Von misses an easy put at the Lake Wilson Frisbee Golf Course, Wilson NC.
Sarah prepares for her 2nd shot on a par 3.
Sarah throws a little too high for the basket on hole 6 at the Lake Wilson Frisbee Golf Course, Wilson NC.
Disc golf has been around for 36 years now. It was invented by "Steady" Ed Headrick back in the day. It is a huge college sport and its popularity is growing fast around the world with all ages. This game is played just like regular golf, but using an inexpensive Frisbee. Just hit the chains, "Cha Ching!" and that means you've finished the hole.
All the courses that I've played are public. Most municipalities will have a disc golf course at one of their many parks. There are no greens fees and a disc is relatively cheap ($6-$25).
Disc: These Frisbees are smaller than what you would throw at the beach. They will fly long distances. The disc will come in different weights (grams). There will be different edges, designs and logos on them. Each weight and design will have a different flight characteristics. Some people play with a huge bag of disk, but others just play with one.
You can have two disc that are exactly the same in weight and design, but if one has nicks and cuts, it will fly differently. On a rare occasion you might throw hard enough to hit a tree and the disc could break, so it's good to have a backup.
Some people like to play with two disk, a putter and a driver. The putter will not be as heavy, have rounder edges, float in flight, easier to control, and have a softer compound of plastic.
This sport is hugely popular with the college crowd. It doesn't cost much. You get exercise, and can bring a small cooler with your favorite beverage inside. This game is also easy enough for young children to play. My kids love to play a couple of holes, and it teaches them good hand eye coordination. It is beautiful to watch a Frisbee in flight.
Course: Some course will be relatively easy, par 3's. Some will be difficult, but each hole will be different depending on elevation and the amount of obstructions in the way (trees). It is good to understand your throw and you can manipulate the disc around the trees to get to the pin.
You might find some holes in a wide open field, a par 5, and this will require a very hard and accurate throw.
The hazard that I hate the most is water hazards because if it goes into the water, most of the time it means you've lost your disc.
Check and see if there are disc golf associations in your area, and if there are any matches. I once played a match and witness the most amazing throw. This was a par 3 hole. You could not see the basket, and the hole curved slightly to the left. The guy threw from the concrete tee, the Frisbee went to the right, then drifted sharply to the left. The next thing we heard was the musical sound of "Cha Ching!" It was a hole in one, and everyone erupted in cheers! The guy was fist pumping the air..."Yeah baby!"
This sport is super fun, and I hope you can scrape up $6, go buy a disc, and go play a course.
"I'd like to go by throwing a Frisbee,
And throw round disc that float freely in an open field
Towards heaven, till the disc falls near the pin,
But gives me good positioning for my put.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a thrower of Frisbees......."
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