San Marcos, CA

Sunset Park

Permanent course
1.825(based on 17 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Sunset Park reviews

Filter
13 0
Shadrach3
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 5.5 years 318 played 306 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Pristine Putter Park with Pitfalls

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 24, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

A petite 6-hole course with a mix of beauty and odd design.

-Amenities: Round tee pads, signs with distance, par, and arrows in the basket direction, Mach IIIs.

-Maintenance: Short, watered grass. In this area, that sticks out and really makes it a nice environment (at least for someone raised in the southeast).

-Beginner Friendly: Holes top out well under 200', so this one is for new players. There also isn't painful foliage for total shanks.

-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: Shaping is required on four of the six holes, which is a lot better than at some beginner courses I've played. The shots are all parkable by a beginner, but could still teach finesse. Gentle elevation, lone fairway trees, and a couple of tree lines are the main factors. For the length it has, this is a high-quality course.

Cons:

Some substantial drawbacks on a few holes, which, while not severe, take on new significance when you consider that inaccurate beginners are the predominant audience.

-Road: A couple of holes play alongside a road. This isn't a big deal for players with control, but some griplocked shots could easily end up near a passing car.

-Path: The final four holes all play over or parallel to a small walking trail. Newer players with less of an eye for safety issues could definitely clunk a pedestrian.

-Bush: Hole 4 is blocked by two bushes that create a very awkward gap. This will not promote good form in the least.

-Length: Zero doubt that I would throw a putter on every hole.

Other Thoughts:

Sunset was a very pleasant environment with a cute beginner course. That said, it's ultra-short both in number and length of holes, and there are a few unfortunate hazards. It's always hard to rate a course like this that's mostly well-executed but tiny - after comparing it to other courses I've reviewed, it fit well into the Passable category. Definitely a nice nook for short-throwing players.

~Similar Courses: Hidden Park (Sumter, SC); short version of Laurel Park (St Peters, MO); Gianinetti Park (Carbondale, CO).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
Nate32
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 10.7 years 74 played 60 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Fun 6 hole course but not much variety. 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 30, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Sunset Park is a nice 6 hole disc golf course in San Marcos, CA. This course is well maintained but very short course. The first 3 holes are upper grass land and then the rest kind of just play down by the soccer fields.

- The first hole was very short. The second was SUPER short. I almost did a jump putt. The third hole is so cramped with the road off to the right so and the most tight fairway I have ever seen. The forth hole is my favorite hole on this course because it is down hill. The last two are down in the soccer field. This course as a nice splash pad, playground and bathrooms.

There are some small trees that are kind of pain because there close to the tee pad.

Cons:

There are not to many cons but there is real big issue which is that they have soccer practice right in the middle of number 5,6 and 4.

- Also it is real busy and there are a lot of sidewalks which means a lot of people walking in the park. Two of the baskets are placed really close to the sidewalks so you have to wait until it is clear to throw.
Hole 4 is a beast there is no way around the tree that was planted right in front of the tee box. The tree is much bigger in the picture.

This course gets extremely busy. There was a summer camp having lunch on one of the teepads. Not much of a course if you can not even play some of the holes. Hole 2 is the most ace able hole ever. Only 75 this hole way to easy. Course is a little bit of a hike to the first hole.

Landscapers were forcing me to not play the third hole because they were working.Hole 4 is almost impossible with a huge tree right in the middle. The picture was tooken a very long time a go. Right now the hole is super hard.

Other Thoughts:

Fun busy course but has some great and bad things to it. Just play this course if you live near it and do not make the trip out here because it is probably not worth it.

- My rating on this course would be way higher if there were not so many people just walking through the park not paying any attention to the disc golfers that are playing.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 1
sdgrange
Experience: 8.8 years 48 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun short course. Trees have grown in since pictures were taken. A little bit of a challenge throwing between the trees. Really nice park with plenty of parking.

