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Disc golf gets everyone involved
Growing popularity due to cheap play, low learning curve
By David Pollan and Matthew Quane
dpollan@mscd.edu • mquane@mscd.edu

Photo by Heather A. Longway-Burke • longway@mscd.edu Shawn Ennis releases a putt on the 16th hole March 13 at Exposition Park in Aurora. Ennis was practicing for the 30th Annual Grateful Disc Spring Frisbee Festival to be held April 28-29 in Fort Collins. Ennis owns Discin, a company that makes baskets for disc golf.

Anything can be a disc golf target, be it a light post, mailbox or slow-moving mammal.

Likewise, anyone can play disc golf, be they disabled, elderly or just plain uncoordinated.

Disc golf originated in the late ’60s with George Sappenfield, who decided that golf would be a lot more fun if played with a flying disc. Sappenfield took the idea with him to the University of California at Berkeley, where the game took on a life of its own. In 1970, the first disc golf course was built by “Steady Ed” Headrick, and now there are 73 courses in Colorado alone.

The scope of the game has grown remarkably since its inception. According to the Pro Disc Golf Association website, as of 2006 there were more than 2,000 permanent disc golf courses in the United States. Disc golf courses can be found in all 50 states and around the globe in countries such as Finland, Thailand and Australia.

The game has now risen above its humble beginnings. Gone are the days when players would have to avoid urban obstacles like cars and toddlers. Instead, players must now avoid trees and steer clear of deep shrubberies or risk losing their discs forever as sacrifices to the disc gods.

David Sparks, 55, has been playing disc golf two or three times a week for more than five years after being introduced to the sport by his son-in-law.

“This is a sport anyone can play,” Sparks said.

He lives in Pueblo and plays the game casually, but enjoys entering an occasional tournament.
For Sparks, the most appealing part of the game is the convenient activity that it offers.

“I like it because I don’t like to walk, but it’s a good way to exercise,” Sparks said.

All disc golf holes are par-3s and range from 200 to 500 feet. Courses feature anywhere from nine to 27 holes complete with natural hazards, depending on the local terrain. Modern targets are generally elevated baskets that feature hanging chains to help goad the disc into the basket.

But the real convenience, Sparks said, is the cost of play. Courses across Colorado are open and free to the public. There are no tee times, no greens fees and no waiting around at the tee box, Sparks said. Discs cost anywhere from $10 to $25 on average, and beginners need only one for basic play.

But there is plenty of room for personal improvement within the game. Over his five years, Sparks has accumulated 18 discs and keeps them organized in a bag specifically designed to carry them. Sparks estimates that he has spent a total of $90 on his pastime, which is less than the cost of a single golf club.

In terms of what discs to buy or throw, Sparks said it depends on the player. Each player is able to play to their own capabilities and should buy discs they feel comfortable throwing. Each disc is made differently with different weights. Disc weights can range from 150 to 200 grams. Arm strength is also an important factor when deciding what discs to buy, Sparks said.

Disc golf incorporates a number of differently designed and styled discs that serve various purposes. “I will use the putter if I don’t want to go too far past the basket,” Sparks said.

Most pros will use mid-rangers and putters throughout a recreational course, Sparks said. Very rarely will they use long-range drivers unless playing on a competitive course.

There are two main throwing styles for playing disc golf. The first, and most common, is the backhand toss. A backhand thrower flings the disc with the backside of the hand facing the direction of the throw. The other type of throw is the forehand, in which the palm of the thrower’s hand faces the direction of the throw. Imagine a forehand in tennis, but with a disc instead of a racket.

A predominately backhand thrower, Sparks said he will occasionally use the forehand depending on the situation.

“I use both, and they both have their uses,” Sparks said. “I usually just use it (forehand) to get around trees and other stuff.”