Frisbee golf, also known as “disc golf” is a sport that can be played either competitively or for recreational purposes. To play this game, a player will aim a type of disc similar to a Frisbee® at various targets with baskets attached. Similar to traditional golf, the player will keep track of how many attempts it takes to get the disc into the target basket; the player who takes the fewest throws will be the winner.
The game was first invented in the 1960s in the United States, by a California man named George Sappenfield. In his original version, sort of obstruction, such as fire hydrants and light posts, could be used as a target for the disc. The first real Frisbee golf course, in which standard targets were established, was created by “Steady Ed” Headrick, a player in La Canada Flintridge, California.
Headrick also formed the Disc Golf Association and several other professional organizations for players, in an attempt to standardize the rules of the game and to establish tournaments between players throughout the world. Headrick was so passionate about Frisbee golf that when he died, he ordered to have his cremated ashes made into discs for the game, which were given to his friends and family.
Today, there are more than 2,000 courses for Frisbee golf, most of which are located in the United States. As in regular golf, the courses generally have 18 holes, though some smaller courses only have 9 holes. The courses are generally located in public parks, and are free to play on.
There are many different kinds of discs that are used in Frisbee golf. The three main categories that all fall into are putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Depending on where the player is on the course and his strategy for reaching the target, he will want to determine which of the three types to use to achieve the best throw. It is possible to purchase discs made out of several different types of plastic, from a fairly flimsy type to a premium brand. In general, the discs are made of thicker and firmer plastic than a traditional recreational Frisbee®.
The sport is very popular among both men and women, and many colleges have their own Frisbee golf teams or clubs. Though the game has the most recognition in the United States, it is rising in popularity in other countries.