When you’re ready to throw, grip your disc with four fingers under the outside edge and press your thumb near the top, soft part of the disc. This grip allows you to generate power as you throw by coiling your back and shoulders.
Out-of-bounds zones are marked on most courses. If your disc goes OB, you must replay the hole from a point three feet in bounds or add a penalty stroke to your score.
1. It’s Fun
As with golf, there is a lot more strategy to this sport than meets the eye. In fact, it is a very creative endeavor, and one that will keep your mind engaged. Disc golf requires you to envision the shot and then bring it into reality. This is very similar to the creative process of painting, writing or sculpting.
The best way to get a feel for it is to come out to the course and play a few holes with a group of people. You’ll find that everyone is very welcoming and accepting of all skill levels. The game runs at a slower pace, so it’s easy to talk and connect with other players while you play.
Disc golf is becoming more popular than ever before. It is gaining momentum in countries around the world due to a variety of reasons. In Belize, for example, the growth has been spurred by local players, a Mennonite community, and tournament-playing tourists.
Regardless of the reason, disc golf is a fun and exciting pastime. The sport is a great way to spend time outdoors, exercise, and socialize with friends and family. It is also a great way to relieve stress and build confidence, especially as you learn to better control your shots. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at the sport, and the more fun you’ll have. So grab your favorite disc, head out to the course, and have some fun!
2. It’s Easy
Unlike sports like tennis and baseball, which require years of practice to master, disc golf is one of the easiest recreational activities. While there is some strategy to the sport, it’s not complex and is easily learned by beginners. It also runs at a slower pace than most other sports, which makes it easy to keep conversation going with friends, family or co-workers.
The basic rules of the game are simple: throw your disc at a target, usually a small metal basket, and try to get it in the hole with as few throws as possible. Players use a variety of discs with different flight ratings to tackle the unique challenges of each course. In addition to knowing the basics of disc selection, you should be familiar with a few important terms, such as “pad” and “pin.”
To make your shot, start by stepping forward and placing your foot perpendicular to the basket (for right-handed throwers). This step creates a natural coil in your body, swiveling your shoulders, hips and back toward the basket. Next, hold your hand over the disc and put the thumb on the inside ring. This grip is called a hammer, thumber or tomahawk and helps generate power for your throw.
Once you feel comfortable with the stance and technique, it’s time to learn about some of the more advanced throws and shots. There are many resources online to help you understand the fundamentals of each.
3. It’s Affordable
Unlike golf, which can be an expensive sport to play, disc golf is very affordable. While you can spend quite a bit on specialized discs and bags, it’s also very easy to get started with a few basics for under $20. Then you can add more as your skills improve and you want to expand your collection.
The cost of maintaining a disc golf course is minimal as well. Most courses are located in public parks that have regular maintenance crews. Disc golf does require a little extra trimming of trees and bushes that can block baskets or get in the way of players. It’s also important to pick up trash after a round to keep the course looking great.
Another big cost in Disc Golf is becoming a PDGA member for $50/year and the costs of registration to compete. These fees help support the growth and promotion of the sport.
With more than 9,000 courses in the United States and over 13,000 worldwide, you’re likely to find one near you. And if there isn’t, you can build your own. Whether you’re looking for an exciting new pastime or a social activity to bond with friends and family, disc golf is a perfect fit.
4. It’s Social
The social aspect of disc golf is one reason why it is so popular. Unlike regular golf, where participants rarely interact with each other, the majority of disc golf players are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. This is partly due to the sport’s ingrained traditions, such as “niceing” other players, paying up in skins matches and carrying Martha (a designated disc to help keep track of everyone’s).
The game also requires you to become aware of your body position and alignment. This can be grounding for individuals who may struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and it can build confidence with every long drive or well-placed putt.
Lastly, many players follow certain rules to create an enjoyable playing environment for everyone. For example, it is common practice to start each round at a designated tee area and play from there. It is also important to respect others’ space, especially if they are throwing ahead of you. And finally, because discs can be dangerous if they land in water or mud, it is common to mark out-of-bounds zones (OB) with rope or signs.
As the sport grows, more and more people are starting their own courses and clubs. In fact, many new course builders have started with 9-hole courses as a way to introduce the sport in their community, almost as a “proof of concept” before expanding to longer courses.
5. It’s Healthy
Disc golf is not only a fun activity for people of all ages, but it’s also a healthy one. The game requires players to walk around the course, which helps improve their cardiovascular health by getting their heart pumping and their blood moving. It also helps to strengthen your lower body muscles, particularly your legs, which are used often in the sport.
Moreover, the game is challenging and requires strategic thinking. Each throw is like a mini-puzzle, as the player must consider all elements of the approach, including wind, terrain changes, and distance. This engagement of the rational mind is beneficial for mental health, as it helps to focus attention on the present moment and away from negative emotions such as sadness and fear.
Finally, playing disc golf is an excellent way to spend time in nature. Many courses are built in natural settings, requiring players to work around trees, shrubs, and hills. These natural surroundings create a sense of community and can even inspire conversations between players. Additionally, a round of disc golf takes less time than other sports such as tennis or pickleball, which allows more people to enjoy the course at a given time.
For example, a single tennis court can only accommodate four players at a time, while an 18-hole disc golf course can support up to 70 players. This higher throughput means that more people can experience the benefits of the course, which is important for convincing municipalities to invest in the sport.
6. It’s Competitive
It’s no secret that disc golf is a very competitive sport. Top players display impressive talent, ranging from tunnel vision focus to pin-point accuracy. Many players compete in sanctioned tournaments, which have grown in popularity alongside recreational play. For some, it’s the only way they can get their fix of the game, and they dedicate endless hours to honing their skills.
The sport is accessible to almost anybody, unlike ball sports that require prior experience or equipment. While you’ll need to learn how to throw a disc, it’s not difficult to pick up and play for the first time. In fact, research has shown that the physical exertion required for a full round of 18 holes is comparable to walking around a soccer field or a football stadium.
With the news of the Paul McBeth contract, disc golf now also provides a unique opportunity for communities to bond over competition and comradery. Unlike the average tennis court or pickleball court, an entire 18-hole course can be played by 70 people at once, resulting in higher throughput and more opportunities for community members to interact with one another. When municipalities are considering funding a new course, it’s important to demonstrate that the investment will provide substantial recreation benefits to a large number of community members.
The sport continues to grow stateside, with a steady rate of new courses and rounds played. It’s even more exciting to consider the growth of the sport abroad. In countries like Finland, where courses are popping up at a much faster pace, it is no surprise that more residents are picking up a disc and hitting the course.