Cons:

Only six baskets. Would be nice if they added three more baskets making it a 9.

Other Thoughts:

No crowds early in the morning.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
Pierparknut
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.8 years 89 played 85 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Perfect for Beginners, and Novas 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 30, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Sunset Park Disc Golf Course is a pitch and putt course located in a very nice, well manicured park. The park also features soccer fields, a large playground, a basketball court, a splash pad, walking trails and nice restrooms.

-The layout is cramped, but it works. The first three holes play in the upper park area near La Mirada Dr. Hole 4 is downhill to the lower park area, and holes 5 and 6 play through the lower field. It makes good use of the land available.

-As all holes are under 300 feet, it is a great place to bring kids or do putter/approach shot practice.

-There's a sign near the parking lot with the course map and hole yardages, with the title Disk Golf Course.

-Some small trees have been planted in appropriate spots which are starting to add a bit of challenge to the course, especially on #1, #3, and #4

-The teepads are nice, circular and engraved with the hole number. Baskets are Mach 3s.

Cons:

-Of course, a course this short is not going to offer much challenge or variety to intermediate or advanced players.

-The hole #4 tee box needs to be moved about 20 feet to the right. A tree has grown directly in front of the tee, making a high straight up and down shot the only option. This hole plays slightly blind as well and I'm afraid someone is going to get drilled with a disc.

-Holes #5 and #6 are often unplayable with picnics and little kids running around.

Other Thoughts:

-Sunset is an excellent spot to bring 10 putters and drill technique on a variety of short shots.

-This is exactly the type of course that everyone should start out on, especially kids. Beginners certainly won't feel beat after a round here. They may very well experience the thrill of their first birdie!

Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 5
Owen The Sk8er
Experience: 4 played 2 reviews
1.00 star(s)

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

A quick little course can be played before any appointments of any kind.

Cons:

Way to easy for me. I am a bogey disc golfer. But I did not even get a single bogey. Way too many kids. This toddler almost grabbed my Katana Distance Driver as I smacked her hand away from the disc. On hole 5, I almost had to hit a group of kids because they were screwing around the basket so long.

Other Thoughts:

This course was way out in the open. Not even a challenge. No obsticles at all. This course is a "not go back to course"

Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 1
orchdork1986
Experience: 12.8 years 39 played 7 reviews
2.00 star(s)

For casual play and beginners only 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 29, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Really short course, which is a pro depending on how you look at it. To me this is a pro if that's what you're looking for. I like having time commitment options.

This course is beautifully maintained. The tees are all concrete with distances and arrows marked in them. So aside from the challenge of trying to find hole one (by the street, on top of the hill), the course is easy to follow.

While the distances are easy, the elevation presents an interesting challenge even for those that have experience. There's a high risk of rollers or having your disc kicked around by wind.

Cons:

The only real con about this course is the location. And by this I mean that it wraps around a playground/picnic field/baseball/outdoor family area. So unless you go early in the morning or while kids are in school you're going to have dozens of kids running around by the baskets, making them essentially unplayable.

One could argue that the size of the course is also a con. If you enjoy the sport 6 holes is not enough to make you drive out of your way. But, again, the design is clearly not targeting this hard core audience and should be treated as such.

Other Thoughts:

I feel like this course did an excellent job catering to its target audience. By just having it in a highly populated park, disc golf itself is going to get a lot of exposure with beginners wanting to try it out.

My two star rating mainly stems from the fact that this course is not playable during "normal" hours due to the crowds.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.9 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Pretty Little Park, Unique Tee Pads & Signage! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 1, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Sunset Park is a small, very clean neighborhood park. It has a children's play area, sand volleyball pit, lights for evening play, a walking path, BB courts and ample parking.
The designers somehow squeezed 6 holes in this very small area. The baskets are brand new Mach IIIs. The pads are round concrete circles with the hole #, par , distance and an arrow engraved into the concrete. Very cool! The distances and pars are designed for children and the most beginner of beginners, like a 275' Par 5, downhill no less. I did get my first official double eagle ever on it and I'm damn proud!

