Friday, January 7, 2011

Disc Golf For the Beginner

By Kevin Polini


Disc golf is an interesting game for those who love to throw the Frisbee for accuracy and distance. It is a sport that has grown very popular since it's invention in the late 60's. The sport was formalized in the 1970's, and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes or 'throws'. It is played much like traditional golf but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. Instead of using golf clubs and balls aiming for a hole, Disc Golf players use golf discs and aim for a Disc Pole Hole, a pole extending up from the ground with chains and a basket where the disc lands. It is a great game for anyone who wants to get outdoors and have fun and is typically played in public parks where established courses are free and accessible to everyone. Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities among youth and young adults

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.

Each hole starts at a 'tee' area and progresses towards the basket. After the drive each throw is shot from where the previous one landed. The player needs to avoid any obstacles that come in the way since you have to throw where the disc last landed. Avoid the out-of-bounds area as it is a one shot penalty.

There are three types of throws in disc golf: backhand, forehand (often called sidearm), and overhand. The simplest of these throws, the basic forward pass, is the ideal throw for playing Frisbee golf. Generally, forehand throws generate more snap than a backhand throw, so usually, forehand shots require more stable discs. Throws must be made with one hand and once thrown are marked with a mini disc that is placed directly in front of the thrown disc. Throws that land out of bounds must be played three feet from the out of bounds area. Tee throws must be completed within or behind the designated tee area. After the tee-off the player whose disc is farthest from the hole always throws first and Fairway throws must be made with the foot closest to the hole on the lie.

The lowest overall score wins similar to real golf. The overall score is determined by adding up the score for each hole plus penalties. Each throw is counted toward the players score and each hole doesn't end until the disc is in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next hole. An easy way to keep score is to count all holes as 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 can be played for a lifetime. It is a great activity that promotes being outdoors and being active to help prevent obesity. Families find it fun to play and the game continues to grow in popularity because it is also inexpensive. Make sure to find one of the many courses near you and give it a try if you haven't already.




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