What is Emmett Kelly Park like?
Emmett Kelly Park is one of 188 PDGA-listed courses in Missouri, and one of 1 in Houston itself. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 2,502 ft — an average of about 278 feet a hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
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 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 Emmett Kelly 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
Emmett Kelly Park charges $5 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. 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 Emmett Kelly 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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Emmett Kelly Park
Houston, MO — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Emmett Kelly Park
More disc golf near Houston
Emmett Kelly Park is the only PDGA-listed course in Houston, but Missouri has 188 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Missouri.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Emmett Kelly Park?
Emmett Kelly Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,502 ft, averaging about 278 feet per hole.
Is Emmett Kelly Park free to play?
No. Emmett Kelly Park charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Emmett Kelly Park good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with a mix of wooded and open holes and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Emmett Kelly 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 Emmett Kelly Park located?
Emmett Kelly Park is in Houston, Missouri, at coordinates 37.32562, -91.95358. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Emmett Kelly 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.