Disc Golf For Pleasure
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 designed like a traditional golf course. Courses usually have a listed par, for pro or amateur players. Each course is different and is rated by technical or challenging depending if they have obstacles such as trees which players must maneuver their discs around with specialized throws. Many city parks have golf courses already set up. Most disc golf courses consist of 18 or 24 holes, and you’ll find some nine-hole courses too. However, as in ball golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Of the more than 3000 established disc golf courses as of 2010, approximately 87% are free. Five basic components go into a course design, disc pole holes, tonal poles, tee signs, tee pads, and topography. Disc pole holes are the main and most important components of a disc golf course.
The hole is also called a ‘disc pole’ and can be referred to as a basket or catcher. It is usually an elevated metal basket and is comprised of a center pole, a chain holder, and a basket. The circular basket catches the disc with its chains. The last throw is considered a ‘putt’ and the hole is completed when the disc lands in the basket.
Disc golf has three types of discs. The first one is the Driver and is the hardes to throw since it is meant to go the farthest. The second is the mid-range disc and has sharper edges to cut through air. The last is the Putter and is designed to fly straight and slow to give the most accuracy.
Each hole starts at a ‘tee’ area and progresses towards the basket. After the drive each throw is shot from where the previous one landed. The player needs to avoid any obstacles that come in the way since you have to throw where the disc last landed. Avoid the out-of-bounds area as it is a one shot penalty.
You can throw the disc either backhand, forehand, or overhand. The forehand is the most common and allows the player to ‘snap’ the disc moreso than the backhand or overhand. All throws must be made with only one hand. Each player will carry a mini-disc to mark the spot where his throw lands. If the disc lands out of bounds the player must play the next shot within three feet from where it went out-of-bounds. Tee throws must be made behind the tee markers and when in the fairway the person farthest from the hole throws first.
Scores are kept in the same manner as ball golf, with the winner being the person with the lowest overall score for the holes played. The overall score is determined by counting the number of throws made on each hole plus penalty throws and then summing all holes. Each hole is scored according to the number of throws a player makes to get his/her disc from the tee to the basket and each throw is counted towards the player’s score. The object is to acquire the lowest score. Similar to ‘ball golf’, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole is the first to tee-off on the next hole. Score keeping is simplified if you count all holes as 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 is one of the best lifetime fitness sports. It is quickly becoming a lifelong fitness activity, promoting an active lifestyle and helping to prevent obesity. Disc Golf is fun for the family and easy to play and is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. And perhaps best of all, disc golf is inexpensive. With more than 1700 disc golf courses worldwide, there’s bound to be one near you.
Want to find out more about Disc Golf. Stop by Kevin Polini’s site where you can find out all about frisbee golf and how much fun it is.
