Back in the day when kids played outside and fun was cheap I was often found outside throwing a Frisbee. 45 years later you can still find me occasionally throwing a Frisbee around a park, though these days I have a target other than my next door neighbour or his letterbox. Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf or frolf, has experienced a fascinating journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized sport. Combining the leisurely pastime of throwing a Frisbee with the structure and strategy of traditional golf, disc golf offers enthusiasts a unique outdoor experience that blends athleticism with the tranquillity of nature.
The game of disc golf closely mirrors traditional golf, with players aiming to complete each hole in the fewest “shots” possible. Instead of clubs and golf balls, however, players use specialized discs designed for different distances and flight characteristics. Courses typically consist of 9 or 18 holes, each with a designated tee area and target, usually a metal basket with hanging chains that catch and hold the discs.
One of the defining features of disc golf is its accessibility. Unlike traditional golf, which often requires expensive club memberships and costly green fees, disc golf courses are usually free to play and open to the public. This accessibility has contributed to the sport’s widespread appeal, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The only overheads involved in setting up a course are the target baskets and the tee-off pad which is usually a cobblestoned area to ensure a long-term, safe and flat surface even after thousands of uses. Due to this minimal cost, you will find many courses set up around the country, often in city council parks or reserves, usually with the construction labour supplied by the local disc golf enthusiasts. Most natural obstacles like trees and streams only add to the flavour and challenge of the course so there is little to no upkeep required to provide a continuous source of exercise and recreation for a large population without having to charge an entry fee.
Over the years, disc golf has evolved from a casual recreational activity into a competitive sport with organized leagues, tournaments, and professional players. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), founded in 1976 in America, serves as the governing body for the sport, overseeing rules, regulations, and player rankings. The New Zealand Disc Golf Association (NZDG) is an incorporated not-for-profit society and the national and governing body of the sport in NZ. There are an estimated 20,000 recreational disc golfers in New Zealand, playing on over 100 disc golf courses around the country. There are at least 23 local disc golf clubs in New Zealand which are affiliated to NZDG, but you don’t need to join a club to play, just find a course and throw.
Professional disc golfers compete in a variety of events, ranging from local tournaments to prestigious national and international championships. The growth of streaming platforms and online coverage has helped elevate the visibility of disc golf, allowing fans to follow their favourite players and events from anywhere in the world.
In addition to its competitive aspect, disc golf fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among players. Many enthusiasts cite the social aspect of the sport as one of its most appealing aspects, with players often forming tight-knit communities centred around their local courses. If you’ve not yet given it a go you can pick up a starter kit of 3 discs from most sports stores for about $50 and look up a local course on the free UDisc app which also allows you to keep a record of your score so you can see how you are improving. Otherwise just ask around, it would be unusual to ask very many people without coming across someone that is already playing and would be happy to lend you a disc or two to try it out. Once you get hooked you will want to keep your discs in the car when you go on holiday so you can try out a course you wouldn’t normally get to play, they don’t take up much space. The udisc.com website shows locations of established courses around the world, worth checking if you are travelling.
Disc golf has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s, evolving from a casual pastime into a globally recognized sport with a dedicated following. With its blend of athleticism, strategy, and accessibility, disc golf offers enthusiasts a rewarding outdoor experience that continues to captivate players of all ages and skill levels. Whether competing in tournaments or simply enjoying a round with friends, disc golf embodies the spirit of fun and camaraderie that defines what sport should be about.