Q: How do you know when Disc Golf has become a viable sport?
A: When Frisbees cost $20… each!
This photo was taken in our local Play it Again Sports — a store which re-sells used sports equipment.
The reality of the moment struck me when I realized that the above Frisbees ranged in price from $7.99 to $19.99… used!
I remember when Frisbees were just a buck.
Not to mention the fact that everyone and their brother used to give them away at fairs, carnivals, and conventions.
All kidding aside, Frisbee Golf (a.k.a. Disc Golf… “the art of throwing a Frisbee toward an above-ground target”) is serious business.
…or should I say a serious sport?
Here’s everything you want to know about Frisbee golf, according to some of the best disc golfers in the world.
There’s actually a fully-sanctioned Professional Disc Golf Association — the PDGA.
(It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?)
And an International Frisbee Hall of Fame!
Plus, in fairness, they say you can play an effective game of disc golf using a $10 or less Frisbee:
Perhaps the greatest attribute of the sport is the expense – or rather, the lack of it. A professional quality disc costs less than $10, and it only takes one for basic play. — PDGA
How To Play Disc Golf
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. 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 “put” lands in the basket, and the hole is completed. — PDGA
Here are the official rules for playing disc golf.
To give you an idea of just how serious this sport is, check out this lengthy online discussion regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs and drug testing before PDGA events!
Just for laughs, have a look at these funny disc golf excuses!
Where To Play Disc Golf
Currently there are 2,089 “official” disc golf courses.
Find disc golf courses near you here.
A 9-hole disc golf course can be established on as little as 5 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. –PDGA
Play disc golf online here.
Equipment For Disc Golfers
It’s important to use the right equipment. Any old Frisbee just won’t do (…unless you’re just having fun amongst friends, that is).
But don’t discount that classic old Wham-O Frisbee just yet… Even the inventor of disc golf, Ed Headrick used his fair share of Wham-O frisbees!
Rich Knerr (Wham-O) was in search of a catchy new name to help increase sales, after hearing about the original use of the terms ‘Frisbie’ and ‘Frisbie-ing’. He borrowed from the two words to create the registered trademark Frisbee. Sales soared for the toy, due to Wham-O’s clever marketing of Frisbee playing as a new sport. In 1964, the first professional model went on sale. Ed Headrick was the inventor at Wham-O who patented Wham-O’s designs for the modern frisbee (U.S. patent 3,359,678).– The History of the Frisbee
These days, a “starter kit” of professional discs will run you anywhere from $40-$60 and usually includes 3 discs: 1 multi-use, 1 driver, 1 putter.
How To Win At Disc Golf
The best way to improve your game is to:
a) use the right equipment; and
b) work on your throwing technique
Want to improve your game?… Don’t miss this growing list of throwing techniques!
You should also get to know the other disc golfers in your area.
If there happens to be a disc golf club in your area, check ’em out. They’re a great resource… an organized group of disc golfers right there willing to answer your questions and show you a thing or two out on the course.
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Here’s a list of disc golf clubs … the U.S. and beyond.
Videos Of People Playing Disc Golf
Mike and Mark (a.k.a. The Guardians of Recreation) are “dedicated to the pursuit of happiness through an equitable balance of work and play.”
These guys have put together some incredible video footage featuring disc golf games. Currently there are three different full-length videos you can watch online. Their videos give you a behind-the-scenes look at disc golf, including the fun part (great shots)… the frustrating part (bad shots)… and the competition part (playing to win).
View the Guardians of Recreation videos here.
Check out all the ways you can have fun with a Frisbee… aside from playing Disc Golf.
I grew up playing board games and card games. It’s a pastime that I’ve never outgrown. The games mentioned here are great for your home parties, family game nights, camping outings, and RV road trips. (We play some of them on our cross-country motorcycle trips, too.)
When I’m not playing games with my friends and family, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
