National Disc Golf Day
Gather friends and family for a fun and competitive game of disc golf, or meet new people and make new friends by joining an amateur team or league.
Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. An estimated 8-12 million players have played disc golf, with over two million estimated to be regular players.
According to the PDGA course directory at the end of 2015, there were over 5,500 disc golf courses in 40 countries with new courses being developed and installed on a regular basis.
How to Celebrate National Disc Golf Day
It goes without saying that the best possible way to celebrate National Disc Golf Day is to get a group of friends and loved ones together and enjoy a game.
This is a fun way to spend time with the ones that you love. After all, it is good to do something a bit different from the norm, right?
You could also have a picnic and then a bottle of bubbles afterward in order to toast the winner. You are bound to have a lot of fun, and it is something that all ages can enjoy!
Learn About National Disc Golf Day
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®.
The sport was formalized in the 1970’s, and shares with traditional golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).
While there are a lot of elements that are shared with the traditional game of golf, there are also a lot of key differences as well. For instance, rather than using a ball and clubs, the only gear that is required is a Frisbee or a disc.
Players are going to begin from a tee pad, which is typically a rectangular area that is made of cement, rubber, or even brick.
Once a person has thrown, they are going to progress down the fairway. From where the disc lands, the player is going to keep throwing again and again until the disc lands on the target; just like a golfer does until they get the disc into the hole.
As is the case with conventional golf, the total number of throws a player takes to get the disc to the target is equal to their score for the hole. The person with the lowest score is going to win the game.
There are a lot of benefits that are associated with disc golf as well. For example, playing conventional golf can be very expensive. Not only do you need to purchase a set of golf clubs, a trolley, and some golf balls, but you are probably going to need to pay for membership to one of your local golf courses as well.
The costs can quickly mount up, and this is why golf is known as being one of the most expensive sports to enjoy. However, this is something you are not going to need to worry about with disc golf, as it is a lot cheaper. There are no memberships or fees to worry about, nor do you need to fit in with their tee times as well.
It is also great that all ages and abilities are going to be able to play disc golf. It is a sport that provides a great low-impact, cardiovascular workout, which can test both your mental determination and physical skill.
It is also a social sport, giving you the opportunity to spend time with others and have a good laugh in the process.
History of National Disc Golf Day
There are two important historical events in the month of August for the game of disc golf:
The first being that on August 2, 1974, the disc golfers in the Rochester, NY decided to make their annual City of Rochester Disc Golf Championship a big national tournament to find out just how many other people around the country were playing disc golf.
They called the event the American Flying Disc Open, and to attract the attention of the Frisbee community; they put up a brand new 1974 automobile to be awarded to the winner!
And the second was that the first patent (#4,039,189) was issued on a chain catching device to Ed Headrick on August 12th, 1977 which changed the future of our game and is the standard for today’s disc golf baskets.
We are requesting a Saturday for National Disc Golf Day so communities and families can get outside and play disc golf all day in celebration of the Day.
In addition to the historical reasons August is also a great month for outdoor events around the country, holding it too early or too late in the year when many states are still in winter conditions could deter participation in the day.
There is no denying that this sport has grown considerably over the years, and people are enjoying it all over the world.
In fact, Flying Disc sports were granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee in August of 2015. Because of this, there is now a worldwide platform for Flying Disc Sports, and of course, disc golf falls into this category.
National Disc Golf Day FAQs
What unusual materials were used in early flying discs?
In the 1940s and 1950s, people played disc games using pie tins, garbage can lids, and even metal serving trays.
These makeshift discs predate the invention of the modern plastic flying disc, which gained popularity with the invention of the Frisbee by Wham-O in 1957.
What is the “Ace Pot,” and why do players love it?
The “Ace Pot” is a pool of money collected at tournaments or casual rounds.
Any player who scores a hole-in-one wins the pot. It adds excitement, as even amateur players can take home cash if they achieve this rare feat.
Why is Finland a global hub for disc golf?
Finland has more disc golf courses per capita than any other country. The sport thrives there due to the nation’s love for outdoor activities and its easily accessible public courses, often set in scenic forests.
What are “Bag Tags,” and how do they work?
Bag tags are numbered tokens players trade based on match results. Players with lower numbers hold higher rankings, fostering friendly competition. Clubs use them to build camaraderie and track members’ skills.
What is “glow disc golf,” and why is it growing in popularity?
Glow disc golf is played at night using discs embedded with LED lights or glow-in-the-dark paint.
Players enjoy the unique challenge of navigating courses in the dark, often accompanied by festive atmospheres with light displays.
How did disc golf influence other sports?
Disc golf inspired the creation of other flying disc sports, such as freestyle Frisbee and ultimate Frisbee. Its popularity laid the groundwork for turning casual throwing games into organized, competitive activities.
Are there any supernatural myths about disc golf courses?
Some disc golf courses are rumored to be haunted. For example, players at certain forested courses in the U.S. claim to hear eerie sounds or see ghostly figures while playing in the evening.
What are “mulligans,” and how are they used in disc golf?
A “mulligan” is an extra throw given as a do-over in casual games or charity tournaments. While not official, they create a more relaxed, fun atmosphere, especially for newcomers learning the game.
What is the “21-hole challenge”?
The 21-hole challenge is an endurance-focused event where players compete on courses with extra-long layouts. It pushes players to their physical and mental limits, testing stamina in addition to skill.
What role do animals play in disc golf?
Some courses double as wildlife sanctuaries, with players encountering deer, owls, or even foxes during games. Respect for nature is a key part of disc golf culture, encouraging environmental awareness among players.
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