There are great views up on top from the # 2 tee pad of the surrounding area clear to the Pacific.

Cons:

Only six holes.
You have to be very careful of other park patrons.
Children's distances.

Other Thoughts:

What a great little course to bring the kiddies to or that newbie. It's well designed, it's extremely clean. You can play at night. Great views. Just be careful of other park users.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
elton807
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.7 years 56 played 56 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Sunrise at Sunset 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 30, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Terrific use of elevation & landscape for such a limited area. The park itself is host to a plethora of activities including roller hockey and sand volleyball. Great intro/gateway course for beginners. Couse layout does a nice job of isolating shots from busier areas.

Cons:

Can't they fit another 3 holes/baskets in there somewhere? Even starting before sunrise, there were a good number of pedestrians and dog walkers.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great DGC for youngsters, women & newbies. Holes 1, 3-5 are actually pretty interesting & nicely laid out. A 6-hole round only takes 20 minutes to complete. Would be a fun picnic or lunch time spot.
=====================
Uniqueness: B+ (for such a short course, there is a surprising amount of elevation & landscape features)
Difficulty: C+ (elements of elevation; trees will eventually grow up; better players should be shamed if any bogey is recorded)
Fun Factor: B (Ace runs abound; would be a fun course to bet & slam brews with buddies)
Aesthetics: A- (cool circluar & informative tee pads; clean and manicured)
------------------------
Overall: B+
Was this review helpful? Yes No
0 1
hyper_hippo18
Experience: 11.5 years 6 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Practice 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 17, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clean. Not many obstacles. small for short game practice.

Cons:

if populated, may be a little hard to control. Course is on top of a hill and there are frequent gusts of wind...helps develop wind skills. Small, never really get to grip n rip.

Other Thoughts:

nice course. nice cement pads. a little hard to spot the pins at first but overall a nice course to workout on.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
DocHaole
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.7 years 79 played 48 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Bring the kids 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 6, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

- The course plays in a nice park that is well kept

- Navigation is easy to follow, just find the unique round tee pads.

- Baskets are in good shape.

- Great place to bring little kids to play or first timers.

- Some elevation in play.

Cons:

- Safety can be an issue especially on weekends with lots of other park users in the area. A few holes play near picknick areas or walking paths.

- For anyone other than beginners or kids this course is short an boring. But it is appropriate for the intended users.

Other Thoughts:

Obviously this course is not meant for the experienced disc golfer. Even as a super class course it can be pretty boring. That being said this course definitely serves a purpose in providing a fun place for people to start the game. It is a safe place to let the kids play and learn to love the course at a young age rather than give them a traumatic brain injury playing at Morley.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
13 1
Danger
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.7 years 105 played 68 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Not for adults 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 5, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Family Course
-Baskets
-Concrete tees
-Elevations

Cons:

-Short
-Busy Park

Other Thoughts:

Sunset Park is a small multi-use community park that sees heavy local usage. Aside from the disc golf course, there is a children's playground, baseball diamonds, soccer, a water-play facility, and a large field for kids to run in (aka hole 6).

The park is mostly flat, but part of it is on a relatively decently graded area, and this is where the course begins. The first three holes are actually enjoyable enough, all playing with some elevation and in an area that saw little traffic when we were there. While incredibly short, they were effective disc golf holes.

I actually lost a disc here, it disappeared into the brush near hole three, never to be seen again. Totally bizarre. Anyway.... Hole 4 shoots over a fence down to the crowded part of the park. If you are throwing anything but a putter, you might want to reconsider how disc golf works.

Hole 5 is along the side of a small hill and is not blind. The pin location we encountered was about 50 feet from the alligator object that the kids were gravitating to. Hole 6 throws directly across a field about 180' with no obstructions, except for the stroller that was parked there directly between tee and pin.

