Disc golf is an interesting game for those who love to throw the Frisbee for accuracy and distance. It is a sport that has grown very popular since it’s invention in the late 60′s. The sport was formalized in the 1970′s, and shares with “ball golf” the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes or ‘throws’. It is played much like traditional golf but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. Instead of using golf clubs and balls aiming for a hole, Disc Golf players use golf discs and aim for a Disc Pole Hole, a pole extending up from the ground with chains and a basket where the disc lands. It is a great game for anyone who wants to get outdoors and have fun and is typically played in public parks where established courses are free and accessible to everyone. Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities among youth and young adults
Disc golf courses are very similar to real golf courses. They have a set ‘par’ and ratings depending on how hard they are. The rating is dependent on the extent of obstacles that are in play throughout the course. City parks are the most common place you will find Disc golf courses. Most courses consist of 18 holes like real golf but some have up to 24 holes. Of the 3000 courses in the United States, 90% are free which makes it a great sport for everyone. Each course will typically be designed with disc poles or ‘holes’, tonal poles, tee pads, tee signs, and specific topography. The most important design feature is the disc pole.
The ‘hole’ in disc golf can be referred to as a ‘disc pole’, ‘basket’, or a ‘catcher’. This pole usually has a metal basket connected to a pole and chains to catch the disc. When the disc is thrown and hits the basket the metal chains hold the disc and the hole is over for the person who threw the disc. The last throw is called a ‘putt’ and ends the hole.
There are a wide variety of discs which are used in Disc golf and they are divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Discs do not cost an arm and a leg, and can be purchased at local sporting good stores typically at retail prices between $7 and $15. The putter discs are designed to fly straight, predictably, and very slowly compared to mid-range discs and drivers and are designed similar to discs you would play catch with. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw; their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. Golf discs typically weigh between 150 and 180 grams.
The ‘Drive’ is the first shot on each hole and is thrown from the designated tee area. The player then progresses down the fairway throwing each successive shot from where the last one landed. It is important to avoid any obstacles along the way such as trees or fences that could lead to more throws. Out-of-bounds is a part of every course and should be avoided or it is a one shot penalty.
The most common throw in disc golf is the forehand throw to give the player the best ‘snap’. There are also overhand and backhand throws but all throws must be made with one hand only. After each throw the player marks the landing spot with a mini-disc and the next throw order is determined by whomever is farthest from the hole. Each player must tee off behind the designated tee area and if a disc is thrown out-of-bounds it is a one shot penalty and the player must throw next from within three feet of the out-of-bounds marker.
Similar to real golf, the person with the lowest overall score wins. The overall score is determined by adding up the throws on each hole, plus penalties. Every throw counts and each hole isn’t over until the player’s disc lands in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole always tees off first and an easy way to keep score is to say every hole is a par-3.
Disc golf has a governing body called The Professional Disc Golf Association and has over 40,000 members. It is in charge of different events for ages, genders, and skill levels. The PDGA encourages involvement of all ages and promotes family involvement.
Disc golf can be played for a lifetime. It is a great activity that promotes being outdoors and being active to help prevent obesity. Families find it fun to play and the game continues to grow in popularity because it is also inexpensive. Make sure to find one of the many courses near you and give it a try if you haven’t already.
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