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 three types of discs used in Disc golf: Putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. They can be purchased at most sporting-goods stores and are relatively cheap. The putter discs fly straight and slow. The mid-range discs have sharper edges to cut through the air easier and the drivers are the hardest to throw since they are supposed to go the farthest. The discs are very light.
The 'Drive' is the first shot on each hole and is thrown from the designated tee area. The player then progresses down the fairway throwing each successive shot from where the last one landed. It is important to avoid any obstacles along the way such as trees or fences that could lead to more throws. Out-of-bounds is a part of every course and should be avoided or 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.
Similar to real golf, the person with the lowest overall score wins. The overall score is determined by adding up the throws on each hole, plus penalties. Every throw counts and each hole isn't over until the player's disc lands in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole always tees off first and an easy way to keep score is to say every hole is a par-3.
Disc golf has a governing body called The Professional Disc Golf Association and has over 40,000 members. It is in charge of different events for ages, genders, and skill levels. The PDGA encourages involvement of all ages and promotes family involvement.
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 three types of discs used in Disc golf: Putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. They can be purchased at most sporting-goods stores and are relatively cheap. The putter discs fly straight and slow. The mid-range discs have sharper edges to cut through the air easier and the drivers are the hardest to throw since they are supposed to go the farthest. The discs are very light.
The 'Drive' is the first shot on each hole and is thrown from the designated tee area. The player then progresses down the fairway throwing each successive shot from where the last one landed. It is important to avoid any obstacles along the way such as trees or fences that could lead to more throws. Out-of-bounds is a part of every course and should be avoided or 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.
Similar to real golf, the person with the lowest overall score wins. The overall score is determined by adding up the throws on each hole, plus penalties. Every throw counts and each hole isn't over until the player's disc lands in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole always tees off first and an easy way to keep score is to say every hole is a par-3.
Disc golf has a governing body called The Professional Disc Golf Association and has over 40,000 members. It is in charge of different events for ages, genders, and skill levels. The PDGA encourages involvement of all ages and promotes family involvement.
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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Want to find out more about Disc Golf. Stop by Kevin Polini's site where you can find out all about frisbee golf and how much fun it is.
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