THE DYNAMIC GAME OF DISC GOLF

Ti Tim e m e o u t d o o r s o u t d o o r s a n d a n d n o n o r e s e r r e s e rv a t i o n s v a t i o n s a r e a r e b o t h b o t h p a r p a r f o r f o r t h e t h e c o u r s e c o u r s e w h e n w h e n i t i t c o m e s t o t o d i s c d i s c g o l f g o l f

By Kevin Druley | Photo provided by Woodridge Park District

Author Mark Twain once reportedly quipped that golf was “a good walk spoiled.” Twain died 65 years before the first disc golf pole hole (or basket) was patented in the U.S. in 1975. Although there’s a debate on whether it was Twain’s quote in the first place, enthusiasts are still left to wonder whether he might have changed his tune about their beloved offshoot sport. Naturally, the consensus among avid disc golfers is “What’s not to like?” There are the elements, the exercise, the excitement of tracking a disc in flight. What there’s not, in most cases, is cost or the need to make reservations.

Long popular before the ongoing pandemic, disc golf in the past 18 months has experienced a notable surge behind its built-in basics: It gets you outdoors and keeps you moving. “It’s a physical activity that is demanding enough to help keep you in shape but also easy enough that anyone can do it,” says Kevin Derrick, part of the board of directors at Disc Golf Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding the sport. “Young and old alike can enjoy the sport, and many families have started playing together as an inclusive activity they can all enjoy. “And the courses are generally in gorgeous parks with an abundance of trees, forests, beautiful views and nature. It’s like going for a hike with some added fun and challenge.” Doesn’t exactly sound ruinous, eh, Mr. Twain? Played much like golf, a round of disc golf unfolds over a course featuring either nine or 18 “holes.” Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., DeKalb, IL JonamacRussell Woods Orchard,Forest Preserve, Malta,Genoa,ILIL

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Derrick uses quotation marks because the object is not to toss the disc into a small pit in the ground, but rather a metal, chainlink basket.

“Starting on a tee pad for each hole, you throw a disc down the fairway towards the basket,” Derrick says. “Where that disc lands is your lie.” A player wants to complete each hole in the least number of throws.

As with conventional golf, there are pars, birdies (a score of one toss less than par), bogeys (a score of one toss more than par) and so forth. Hole lengths vary in distance but generally are far shorter than what you’d find on a golf course. Discs typically cost around $15, Derrick says. While more experienced and championshiplevel players may tote 20 discs or more — each with different flights for varied shots and situations — it’s perfectly acceptable and no less enjoyable to bring but one. “As long as you’ve got your own discs to throw, you can pull your car up and park and you’re off and playing for free,” says Don Ritter, deputy director of Woodridge Park District, which offers a nine-hole disc golf course at Castaldo Park. “So, I think that’s probably one of the biggest attractions is that it’s a free event that you can do on your own. ” Small groups also are common, but the nature of the sport lends itself to much less grousing or foot tapping than is typical amid gridlock on a golf course. “Even if you do have to wait just a couple of minutes, once that first group throws their disc, it doesn’t take long for them to move down, go find their disc and make their second toss,” Ritter says. “And by that time, you know, the next group is ready to go. It’s a sport that can keep moving. There’s not a lot of wait time and standing around."

F I N D A CO U R S E N E A R N E A R Y O U Y O U

Disc golf courses abound in the counties that comprise the Neighborhood Tourist coverage area, including DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, La Salle, Lee, McHenry and Will. You may have driven past some of them and been aware of their function — or now are enlightened after reading about the advent of the sport. At any rate, Kevin Derrick, part of the board of directors at Disc Golf Chicago, recommends searching the course directories at either www.discgolfcoursereview.com or www.udisc.com to find a venue near you. Players are able to filter based on the number of holes, player reviews and other attributes.

Don Ritter, Woodridge Park District’s deputy director, recommends the activity for "whenever you’ve got some free time and you’re looking for something fun and relaxing to do."