I used CSS to accomplish hiding the URL but not the FOLLOW button.
/* Hide the link for customers to start a topic. */
/* Main forums page */
.start-topic {
display: none;
}
/* Tips and Tricks */
#forum-44000061607 .pull-right:first-child {
display: none;
}
/* Feature Requests */
#forum-44000061608 .pull-right:first-child {
display: none;
}