7 Reasons You Need To Start Playing Disc Golf
There’s never been a better time to get into the popular game of disc golf! Here are just a few reasons why we think everyone should try it out.
- It is Inexpensive
One of the best things about disc golf is that the only thing you need to play is a disc! (And some patience, space to play, and a little free time, but that’s another discussion.) Disc golf (in general) is super cheap. You don’t need to pay any membership; you won’t have entrance fees to many disc golf courses (many are in parks!). It would help if you had a positive mindset and a reliable disc.
Disc golf discs themselves are decently inexpensive. Companies like MVP Discs even have entry-level starter packs made for beginners. These starter sets will usually include a putter, a midrange, and a distance driver- and that’s all you’ll need to start!
- It’s Easy To Learn!
The overall concept of disc golf is pretty easy to grasp- it’s just like regular golf. Some minor differences are: the courses are a little shorter, you play with a disc instead of clubs, and you aim for a chained basket instead of a hole!
Beginner players can learn the basic rules in a snap: the main gist of disc golf is that you want to throw your disc from a tee pad in as few throws as possible. Just like in regular golf, each hole has a certain number of throws designated as “par.” So a par three hole must be made in 3 throws. Players will select the disc they think can best get them to that basket.
Whoever has the lowest score at the end of each round wins! There are trickier and more technical rules as you dive deeper into the game, but if you’re starting out, all we want you to do is get outside and have fun! And if you fall into the technique wormhole, here’s an hour-long instructional vid on some throwing fundamentals if you’ve got the time.
- It Gets You Outdoors
During the pandemic, everybody suffered losses in their own way. As social animals, we had to reroute to find moments of joy when people were actively discouraged from being in close quarters. And when it became safe to meet, being outdoors was the best option for a lot of us.
Disc golf is a sport that many people picked up these past couple of years, and connecting with others safely outside is excellent for so many reasons. Getting out on a sunny day to throw discs with some friends, or meet new people, is an activity that I don’t foresee going away any time soon.
If you live in the United States, there’s a big chance that a beautiful park near you with a disc golf course lies somewhere within driving distance. Why not head out and get in touch with nature for a day of friendly competition?
- It’s Growing In Popularity
When I started playing frisbee, I was in high school- that’s the early 2000s, for you young readers out there. Ultimate frisbee was catching on, and disc golf had a small circle of devotees. I went to a small midwestern college that was so frisbee obsessed that a full 18-hole course was laid out from one end of the campus to the other. (That’s why I ended up going there. Just kidding.)
It has been genuinely remarkable seeing disc golf grow over the years; there are currently over 9,000 disc golf courses in the United States alone. Watching the culture of the sport retain its positivity and welcoming nature to beginners, as well as seeing pros establish themselves as real mentors and inspiring others to challenge themselves out on the course. It’s also been amazing to see more and more young women pick up the sport; disc golf is pretty male-dominated, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 😉
You can’t throw a disc nowadays without hitting someone who knows someone who plays!
- It’s Family (and Dog) Friendly!
There’s also a social element to disc golf: whether it’s just making small talk, bonding and laughing, learning some tips, or even trash-talking, disc golf is just more fun with someone else.
If you have young kids, it’s a great game to play with them. They’ll definitely need more help with throwing (and score won’t exist). Still, it’s a fantastic exploration activity when they get to the park. And while kids might find other things more interesting (like bugs), they’ll be fascinated by watching your disc soar like a bird through the trees.
Got a four-legged friend? Most parks are dog friendly, and if your pup likes fetch, just be careful they don’t chew down on your brand new disc! I can’t think of one dog that wouldn’t want to go to the park with its human and spend a day zooming through the woods.
- Disc Golf Has Health Benefits!
As we mentioned earlier, disc golf is beneficial to get your body outside and gets you moving! Disc golf provides ample opportunities for walking, which your body needs. We’re not going to say you need to be in top physical condition, but disc golf is an excellent step in the right direction.
Health is not just about physical stuff- I believe disc golf is great for the mind. You’ll work on your focus as you try new shots and dial in your accuracy. You’ll relax and destress while watching your disc glide through the air and walk towards the next hole. And, you’ll celebrate those moments when you nailed a shot you’ve been working on- all great mood boosters!
Disc golf can be competitive, but it can be enjoyed as a recreational hobby. It’s not about how strong, fast, or big you are- it’s about technique, which anybody can learn! Seriously- anybody can play; any age, any ability.
- The Community Is Friendly
The disc golf community is chock full of people who want to grow the sport and will share tips, advice, or lend an ear (or a disc) when you need it. Even if you live in a remote area, there will be a disc golf community somewhere near you. And if not, there’s one online. People will actively work to return lost discs if they come across one, which I think is one of the sweetest social understandings in the community.
Look at any disc golf forum online, like Reddit or Disc Golf Course Review, and you’ll find kindred spirits everywhere. There are mentors everywhere who want to take newer players under their wing. You can find a plethora of videos and tutorials online, too. There is not much gatekeeping for the disc golf community, which is why it’s unique.
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