What is Black Hills State University like?
Located in Spearfish, Black Hills State University is part of a South Dakota disc golf scene that now runs to 77 registered courses. The layout runs 20 holes to a par of 60 over 6,400 ft, averaging roughly 320 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
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 150 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Black Hills State University?
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
Black Hills State University 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 Black Hills State University
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Black Hills State University
More disc golf in Spearfish
Spearfish has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf Course | 27 | Advanced | $5 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Black Hills State University?
Black Hills State University has 20 holes with a total par of 60. The course measures 6,400 ft, averaging about 320 feet per hole.
Is Black Hills State University free to play?
No. Black Hills State University charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Black Hills State University 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 Black Hills State University?
About 150 minutes for a typical group on 20 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Black Hills State University located?
Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, South Dakota, at coordinates 44.49936, -103.87228. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Black Hills State University?
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.