So, here is the thing about Wells Branch disc golf. If you ask a seasoned Austin local where to go for a "pro" experience, they’ll probably point you toward the grueling long-form fairways of Roy G. Guerrero or the technical woods of Sprinkle Valley. But if you ask them where they actually spend their Tuesday afternoons when they just want to huck some plastic and feel good about themselves?
They’re going to Wells Branch.
Established way back in 1996, this course is basically the comfort food of the Texas disc golf scene. It’s a 18-hole par 54 setup that doesn't try to break your spirit. Instead, it offers a fast-paced, accessible round that manages to be both a beginner’s paradise and a pro’s favorite "ace run" laboratory. It’s short. It’s quirky. And honestly, it’s one of the most played tracks in the entire state for a reason.
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What to Expect at Wells Branch Disc Golf
You’ll find the course tucked away in a skinny strip of parkland along Owen-Tech Boulevard. It’s a classic greenbelt design, meaning the holes are literally sandwiched between a residential neighborhood and a wandering creek.
Because of that footprint, the layout is pretty tight.
The total distance is roughly 4,085 feet. To put that in perspective for the non-nerds: most holes sit comfortably between 150 and 250 feet. You aren't going to need a 12-speed distance driver here unless you’re trying to show off or maybe skip a disc off the jogging path (don't do that).
The Layout Vibe
The front nine and back nine feel like two different conversations. The front half is generally regarded as the "scenic" side. It's very beginner-friendly, with manageable lines and enough trees to keep it interesting without being a total jailhouse.
Then you hit the back six.
People have feelings about the back six. There’s been some redesign work over the years—shoutout to designers like Brian Litke and Mike Shay who overhauled things in 2013 and 2016—to make better use of the limited space. Some players find the flow a bit "criss-crossy" or repetitive toward the end, but the trade-off is that you get 18 distinct looks in a space where most cities would struggle to fit nine.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the convenience. Wells Branch has a weirdly loyal community. Part of that is the "aceability."
Look, we all want that elusive hole-in-one. At a championship course, you might play for years without a sniff. At Wells Branch? Almost every hole is a reachable birdie or an ace run if you’ve got a decent putter or mid-range game. It's the kind of place where you can actually see yourself getting better in real-time.
The Gear Factor
Another massive plus is the proximity to Disc Nation. It’s basically right down the road (about 2 miles away). It is arguably one of the best disc golf stores in the country. You can go buy a new Mint Discs Lobster or a Latitude 64 Pure, drive three minutes, and immediately test it out on Hole 1. That synergy between a world-class shop and a low-stress course makes this North Austin’s unofficial disc golf headquarters.
The Community Scene
It isn't just casual solo rounds either. The Wells Branch Disc Golf Club is active. They host the Wells Branch Women’s Open, which just had its 6th annual run in late 2025. They also do "Tribe No OB Wednesdays" and Sunday Doubles. If you want to meet people who care way too much about plastic circles, show up at 10:00 AM on a Sunday. You’ll be welcomed.
The "Watch Out" List: Navigation and Safety
Okay, let’s be real for a second. Wells Branch isn't perfect. Because it's a neighborhood park, you aren't the only one there.
- The Walkers: The jogging path is out-of-bounds (OB) on almost every hole. More importantly, people use that path to walk dogs, push strollers, and live their lives. You have to be patient.
- The Creek: It’s a disc eater. If you shank a shot on the holes bordering the water, be prepared to get your feet wet or say goodbye to your favorite plastic.
- Navigation: While the signage is mostly okay, the "criss-cross" nature of the park means you can get turned around. Use UDisc. Seriously. The GPS maps on the app are the only way to make sure you aren't throwing at the basket for Hole 14 when you're actually on Hole 11.
How to Play It Right
If you’re heading out there this weekend, here is the ground truth.
Parking is on the street along Owen-Tech Blvd, right across from the Whataburger. Yes, you can get a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit before your round. It’s practically a local tradition.
The course is free. There are no greens fees, which is becoming a rarity as more premium pay-to-play courses pop up around Central Texas. Just bring your bag and start at Hole 1.
Pro Tip: Pack light. You really only need three discs. A stable putter, an understable mid-range for those late-turning shots, and maybe a fairway driver if the wind picks up. Most pros leave the big bag in the car and just carry a small shoulder satchel here.
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The 2026 Perspective
As Austin continues to grow, these little greenbelt courses become even more valuable. They are the entry point for the next generation of players. Whether you’re a parent teaching your kid how to throw a backhand or a pro practicing your touch shots, Wells Branch provides a service that the "pro" courses can't: it's fun without the frustration.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Download UDisc: Don't wing it. The layout has changed enough over the years that old mental maps are often wrong.
- Check the Calendar: If there's a "Tribe Wednesday" or a tournament, the course will be packed. Plan accordingly if you want a quiet solo round.
- Respect the OB: Treat the concrete paths as "river of lava." It makes the short holes much more challenging and keeps the non-players safe.
- Stop by Disc Nation: Even if you don't need a disc, the staff there knows the current course conditions better than anyone. They'll tell you if a basket is moved or if the creek is running high.
Wells Branch won't be the hardest course you ever play, but it might be the one you enjoy the most. Go hunt some chains.