5 minute read
Flying Into Summer with Disc Golf
Arti cle by: Emily Pazel
By Jeweliana Curtis
with Disc Golf
You’ve heard of golf, you’ve heard of ultimate frisbee… But have you heard about disc golf? Formalized in the 1970s, disc golf is a ying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target on a designated course. Similar to golf in rules and objectives, the object of disc golf is simple: the winner is the player who has the lowest
number of total throws across the game. Adam Gill
So, how do you play? On a disc golf course, a player must accurately land a disc in a target from a tee area. This is considered to be the “hole,” similar to that of the game of golf, and this target is most commonly an elevated metal basket. As a player continues the course on the fairway, they must make each consecutive toss from the spot where the disc landed until they reach the target. Often, the courses have shrubs, trees and other objects throughout, o ering up a challenge for players as they navigate the course and avoid the obstacles in their way. The disc landing in the basket signi es that the hole has been completed, and the player is marked accordingly on a score sheet. Some recreational players keep score the old fashioned way with pen and paper, but there are also mobile apps that help players keep a record of their scores on all courses across a long period of time. This helps the players to identify patterns on familiar courses and encourages players to nd ways to improve. Like any sport, practice makes perfect! The best part? This sport was created for everyone, no matter their skill level. Disc golf can be played competitively by men and women, regardless of their age. This makes it a great option for children and teens who are searching for a sport to get involved in, but it also serves as a great activity for adults and seniors alike.
It’s often described as a lifetime tness activity, so players can truly begin enjoying the sport at any point. While the object of the game is similar to golf, many players enjoy that this sport is often free to play and rarely requires the rental of a golf cart to navigate the course. While there are parks that require payment to play disc golf, there are many great free spots to check out in our area. There is a well-manicured disc golf course located in Heritage Park in Live Oak, along with a great course at the Spirit of the Suwannee in Live Oak, and another course at Alligator Lake Park in Lake City. If you are searching for a new challenge, there are always toprated disc golf courses in Gainesville, Ocala and Orlando. The bene ts of this game are easy to see: it provides great physical exercise and is mentally stimulating. Disc golf provides upper and lower body conditioning and aerobic exercise, all at the pace that the player chooses. This makes it ideal for any age group to enjoy, all while ful lling their daily exercise quota in a fun way! The strategy and competitive nature of the game provide mental stimulation, such as encouraging concentration skills and exing problem-solving skills as the players navigate the course’s obstacles. Not to mention, this game is truly a fun and enjoyable outdoor experience! Disc golf also has a professional organization that draws amateurs and professionals alike. The Professional Disc Golf Association (also known as the PDGA) is a membership-based organization with
Chris Curtis
—Adam Gill
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to rule the course:
#1: A variety of discs. While there are endless options for discs on the market, you really only need a few to get started. We recommend picking out a driver, a putter and a mid-range disc to begin. These can be purchased individually or as a set online and in store at places like Dicks Sporting Goods, Amazon and Walmart, or at your favorite local sports shop. #2: A disc golf bag. A great carrying case is essential for storing your discs for easy access on the course. They also come in handy for carrying water bottles, Gatorade, sunblock and sports towels on the course. #3: Comfortable athletic shoes. While this sport does not require any speci c cleats, it is important to wear comfortable athletic shoes on the course. Reach for your favorite sneakers to be able to navigate the course with ease on foot.
over 120,000 members spanning across 54 countries. It acts as the governing body for the sport, facilitating competitions and events for players in all skill levels across the globe. With a rise in popularity for the sport, it should come as no surprise that the organization continues to expand as the disc golf community becomes larger. There are thousands of disc golf courses worldwide, and there are hundreds of communities that disc golfers can become involved in both in person and online to sharpen their skill sets and make connections. Eager to learn more? Visit the Professional Disc Golf Association’s website to read all of the rules of the road at pdga.com. Happy disc gol ng! ■
