Just a couple miles from the landmark sign that divides Bristol into the Tennessee side and the Virginia side, the King University disc golf course features a scenic nine-hole adventure that starts with trying to locate the elusive first teepad and concludes several hundred yards from where the course started.

The course includes several holes that feature a gorgeous, grassy fairway. Hole #5 would likely be the signature hole - it's the longest hole on the course, and the lush landscaping is punctuated with some tall trees. The gently sloping downhill hole includes a stream in front of the basket.

Holes #2 and #6 also make use of this clean, grassy area. The second hole is flat but requires dodging a few trees en route to the basket. The sixth hole offers multiple lines - the risky, straight-ahead shot or a line to the right that brings a hill (and possible road OB) into play.

While Holes #3 and #4 are in the woods, they're both short and shouldn't bring many obstacles into play.

Hole #7 might be the most interesting hole on the course - the short precise drive requires dodging several menacing branches, then hitting a gap to the left that goes over a stream leading to the basket. While the hole is an estimated 150 feet, there are plenty of obstacles: tree limbs, the stream, briars to the left of the basket, and a surprise algae pond behind the basket.

The course is nicely isolated and is not near the university buildings and walkways.

The first hole is difficult to find. There's no parking lot near the first teepad. Or direction signs pointing the way. Or any indication that a disc golf course even exists in that area. As you enter the university campus through the large black iron gate, the first hole is on the left side; the rest of the course is on the right side. You can likely spot the first basket to your left as you enter the university, and your best bet for locating the first teepad might be backtracking from the first basket up the hill until you discover it. Another tip: When standing on the first teepad, if you turn around, you'll see Valentino's Italian restaurant several hundred yards away near the intersection of East Cedar Street and King College Road. Good luck!

In addition to its concealed location, the first hole is likely the most challenging hole on the course with its narrow line, bountiful brush on both sides and a steep downhill dogleg right to the basket.

The Hole #9 teepad is partially covered by erosion. Fortunately, it's one of the shortest holes on the course and doesn't require much of a run-up. The basket is well-placed between two enormous trees; hit that gap and you'll be making an ace run.

There's no signage on this course. The front of the teepads do have the number of the hole on them. Good luck guessing the distances. And you might find yourself doing the "where's-the-next-hole?" dance a couple times.

Park wherever you like. The first teepad isn't near a parking lot, and the last hole isn't near the first hole (see map), so a bit of hiking will be required regardless. After finishing your round, follow the walking path to the left and up the hill. Then turn left at the parking lot and enjoy your several-minute walk back toward the first tee.

Beyond the ninth hole is some picturesque land, including some grassy hills and a massive pond. While this area contributes to the campus beauty, disc golfers will be wistfully wish this land was included in the course layout.

The King University disc golf course has so much potential. However, in its current condition, there are several problem areas: tough navigation (especially with the first hole); no teepad signs indicating distance; and a few spots of neglect that would benefit from maintenance.

While the grassy holes are fantastic, the cons keep this course from being rated higher. If the problem areas were addressed, this course would merit a full-point increase in its rating.

- Decent challenge with a variety of holes. Most require weaving through trees while some are of greater distance in the open.
- Concrete tees and baskets are in good condition.
- This course is located just to the side of a university campus, so the scenery outside of the woods is rather nice.
- If you're looking for a quickly played course, this one might be for you.

- Frustrating from the start, the first tee is difficult to find. I will attempt to help ease the pain in the section below.
- Difficult to navigate from hole to hole. There are small trails here and there, but could be made easier with hole/course maps.
- Foliage is not well maintained. Discs only slightly off the fairway are caught under heavy brush which can be difficult to find then retrieve.
- Due to the lack of maps or signage, it isn't made known the pars for each hole. It can be assumed that the entire course is a par 3, simply because of the distance.

Once you get moving through the course, it can be very fun. Most of the difficulty lies in simply getting started, so I believe the best way to find the first tee is go around the left of campus until you find the soccer nets. Look for the nearest parking, as the tee is about 100 ft. to the right of the nets. If you enter onto campus, park beside the admissions building and follow the trail at hole 3 backwards to the beginning.
This is the second nine-hole course under my belt, and despite getting lost and almost losing a couple discs, I suppose I would return to play at King University.

Varied / Interesting Holes
New Disc Catchers
Not crowded
Nice bit of water hazards
Nice campus
Good mix of open / wooded holes
Good mix of long / short holes

Tee pads are just dirt / mulch
Tee pads are difficult to locate if you are playing it for the first time
Course does not end where it begins
Layout could make holes longer

This is a new course at King College and overall its nice but it could improve on somethings. There are no signs and the little flags marking the mulch teepads are hard to see. I didn't run into anyone else playing the course so I had to wander around a little and I ended up walking down a nature trail to the left of the basket on hole 4. If they reconfigure holes 8 and 9, add concrete tee pads and add signs, this could would be an excellent 9 holer.

Teepad locations:
Hole 1: From the parking lot, go down the hill a little to a stump and you'll see the pad to the right of the stump.
Hole 2: Go straight up from the Hole 1 basket. Basket is a dog leg right about 250 ft.
Hole 3: Go to the right of the basket up the little hill onto a parking lot. There will be a field on your right and the road ahead of you. Walk toward the road about 50ft and the teepad is on the edge of the woods on your left.
Hole 4: Go across the road (the gate where you came in will be on your right) and down the hill.
Hole 5: Walk up and to the right of hole 4's basket and the tee pad is near some trees near the edge of the road.
Hole 6: Go up towards the brick building to the right of the basket and teepad is on the side of the hill
Hole 7: Go toward the large brick building and tee pad is a little patch of dirt with a small flag - EDIT: This basket is missing as of 6.2012. Not sure if its being repaired, moved or if it was stolen.
Hole 8: Tee pad is to the left of the little pond
Hole 9: Tee pad is to the right of hole 8's basket.