Discovering Disc Golf: A Journey Through History, Popularity, Play, and Impact

Disc golf is a type of golf game using flying discs. The object of the game is to throw your disc into a standing metal basket in as few tosses as possible. The course, much like a traditional golf course, has either 9 or 18 holes (baskets) and has pars of 3, 4, or 5. There are discs designed specifically for driving long distance (drivers), fairway throws medium to long distance (fairway drivers), medium throws (mid-range), and short throws (putters). The sport is currently played in over 40 countries.

I started throwing frisbee for fun as a child and have always enjoyed the challenge of trying to throw it more accurately and further than my friends and family. I played some recreational Ultimate Frisbee, now known just as Ultimate, back in high school and college. Of course, that’s a completely different sport. However, that experience is what helped draw me into trying disc golf for the first time.

My maiden voyage happened in 1987 at a DNR park called Patoka Lake in southern Indiana. None of my friends had ever been to a disc golf course either. We had no idea what to expect. We had been told that each hole ended by throwing it into a basket, but I think each of us had our own idea in our minds of what that might end up looking like. 

When we arrived at the first hole, we found that it was a par 3 so we could see the metal basket from the tee box. The tee box was made of small gravel. Tee boxes are normally about 4 feet wide and 10 feet long. They can be made with gravel, concrete, asphalt, dirt, grass, rubber, and other materials. Most disc golfers will get a little run going before releasing the disc. Note that a player’s feet must still be on the tee box when releasing the disc. It was definitely not what I was picturing, but as I got closer, it was obvious that the design made sense and I will talk more about the baskets a little later.

If memory serves me (it has been a long time since I played that course), the first hole we played is a par 3 around 300 feet long with the first 200 feet of the fairway being about 40 feet wide and tightening up as you get closer to the hole. There are thick woods on each side of the fairway and an errant throw left or right is a recipe for poison ivy. A large tree is positioned in the middle of the fairway at about the 200-foot mark.

All four of us had our own 165-gram frisbees and we were ready to rock. My drive went straight and landed just shy of 200 feet and slightly left of the tree. Another frisbee landed about the same distance but further right where the tree became an obstacle. The other two frisbees ended up in the woods. One to the left and one to the right.

And so began my many years of disc golf adventures. Much like regular golf, I barely missed my birdie putt, tapped in for par and foolishly got overconfident. The next hole which is a more difficult dogleg right par 3, brought me down to earth as I scored a double bogey. This course was just 9 holes back then, but is now 18 holes with two thirds of the holes having narrow fairways and located in the middle of the woods. Very challenging and great fun!

Although I have been actively playing now for over 36 years, I didn’t buy my first set of discs until around 2005. I had found old discs at miscellaneous courses over the years and messed around with those a little bit, but I was too chicken to take the plunge and officially make the switch. Now there is a valid reason why I held fast to my frisbee. Frisbees are much easier to throw and control and I could toss one a fairly good distance. However, discs will travel a much greater distance and disc golf was designed to be played with disc golf discs. In hindsight, I really wish I would have started using discs much sooner.

Let’s talk about the difference between frisbees and discs. Frisbees are normally 9 to 12 inches in diameter. As the size increases, so does the weight which will generally range from 95 to 175 grams. They are made with stiffer plastic and rounded edges and are designed to be tossed to another person to catch. Although they are allowed for recreational play on disc golf courses, they are not allowed to be used competitively. Frisbees are designed to be thrown an average of around 100 feet. More advanced throwers can throw them further than that.

Discs are normally 8 to 9 inches in diameter and weigh 150 to 180 grams. In competitions, the PDGA prohibits players from using any disc weighing in excess of 200 grams. Discs are made with more flexible plastic and easier to hold onto than frisbees. The average disc golf throw is around 300 to 400 feet and the world record is over 1100 feet.

Disc golf courses are similar to regular golf courses in several ways. The first throw or drive is normally executed from a designated concrete or gravel pad much like a tee box. There is normally a fairway on most holes where the grass is shorter.

The rough is normally either taller grass and weeds or woods. There are no sand traps, but there may be trees or bushes strategically placed in the fairway to increase the difficulty of the hole. There are fairly straight holes, doglegs to the left or right, and some holes are flat while others are hilly. Some holes may have water that runs parallel to the fairway. In some cases, you will have to throw over water to get to the fairway or putting area. Lastly there’s the putting area. There is no green, but there is a strategically placed metal basket that you toss your putting disc into in lieu of an actual hole.

