Southern Utah Disc Golf Association reports significant growth at Thunderbird Gardens course

The Cedar City government meeting on June 11, 2025, featured a presentation by representatives from the Southern Utah Disc Golf Association, highlighting the growth and popularity of the Thunderbird Gardens disc golf course. Eric Lewis, the vice president, and Mikhail Staple, the treasurer, shared impressive statistics about the course's visitation and user engagement.

Since its establishment in 2019, Thunderbird Gardens has seen a remarkable increase in visitors. According to data from UDisc, an app used by disc golfers to track scores, there were 3,100 rounds played last year, with 743 unique users visiting the course. Notably, 696 of these visitors traveled from over 150 miles away, and 359 came from distances exceeding 300 miles. The course has attracted players from five different countries, underscoring its appeal beyond local enthusiasts.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) reported that visitation to the Thunderbird Gardens area has surged by 367% over the past 14 years, with over 100,000 visitors recorded last year alone. This growth is attributed largely to the disc golf course's unique features and challenging layout.

Despite its popularity, the course faces challenges, particularly regarding signage, wayfinding, and accessibility. Lewis and Staple emphasized the need for improvements in these areas to enhance the experience for families and casual visitors. They noted that the course's terrain can be difficult, which has led to incidents requiring emergency services for hikers.

The discussion at the meeting highlighted the importance of investing in park amenities to support the growing interest in disc golf and ensure safety for all visitors. The Southern Utah Disc Golf Association aims to work with local government to address these issues and continue promoting the sport in the region.