This afternoon I spent a few hours trampling through the woods with my two older boys and two of their friends, enjoying a friendly round of frisbee (disc) Golf.  This was the first time that we had played this summer, and we had an absolute blast sharing laughs and tossing discs into chained baskets.  I first learned about frisbee golf in college, where I spent countless evenings wandering around campus with my friends playing the game.  Disc golf is just perfect for  college students, because it is easy to pickup and it is generally free to play.  Once you start playing, Disc Golf is easy to learn, but difficult to master, which makes you want to keep playing in order to improve.

 What is Disc Golf?

The rules to disc golf almost identical to traditional golf.  Courses are typically either 9 or 18 holes, and each hole has a tee area and a pin that you are aiming for. The pin (shown above) consists of a large pole with a metal basket attached a few feet off the ground.  Above the basket, dozen or so chains hang loosely, giving you something to aim your disc at, in order to drop it into the basket.  The goal is to get your disc from the tee to the basket, in as few throws as possible.  Wherever your throw lands,  you pick up the disc from that spot, and throw it again, aiming for the pin.  Courses are often lined with trees and sometimes even water hazards, and as you can imagine, this can lead to some challenging shots.  Like traditional golf, there are drivers, mid-range discs, and putters, although you can easily play a round of disc golf with a single disc if that is all that you have.

 Who Plays Disc Golf?

The kinds of people that you find out on a disc golf course couldn’t be more varied.  I have met everyone from old retired military veterans to high school kids while playing the game.  As a dad, I have also introduced the game to my kids, and try to take them out on the course at least a few times each summer.  You can take kids out on the course at any age, really, but the older the kids are- the further they will likely be able to throw the disc.  A hole that takes me three or four shots may take a nine year old seven or eight, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.  The point is, it truly is a game for everyone.

The Perfect Frugal Hobby

I love traditional golf as much as anybody,  but a round of golf will likely end up costing you $40 or more.  More so, if you factor in the costs of clubs, tees, and balls, you will likely be looking at an up front cost of at least $500 just to start playing the game.  Disc golf on the other hand, is completely free to play.  Courses are typically located in public parks, where your tax dollars and local organizations pickup the (minimal) costs of construction.  You can purchase a golf disc for only $6 or $7 at your local sports store, which is all you really need to get started.  If you get serious about playing disc golf, in my city there are regular tournaments and events for enthusiasts.  However, if it is just a hobby for you, you can call up a friend or toss your kids in the car and just squeeze in a round whenever you get the urge.

Everyone needs to have hobbies to pour themselves into and to give themselves something to talk about.  The problem with most hobbies is that they are just too expensive.  Whether you are into scrap-booking, collecting coins, or horseback riding, the excitement comes with a high cost.  What I love about disc golf is that I get to spend quality time with my kids or my friends, and I don’t have to spend a dime to do it.  It really is the perfect frugal hobby!