 "Photo:")
With over 1,700 courses across the country, disc golf is transforming itself from the best kept secret to the next up-and-coming sport.
Nine courses are located in the Kansas City metro area alone, with four courses on the Kansas side and five in Missouri, making it something of a Mecca for disc golf enthusiasts. In fact, next year the 2009 Pro, Amateur, and Junior World Championship will be held right here on our courses.
While some know the sport as "Frisbee golf," the correct name is, in fact, disc golf. First, "Frisbee" is a trademark name such as Lysol or Glade. And second, the discs used to play are different than your average Frisbee because they are smaller, flatter and made with more durable plastic.
The most played courses in the area are at Rosedale Park, just west of State Line Road and I35 Highway. The park has two 18-hole courses.
What is called the "Top Course" is set up next to a bluff. While wind is always an issue on this course, players must be especially careful because of the danger of losing a disc down the hill. The "Down Under" course winds along the side of the hill offering more experienced players a challenge.
The Kansas City Flying Disc Golf Club's Web site says, "Alternate tee pads and pin placements join forces with the trees to make this course a favorite training ground for young Jedi."
On the Missouri side, the challenges offered by Water Works Park and Cliff Drive Park tend to keep things interesting. Hills and trees are abundant and taking plenty of drinking water along is advised.
Unlike "stick" golf, disc golf is a free sport aside from the initial purchase of discs. (And I will say purchasing all of the different weights and models of discs becomes very addicting in the search for the perfect drive that gets your disc closest to the goal if not in the basket under par). None of the courses in Kansas City charge fees.
So for those of you who thought the baskets with chains set up in the park were some kind of new-fangled bird feeders (you know who you are), think again. This is the answer to your prayers for the relief of your boredom without taking a dime out of your pockets.
Those looking for the more social aspect of the sport can join a league. Leagues meet once a week and cost $5 per game plus an optional $1 for an ace pool. Members of the Kansas City Flying Disc Club play for $4. The amateur division receives coupons for new merchandise and the pro division receives cash for winning scores.
Tournaments also give players a chance to test their skills. The fee to compete in a tournament is generally sizable depending on the event, but participants usually receive lunch, a disc and a t-shirt just for competing, with larger prizes given to the winners.
So, if you're looking for cheap recreation on a limited budget or a fresh sport to let loose your competitive side, disc golf fits the bill. Disc golf is the everyman's sport, for young and old, rich and poor.
More information about leagues, tournaments and course locations can be found at the Kansas City Flying Disc Golf Club's Web site at www.kcfdc.org.
alang@unews