Families were using the tee pads for 5 and 6 to set up their home base on, but when they saw us golfing through, they were totally nice and even moved out of the way voluntarily. It wasn't necessary because use of the entire tee pad was not necessary.

We played a couple of rounds here on a Tuesday early afternoon, and the place was pretty busy. This is the course you bring your future protege 4 year old disc golfer to to master the game. We saw a few other families give the course a round and it was totally ideal for that level of game.

We found some of the distance markings on the tee pads to be incorrect, but after reading other reviews I have no doubt that the holes were shortened for safety....which is fine....because this course is not for adults. Its for families. Great facility for that, but as far as quality disc golf courses go, you can definitely pass this one up.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
13 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Great beginner course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 10, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through a small multi-use park. There are lots of nice views from the hills of the park of the surrounding hills and neighborhoods. The park is cared for very nicely, with no trash or vandalism, and nicely manicured plants and grass. The course equipment is in great shape, with new baskets and small round concrete tees. The distance and hole number are on the tee, and the course is easy to follow.

The course is clearly designed for beginners, and it's a great course for that demographic. The holes are a nice mix with some open shots and some with small trees to avoid. There are a few holes with nice elevation changes, especially hole 4 down the hill over the railing. The length is great for challenging new players without frustrating them.

Cons:

For anyone other than beginners or very young kids, this course is extremely short and doesn't offer much challenge. The holes are very short, and very open, and don't force any really different shot shapes. Any player at the rec level or above should have no problem deuceing every hole on the course with a putter, and all are ace runs.

There are some serious safety issues here, and that's the main thing bringing my rating down so low. Nearly all the holes play in areas popular for picnicking, and the park can get quite busy on a nice day. There are also lots of holes that play along or over walking paths, and near play equipment with oblivious children using the baskets as an extension of the climbing apparatus.

Other Thoughts:

If you want to introduce new players to the sport and run some aces yourself, this is a fantastic place to do it, and I applaud the people who got this course put in. I love how many people are exposed to the sport here, I had conversations with lots of people in the park as I played, and many were interested in trying out the sport. For more experienced players, this course won't offer much challenge or interest, but that's not the intended audience here.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 1
progprowl
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 18 played 16 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Careful 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 11, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Situated in a really nice new park, with garbage cans, drinking fountains and plenty of parking.
-New baskets and the round concrete tee pads are easy to spot and unique (Distance info stamped in)
-Easy to navigate once you find hole one
-Some interesting holes with some elevation changes. (Dont go right on hole #4- you will end up in the brush- best hole)
-#2 is an easy ace hole- very short and straight away.
-Plum trees on the right make for a tight shot on #3, although short distance.

Cons:

-Too many people. As other reviewers have said #5 & #6 are difficult to play. #5 really is blind. I drove from up the hill, but I had to wait for the kids to stop playing on the basket. Someone was picknicking on #6 tee and the field was full of kids running around.
-There is ample space across the bridge by the indoor soccer to fit more holes. Once they move #5 and #6 to that side, they should add 3 more to make it a 9 hole.
-I played all as a par 3, contrary to the distances on the marker (#5 should not be a par 5)
-Didn't have a map, had to retrace from hole #6 to find Hole #1.

Other Thoughts:

-Not the type of course that I am going to play regularly. Its free and I would definately bring my nieces and nephews out here for fun on the weekend or something.
-In terms of a destination, I would go CSU SM, even Montiel would be a much better choice, haven't played Kit Carson yet.
-Kept rating out of the 1.5-2.0 range because it is unique, has some challenging holes and is in really good condition (good learning spot). Ultimately, it's too small, too few holes, too busy with kids and park patrons, and #5 and #6 (1/3 of the course) is too poorly designed for a good rating.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 4
dparcher
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice but avoid when busy 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 11, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

In a nice neighborhood park with nice views.

