September 07, 2004
Disc Golf 101
My image of disc golf was somewhat vague,, especially in light of the fact that nobody I knew (except my little brother) played. I had no clue what was involved, or how many people are involved.
The concept is simple. Throw a disc from point A to point B and into a basket with as few throws as possible. Sounds easy right? Riiiiiiiiiight. Not as simple as it sounds when you have a grove of trees between you and the "hole." Not so easy when you have to throw the disc 500 feet to get to the hole. Not so easy when you are a beginner and the disc goes flying into adjacent holes, shrubbery, or dense thickets.
Still, it is incredibly fun. MUCH more so, IMO, than regular golf. For me, there is less frustration, and thus more enjoyment. You can bring along friends and the equipment is not expensive. Most courses are free. Some are not well m,aintained, but many are very beautiful! I've only played a few times now, but I have enjoyed practicing during lunchtimes at work.
My younger brother Colin, is an avid disc golfer, as is my friend and ex-coworker Todd. But it was Stu, a current co-worker and friend, who got me to try it. Needless to say, I was hooked on it right away.
I've enjoyed throwing Frisbees since I was a kid. Never so much doing target practice as just playing around with my brothers, but even in elementary school, we were having "throw for distance" competitions at field day. I enjoyed it, but never thought much of it. Now things are different.
Stu and I practice our disc golfing several times each week. This has greatly improved my distance, but not necessarily my accuracy. I've purchased several discs, ranging from extra long range drivers to putters, all of which I can throw really, really far, but seldom can I accurately throw one 30 feet.
So, there's work to be done, but it's wonderful to know that this is an outdoor walking sport, and perhaps one my wife will enjoy as well.
Posted by MEK at September 7, 2004 04:27 PM