PDGA regulation baskets are 52 inches tall from the ground to the top of the overall basket system. The catching portion of the basket is 25.7 inches from the ground. The width of the basket rim is 21.3 inches in diameter with the lower section being 25.7 inches in diameter. Twelve chains hang vertically in a tapered manner from the top of the basket system with six more set around the twelve. The chains normally help catch the disc and allow it to drop into the basket. However, an errant throw that causes just a glancing blow will land on the ground or perhaps roll further away from the basket. It’s times like these that the sport reminds you why it’s called disc “golf”.

Now let’s get into more detail on the discs. As I mentioned earlier, there are drivers, fairway drivers, mid-range, and putters. There are also specially designed water discs made to float in water. If you are playing a course with water hazards, you definitely want to have a couple of these in your bag. A normal disc will sink like a boat anchor the moment it hits the water.

Drivers are designed to be thrown longer distances and there are many brands and models to choose from.  I will share with you all of the discs that I use, but you owe it to yourself to do your own research and find what you like to throw. I carry an Innova Champion Boss, a Discraft Surge, and an Axiom Insanity as my driver options. The Boss is normally my go to driver, but if I don’t feel like I’m throwing it well, I will get out the Surge and give it a toss. The Insanity was a Christmas gift and I’ve only thrown it a few times. It seems like a good driver, but I need to practice with it more.

When it comes to a fairway driver, I’ve only ever carried one model and it’s the Original Frisbee Turnover Disc. When I’m on my game, I can throw it straight, make it curve to the right, or make it curve to the left. It’s also the perfect driver from a tee box for a longer par three with a narrow fairway when throwing it straight is mandatory. I was recently dramatized when I found out that I can’t find new ones anymore. There is one in my bag and my son has one in his and they are both fairly worn. I will be researching other brands to find a suitable replacement.

I carry two mid-range discs and they are an Innova Champion Panther and an Innova Stingray. They have completely different feels to them and I really like them both. I’m comfortable with either and if I am throwing one of them well, I will usually stick with it for the whole round. 

I carry two Innova Dragons which are water discs. They are drivers, but I will use them anytime for any shot that is around water.

For putting I use an Innova Champion Aviar and have a standard Aviar as a backup. I have never used the backup as I love the feel of my primary putter.

There are five basic throws in disc golf which are the backhand, the forehand, the hyzer, the anhyzer, and the overhand. Most professionals have mastered each of these types of throws, but the average disc golfer will only utilize some of them effectively. 

Most of us, whether right-handed or left-handed, will use the backhand throw for nearly every shot on the course. That’s the way we learned to throw a regular frisbee and it just feels the most natural. If you are right-handed and make a backhand throw, the disc will have a tendency to want to go to the left and will almost always end up veering to the left before landing.If you are left-handed it will do the opposite and go to the right. How far it ends up to the left or to the right depends upon your release and throwing motion and what type of a flight rating the particular disc has. I will talk about flight ratings shortly.

When using a forehand throw, a player curls their wrist outwardly instead of inwardly like a backhand throw. The throw is made side arm and is much harder to control. However, many disc golfers who use this method claim to be able to generate more power, speed, and distance.

A hyzer throw is used when you have obstacles to get around or perhaps a dogleg shaped hole. For a right-handed player you would utilize this if you needed to generate a harder angled throw to the left. You would hold the disc at an angle with the lower end being to the left. A left-handed player would use a hyzer throw when needing to generate a harder angled throw to the right.You would hold the disc at an angle with the lower end being to the right.

An anhyzer throw is also used when you have obstacles to get around or perhaps a dogleg shaped hole. For a right-handed player you would utilize this if you needed to generate a harder angled throw to the right. You would hold the disc at an angle with the lower end being to the right. A left-handed player would use an anhyzer throw when needing to generate a harder angled throw to the left.You would hold the disc at an angle with the lower end being to the left.

An overhead throw is used when you are in the woods or stuck behind an obstacle with no other method of throwing. By using a tomahawk-type action this throw would at least allow you to make forward progress.

Innova designed a flight rating system that helps players understand a particular disc’s intended flight. The rating is broken down into 4 flight characteristics which are speed, glide, turn, and fade. You will find these numbers on your discs. I am going to share Innova’s rating system, but keep in mind that it is designed to compare only Innova discs against other Innova discs. Other companies also use similar rating programs for comparing their respective discs against each other. I will add that these ratings are for comparison only and every disc is going to react differently depending upon throwing motion, release, and how worn the individual disc is. Keep in mind that flight ratings are based on right-handed backhand throws.

