The concept of the game is easier to understand when the term ‘Frisbee® golf’ is used, but since Frisbee is a registered trademark, we call the game disc golf instead.

What is Disc Golf?

The game is similar to traditional ball golf. Players use special frisbees (golf discs) instead of balls and clubs, and throw them at an above-ground target instead of a hole in the ground. There are different types of golf discs used for different purposes, much like ball golfers use different clubs. The object of the game is to throw a golf disc into the target for ‘par’ or better, i.e., in the fewest number of throws. The target is typically a steel basket over which chains hang, known as a Pole Hole®. The player begins by ‘driving’ from a designated concrete tee area and continues toward the target, throwing each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. Finally, a successful ‘putt’ sends the disc into the target, and the hole is completed. The combination of challenges to players, including distance, accuracy, wind, trees, shrubbery, water and terrain changes, offer plenty of action and excitement during the course of a game. Disc golf is a sport as well as a recreational activity. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) recorded over 34,000 entrants in the 2002 PDGA Tour. Disc golf is now an integral part of many college athletic programs throughout the United States. Here in British Columbia we have several competitive series and in addition to hosting the Provincial Championships will be hosting the Nationals this year in July. Disc golf is enjoyed all year long, and in many types of weather conditions, including snow. Nationally, the growth of disc golf is exploding. The game’s governing body, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), reports an annual 15% growth rate. In 1998 there were approximately 700 courses throughout North America. In 5 years, that number has more than doubled to approximately 1500. The PDGA is on the Web at http://www.pdga.com

Copyright © by The Island Disc Golf Society - Promoting the Sport of Disc Golf in Victoria and on Vancouver Island All Right Reserved.

Published on: 2004-02-28 (5815 reads)