A little bit frisbee, a little bit golf – disc golf is catching on fast. This low-pressure, highly-addictive sport blends precision, power and playfulness in equal measure. And while it’s growing across Thailand, Chiang Mai is quietly becoming the country’s disc golf capital – home to one of the most passionate and well-established communities around.
What even is disc golf?
If you’re imagining golf with frisbees, you’re not far off. The game essentially follows similar rules to the great game, aside from players throwing discs (smaller, denser versions of your beach frisbee) towards a standing metal basket in the fewest number of throws possible.
Depending on how serious you get, most players carry around with them a hefty number of discs, all slightly different in size and weight, acting as drivers, midrangers and putters. The scoring system mirrors traditional golf, but the vibe is far more laid-back.
The terrain matters too. Unlike golf’s pristine fairways, disc golf thrives in forests, fields and unusual natural settings – in Chiang Mai this means wild parks, dense woodlands and watery mountain foothills.
Outside of Chiang Mai, disc golf can be found on almost every continent. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, Ed Headrick is widely considered the father of disc golf and founded the sport in the United States some ten years after patenting the first-ever frisbee in 1966. Today, 85% of all disc golf courses are in the US, Finland and Canada. Tournaments are played throughout the world, with the most significant being the now-televised World Championship. Most recently, disc golf joined the programme for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu later this year.
A new obsession
What started as a passion project by a few dedicated throwers from the States has evolved into a thriving community of sport enthusiasts at all levels, drawing players and leagues from the world over.
‘I was obsessed with basketball for so many years,’ said American expat John Hinson as he began throwing discs at a course on Soi Wat Umong. ‘But as my body couldn't keep up, I looked towards disc golf. Now I’m addicted and can’t stop playing, being just as fun, especially given I can’t go as hard on the courts.’
The original spark emerged from an elusive character named Chaz, a long-time thrower who helped shape the early CNX scene but has since moved to other pastures. ‘The next big push came from Danny Diaz,’ added John. ‘He introduced standards, organised leagues and upped the ante with more professional-level courses like the now-retired Chiang Bang.’ From there, Aaron Herman took the torch and elevated the sport from local throw-around to an internationally accredited Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) community. From the now closed Gymkhana Club course, Aaron promoted disc golf heavily, growing the number of Chiang-Mai based players from a dozen expats to several hundred Thais and foreigners in just a few years.
Following the pandemic, many faces of the scene changed but the community only grew. While many sports went into hibernation, disc golf flourished. Outdoors, socially distant and not too strenuous, a course at Lanna Rock Garden emerged, bringing in new and old players, further cementing the game in the city.
Last year Lanna Rocks hosted the Chiang Mai Open and is also an official stop on the yearly Southeast Asia Disc Golf Tour that also saw Brian Hoeniger, the PDGA International Director, attend from the States. There’s also Festival Flight, a local tournament timed with Loy Kratong and Chains of Fire, a seasonal friendly that mixes fun formats with serious play.
Aaron was also promoted to PDGA Asia Coordinator where he launched the Thai Disc Golf Association (ThaiDGA) where Thai nationals take the lead as country coordinators and board members.
Now, Chiang Mai has an estimated local player count of over a hundred, with at least fifty regulars and two hundred sporting visitors during high season. Other, smaller communities can be found in Pai, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Trat, Pattaya, Koh Mak and Koh Phangan.
How to get involved
While its mirror sport can be quite strict and cliquey, disc golf is welcoming, supporting and fun. ‘While every area has their break off communities, generally the sport is open and friendly here in Chiang Mai,’ says John. ‘Today, there’s a number of weekly get-togethers and tournaments that are open for anyone – beginner to expert.’
To play, all you really need is a disc – but having a few helps. If you want to try before you buy, join John and fellow players at the friendly tournament at the Mini Juice course every Wednesday afternoon or Aaron’s weekend tournament at Sand Creek.
You can sign up or seek advice, training or just impromptu games with the community via their Facebook page and Messenger groups – Chiang Mai Disc Golf เชียงใหม่ ดิสกอล์ฟ
Pete and Aaron are also the local go-tos for new and used discs for when you’re ready to buy – selling putters, midranges and drivers for between B250 to B500 per disc. Pros recommend starting with a stable midrange and working your way out from there. Disc can also be rented at Sand Creek for B100 per day.
You can track scores and find course maps via UDisc, the official disc golf app that lists courses worldwide. It’s constantly updated and helps new players navigate both terrain and terminology. Speaking of which, expect to hear terms that describe play like ‘hyzer’, ‘anhyzer’, ‘fade’, ‘flex’ and ‘roller’ being tossed around on the course – all easier to understand when seen in person.
But don’t let the lingo scare you off – Chiang Mai’s disc golf scene is the least gatekeep-y of any sport in town. Show up, throw poorly, and you’ll be greeted with smiles and high fives. Show up again, and you’ll be one of the crew.
‘At the very least, you have fun and experience something new,’ John adds as he prepares to throw his final backhand drive. ‘At the most, you’ll make lifelong friends and hone a new sporting skill you never knew you had before.’
If you’re ready to throw, here’s where to play
Whether you're a pro touring Asia with a bag full of discs on your back or a curious beginner looking for a new way to enjoy Chiang Mai’s outdoors, the local disc golf scene is ready to welcome you. Just be warned, it gets addictive.
Sand Creek
This is the city’s most polished option, sharing space with an actual golf resort. This 18-basket course is open most days with leagues every Saturday. Its B350 entrance fee means it's well maintained, challenging and great for serious players and newbies alike. Aaron, the PDGA Asia Coordinator, is the one to contact through the Facebook group if you want to play other days. Located in Huay Sai.
Lanna Rocks
A more community-based course built around the ground of Lanna Rock Garden just outside the city. Though closed during the rainy season, it's a local favourite and a major location on various regional and international tours. Run by donation, it offers a well balanced 18-basket layout that appeals to everyone.
Mini Juice
Quirky and compact, this nine-hole course on Soi Wat Umong is a great entry point, especially those who don’t want to take things too seriously. Run by Jason and his wife Kadilyn, the fee is just B100 and the on-site juice bar is ideal for pre- and post-sugar hits to keep you going.
Mango Valley
With a dual nine-basket layout with two courses, one over fields, the other in dense woods, it’s the place locals love to come and challenge themselves, day and night (yes, night disc golf is a thing). A bit more rustic and located on private land in the outer Mae Jo area, it’s usually best to message Pete or other community members through the Facebook page a day or so in advance.
Older courses
Dog's Head and Gymkhana Club courses are now out of commission but community members are keen to see these spots return in the near future. To stay atop of where to play, simply message in the community group or connect to the UDisc app to get the latest on locations, tournaments and friendly games throughout the seasons.