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What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and
clubs, however, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee® 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, in the case
of disc golf, fewest number of throws).
A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the
"hole". the hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most
common is called a Pole Hole® an elevated metal basket. As a player
progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot
from the spot where the previous throw has landed.
The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the
fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the
"putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed. Disc golf shares
the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it's
sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway.
There are few differences, though. Disc golf rarely requires a greens
fee, you probably won't need to rent a cart, and you never get stuck
with a bad "tee time." It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all
ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.
Who Plays Disc Golf?
Disc golf can be played from school age to old age, making it the one
of the greatest lifetime fitness sports available. Specially-abled and
disabled participate, giving them the opportunity to take part in a
mainstream activity. Because disc golf is so easy to learn, no one is
excluded. Players merely match their pace to their capabilities, and
proceed from there. There are events for men and women of every skill
level from novice to professional. Permanent disc golf courses are
found in countries worldwide, as well as throughout Australia.
Where do I play?
Some city parks have golf courses already set up. Some are free to play
as often as you like. Disc golfers who do not have the benefit of a
permanent disc golf facility in their area often "make up" object
courses in nearby parks and green spaces.
One of the great features disc golf shares with traditional golf is
that they are both played in beautiful settings. A nine-hole disc golf
course can be established on as little as five acres of land, and a
championship-caliber 18-hole course on 30 to 40 acres. Disc golf
courses can coexist with existing park facilities and activity areas.
The ideal location combines wooded and open terrains, and a variety of
topographical change.
The need for more courses is constant, as the sport continues to grow
in popularity. The PDGA has created standards for the design and
installation of new golf courses, to ensure their success in the
community.
Why should I play?
The ongoing fitness boom finds more and more people taking up
recreational activities in an effort to improve health and quality of
life. Disc golf provides upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic
exercise, and promotes a combination of physical and mental abilities
that allow very little risk of physical injury. Concentration skills
increase by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles. Players of
limited fitness levels can start slowly and gradually increase their
level of play as fitness improves. Scheduling is also flexible; a round
takes one to two hours, and may be played alone, eliminating the
difficulty of scheduling tee times. And as in traditional golf, disc
golfers find themselves "hooked;" increasing the likelihood of frequent
participation. Disc golf offers year-round fitness, even in rain or
snow. Perhaps the greatest attribute of the sport is the expense - or
rather, the lack of it. A professional quality disc costs less
than $20, and it only takes one for basic play.
And, of course, there's the sheer fun of the game - no matter what your age or skill level!
Play Disc Golf - The Sport of the FUTURE!!!
(Reprinted and edited with thanks to the Professional Disc Golf Association website www.pdga.com)
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What is Disc Golf 