Disc Golf - Selecting the right disc for your game

Selecting the right disc in Disc Golf is a lot like choosing the right club in ball Golf. The wrong disc will go to far or short, won't fade the right way, or will be carried by the wind and ruin the shot. For that reason, it is important to understand the differences between the disc and how they are used.

There are 3 main types of discs. There is the Driver, (also called distance Driver or fairway Driver) there is a midrange disc, and there is a putter. All of the discs are similiar in weight only. Everything else about them is different.

First the Driver series. These are the most used and usually the one people carry the most of. Drivers are known as stable, under stable or over stable. All this means is that when you throw a disc it spins and moves in one direction or the other depending on the the spin. For a standard right handed back hand throw, the disc is spinning clock wise, and therefore naturally moves to the left during flight. This natural movement is known as 'hyzer'. A stable disc will fly straight for a distance, then hyzer to the left toward the end of its flight. An under stable disc will fly straight for a shorter distance before begginning to hyzer to the left. An over stable disc will actually start to move to the right at the begginning of its flight, then straighten out and hyzer back to the left. Because of this S curve, when thrown correctly, the over stable disc can achieve the most distance. Drivers are the most aerodynamic and have a sharp or pointed edge.

The midrange disc is used for approach shots, or 'up' shots. This disc has a rounded edge and they are usually not as heavy as the drivers. (We are talking about a difference in only a few grams though). The throw for a midrange can also be a little different, and they are usally stable or over stable. This disc is used usually in the 50-100 foot range.

The last disc is the putter, and it is used for exactly that. Once you are inside a certain distance you want a disc that flies straight without a lot of hyzer. It has and even more rounded and beveled edge than the midrange disc, and it usually is more ridged than the midrange as well. This disc is made to fly short distances straight, thats all.

Once you start to learn to throw you will find that you use a variety of disc depending on the shot, the wind, the obstacles and the distance.

So how do I PLAY this game Disc Golf?

So you've heard of this game called Disc Golf and you want to learn to play? Well, let's explain a little bit about it so you understand what is going on when you get to the disc golf course.

First of all, disc golf is a not a sport that got its roots in standard Golf, or ball Golf. It began as a sport using regular frisbees and on "object courses," or aiming at trees and poles. Later, the basket with the hanging chains was introduced and that has been the standard "hole" for disc golfers ever since. The discs have changed a lot as well. Gone are the beach style frisbees and in their place are the smaller, heavier, and more aerodynamic discs we use today. Because of the change in hardware, the throwing style is changed as well, but we will get to that a bit later.

There are many courses across the country and in fact around the world. Some of these courses are in public parks, on ball golf courses, or even in private communities. Most of the courses that I know of are free to play, but some do have a charge to either enter the park, or for each round you play. 

The rules are similiar to ball golf in many ways. The scoring works the same way but instead of hitting your ball, you throw a disc. When your disc lands, you place a disc marker (this can be a mini disc most pro shops sell, or another disc) in front of your disc and that is the point from which you throw for your next shot. The score is the total number of throws it takes for you to get your disc into the basket. The chains are there so that if you throw it into the chains, the disc will drop into the basket. HOWEVER, if it hits the chains and falls out, you still have to count one more throw to get it into the basket.

Other rules are listed, but more important is the protocol. As you begin to learn the game, there are some things you should know. Keep in mind that the person farthest from the basket throws first. Don't walk in front of someone's shot/line of sight as they are making a throw. Please don't talk when someone is throwing. These courses are usually in public parks, so clean up after yourself, don't leave trash behind, and watch the language if there are children present. 

Other than that, I say go out and have a great time enjoying one of the fastest growing games in the WORLD!

Disc Golf? What in the world is that?

Looking for a great activity to get more excercise and spend time outdoors? Well,  
have you ever heard of disc golf? Disc golf, also refered to as frisbee golf, is a great sport for people of all skill levels. The rules are the same as regular golf (or "ball golf") but instead of striking a ball with a club, you throw a plastic disc toward a metal basket.

The first thing you need to play disc golf is a DISC! You can purchase these at some sporting good stores or online at any number of retailers. For a beginner, it is possible to learn to play with just one disc! That makes the starting cost between ten to twenty dollars. Thats right, a sport you can learn to play for about the same cost as going to see a movie! Your next step is to find a course in your community to play. If you don't know of any courses offhand, go check out www.pdga.com (professional disc golf association - and yes, there are "professional" disc golfers). When you get to the course, find a map of the holes if possible, or get a map of the course from the pro shop.

You should not feel intimidated by the other golfers; in fact, most people in the disc golf community are very open to new players and expanding the game to as many people as possible. Because of this, you should expect the more experienced players to actually offer you tips and positive/constructive criticism as you play. I found this to be the case when I started playing, and in fact it was the support of the people I met that helped me improve and enjoy the game even more. 

Not only is the game great for beginners, but it's also a low impact activity that most people can enjoy. Even the most advanced players only carry fifteen to twenty pounds of discs (twenty to thirty discs)in a bag during tournaments. Compare that to the weight you would carry in ball golf and you realize it's not that much, especially when it is more likely that you will have just two or three discs to start with.

So if you are looking for a sport with an ease of entry, low startup cost, and high enjoyment, then try
disc golf! Find out more about disc golf at Gordons-view.blogspot.com