#8 Disc golf
Think frisbee, but with a purpose and a golf theme
No, we’re not talking about flinging DVDS about or re-enacting discus on the golf course. Disc golf is just like traditional golf, only without the balls and clubs. Instead, flying discs are used to negotiate every hole. Sound easy? It isn’t. In the same way golf has handicaps, disc golf has playing ratings. The highs and lows are just as plentiful and literal, and it’s not uncommon to see overgrown men scaling trees during a round. So if you’ve got dodgy knees or an arthritic hip, it might not be the sport for you. Otherwise, you’ll be forking out around £15 a pop for a new disc, or possibly more on a new limb!
How it works The idea is to get a frisbee-like disc into an elevated metal basket in the fewest throws possible. The courses are a lot tighter than the golf equivalent, and a good score is dependent on being able to shape shots around trees, shrubs and other obstacles. Most can master the forehand and backhand technique, but unless you know how to throw thumbers, rollers or hatchets (see, it even has its own jargon), just making pars can be a struggle.
How you can get involved There are over 50 courses dotted around the UK, with more than half a dozen featuring 18 holes. Many public courses are free of charge and even if you don’t have a facility nearby, it’s actually easy to set-up a temporary course in a nearby park. You just need to purchase some discs and pick some targets to hit towards.
What they say... “People’s attitude to playing frisbee is that it’s fun – and disc golf is exactly that. Everyone is welcome; and the cliental is very similar to a pitch and putt. Unlike normal golf, a beginner playing disc golf will be able to see progress straight away and post respectable scores.” Derek Robins, former UK No.1