Summer is coming fast and what better way to relax and enjoy the sunny weather than to grab a few discs and hit the nearest disc golf course with a group of friends.

For those who do not know or haven’t heard what disc golf is, the concept is basically that of golf. Only instead of hitting a golf ball into a hole you are throwing a disc into a basket with chains hanging down from top to bottom. The same rules apply so each hole has a par and you want to get your disc into the basket in the least amount of throws as possible.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned and longtime player, Chico and Paradise have just the right course for every skill level.

Sherwood Forrest Kids Disc Golf Course

Located: 1928 Manzanita Ave., Chico, right by Hooker Oak Park

Skill Level: Beginner

Holes: 9

The Sherwood Forrest course was created to help beginners of all ages learn to play and fine-tune their technique. Each hole has its own different obstacles to make it somewhat difficult but overall each hole is fairly simple.

This is not a course that experienced players who play all the time and play for hours would want to come to. It is a smaller course with each basket only about 150 feet away from the throwing pad and can be completed in 30 minutes or less.

Since the holes are short, make sure to watch out for other players, and also in the summertime there are rattlesnakes around so you must be on the lookout.

Peregrine Point Disc Golf Course

Located: 7026 Deer Creek Highway, Bidwell Park, Chico, right up Highway 32

Skill Level: Experienced

Holes: 18

For the more experienced players, Peregrine Point is a course that will challenge you and your friends. Each hole is at minimum 245 feet from throwing pad to the basket, with the longest being hole six at a daunting 425 feet.

Each hole is a par three so it leaves little room for error when throwing from such a long distance.

Be very aware to watch and make sure you track your disc because on this course it is easy to lose it in the bushes.

One hole overlooks the canyon, so one simple mistake and you could lose your disc for good. There are a lot of scenic views all around Peregrine Point to enjoy while playing there.

The course is closed when wet so for this one it’s best to go in the summertime or check the website before driving out to it.

Lava Creek Disc Golf Course

Located: 5325 Clark Road, Paradise, Lava Creek Golf Course

Skill Level: Experienced

Holes: 18

Lava Creek is probably the nicest course for disc golfing, mainly because it is on an actual golf course. You have to pay $4 to get in and if you play another game it’s $3, but in all honesty it’s well worth the money.

The views are great and the course is very challenging with a lot of up and down hills. There are also two holes that you must throw across a creek and pond.

The average distance from the throwing pad to the hole is about 275 feet, with the longest drive being hole one at 510 feet.

Since it is on a golf course it is only open to the public at certain times. Here are the times for each day.

Monday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. to sunset

Wednesday: 1 p.m. to sunset

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. to sunset

Saturday: 11 a.m. to sunset

Sunday: 1 p.m. to sunset

Jason Spies can be reached at [email protected] or @Jason_Spies on Twitter.