Has your family been caught up in the disc golf craze yet? This modern-day sport was created and popularized by Ed Headrick approximately 50 years ago, and today it remains a great way to get outdoors, stay active, and bond with others. To learn more about the fascinating history behind this sport, this website shares facts about the foundation of the Disc Golf Association (DGA) and how the mania has spread from the first disc golf course in Pasadena, California, across the nation. Today, this sport is one of the most accessible and budget-friendly pastimes that can be enjoyed equally by both toddlers and older people.
For those unfamiliar with the game, a helpful summary of the basic rules for playing disc golf with others is available here. Similar in structure to a standard golf game, each formal game of disc golf consists of multiple holes played on a course, and each hole highlights a different trial or obstacle that makes it difficult to throw your disc straight into the metal goal basket. Every toss of a disc counts as a stroke, and the challenge is for players to get their discs successfully into the basket within a certain number of strokes. However, playing disc golf with your kids does not have to be complicated or costly! It can be as simple as choosing a feature in your yard, such as a tree, to throw cheap frisbees at. Ideally, this game is played for maximum fun and minimal stress. Take a look at this list of 25 tips for playing disc golf with kids to help keep your family games relaxing and gratifying.
Here in our beautiful state, there is no shortage of interesting public courses to get out and practice tossing discs around with your friends and family. Whether you want to make a short day trip or plan a whole camping trip around it, take a look at this handy list of Oregon State Parks with disc golf courses. Plus, keep in mind that many city and county parks have installed their courses since disc golf became popular back in the 70’s, creating hundreds of different places to choose from. Luckily, this interactive map of locations created by disc golf enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest makes finding nearby options a breeze! Most courses remain free for players, but some places require access or day-use fees, typically not exceeding $5 to $10 per player.
While disc golf today has become a popular enough sport to be highlighted at all the major big-box retail stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Big 5, and more, please remember that there are a lot of passionate people here in Oregon running their small shops near you. Kuhl Discs in Keizer is an excellent place to score deals on used or misprint discs as well as find disc golf poles or any other accessories you might need. Stop in to shop at their storefront or place an order through their convenient online shop. There are also quite a few other local businesses that cater to the disc golf scene throughout the Willamette Valley, such as Disc Golf Depot in Portland and DISC GOLF ON DEMAND in Eugene, so I encourage you to make conscious efforts in supporting small businesses!
If disc golf becomes a true passion in your home, consider getting involved with the community by entering some upcoming tournaments in Oregon. While the adult competitions can be intense, there is typically a much lower interest and entry rate within the younger age brackets. This means that placing a medal or winning a ribbon of some sort is a much higher likelihood for kids who are willing and brave enough to participate. Ranking in a tournament is a huge confidence boost and a surefire way to encourage children in their capabilities.
While most sports can become overwhelming for kids due to their rigorous practice schedules, expensive equipment, and high-pressure on performance, disc golf was initially created to be inclusive, low-cost, and easily accessible. If each of the original players from the late 1960s only needed a Frisbee and a tree as a goal post, let’s all choose to embrace a bit of this enjoyable and straightforward outdoor activity this summer!
Michelle is a married mother of two toddler girls and a house full of pets. As a homegrown Oregonian, she enjoys spending her time on family adventures throughout the PNW to fuel her creative inspiration! Photography, crochet, freehand mandala designs, hiking, and gardening are a few of her hobbies that are highlighted on Instagram @xenonvogue. Each new day is a chance to be present and involved, so Michelle strives to live honoring the knowledge that this too shall pass.