As with traditional golf, to win at disc golf, you are aiming for the lowest amount of throws per hole and ultimately for the whole round. A round of disc golf, typically has nine or 18 holes per course, with players starting at a tee. The hole is completed when the disc is either in the outside tray or within the chains of the basket.
There’s the crack of the bat in baseball, the swoosh of the net in basketball, … and for disc golf? It is the jangle of the chains when the disc hits the cup.
You may have seen disc golf and its chain link baskets when visiting parks or recreation areas, and it may even be parked on your bucket list for “one day.”
With the weather getting nice, you may be surprised how easy it is to give disc golf a try.
Disc golf is a great way to get active without a lot of investment, financially or otherwise.
“Disc golf is an ideal activity for all ages,” said Matthew Provencher, owner of Off Course Disc Golf. “It is a ‘low-impact, high-engagement’ sport — meaning it has a minimal footprint on the environment but provides a great outdoor experience. It’s also incredibly accessible; a high-quality disc costs about $20, and most courses are free to play.”
The game in one form or another has been around since the 1960s, starting on multiple college campuses. Loved by many already, it is also experiencing a resurgence as a great option for those looking to get social and get outside. You won’t even need to break into a run – unless you have your kids chase down the discs to wear them down.
Since 2020, more than 6,000 courses have been established worldwide, according to UDisc’s annual Disc Golf Growth Report, and 89 percent of courses are free to use. Annual disc golf participation has grown 86 percent since 2020, as measured in rounds, according to the report.
Disc golf has many similarities to traditional golf, but also some differences, of “course.”
The prices for starters, from the equipment being more affordable to the courses themselves often being free, or at most, entry fee to a park.
Like ball golf, to win at disc golf, you are aiming for the lowest amount of throws per hole and ultimately for the whole round.
A round of disc golf, typically has 9 or 18 holes per course, with players starting at a tee. The hole is completed when the disc is either in the outside tray or within the chains of the basket.
To play locally, there is a course at Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely, Schumacher Pond in Salisbury and Trap Pond and Killens Pond State Parks in Delaware. If you get hooked, check out the UDisc website or app to find new spots on the go or vacation. As the discs are easy to pack, carry them with you when traveling to find courses nearby. Several resort style hotels are starting to be put in courses, including the Chesapeake Hyatt and Resort in Cambridge.
Provencher’s mobile Off Course Disc Golf shop, which often pops up at tournaments and local gatherings, offers everything needed to ease in, even lessons. His top tip is to start with a lower-speed, lightweight disc.
“They are much easier to control when you’re finding your rhythm,” he said.
Discs feature a series of four numbers that denote the speed, glide, turn and fade. For a beginner, his recommendation is to start with putters and midrange discs to develop proper form. A starter pack typically includes a putter, midrange and driver discs.
Sporting goods stores and online retailers are other options for equipment.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the types, or go for a more advanced style to try to go faster before you get accurate, but Provencher cautions new players to try to set themselves up for success.
Like regular golf, there are different shots and distances need different discs.
There are great tutorials online for learning the rules and when to use which disc.
You could also consider reaching out in social media groups to find a local pro.
From backhands to putts, and yes, there are faults and penalties as well, you can ease in learning the rules before taking on a more competitive or serious game.
If your crowd is over the playground and cornholed out, a disc golf basket to your backyard could be their next outdoor obsession.
“A portable backyard basket is a great investment for those looking to improve,” Provencher said. “They are surprisingly affordable, often costing around $100.”
Provencher is also part of the enthusiast team working on getting a disc golf course at Talbot County’s John F. Ford Park.
Unlike a regular high maintenance golf course, disc golf easily assimilates to an established recreation area at an investment and upkeep costs lower than many recreational endeavors. Catering to several groups in our community, it would offer an outlet for those who may not have another way of recreation or stress relief.
A fundraising tournament is scheduled for May 2 and 3 at the park, located at 629 Diamond Street in Easton. Provencher said he hopes these events will be “key to showing the positive impact a permanent course could have on the park.”
