What is Melgaard Park like?
Melgaard Park is one of 77 PDGA-listed courses in South Dakota, and one of 3 in Aberdeen itself. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,384 ft, averaging roughly 376 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 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 Melgaard 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
Melgaard 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 Melgaard 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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Melgaard Park
More disc golf in Aberdeen
Aberdeen has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond Lake State Rec. Area | 18 | Intermediate | $5 |
| Presentation College Disc Golf Course | 9 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Melgaard Park?
Melgaard Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,384 ft, averaging about 376 feet per hole.
Is Melgaard Park free to play?
No. Melgaard Park charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Melgaard Park 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 Melgaard 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 Melgaard Park located?
Melgaard Park is in Aberdeen, South Dakota, at coordinates 45.44705, -98.47772. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Melgaard 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.