Photo by Adam Sawyer
Disc golf, or “frisbee golf” as it is sometimes called, is similar to traditional golf in concept. The primary goal of disc golf is to get a disc into a bucket with the fewest number of throws. There are a number of official rules, but at its core, disc golf is easy to understand and easy to play.
I’ve found disc golf to be remarkably family friendly and inexpensive. Roughly 90% of all disc golf courses are free, and many are open year round. The start-up cost is also low; discs start at around $8 brand new and can be purchased used for less. Many courses wind their way through public parks that already have other kid-friendly amenities at the ready. Anybody capable of throwing a disc will immediately enjoy the game, while those unable or unwilling to throw (my wife included) can certainly enjoy the walk. Though the sport may be easy to play, it is difficult to master, giving those of us looking for a challenge plenty to contend with. These traits make disc golf an activity that the whole family can be a part of simultaneously, regardless of ability.
The game can also provide a good amount of sneaky exercise. During an average round at Pier Park in St. Johns, you can expect to get in roughly 3 miles of cross-country walking, something my daughter hardly notices while trying to bend her discs around giant Doug firs and western red cedars. There are some days when she declines the opportunity to go for a 3 mile hike; this is not the case for a round of disc golf however. She has also enjoyed establishing her own handicap and watching it improve with practice.
There are more places to play than you might think. Currently, there are about 20 courses in the Portland metro area, with more in the works. Disc golf’s combination of accessibility and affordability make it a great outdoor activity for families year round. The exercise is just an added bonus.
Additional information:
http://www.oregondiscgolf.com/
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
