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Eight Bay Area disc golf courses

LONG CONSIDERED THE sport of stoners, Frisbee – or rather, disc – golf is actually a challenging, and cheap, alternative to the ultimate yuppie game, golf. Many courses are built into city and county parks, which offer beautiful scenery and sometimes free admission (city parks tend to be free; most regional parks charge a vehicle fee, usually $3 to $5). Plus, the disc carrying case conveniently doubles as an insulated cooler for beer – perfect for hot summer days when the thrower ahead of you is taking his sweet time finishing his joint and heading to the next hole.

1. Aquatic Park The 18-hole course on the eastern side of this Berkeley shoreline park has been around since 1978. Water hazards abound, and bay winds can make shots tricky, but the view is great. Bolivar Way at Bancroft Way, Berk. (510) 981-5150, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/parks.

2. Coyote Creek Disc Golf Course Located in Santa Clara County's Hellyer Park, Coyote Creek only has 11 holes, but there are plans to expand to 18 later this year. 985 Hellyer, San Jose. (408) 225-0225, www.parkhere.org.

3. De Laveaga World Class Disc Golf Course Located in Santa Cruz's hilly, 1,200-acre De Laveaga Park and deemed by many the best course in the country, the De Laveaga offers beautiful scenery and, with a staggering 27 holes, a considerable challenge. Check the Web site for upcoming tournaments and events. Off Hwy. 1, Morrissey Blvd. exit, Santa Cruz. www.jahr.net/discgolf.

4. Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course This new course in Marx Meadow offers only 12 holes. Between 25th and 30th Aves. near Fulton, Golden Gate Park, S.F. www.sfdiscgolf.net.

5. Lagoon Valley Regional Park This 470-acre park's course has 18 holes. Off I-80, Pena Adobe Road exit, Vacaville. (707) 469-6664.

6. Moraga Commons Park The nine-hole course in this city park features a grassy terrain with many hills. Moraga and St. Mary's Rds., Moraga. (925) 376-2520, www.ci.moraga.ca.us/park.htm.

7. Skyline Wilderness Park This hilly, 900-acre Napa County park's course is closed during rain. 2201 Imola, Napa. (707) 252-0481, www.ncfaa.com/skyline/disc_golf.htm.

8. Stafford Lake County Park The heavily wooded course in this Marin County park has 18 holes. Novato Blvd. west of Stafford Lake Dam, Novato. (415) 499-6387, www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/Main/dg/discgolf.html.