Disc Golf 101
THE MURNANS PLAY THE LITTLE AXE DISC GOLF COURSE NEAR LAKE THUNDERBIRD.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DEBBIE MURNAN
You’ll notice that each disc has four numbers on it, known as the flight rating system, indicating the speed and stability expected when thrown. Most beginners can start with a lightweight, mid-range disc, ideally with a speed number of 4 to 7, to facilitate straight, multipurpose throws from anywhere on the fairway. As you advance your skills, you can add more discs with varying designs and weights to help with longer distances or adding turns to the disc’s direction. There are also combo packs that include a distance, mid-range and putter disc if you’d rather go that route to try different discs for varying distances. Speaking from experience, you should always stick to buying brightly colored discs, so they are easier to find in the out-of-bound wilderness, where the tall grass and unruly bushes love to eat flying frisbees! When it comes to technique, check out the Professional Disc Golf Association website for some helpful links to YouTube tutorial videos so you can watch and learn the basics involved with throwing discs. Many public courses have a practice basket near the parking area so you can warm up or practice different throwing techniques before starting a game. Keep in mind: most courses are usually 9 or 18 holes, so it’s important to pay attention to other groups playing around you. If you’re playing slowly, kindly invite faster groups to play through; or if you’re playing fast, it’s OK to respectfully ask to play through ahead of others. I highly recommend downloading the UDisc app on your phone to find courses in your area, check the status and ratings of courses and even create scorecards for the current course being played. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and water so everyone stays safe and happy during the game! Have fun out there!
Disc golf was a pandemic hobby our family discovered and still enjoys today because it’s easy for everyone to participate (our boys were 7 and 8 years old when we started) and it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together while also getting some exercise outdoors. We even bring our leashed dog along with us for these outings, while exploring new terrain and meeting other friendly disc golfers along the way. Since the 1960s, disc golf has been steadily gaining popularity, especially during the pandemic when people were looking for socially-distant activities. The game itself is very straightforward, where players attempt to throw a flying disc from a designated tee pad into a standing basket down the fairway in as few throws as possible. The surrounding trees, waterways and terrain add an extra challenge to keep it interesting! The nice thing about this unpretentious sport is that you can make it as casual or competitive as you want, especially when it comes to out-of-bound plays, skipping holes that look too difficult and whether or not to keep score. Tips for Beginners One of the best things about this sport is how inexpensive it can be; that is, if you're not losing discs in the woods all the time. Most local courses are free and open to the public to play anytime. The only piece of equipment you really need to purchase is the disc, which can be found in most sporting goods stores.
50 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JULY-AUGUST 2023
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