What is Johnston Woods Retreat like?
Set in McDonald, Johnston Woods Retreat has been on the PDGA course list since 2001. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,402 ft, averaging roughly 378 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is wooded/hilly — wooded fairways with real elevation change, which puts the emphasis on shot shaping in three dimensions. Elevation compounds every mistake: an uphill approach plays longer than the sign says, and a downhill tee shot carries much further than expected.
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 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Johnston Woods Retreat?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
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
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 Johnston Woods Retreat
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 Johnston Woods Retreat
McDonald, TN — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Johnston Woods Retreat
More disc golf near McDonald
Johnston Woods Retreat is the only PDGA-listed course in McDonald, but Tennessee has 157 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Tennessee.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Johnston Woods Retreat?
Johnston Woods Retreat has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,402 ft, averaging about 378 feet per hole.
Is Johnston Woods Retreat free to play?
Yes. Johnston Woods Retreat is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Johnston Woods Retreat 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 Johnston Woods Retreat?
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 Johnston Woods Retreat located?
Johnston Woods Retreat is in McDonald, Tennessee, at coordinates 35.13396, -84.94411. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Johnston Woods Retreat?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.