Speed is the rate at which a disc can fly through the air and this is rated 1 to 14. The higher the number, the higher potential speed that can be generated. The higher speed rated discs require more power to throw effectively.

Glide is the ability the disc has to maintain loft during a throw and this is rated 1 to 7. Higher glide numbers generally create a potential for a longer distance throw. If you are playing in windy conditions, a lower glide number provides better control.

Turn tells us the ability a disc has to turn to the right during the initial portion of the throw and this is rated +1 to -5. +1 is less turn and -5 should turn the most. If you are playing in windy conditions, less turn provides better control.

Fade tells us the ability a disc has to turn to the left at the end of a throw and this is rated 0 to 5. A 0 rating should allow a thrown disc to finish straighter and 5 will normally result in a more drastic turn to the left at the end of the throw.

Disc golf is a sport that has captivated enthusiasts around the world with its unique blend of skill, strategy, and outdoor enjoyment. Like traditional golf but played with discs, it offers a fun and challenging way to stay active. This rest of this blog post will explore the rich history of disc golf and its global popularity. We’ll discover the way it’s played by amateurs and in schools, and the professional leagues that organize top-tier competition. We’ll also learn about its political and social significance. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of disc golf.

The Origin and History of Disc Golf

The origins of disc golf date back to the early 20th century, though the sport as we know it today began to take shape in the 1960s and 1970s. Early versions of the game were played with tin lids and improvised targets. The first recorded instance of a disc golf game occurred in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1926. Elementary school students played a game they called “Tin Lid Golf,” using tin lids as discs and trees and fence posts as targets.

The modern version of disc golf was popularized by “Steady” Ed Headrick, who is often referred to as the father of the sport. In the early 1970s, Headrick, an employee of Wham-O, invented the modern Frisbee and later the Disc Pole Hole, which became the standard target for the sport. Headrick’s innovations and his founding of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in 1976 were pivotal in transforming disc golf from a casual pastime into a structured sport with formal rules and organized competitions.

The sport grew rapidly in the United States throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of courses expanding significantly. By the turn of the century, disc golf had begun to spread internationally, leading to the establishment of courses and tournaments in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Today, disc golf is played in over 40 countries, with thousands of courses and millions of players worldwide.

The Popularity of Disc Golf Globally

Disc golf has seen a significant rise in popularity across the globe, with an increasing number of players and courses each year. In the United States, the sport enjoys a substantial following, with states like California, Texas, and Minnesota boasting a high concentration of courses and active players. The PDGA reports that there are over 8,000 disc golf courses in the United States alone.

In Europe, the sport has also gained a strong foothold. Finland, in particular, has embraced disc golf enthusiastically. The country boasts more courses per capita than any other nation, and disc golf is a popular activity among Finns of all ages. Other European countries such as Sweden, Estonia, and Germany have also seen rapid growth in the number of courses and players.

Asia is another region where disc golf is expanding. Japan was one of the first countries outside North America to adopt the sport, with courses established as early as the 1980s. South Korea and China are also seeing increased interest, with new courses and local tournaments being organized regularly.

Disc golf’s global appeal can be attributed to its accessibility, low cost, and the enjoyment of playing in natural settings. The sport continues to grow, with new courses being designed and built in diverse environments, from urban parks to remote wilderness areas.

How Amateur Disc Golf is Played Around the World

Amateur disc golf is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels around the world. Local clubs and associations often organize leagues, tournaments, and casual play days to foster community and encourage participation.

Youth and schools play a crucial role in the growth of amateur disc golf. Many schools incorporate disc golf into their physical education programs, introducing students to the sport at a young age. Organizations like the Educational Disc Golf Experience (EDGE) provide resources and training for educators to integrate disc golf into their curricula. These programs help develop fundamental skills, promote physical fitness, and teach important values such as sportsmanship and respect for nature.

Community courses are typically free or have minimal fees, making the sport accessible to a wide audience. Parks departments and local governments often support the development and maintenance of these courses, recognizing the benefits of providing recreational opportunities to residents. Many communities also have active disc golf clubs that organize events and provide a welcoming environment for new players to learn and improve their skills.

Amateur tournaments are common, ranging from small, local events to larger regional competitions. These tournaments often feature different divisions based on skill level, ensuring that players of all abilities can compete fairly and enjoy the experience. The camaraderie and sense of community within the sport are significant draws for many amateur players.

