Disc Golf: A Sport for the Entire Family

Disc golf is a sport for all ages and abilities. Generally played on a professionally designed course, the game involves throwing a flying disc across a specified distance towards a target in as few throws as possible.

Throwing styles vary from player to player; however, the backhand and the forehand are the most common styles. Discs are generally made from plastic and are saucer shaped so as to cut through the air and fly somewhat predictably when thrown properly. Courses are designed in a similar fashion as golf courses, with individual holes snaking around an area of land. Each hole has a tee pad from which the original throw on a hole is taken, and a target towards which each player is throwing. Rules are similar to golf but with an emphasis on foot placement and mandatory maneuvers. The game is also scored similarly. The player with the lowest score after the course is completed is the winner.

Although playing the game is enjoyable no matter the outcome, there are certain things players can do to improve their scores.

Using the correct equipment at the ideal time is important. Unlike golf, in which a player must use the same ball throughout a hole unless it is lost, a disc golf player may use different discs throughout each hole. Certain discs are made to travel longer distances, while others are designed to travel more slowly but with more predictable flight paths. Using discs designed for long distance from the tee pad or on long fairway throws while reserving the more predictable, slower travelling ones for putts will help improve scores. This is why it is also helpful to have disc golf accessories, such as a carrying case.
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Learning different throwing styles can help improve scores by helping a player avoid or maneuver around obstacles more accurately. There are times when a regular forehand or backhand throw will only result in landing in a bad position. Learning throws such as the Tomahawk, the Thumber or the Grenade to get up and over a tree or shrub can cut down a players score.

Frolf is a popular variation of the game and is short for freeform golf. As the name suggests, frolf can be played anywhere, at any time, utilizing any space as the course and any object as the target so long as the participants all agree on those things.

Disc golf is one way to get the entire family outdoors and exercising. It is an enjoyable and eco-friendly sport for all ages.