Ovalo disc golf course draws pros, ranks top in the nation

OVALO, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A retired school principal has built a destination disc golf course that is now seeing recognition from disc golf pros as well as state and national rankings.

Over the past decade, the popularity of disc golf has taken flight, with evidence of that growth found right here in the Big Country. The Rocky Hills Disc Golf Course in Ovalo is now considered by many to be a destination course that boasts unique landscaping, 21 specialty holes, and the honor of being the ‘Highest Hole in Texas’.

What started as a retirement project has now transformed into an ever-growing hot spot for the sport, and retired school principal turned course owner and manager, Cam Hurst, said their growth has hit both state and national recognition.

“The top five disc golf courses in each state, we’re listed as number two in Texas. Last year we were listed as 91 out of between 16,000 and 17,000 courses with U Disc, and we jumped to this year we’re number 40,” Hurst shared.

Hurst originally used the property as hunting land, but after retirement, he decided he wanted to do something completely different. With humble beginnings, the course started with only three holes and eventually grew and expanded over the years until it eventually attracted the attention of some disc golf pros.

“Our last time we had about 85 players, and 17 of those guys had their pro cards. Corbin Nicks is a senior now at Jim Ned Valley. He played in the National Junior Worlds Championship in Kansas. Emily Weatherman, who was the Lady’s Newcomer Player of the Year. She and her dad played tournaments out here,” Hurst explained.

Despite the many accolades the Rocky Hills Disc Golf Course now has, Hurst’s favorite part of this retirement project is getting to meet so many new people. For anyone interested in visiting the Rocky Hills Disc Golf Course, it is located at 489-513 County Road 175 in Ovalo, Texas. Anyone is welcome to come out and play the course for free.