Disc Golf

Par For The Course

Disc Golf

by Kristin Shelor

Publication Date: September 1997

Throughout the summer you may have had the opportunity to head out to the park, but did you ever think about taking your Frisbee along for a round of Disc Golf? You should, because you may not realize the fun you're missing. I also suggest taking along a friend to share in the fun.

Usually it's a good idea to read the rules and objectives of the sport that are plainly posted at the start of the course. This helps you to play the game correctly and not bring fellow participants to harm as you are "playing through." If you are new to the sport, you may consider asking a group that is playing if you could join them. Most Disc Golfers welcome a "joiner" to the party and are glad to pass along the basics to a beginner.

Scoring consists of counting how many throws it takes to get you to the basket or hole (as golfers have been known to call it). Your total "Round" on the course should add up to the amount of throws that you made-In this game less is more. Most experts, professionals and die hards will talk about their score being "Under Par." This means that the number of throws they took to complete the course was lower than the standardized count estimated to tour or round the course. Usually the distance and presence of obstacles on the course preclude a hole-in-one in most cases. Don't let that stop you from trying thoughHole-in-one's are more common than you think.

Of course if the weather and wind are right, you might score a great game-just be prepared for the challenge of trying to duplicate your results the next time. Consistency is what it's all about. I'm a big fan of practicing certain skills and strengthening weakness to improve your game. I've heard others say that consistent putting skills will win you the round every time. Just ask Ken Climo, 8th consecutive Pro-World Open Division Champion, who came back in the eighth round of the Professional World Tournament in Charlotte, NC to take home the cash.

Even if you're not quite ready to compete in a world tournament, I'm sure you're ready for some fun, relaxation and a friendly round of Disc Golf. If you haven't visited the Iroquois Course in Louisville, KY it's easy to find across from the Amphitheater and the old Ehrler's Ice Cream shop. Dave Greenwell informed me that he has recently designed three new courses for this region and is in counsel with the city of Lexington to install a full-scale championship course. Each course, just like each piece of land will be different. Some courses have wind and elevation challenges, while other courses have less wind and more tree obstacles. Regardless of your skills, each course will be different in providing challenges to further the mastery of your disc skills.

Why not take a weekend and play a few rounds of disc golf or visit the new course at Anderson-Dean Park in Harrodsburg, KY. It is located off I-64 between Lexington and Louisville and South on 127 Bypass. This new course is designed to pit you and your disc against 18 holes of wind, elevation and distance obstacles. You might even create your own tournament with your friends or play a couple of rounds in Louisville and take the finals to Harrodsburg to "Challenge the Wind." Next month there will be a new nine-hole course located at the Henry Jackson Park in Danville, KY. Later this fall we can look forward to new courses at Georgetown College and in Indiana.

So what are you waiting for? Go play and we'll see you out there!