There are a few things you’ll want to know when making a trip to Utah for a disc golf tournament like the Utah Open, Worlds, or the Beehive Classic.

Utah is a great place to play disc golf, but it’s also very different from many other disc golf destinations around the country. If you’re coming from out of state, especially from a lower elevation or a heavily wooded area, a little preparation can go a long way.

Trees (or the Lack of Them)

One of the first things players notice about disc golf in Utah is the lack of trees. In many parts of the country, disc golf courses are created by carving fairways out of existing forests. Utah isn’t like that.

Much of the state is high desert. Trees don’t naturally grow in abundance, especially in valley and desert environments where many courses are located. As a result, most Utah courses rely more on aerial obstacles, elevation change, OB, and landing zones rather than tight wooded lines.

Trees that do exist on Utah courses are often planted intentionally, and many of them are young. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts to avoid them, disc golf discs seem to have a magnetic attraction to baby trees. A lot of those small trees don’t last very long.

Because of this, expect:

• More open fairways

• Fewer forced tunnel shots

• More emphasis on placement, wind control, and ground play

If you rely heavily on shaping tight lines through woods, Utah courses may feel exposed at first, but they reward smart shot selection and disciplined distance control.

Elevation – Your Discs Will Fly Differently

Utah sits at a relatively high elevation compared to most disc golf destinations. Along the Wasatch Front, where many major tournaments are held, you’re typically around 4,500 feet above sea level, with some courses climbing well above that.

Higher elevation means thinner air, and thinner air. Altitude absolutely affects disc flight.

A common assumption is that discs just fly farther at elevation. That’s only partially true. While you may see a bit more carry once you adjust, the more noticeable change is that discs behave more overstable.

Here’s what most players experience:

• Understable discs tend to fly straighter
• Straight discs show a more reliable fade
• Overstable discs feel very overstable

The reduced air density makes it harder for discs to generate high-speed turn. As a result, shots that normally flip up or drift right at lower elevations may hold straight or even fade early in Utah.

If you’re coming from near sea level, it’s a good idea to:

• Bring slightly lighter-weight discs
• Pack a few more understable options than usual
• Expect a short adjustment period, especially off the tee

Once you dial it in, the flights can be very consistent, but your normal bag may not behave the way you expect during the first round.

Wind and Ground Play

Another thing out-of-state players often underestimate is the wind. Many Utah courses are open, exposed, and subject to afternoon gusts, especially in desert and valley settings or at the mouths of canyons.

Morning rounds are often calmer, while later rounds can introduce:

• Headwinds that exaggerate overstability
• Crosswinds that punish nose angle mistakes
• Tailwinds that make distance control tricky

Combine that with hard, rocky ground, and you’ll see more skips, slides, and roll-aways than you might be used to on grass-heavy park courses. Landing angle matters, especially around greens.

Hydration, Sun, and Fatigue

Utah’s climate is very dry. Even when temperatures are mild, dehydration can sneak up on you quickly, especially at altitude.

If you’re visiting:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need
• Electrolytes help during multi-round events
• Sunscreen and hats are strongly recommended

Walking hilly courses at elevation is also more tiring than it looks on paper. Fatigue tends to show up late in rounds and late in tournaments, so pacing yourself matters.

Utah and Its Predominant Religion

No Sunday Play?

Some, but not all, major Utah tournaments choose to run on Friday/Saturday or even weekdays instead of the traditional Saturday/Sunday format. In many cases, this is done for religious reasons.

Utah is the most religious state in the country, with the predominant religion being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormonism. Many members of the church take the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy very seriously and choose not to work or host events on Sundays so they can attend church and worship.

Because of this, some tournament directors avoid Sunday play to accommodate volunteers, staff, and local organizers.

That said, Utah is not quite as Mormon as it once was. Cities like Salt Lake City and Ogden are primarily non–Latter-day Saint, and while many church members do play disc golf in Utah, the majority of tournament competitors are typically not members of the faith.

Overall, church members are generally friendly, welcoming people. Utah consistently ranks among the happiest states in the country, and no, we don’t practice polygamy. (Well, a very small number of Utahns do—but I’ve never met any disc golfers who are polygamists.)

Final Thoughts

Utah disc golf is different, but that’s part of what makes it special. Courses reward preparation, patience, and adaptability more than brute force alone. If you come ready for elevation, wind, open terrain, and long walks in the sun, you’ll likely find Utah tournaments both challenging and memorable—for the right reasons.