As summertime draws to a close and the weather moves from scorching to more-pleasant fall temperatures, you’ll likely be drawn to spend a lot of time outside. While you’re out there, you may as well pick up a new sport, amiright? If you’ve never tried disc golf before, now’s the time to pack up your drivers and your putter and get started.
What Is Disc Golf?
Drivers? Putters? Am I going to have to invest in golf clubs?
Nope! Disc golf is played with discs – frisbees, to be exact. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill cheapo toy store frisbees. They’re high-end discs that are designed to go various distances (thus the “driver” and “putter” discs) at different speeds and even curve at various degrees when you throw them.
Where will you throw them? Disc golf courses contain targets that usually consist of a metal bar holding a basket that’s surrounded by metal chains. The chains help stop and trap the disc, which is the goal of the game. Just like regular golf, the objective is to get your disc into the target in as few throws as possible.
Where Can I Find Courses?
Everywhere! Especially if you live in a city, you’ll be surprised at the number of disc golf courses you’ve biked or driven past and never noticed before. You’ll find disc golf courses arranged throughout many urban parks. The best way to figure out where to play is to go online and look for courses.
Great! How Do I Start?
Playing is generally free (as courses are usually in public parks). All you need is a few discs to get started. Sporting goods stores often carry them, and you can usually find starter packs with all you need to learn the game. Otherwise, choose a driver and a putter that will glide straight and that are very stable. As you play, you’ll begin to understand what other discs you need to expand your collection.
If you have a friend who plays, go with them to learn the ropes…er…chains. That’s it! Happy disc golfing!
