner | Free |
| Veterans Affairs Park | 9 | Intermediate | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Southwoods Park?
Southwoods Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,655 ft, averaging about 295 feet per hole.
Is Southwoods Park free to play?
Yes. Southwoods Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Southwoods 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 Southwoods Park?
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 Southwoods Park located?
Southwoods Park is in Des Moines, Iowa, at coordinates 41.56651, -93.75645. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Southwoods Park?
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.