What is Bethesda Park like?
Bethesda Park is one of 279 PDGA-listed courses in North Carolina, and one of 3 in Durham itself. The layout runs 18 holes to a par of 54 over 6,930 ft, averaging roughly 385 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is wooded — tight tree-lined fairways, which puts the emphasis on accuracy over raw distance. Tunnel shots and gaps define the lines here, so controlled mid-ranges and fairway drivers matter more than a big arm.
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 Bethesda Park?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
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
Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Bethesda Park
More disc golf in Durham
Durham has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley Springs Park | 22 | Intermediate | Free |
| Cornwallis Road Park | 18 | Beginner | $5 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Bethesda Park?
Bethesda Park has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,930 ft, averaging about 385 feet per hole.
Is Bethesda Park free to play?
No. Bethesda Park charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda Park located?
Bethesda Park is in Durham, North Carolina, at coordinates 35.94430, -78.84631. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Bethesda Park?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.