Disc Golf - My New Game

After moving out here, I was looking for a cheap new hobby. Most of the sports I play require other people to play with or against. And as soon as you start signing up for leagues, it gets a little pricey. I already play golf, but greens fees are attroshush (no idea how to spell that). And of course there's skiing in Colorado, but again, very pricey. That's where a co-worker came in and was talking to me about Disc Golf.

Ever since I used to drive by a park with a disc golf course near Julie's old apartment, I've kind of had a craving to try out the game, but just never had. So I was talking to my co-worker, and he brought up the best fact.....it's free. Most of the disc golf courses across the country are free. They're set up in public parks, that are usually well maintained, and don't charge you to use them. Yeah there are some that will charge fees, but those are few and far between, and including gondola rides or the cost is so minimal, it's like $5 or less.

Plus the discs are pretty cheap. I started looking into it, and almost all discs are between $8-$15. And that includes the top of line brands and models. Actually the only time discs start to cost more than that are when they're dyed, or are extremely rare and out of production.

So I hit a local store, bought three discs and a bag (total cost $45), and started hitting the course. For those that don't understand what I'm talking about, a course includes holes like golf, with a tee box and a fairway, however instead of a cup in the middle of a green, there's a metal basket, suspended on a pole about 3 feet off the ground, with a bunch of metal chains loosely hanging above it (see the pics). The chains act like a very forgiving backboard, either catching your disc, or allowing it to fall into the basket. That's it. Pretty simple. The grass just needs to be mowed, not really close. And the better courses include elevation changes, hills, trees, obstacles to throw around (or through). But really that's about it.

The rules are simple, they're alot like ball-golf. You tee off by throwing from the designated tee box. Then you walk up to your disc, stand behind it, and throw your next one (aiming at the basket). The few throws it takes you to get it in the basket the better. And of course, the discs are all designed differently. Some are used for more distance, and they're called drivers. Some for better accuracy, called putters. Others as a combination of the two are called mid-range or approach discs. Then there are ones suited for more trick shots, discs designed to fade to one side or the other, discs designed to roll better, discs designed to turnover in mid air, etc.

Well, that's about it. Just wanted to let everyone know that this is my new game. I don't call it a sport, cause it's not atheletic enough for me to call a sport. But there is alot of walking involved, so it gets me out and walking around. I can play it by myself, and I also signed up for the local club, to get out and play with other people. Now I just gotta get better.

So if anyone wants to come out and play a round, I'll gladly go out with you. It's alot of fun. And of course, the area out here is so scenic for it.