Professional Disc Golf Leagues Globally

Professional disc golf has grown tremendously over the past few decades. Organized leagues and high-profile tournaments attract top talent from around the world. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is the governing body for the sport and oversees professional events globally. The PDGA Tour features numerous events each year, culminating in the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships.

In addition to the PDGA, other organizations contribute to the professional scene. The Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) is a prominent circuit in North America, showcasing the sport’s elite players and providing live coverage of its events. The DGPT’s flagship tournaments, such as the Jonesboro Open and the Green Mountain Championship, draw large audiences and offer substantial prize money.

Europe has its own thriving professional scene. The European Pro Tour (EPT) and the Finnish Pro Tour are notable examples, featuring top European talent and prestigious events. The European Open, held in Finland, is one of the most significant tournaments outside the United States, attracting players from across the globe.

Japan also hosts professional events, with the Japan Open being a notable tournament that draws international competitors. Professional disc golfers in Japan enjoy a growing fan base and increasing opportunities for sponsorship and media exposure.

The rise of live streaming and online coverage has played a crucial role in the sport’s professional growth. Platforms like YouTube and Disc Golf Network broadcast events to a global audience. This brings the excitement of professional disc golf to fans worldwide.

The Significance of Disc Golf Politically and Socially

Disc golf holds significant political and social implications. Politically, the sport often receives support from local governments and municipalities. Developing disc golf courses in public parks and recreational areas is seen as a low-cost way to promote physical activity, engage the community, and enhance green spaces. Municipalities recognize the value of investing in disc golf infrastructure as a means to boost tourism and local economies. Major tournaments can draw visitors from across the country and even internationally, providing a financial boon to host cities.

Socially, disc golf promotes inclusivity and community engagement. The sport is accessible to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It fosters a sense of belonging and community among players, who often participate in local clubs, leagues, and social events. The low cost of entry means that disc golf can be enjoyed by individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds, making it a unifying activity.

Environmental stewardship is another important aspect of disc golf’s social significance. Many courses are designed to minimize their impact on natural landscapes. Players often engage in activities such as course clean-up days and environmental education programs. The sport encourages a respect for nature and an appreciation for outdoor recreation.

Furthermore, disc golf can serve as a tool for youth development and education. Programs that introduce disc golf to young people help instill values such as teamwork, perseverance, and respect for others. These programs also provide positive outlets for physical activity and personal growth, contributing to the well-being of communities.

The Rules of Disc Golf

Understanding the rules of disc golf is essential for both new and experienced players. The primary objective is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, similar to traditional golf.

1. Tee Throws: Play begins with a tee throw. The player must throw from within the designated tee area. The throw must be made with one foot behind the front line of the tee pad.
2. Lie: The lie is the spot where the previous throw landed. On subsequent throws, the player must throw from this spot. It’s typically marked by a mini marker disc placed directly in front of the thrown disc.
3. Throwing Order: The player with the fewest throws on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole. During the hole, the player farthest from the basket throws first.
4. Fairway Throws: Fairway throws must be made from directly behind the lie. Players must not move past their lie until after releasing the disc.
5. Completion of Hole: A hole is completed when the disc lands in the basket or chains. The number of throws is recorded, and the player moves on to the next hole.
6. Out of Bounds (OB): Discs that land out of bounds incur a penalty throw. The player throws from the point where the disc last crossed the OB line.
7. Mandatory (Mando): Some courses feature mandatory obstacles that must be passed in a specific way. Missing a mando results in a penalty and the player must throw from a designated drop zone.
8. Scoring: Scoring in disc golf is straightforward. Each throw is counted, and the player with the fewest throws at the end of the round wins.

The rules of disc golf are designed to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the sport. Players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, follow the rules, and respect other players and the course.

Conclusion

Disc golf is a dynamic and inclusive sport with a rich history and a bright future. From its humble beginnings to its global popularity, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an amateur enjoying a casual round at a local park or a professional competing on the world stage, disc golf provides a unique and rewarding experience. Its political, social, and environmental significance further enhances its appeal, making it a sport that not only entertains but also enriches communities worldwide.

Disc golf is almost always free to play and is a family friendly sport. Like any sport, practice makes perfect and you shouldn’t expect to master it immediately. I absolutely love playing and God willing, plan on playing for many years to come. I highly recommend you go out and give it a try. So grab a disc and head to your nearest course—discover the joy of disc golf today!