What is Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course like?
Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course is one of 77 PDGA-listed courses in South Dakota, and one of 2 in Arlington itself. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 2,781 ft, averaging roughly 309 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
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 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 Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course?
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
Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course charges $3 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 Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course
Arlington, SD — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course
More disc golf in Arlington
Arlington has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington City Park | 10 | Intermediate | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course?
Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,781 ft, averaging about 309 feet per hole.
Is Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course free to play?
No. Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course?
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 Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course located?
Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course is in Arlington, South Dakota, at coordinates 44.53427, -97.08427. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Lake Poinsett State Rec. Area Disc Golf Course?
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.