This weekend, with the perfect weather we had Sunday afternoon, Danny and I met up with my father-in-law to play a game of disc golf. We got out of the house, soaked up some sunshine, and had a great time!
My husband and father-in-law on a course in Richmond, VA
If you've ever spent a weekend afternoon indoors because you couldn't think of something fun to bring you outside, disc golf may be exactly what you've been waiting for.
Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf (or "Frolf") is an excellent way to get outside, get active, and get together with others (for other ideas, click here). Like traditional golf, disc golf is a great lifetime sport. Using a disc instead of a golf ball, the premise of the game is the same as traditional golf: complete each hole with the fewest throws possible, finishing in the basket. It is an ideal activity for almost any age, because it is easy to learn and fairly inexpensive or free to play. This is not just a college-age activity--children, teens, and adults can play. No need to pay to play or set a tee time. Physically, it requires throwing the discs towards the baskets and walking from hole to hole, but you can set your own pace.
See the video below from the Guardians of Recreation (Mark and Mike):
and check out their website for even more
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, "the sport was formalized in the 1970s." Because many of us haven't been playing since that time, you may be surprised to know that disc golf courses are popping up all over! You may have one close by your home and not even know it (yet). Disc Course Review is a resource to help you locate disc golf courses. It has an evaluation system of courses reviewed by other members, a link for trading and browsing discs, as well as discussion forums and a tournaments link. If you're just getting started, I suggest clicking on Search Map and finding your state and area to narrow your search. I was pleased to find that when searching Richmond, VA, seven courses were in a comfortable driving distance and a few of those were quite close to my home.
To get started: you need a few discs. We manage with only a few, but more serious players have a variety of discs depending on the difficulty of the courses they frequent and the "shots" they take. Like traditional golf, you can spend as much or as little as you'd like, as long as you have the basics.
Driver: used for long shots
Mid-Range: used for shots between 60-200 feet
Putter: used for final shot(s)
The minimum you need is usually considered to be simply a driver and a putter, but some serious players can utilize up to twenty discs during a game (!?). You can order discs online, purchase in a sporting goods store, or check out your local Play it Again Sports for used discs. We recently had to repurchase some after losing a set and got five discs from Play it Again for very reasonable prices.
On a course in Irvington, VA
As soon as you have your discs, you are ready to go! So, grab a friend, get some water, (maybe a hat/ sunscreen), hit the course, and get ready to have some fun.
Danny smiling for the camera & me (Julie) post throw
What have you done outside in the sunshine lately? Share a photo of your family outside or post your favorite springtime activity on the Making Mindfulness Facebook page!
Click the "May Wellness Challenge" or "Body & Mind" labels below for other posts to help with your May Wellness!
Labels: Body & Mind, Go Ahead--Try It!, May Wellness Challenge
