I was terrible at sports as a kid. Really terrible. But I remember one thing I could do – throw stuff really far! My buddy Josh and I would spend hours tossing tennis balls, sticks, rocks or anything we could find, just to see what would happen. That’s exactly why I fell in love with disc golf 25 or so years ago, and why I still play as often as I can.
If you’re wondering why play disc golf, picture this: you’re outside on a sunny afternoon, holding a disc that feels perfect in your hand. No stuffy golf club rules, no expensive gear, just you and the simple joy of throwing something through the air. It’s awesome!
Think back to being a kid, when the simplest things—like climbing trees or throwing sticks—were the highlights of the day. Those carefree moments brought pure joy, and they didn’t cost a dime. As adults, we lose some of that freedom and playfulness. But there’s a way to get it back. Disc golf offers a perfect mix of creativity, physical activity, and fun that lets you feel like a kid again.
Why Play Disc Golf Instead of Regular Golf?
$20. That’s all you’ll spend to get started with disc golf – three discs in a starter set. Compare that to regular golf clubs that cost hundreds of dollars! But the cost isn’t the only reason to try disc golf.
Here’s what makes disc golf super fun:
- You can play in sneakers and a t-shirt
- Most courses are free to use
- You’ll meet the friendliest people
- Every throw feels like an adventure
- No tee times or reservations needed
- You can play alone or with friends
- It takes about an hour for a quick round
Playfulness Makes It Better
When was the last time you climbed a tree? In disc golf, that’s not a rare sight. Discs have a habit of getting stuck in unexpected places, which often leads to some pretty funny situations.
A few months ago, my friend threw his disc straight into the tallest oak tree on the course. He tried knocking it down with sticks, but nothing worked. We were all cracking up as he finally gave up and shimmied halfway up the trunk to grab it. Moments like that remind you not to take life too seriously.
This kind of physical play has big benefits. Studies have shown that playful activities, like climbing or laughing with friends, can reduce stress and boost overall happiness. If you’re still asking yourself why play disc golf, it’s because it turns adults back into kids in the best way possible.
The Endless Variety Keeps It Fun
Our brains love variety. Studies have shown that trying new things releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which makes us happier and more motivated. Disc golf taps into that natural craving for new experiences. Each round is filled with small surprises that keep you coming back for more. That’s one reason why play disc golf is so addictive – every round is different.
No two games are ever the same. Courses change with the seasons, the weather, and even the time of day.
- Monday’s headwind becomes Tuesday’s tailwind
- Summer leaves block shots that are wide open in winter
- New players bring fresh energy to familiar holes
- That tricky tree might lose a branch in the next storm
I’ve played Quarry Park disc golf course many many times, but I’ve never played the same round twice. Sometimes I find new lines through the trees that I never noticed before. Other times, I’ll try a totally wild shot just to see if it works. Half the fun is experimenting!
It’s Not About Perfection
Some sports demand perfect technique, rigid rules, and intense focus. Disc golf is different. While skill matters, the game is forgiving enough to let you experiment and have fun.
Take the creative shots players use to get out of tricky situations. There’s the roller, where the disc rolls along the ground like a wheel. Or the skip shot, which bounces off the grass to avoid low-hanging branches. And if you’ve got a tree in the way, a high floater might be just the thing to sail over it.
These moments of problem-solving are what make disc golf exciting. They’re also good for your brain! Research shows that solving problems in creative ways can improve mental flexibility. In disc golf, you’re not just throwing—you’re thinking, adjusting, and learning with every shot.
Learning Disc Golf The Creative Way
“But Frank,” people ask me, “isn’t it hard to learn?” Not at all! Here’s how I teach disc golf basics to newcomers:
- Start with just one disc
- Focus on throwing straight, not far
- Play with friendly people who can show you the ropes
- Don’t worry about keeping score at first
- Try different throwing styles to find what feels natural
- Celebrate the good shots, laugh at the bad ones
- Remember that every pro started as a beginner
My favorite part about teaching disc golf basics? Watching people’s faces light up when they make their first good throw. It’s like watching a kid ride a bike without training wheels for the first time! I love the fact that they get noticeably better relatively quickly. In no time at all you’ll be hooked and already be trying to convince friends to try disc golf.
Disc Golf Tips for Getting Started
Remember that tree I mentioned? Sometimes your disc will end up in silly places. That’s when disc golf gets really creative! Try these beginner-friendly shots:
- The disc golf roller shot – make your disc roll like a wheel
- The high floater – throw it way up over obstacles
- The skip shot – bounce it off the ground like a stone on water
- The forehand flick – like throwing a baseball sideways
I learned these shots by watching other players and trying them out. Sometimes they work brilliantly, sometimes they’re a total mess. Either way, it’s a total blast!
Why Disc Golf Helps Your Brain
My friend Sarah started playing disc golf during lockdown. She told me, “Frank, it’s the only time my brain shuts up!” I get that completely. Research backs her up too – physical play reduces stress more than regular exercise.
Playing disc golf helps you:
- Get outside in the fresh air
- Move your body without feeling like exercise
- Meet new people who love throwing stuff
- Feel like a kid again
- Clear your head after a long day
- Build confidence with every good throw
- Find joy in small victories
The Disc Golf Community
The best thing about learning disc golf? The people you meet! Last month, I missed a really easy putt. Instead of getting frustrated, the group I was playing with shared their own embarrassing disc golf stories. We were all cracking up by the end!
Some of my best friends now are people I met on the disc golf course. We started as strangers comparing disc golf tips, and now we meet up as often as we can to play. Sometimes we don’t even keep score – we just enjoy being outside and having fun together.
Our disc golf group keeps growing. We’ve got:
- College students learning between classes
- Parents playing with their kids
- Retirees staying active
- People joining us whilst on vacation
- Office workers de-stressing after work
- Complete beginners throwing their first disc
- Experienced players helping others improve
A Sport That Welcomes Everyone
Disc golf is one of the most accessible sports out there. You don’t need a fancy club membership or expensive gear to start. A few discs, a pair of sneakers, and some curiosity are all it takes.
Courses are often free to play, and you can find them in parks all over the country. It’s a great activity for families, friends, or even solo players. The flexibility is part of the charm. Play a full 18-hole round with a group, or squeeze in a quick 9 holes on your lunch break.
And the people? They’re some of the nicest you’ll meet. Disc golf has a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to strike up a conversation with strangers. I’ve made plenty of new friends just by joining a random group for a round.
Ready to give disc golf a try? Grab a disc (or borrow one from a friend), head to your local course, and see what happens. The worst that can happen is you’ll spend an afternoon throwing stuff around outside. And let’s be honest – that doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
