Jeff Bridges in TRON
One of my favourite films, is Tron. Not just because Jeff Bridges "The Dude" stars in it. Not because it was the first film to use CGI. I loved it because of the GAMES! For those of you that don't know, Tron was a film back in 1982 where Jeff Bridges gets sucked into a computer and is forced to play games. If you haven't seen it or the sequel, I won't spoil it further for you. Needless to say, they have these 'discs' which they use all the time in the games. I've loved tossing around a frisbee because it gives me the feeling like I'm Flynn in Tron. Enter Disc-Golf.
Disc Golf
Scattered all over America you can find Disc Golf courses. Disc - Golf (aka Frisbee Golf) is essentially the same game as Golf, but instead of hitting a ball with a club into a hole, you throw a frisbee or Disc into a metal bucket. The same scoring applies which each hole having a standard number of throws (PAR). From the start of the 'hole', you count how many throws (like Golf's strokes) until you make it in the bucket (hole). The goal is to use as few throws as possible, trying to stay under PAR for the course. Pretty simple if you've played Golf or Putt Putt.
Want to get started playing?
Here are some good starter packs. And you can find a course near you by searching “Disc golf” in google maps, or check the PGDA database.
A Brief History of Disc golf
The history of the game really starts with "Steady" Ed Headrick. The former VP at Wham-O saw the potential in the Frisbee beyond his colleagues. It wasn't until the mid 1970's that Ed figured out how to make the "Disc Pole Hole". The device which acts as the hole for the frisbee. The Disc Golf Association, (DGA) was started back in 1976 by Ed. After inventing and patenting the Disc Pole Hole, Ed trademarked the term "Disc Golf" because Wham-O, the trademark owners of Frisbee, wouldn't 'play ball'. Ed released the trademark to allow the game grow.
In 1974, Headrick approached the county of Los Angeles Park and Recreation Department with the idea of a permanent Disc Golf Course. Sy Greben, Director of the Park Planning Division saw the potential and Oak Grove Park was selected and approval was given to install the world’s first Disc Golf Course. Headrick and Mary Becker from the Park Planning Division designed and constructed the course with the county. (source https://discgolf.com/disc-golf-education-development/disc-golf-history/)
At the end of 2013, 4,060 total disc golf courses were listed with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), and growing. (source https://usdgc.com/posts/disc-golf-exploding-in-popularity/) Chances are if you are in the US, there is a Disc Golf course near you!
DLD - Disc Life Dude
Golf vs Disc Golf
I've never been a big fan of Golf myself. Between the carrying of the clubs, to the wasted natural space and don't get me started on the hedge fund aholes on the course. No thanks. However, Disc Golf fixes all those problems. First, it's easy to carry a few plastic frisbees around, compared to a bag full of iron weighted clubs. The Disc golf courses aren't manicured with green paint, and tree removal. The trees and nature are part of the challenge, and are left to be. Playing Disc Golf really is a gamified walk in the forest. For those of you who think Nature Walks are boring, give Disc Golf a try. The people you meet on the Disc Golf course are really friendly, salt of the earth folk!
Disc Golf is good for you!
My father has been fighting arthritis in his legs. Keeping in from sitting all day behind his desk, and getting up and walk around was crucial to his health. I tried for months taking him to the pool, and just walk back and forth. We would go max 15 min. before he was done. I had to find a better solution. I knew he liked Golf, and could throw a frisbee. So I decided to get a couple of frisbees and taken him to the local Disc golf course. I won't lie, that first time was an adventure, trying to figure out the way the course went. But we both had a blast! Nowadays we go at least once a week, and walk through the forest for about an hour as we play. We don't always play a full 18 holes, usually 9 holes is enough of a workout for him. Plus we are outside in the fresh air, a little sun comes through the trees for the vitamins, and you can play while drinking a beverage.
DLD - Disc Life Dude
I'll admit, there is something addicting to Disc Golf. I find myself looking at the weather, hoping it's not too windy to go play. I've expanded my Disc collection, with a variety of long and short range discs. We've even got nicknames for them when we play. With my bluetooth speaker, iced tea and DLD (Disc Life Dude) bag full of Discs, I'm out in the nature, enjoying every moment. Except when I loose a Disc. I've already lost a few in the woods. But, besides the occasional lost disc, to play is FREE! That's right, now tee fees, club memberships, blah blah blah. Just find the nearest course, grab a frisbee, and start playing!
In memory of Erik R. Harrison - “Keep ‘em Flying”
In Memory
One day while I was out on the course, I came across this disc laying on top of the hole. The game is to take the Disc for a hole, and leave for the next player. I used it for the putt shot for the next hole I played, and wished it good luck asI placed for the next player to find.. I thought what a beautiful memorial gesture, to try and get the disc to travel far and wide. I just hope some of my European friends catch on and start making some courses in the Alps. But even if you don't get PAR, just like in life, keep on throwing.
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