What is The Eagle's Claw like?
The Eagle's Claw is one of 138 PDGA-listed courses in Virginia, and one of 1 in Gainesville itself. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 1,881 ft — an average of about 209 feet a hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
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 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to The Eagle's Claw?
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
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 The Eagle's Claw
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 The Eagle's Claw
Gainesville, VA — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near The Eagle's Claw
More disc golf near Gainesville
The Eagle's Claw is the only PDGA-listed course in Gainesville, but Virginia has 138 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is The Eagle's Claw?
The Eagle's Claw has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 1,881 ft, averaging about 209 feet per hole.
Is The Eagle's Claw free to play?
Yes. The Eagle's Claw is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is The Eagle's Claw 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 The Eagle's Claw?
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 The Eagle's Claw located?
The Eagle's Claw is in Gainesville, Virginia, at coordinates 38.79046, -77.60892. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to The Eagle's Claw?
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.