OK- did a little "thread diving" to see if I could find a discussion on this on my own, but no luck. I know there are some disc golf folks on here and I just met up with some folks here in town who are interested in the sport so I think I may actually try to get out and get a little fresh air and join them.
I've seen the disc golf displays at the store and feel a little overwhelmed. Can one of you "experts" advise what essential equipment I might need?
Thanks!
Jon
There are different type discs for various breaks and intricacies of the game, but as a beginner, a long straight driver disc and a putt disc should do the trick. If you want to get one left break and one right break disc, it wouldn't hurt. Discs run about $8 to $12 each, and are your only real expense to play. I've seen guys bring disc bags, disc retrieval pole with claw (for water hazards), carts with stow-away mini keg, other party materials, sunblock, bug spray etc..
None of these other things are necessary to play, more a matter of personal preference and gamesmanship.
It's a great game and it's virtually free, just go out and have fun.
Sorry- No little ones. You definitely need to leave them at home.
Disc golf seems to be the way A LOT of at home dads get away from the kids for a little bit. The reason I'm interested is because literally every at home dad I've run into (granted, not many) seems to be into this.. this... sport/hobby as a get away.
Interestingly, it is rumored that the best place to go here in Charlotte for disc golf equipment is our local head shop. Not sure what that's saying exactly.... Is it that most disc golf players also appreciate black light Grateful Dead posters, incense and hacky sacks? Is it that they also appreciate hand rolled cigarettes and water pipes? Who knows?
all you need is a disc. It doesn't matter about weight or any of that. You aren't competing. Just throw the disc at your target and count your throws (strokes). It is pretty fantastically relaxing. And when you find someone else's lost disc out on the course, you will then have 2 discs you can use.
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The only time I play disk golf, i did use (borrow) just 2 disk. What I remember is that one of them was heavier than the other, and I was explained that one of then was a better option for long distance and the other one for short.
So maybe you can find 2 disk with "big" differences and try them to get a more "fun"
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Congratatio pro erudio et auxilium
Itux
Reno & Matt are correct, 1 will get you started, just don't toss it in the drink or loose it or game over. Matt is also right that you will eventually find disks, as per the head shop thing, a lot of stoner's play this game/lose discs, nuff said. First spring thaw is the best time to find them. In all the years of playing, I've found at least 20 times more than I've ever bought. Find some, lose some.
If your friends have discs for you, you can try different ones out when they are not using them and see which one's you like best.
I've also taken the kids out with me as well as with other dad's and their kids. It's not as nice or as easy as when you don't have them but it can be done. It's actually not bad when they are ok riding in the stroller. And if you can make it through 18 holes with them, you know you're damn good.
Alby,
Next time you are in Palatine, let's leave the kids with our wives (of course they wouldn't mind!) and and go play! There is a disc golf course about a half a mile from my place. Let's play a round and afterwards we can enjoy a coupla cold ones, bar-b-que and hang out!
Brian
Sounds like a plan Brian. In fact, now that you mention it, I'm aware of the course. Until now, I was mistaking disc golf for frisbee football, (duh!), which I see all the time, being played in the park behind my house. I'll give you a call a few days in advance and we'll make it happen...
Alby1 - Chicago, IL
Pleased to report that Ben (Silent October) and I had a good time on this, my first disc golf outing. I'm not too proud to admit that I throw like an 8 year old girl (like, maybe 50 feet when I wasn't digging up worms) and will probably be sore in my right arm tomorrow. I'm also not too proud to say that no tree (or golfer on another hole) is safe when Ol' Silent October here steps up to the concrete pad.
Just when I started feeling like I was getting better we'd let someone play through that could throw the stupid disc, like, 500 yards or something, but this kind of gives you something to aspire to.
All the same, I had a blast and can highly recommend this to anyone.
This was my third attempt playing the game (first time with my own equipment). I had a blast - so much so that I went out and picked up 2 more discs today at said local headshop. I'm ready for next Saturday to arrive, already!!
You'll get there, buddy!! Don't worry yourself too much - this was your first run thru the course. You'll get better with time and experimentation/practice.
I, on the other hand, probably have no hope of getting better as long as I'm just whippin' the disc in whatever direction w/out worrying about my form too much... I wonder if someone in our area would tutor us for a fee (beer or 2)? Might be worth our time.
Anyway, gotta go wrastle w/my boy -- he just emptied his entire dresser onto the floor and has created himself a fort to play in....yay!
Joined: 2007-01-03
Dad Points: 413