If you like Frisbee you will find Disc Golf an interesting game. It's popularity has grown since it was invented in the late 60's and formalized in the 70's. The object is similar to 'ball golf' which is completing each hole in the fewest number of throws. Instead of using a ball and clubs the players use flying discs or frisbees. Instead of a hole Disc golf players aim for a pole that is in the ground and has chains and a basket. If you love outdoors you will find disc golf fun as well since it is played in parks. It is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing outdoor activities around the world.
Disc golf courses are very similar to real golf courses. They have a set 'par' and ratings depending on how hard they are. The rating is dependent on the extent of obstacles that are in play throughout the course. City parks are the most common place you will find Disc golf courses. Most courses consist of 18 holes like real golf but some have up to 24 holes. Of the 3000 courses in the United States, 90% are free which makes it a great sport for everyone. Each course will typically be designed with disc poles or 'holes', tonal poles, tee pads, tee signs, and specific topography. The most important design feature is the disc pole.
The disc pole hole is also commonly known as a basket or a catcher. The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole an elevated metal basket. A disc pole hole comprises a center pole, chain holder and a basket. Surrounding the pole below the chains is a circular basket that serves to catch a disc thrown at the chains. When the final "putt" lands in the basket, the hole is completed.
There are a wide variety of discs which are used in Disc golf and they are divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Discs do not cost an arm and a leg, and can be purchased at local sporting good stores typically at retail prices between $7 and $15. The putter discs are designed to fly straight, predictably, and very slowly compared to mid-range discs and drivers and are designed similar to discs you would play catch with. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw; their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. Golf discs typically weigh between 150 and 180 grams.
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.
The most common throw in disc golf is the forehand throw to give the player the best 'snap'. There are also overhand and backhand throws but all throws must be made with one hand only. After each throw the player marks the landing spot with a mini-disc and the next throw order is determined by whomever is farthest from the hole. Each player must tee off behind the designated tee area and if a disc is thrown out-of-bounds it is a one shot penalty and the player must throw next from within three feet of the out-of-bounds marker.
The lowest overall score wins similar to real golf. The overall score is determined by adding up the score for each hole plus penalties. Each throw is counted toward the players score and each hole doesn't end until the disc is in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next hole. An easy way to keep score is to count all holes as a par 3.
The governing body of Disc golf is the PDGA or Professional Disc Golf Association. They currently have over 40,000 members and organized many competitive and non-competetive events for men, women, and children. The PDGA encourages family involvement and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of outdoor activites centered around disc golf.
Disc golf is quickly becoming a great sport that can be played for a lifetime. It is great for fitness and helps prevent obesity by promoting an active lifestyle. The game of Disc golf is great fun for family and friends and continues to grow throughout the country. Because it is inexpensive all can play and benefit from the fun. With so many courses now available there is definitely one near you to try.
Disc golf courses are very similar to real golf courses. They have a set 'par' and ratings depending on how hard they are. The rating is dependent on the extent of obstacles that are in play throughout the course. City parks are the most common place you will find Disc golf courses. Most courses consist of 18 holes like real golf but some have up to 24 holes. Of the 3000 courses in the United States, 90% are free which makes it a great sport for everyone. Each course will typically be designed with disc poles or 'holes', tonal poles, tee pads, tee signs, and specific topography. The most important design feature is the disc pole.
The disc pole hole is also commonly known as a basket or a catcher. The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole an elevated metal basket. A disc pole hole comprises a center pole, chain holder and a basket. Surrounding the pole below the chains is a circular basket that serves to catch a disc thrown at the chains. When the final "putt" lands in the basket, the hole is completed.
There are a wide variety of discs which are used in Disc golf and they are divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Discs do not cost an arm and a leg, and can be purchased at local sporting good stores typically at retail prices between $7 and $15. The putter discs are designed to fly straight, predictably, and very slowly compared to mid-range discs and drivers and are designed similar to discs you would play catch with. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw; their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. Golf discs typically weigh between 150 and 180 grams.
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.
The most common throw in disc golf is the forehand throw to give the player the best 'snap'. There are also overhand and backhand throws but all throws must be made with one hand only. After each throw the player marks the landing spot with a mini-disc and the next throw order is determined by whomever is farthest from the hole. Each player must tee off behind the designated tee area and if a disc is thrown out-of-bounds it is a one shot penalty and the player must throw next from within three feet of the out-of-bounds marker.
The lowest overall score wins similar to real golf. The overall score is determined by adding up the score for each hole plus penalties. Each throw is counted toward the players score and each hole doesn't end until the disc is in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next hole. An easy way to keep score is to count all holes as a par 3.
The governing body of Disc golf is the PDGA or Professional Disc Golf Association. They currently have over 40,000 members and organized many competitive and non-competetive events for men, women, and children. The PDGA encourages family involvement and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of outdoor activites centered around disc golf.
Disc golf is quickly becoming a great sport that can be played for a lifetime. It is great for fitness and helps prevent obesity by promoting an active lifestyle. The game of Disc golf is great fun for family and friends and continues to grow throughout the country. Because it is inexpensive all can play and benefit from the fun. With so many courses now available there is definitely one near you to try.
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Learn more about Disc Golf. Stop by Kevin Polini's site where you can find out all about frisbee golf and what it can do for you.
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