What is Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park like?
Set in Carlsbad, Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park has been on the PDGA course list since 2004. The layout runs 18 holes to a par of 54 over 4,464 ft, averaging roughly 248 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is desert/open — open desert terrain, which puts the emphasis on distance with unforgiving rough. There is little to stop a disc once it lands, and the rough is genuinely rough, so accuracy is worth more than the open fairways suggest.
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 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King 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 Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King 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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park
Carlsbad, NM.
Other disc golf courses near Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park
More disc golf near Carlsbad
Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park is the only PDGA-listed course in Carlsbad, but New Mexico has 55 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in New Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park?
Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 4,464 ft, averaging about 248 feet per hole.
Is Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park free to play?
Yes. Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with open desert terrain and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park?
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 Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park located?
Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King Park is in Carlsbad, New Mexico, at coordinates 32.41240, -104.22421. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Bataan Recreation Area at Martin Luther King 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.