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July, 2006
Introduction to the Disc Golf Section
By Zeke Callanan
The wild and rapid river that is the No Umbrella has taken yet another turn. We have enjoyed and embraced the sport of disc golf as ours, to share in the only way we would. Since shooting disc is one of my favorite things to do, and people are really starting to notice the game exists, we figured it to be a great topic to have its own section. I have never read a paper with a disc golf section, either, so I thought it would be a cool supplement. All types of people excel at disc golf, from high school bad-asses, to suits and hippies, and all those unmentioned. Some people are very serious and traditional about their play; however, I have noticed a trend toward a more relaxed game similar to a competitive day at the beach.
My personal experience with the sport began in 1997 in Troy, Michigan at a great 18-hole course that was very user-friendly. For my first four semi-frustrating years of play, I threw a backhand style exclusively, but as my comfort with discs developed, so did my forehand toss, which I now use 90 percent of the time. Since the change, my scores have dropped drastically, and my fun level has skyrocketed. I now find myself throwing long, straight, controlled drives, making approach shots easier. Putting is a whole other story.
I play as frequently as possible, and make an effort to involve many people as well. It really is great to get new players out there.
Warning: An unnecessarily simple description of disc golf exists in the words below. Regular players should be aware they will be reading stuff they probably already know. But read it anyway, tough guy.
(For the official rules, go to: http://www.pdga.com/)
Disc Golf (a relative of "ball golf") involves walking around, outside, and throwing plastic discs (commonly called by a trademarked name: "Frisbee") at inanimate targets.
Disc golf players aim for what's known as a "basket"; there is one per hole. The disc hits the chains and falls in the basket. On bad days, it hits the chains and doesn't go in the basket. Most commercial courses have baskets, but a tree or lamppost suffice for a target when playing pick-up in your local park or yard.
There are courses in wooded areas, open fields, around lakes, on mountains, and anywhere else they fit. A plethora of space is unnecessary (but great if available), for, if needed, several holes can employ the same target (you just move the tee).
People walk the courses (most disc golf courses do not allow carts); some carry one disc, others carry a whole bag full. Currently, I carry three: a Beast (long-distance driver), a Roc (all-around mid-range), and an Aviar (putter). A bag is a very useful tool, as it keeps your discs and any other personal items organized, and your hands empty. Everyone has his or her own style and way they like to do things, something that begins developing in your first round.
The game scores the same as ball golf. You throw your disc off the tee and count how many throws it takes to get it in the basket. Lowest score wins. Holes range in distance from short (180-225 feet / par 3) to very long (3,412 feet / par 27 ). Most holes are between 250 and 600 feet, averaging around 340, I suppose. The number of holes to a course varies, but the total number is usually divisible by nine, like ball golf.
The discs are unlike an Ultimate disc (the ones you play catch with at the beach) in that they are smaller in diameter and height, and are of a harder, denser plastic. It hurts to catch a golf disc thrown with pace. There are so many different discs out there-brands, designs, plastics, types-that if interested, one should do one's own research. The best way to find a disc that suits you is to rent some from the course you play, and then go buy it if you like it.
Throwing a disc, and doing it consistently so that you know it's the disc's fault and not your own, is a skill that quickly develops with practice, but depends a great deal on the angle at which you release the disc. The description of a disc will use factors like "stability", "speed", "range", and "glide". Discs act very differently depending on how you throw them. It is worth trying a lot of different discs before settling with the ones you like. Some people like the first ones they try.
Courses are popping up all over this state (20 are supported by the Professional Disc Golf Association, www.pdga.com). Since living in Portland and driving a guzzler has the tendency to keep one put, I have checked out the "local" courses, and have been quite pleased with what Maine has to offer. Brunswick has itself a great but crowded course, with 36 holes. Gorham has a newer course, with paintball too, and Boom Field in Saco is relatively spacious and open. There are courses all over the state. Easy research can be done at the www.dgpa.com course directory. Each course has personality. They range from $4-$5 a round.
Disc Golf and kayaking have this reciprocal relationship with the weather to keep me busy no matter what the sky is doing. Like boating, disc can be played in any season, as long as the conditions are right. January 20 of this year was a gorgeous day, so we busted out the discs, and shot a round in the local park. Never been out so early before, but never also have I lived through such a confused winter. It was sixty, breezy and sunny, and the ground was just a little soft, but not too muddy. It kicked off the season only temporarily, though, as my next game may not have been until March. Since then, we have hit the previously mentioned courses several times, plus a smattering of others.
And, please, if anyone is ridiculously knowledgeable about a certain aspect of disc golf, like a course, or if you want to point out where I made a blatant error, or you don't like my style, or just want to write about how frustrating sucking is, please submit articles, feedback, ramblings, product reviews, photos, funny forwards or pretty much anything to zeke@noumbrella.com.
If you are new to the sport, there are several ways to buy discs; I recommend supporting your locally-owned shops, but do some research online to see what's out there. Play with friends, and enjoy a beverage or two.
The author lives in Portland, where he is a second year law student at the University of Maine School of Law. He is 25 years old, and on the Taurus side of the Taurus-Aries cusp.
Disclaimer: None of the names or place names has been changed from their actual title, so as to protect no one and nothing. However, the author is not liable for any unintended, or otherwise, harmful or degrading words or notions.
Email nick [at] noumbrella [dot] com with your questions, comments and concerns.
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