You know disc golf is an absolute blast, but trying to convince your friends to try disc golf is another story. You know it’s the best sport they’ve never heard of, or they picture it as some niche hobby that’s just like regular golf—too serious and not exactly a “fun group activity.”. Here’s what they’re missing: disc golf is the perfect mix of outdoor fun, low-stakes competition, and budget-friendly entertainment. It’s a social, beginner-friendly sport that’s easy to pick up and play, especially with friends. Most people would love it if they gave it a shot, but they haven’t had that nudge to try something new: This guide gives you simple, psychology-backed ways to introduce your friends to disc golf in a way that’s inviting and hard to resist. By tapping into curiosity, social proof, and the promise of a relaxed, low-stress outing, you’ll show them why disc golf is an easy, fun way to spend time together—and why they’ll be thanking you for introducing it.
Frame It as a Social, Low-Stress Activity
Disc golf is a fantastic low-pressure sport for group activities. However, your friends might not realize this yet; they could assume it’s either too competitive or too niche. This is where a bit of psychology comes into play. People are naturally drawn to activities that others find enjoyable—a concept known as social proof. By presenting disc golf as a fun, social activity focused more on bonding than winning, your friends are more likely to give it a try.
Here’s how to frame it:
Emphasize the Social Side
Describe disc golf as a relaxed day out in nature, where everyone can chat, laugh, and play without intense competition. Highlight that disc golf isn’t about strict rules or keeping score; it’s about spending time together. Unlike traditional golf, there’s no dress code or exclusive fees—just friends, discs, and fresh air. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the sport has seen significant growth, with many new players introduced by friends or family.1 I got into disc golf thanks to a friend who’d tried it out during his summer camp days in the States. He brought a few discs back, which ended up gathering dust at the back of a cupboard for a while. Then, out of the blue, he asked if we fancied giving it a go. None of us had a clue what disc golf was, but we all said yes. Fast forward 25 years, and most of that original group are still hooked and playing regularly.
Play Up the Outdoor, Low-Stakes Aspect
The beauty of disc golf lies in its low-stress appeal. Explain how it combines the best of being outdoors—walking, fresh air, and natural scenery—with a hint of friendly challenge. It’s a walk in the park with a twist. The focus isn’t on winning or perfection; it’s simply on having fun. Research from the University of York indicates that outdoor activities like disc golf can improve mood and reduce anxiety.2
Position It as a “Social Connector”
Mention how disc golf can build friendships and create memories, even for those who’ve never played before. Psychologist Robert Putnam refers to this as “social capital”—the idea that shared, low-stakes experiences enhance connections and trust. By encouraging a game where everyone can play at their own pace, you’re setting up a day focused on connection, not competition.
By highlighting disc golf as an accessible, friendly activity centered on camaraderie rather than skill, you’re making it easy for friends to say yes to giving it a try.
Appeal to the Cost-Effectiveness (Good for Group Outings)
When planning group activities, cost often becomes a deciding factor. Disc golf stands out as an affordable option, making it ideal for gatherings without straining anyone’s budget.
Highlight the Affordability
Minimal Equipment Costs:
A basic disc golf setup is inexpensive. It’s not difficult to fully enjoy disc golf on a budget. Starter sets, including a driver, mid-range, and putter, typically range from $20 to $50.3 This is a fraction of the cost compared to other sports that require more expensive gear.
Free or Low-Cost Courses
Many disc golf courses are located in public parks and are free to play. Even pay-to-play courses usually charge a nominal fee, often between $1 and $5 per round. This accessibility makes it easy to organize outings without worrying about high costs.
Compare with Other Group Activities
Traditional Golf
A round of traditional golf can be quite expensive, with green fees ranging from $20 to over $100, not including equipment rental or purchase. In contrast, disc golf offers a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.
Bowling or Mini-Golf
While these activities are popular for groups, they can add up quickly. Bowling alleys often charge per game and per person, plus shoe rental fees. Mini-golf courses typically charge per round, which can become costly for larger groups. Disc golf, with its minimal fees, presents a more budget-friendly alternative.
From my own experience, introducing friends to disc golf has been a hit, especially when highlighting its affordability. We’ve enjoyed countless rounds without spending much, making it a go-to activity for our group. The low cost allows us to play regularly without financial concerns, and the casual nature of the game keeps everyone engaged and coming back for more.