Cons:

Baskets 4-6 can be hard to play if the park is busy since they're near play areas and/or paths. Tees are attractive and have a nice surface but are a bit short for me.

Other Thoughts:

Distances are all fairly short. Park opened February 2010.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
fifteen
Experience: 14.8 years 41 played 11 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Good for the kids 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

A nice pitch-and-putt course around a park that can get busy at times. Great for the kids who are just learning out. Navigation wasn't a problem and it's easy to play. It's also free which is always a bonus.

I would suggest this course for newer players because it will suit their distance. This course seems approximate to expose people to the disc golf scene and a good stepping stone to bigger courses.

Cons:

Like I said, the park can get busy at times. I played it on a weekend afternoon which wasn't the smartest thing to do. There were kids and families running around the fairways.

Hole #5 is insane because the big arms will just over shoot the basket and hit the playground.

Other Thoughts:

I suggest coming to this course if its on your way to wherever you're heading. If you want to sample the San Diego disc golf scene, head down to either Montiel Park (about 5 miles east) or Morley Field near downtown San Diego.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
14 0
Apothecary
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 26.8 years 66 played 36 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Clean lil course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Nice baskets, all in great shape
-Neat, circular tee pads with the hole length and direction etched into them
-Family-friendly course. No smoking and a fancy play area for the young ones.
-Very clean park setting
-Good use of elevation change. Each hole has an elevation element that one has to shape their shots around.
-Free!!!
-Plenty of parking

Cons:

-Dangerous. Not for golfers, but for the masses of kiddies that are playing in the play area. One of the baskets is literally 15' away from a sculpture the kids use as playground equipment, on a blind hole, no less. Serious design flaw.
- Weird pars. One 275' par 5 and another short par 4. On completely open holes. I guess they play if you hit a kid, you get a stroke, which, I'd imagine, is pretty often.:
-Lots of families wandering around the fairways. Hopefully, they'll learn.
-Hole 4 tee is right in front of a fence. Very awkward.
-Only 6 holes!:(

Other Thoughts:

Sunset Park is a newer park with a very young disc golf course along the periphery. Hole 5 killed this course's rating for me. I buzzed the tower, almost nailing a wayward toddler (with a good drive), and got yelled at by her mom, never a good sign. What can ya do? it was clear when I spotted it 30 seconds prior. I expect to hear about a LOT of young ones and their parental units getting hammered with discs at this course.

This course caters strictly to beginners. High pars and danger when throwing discs hard (even with appropriate, good drives) mar this pitch-and-putt for anyone that can throw more than 200'. Good for seeking aces and the ego boost of shooting -7 on 6 holes, but that's about it.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
coast2coast
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.8 years 98 played 32 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Kids Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 5, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Navigation is easy. Nice circular tee pads with hole number, distance to basket and par engraved in the concrete. Brand new Mach III baskets. Very nicely landscaped and maintained with plenty of trash and recycling bins. Decent amount of elevation in play. This park seems like it is brand new. There is a state of the art playground that is completely shaded with a fountain feature. The park also offers two half-court basketbal courts, sand volleyball, a view of the ocean, drinking fountains, restrooms, walking paths, picnic benches, soccer fields, and more. Seemed like enough lights to allow for night play.

Cons:

Very short with few obstacles. Only six holes with one tee and one basket each. Hole 5 is unplayable in its current position due to the fact that the basket is within 15 feet of a popular playground feature. This hole is a blind tee shot over a rise and I am glad I chose not to throw because when I walked up over the hill I saw a toddler hanging on to the bottom of the basket. Park is heavily used by non-golfers. No practice basket.

Other Thoughts:

Great for beginners and kids. A normal catch and throw disc could be used here. Bring the putters. Not a destination for the serious disc golfer, but fun nonetheless. The 1st tee is on the hillside beind the basketball courts. Go by the volleyball court and up the concrete path. Look for the circular tee pad on the grass.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top