Sam Lena Disc Golf Course

I absolutely love this course I've been playing here for years and still remember when the TDGA was able to scrape the money together to but 6 baskets for the course and now we have 9 brand new baskets with a new layout.

The neglected, seemingly now abandoned step-child disc golf course of Tucson, I'm surprised at how fun this course is. Since a change in workplace takes me by this course riding my bike, my curiosity was piqued seeing the baskets. I decided to try it out today and here is my experience.The course is laid out around the ball fields of Sam Lena Recreation Area, accessible from Ajo Way or S. Campbell. The ball fields are the only out of bounds (OB). designated. I recommend going to the Tucson Disc Golf website and getting the course map: http://tucsonchainlightning.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/SamLenaMap2016.jpg. It is a six basket, played three times from different T-pads to get 18. It never really felt like repetitive basket throws and there was only once or twice during my play that I felt that "I've done this before" where the throws were a bit similar.You do need to have access to the course map as there are no tee boxes. And I found markings for tee boxes for only #2 and #5/8/9. #2 is painted on the curb and the tee for #5/8/9 are two yellow bricks sunk into the dirt. My guess is that at one point they were all marked but many were lost when they put asphalt on the paths, covering the concrete. So some tees you are just going to have to decide for yourself where they are.There are moderate throws and around three to five long distance throws, depending on what is "long" to you. Measuring using Google Maps, there is a 414' throw and a 383' foot throw. All the others are around 182' to 310'. Terrain is mostly flat, though there will be several throws with elevations. There is grass for some of the baskets, otherwise you are walking/throwing on gravelly dirt (see my photo). This is such a nice change from the fine dirt at Santa Cruz, which gets all over your hands and discs. The gravelly dirt here doesn't even stick to your discs.There are obstacles all over the place which makes this course fun. Trees, light poles, the ball fields, fences, ramadas, and exercise stations along the asphalt pedestrian/bike path make for fun shots. As mentioned before, the ball park is OB, and unless you have confidence in a long throw to go over it, you don't want to go OB as I didn't see any unlocked entrance to retrieve your disc. You will need to scale the 8' fence.Maybe an issue with playing here would be dodging people if the park was being heavily used as the course runs all around where people would be. But I was here on a Saturday from 7:30 to 9:15 and there were no people around. There was the occasional jogger and cyclist passing through. There was a very small birthday party in a ramada at the top, which was totally out of the way of any throws. It was a very pleasant morning and I didn't have to wait for any park user to throw, nor did I ever have to worry about hitting anyone.The restrooms are clean and there is a clean and working water fountain there.I like this better than Sears Park. It has way more interesting throws. It is a pleasant park to be in. There is lots of real shade. I will need to play again, but I even think I like this as much as Groves Park.

This disc golf course has recently been expanded from 6 to 9 baskets. 18 tee pads offer a full course with challenging positions, many obstacles and hazards. New improved concrete pads are in the works. This might just be one on the best in town and truly a hidden gem. Caution the Yelp pin may show incorrect geodetic position.

Had a good time playing, but lots of broken glass on the course.