By emphasizing disc golf’s cost-effectiveness, you can present it as an attractive option for group outings, ensuring fun without breaking the bank.
Highlight the Fun of Quirky Obstacles and Low-Stakes Competition
Disc golf offers a unique blend of fun and challenge, making it an ideal activity for groups seeking both excitement and relaxation. The sport’s unpredictable nature, with its quirky obstacles and low-stakes competition, ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, can enjoy the game.
Embrace the Quirky Obstacles
Natural Challenges
Disc golf courses often incorporate natural elements like trees, hills, and water hazards, adding an element of unpredictability to each throw. These obstacles make the game more engaging and provide a fun twist to the traditional golf experience.
Creative Course Design
Many courses are designed to utilize the natural landscape, creating unique challenges that require players to adapt their strategies. This creativity in course design keeps the game fresh and exciting, encouraging players to think outside the box.
Enjoy Low-Stakes Competition
Casual Play
Disc golf is known for its relaxed atmosphere, allowing players to enjoy the game without the pressure of intense competition. This low-stakes environment makes it accessible to beginners and ensures that the focus remains on fun and camaraderie.
Inclusive for All Skill Levels
The game’s forgiving nature means that even newcomers can participate without feeling overwhelmed. Mistakes are part of the fun, and the emphasis is on enjoying the experience rather than achieving perfection.
In my disc golf adventures, it’s usually the unpredictable moments that make the best memories. Once, a gust of wind caught my tee shot and sent it sailing backward, landing 30 feet behind me. Moments like these keep us laughing and make the game even more enjoyable for everyone.
By highlighting the fun of quirky obstacles and the low-pressure nature of disc golf, you can show your friends that it’s not about winning or losing but about enjoying a unique and entertaining experience together.
Emphasize the Health Benefits of an Outdoor Walk
Disc golf isn’t just a fun game; it’s also a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The sport combines walking, light aerobic activity, and the mental health benefits of being in nature, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay active without the intensity of traditional workouts.
Physical Health Benefits
Gentle Exercise
Playing a round of disc golf involves walking between holes, which can cover several miles depending on the course layout. This walking provides cardiovascular benefits and helps in burning calories.
Muscle Engagement
The act of throwing the disc engages various muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, and core, contributing to overall muscle tone and flexibility.
Mental Health Benefits
Stress Reduction
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. The combination of physical activity and natural surroundings in disc golf can lead to enhanced mental well-being.4
Improved Focus and Concentration
The strategic aspects of disc golf require concentration and mental engagement, which can help improve cognitive functions and provide a mental workout.5
Conclusion
Disc golf offers a unique blend of social interaction, affordability, and health benefits, making it an ideal activity to share with friends. By presenting it as a relaxed, budget-friendly outdoor experience, you can encourage your friends to join you on the course. Highlighting the fun challenges and the opportunity for light-hearted competition can further pique their interest.
I’ve introduced colleagues to disc golf on work trips too, with rounds at places like Valbyparken in Copenhagen and Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Think of disc golf as a refreshing alternative to the gym or traditional workouts. It’s perfect for beginners who might feel out of place in a gym or competitive sports setting. For anyone interested in learning the basics, our Why Disc Golf is Great for Non-Athletes and Beginners article shows just how relaxed and accessible the game can be.
In my experience, introducing friends to disc golf is a great way to mix socialising with physical activity. We’ve explored a variety of courses, each with its own landscape and set of challenges. The easygoing pace means we’re able to chat and have a laugh, making it ideal for fitness and fun.
Highlighting the health benefits of disc golf shows it as a fun way to stay active and get outside—a great option for anyone wanting to add more movement to their week without feeling like they’re “exercising.”
Invite your friends to a casual disc golf outing. Organize a group event or suggest it as your next hangout. Sharing resources like beginner-friendly disc golf guides can help them feel more comfortable and excited about trying something new. By introducing them to disc golf, you’re not only offering a fun activity but also the chance to discover a new hobby they’ll appreciate.
- https://www.pdga.com/news/pdga-posts-record-growth-2020-demographics-report ↩︎
- https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2021/research/nature-can-improve-mood-and-reduce-anxiety/ ↩︎
- https://beginnerdiscgolf.com/disc-golf-cost/ ↩︎
- https://www.pdga.com/news/they-said-it-disc-golf-mental-health ↩︎
- https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/wellness-center/health-benefits-disc-golf ↩︎
