DISC GOLF

Did you know that a new Nebraska state distance record was set at Canfield's this past spring?  The throw was 490

 feet!  Our thanks to Mr. Bill and the awesome folks from the Omaha Disc Golf Club for coming out and running a clinic in the grassy area behind Canfield's. 

Canfield's carries a great selection of Innova disc golf discs, bags, and the Skill Shot portable disc catcher.  Not familiar with disc golf?  You're missing out!

Disc golf is basically throwing a flying disc (Frisbee is one brand, so many people call it Frisbee golf) at chain "baskets."  Just like in regular golf, the lowest score wins.  Most disc golf courses around the country are free to play and are set up in city parks.  Omaha's biggest course is in Seymour Smith Park at 72nd and Harrison streets.  There's also a beautiful course at Iowa Western Community College and one at Cunningham Lake.  In Lincoln, check out the courses at Max Roper Park and at Tierra Park.

Many disc golf courses are 18 holes, meaning there are 18 baskets to throw to.  Some courses, like the one in Waverly, Nebraska, have 9 holes, and some have 27.  The best way to find courses around the country is to pick up a copy of the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) Course Directory, available at Canfield's.  You can also check online at www.nebdisc.com for a list of disc golf courses in our state, as well as notice of events and other news about disc golf in Nebraska. 

Getting Started:

A common question we hear is, "I'm just starting out.  What do I really need?"  Technically, all you really need is a disc, or Frisbee.  But, like in anything, the better your equipment, the more successful you'll be and the more you'll enjoy it.  Disc golf discs, those specifically designed for disc golf, are shaped differently than a Frisbee you throw and catch.  They're somewhat more like a discus than like a traditional Frisbee.  Disc golf discs are smaller in diameter, and the edges are much more tapered, making them more aerodynamic.  The exception is discs like Innova's "Birdie" putter.  Discs for putting tend to have more "dish" so they have more lift.  They don't fly as far as discs designed for long-range flight, but they're better for close-up shots into the baskets. 

If you're buying discs for yourself or for a gift, and you or the recipient are just starting out with disc golf, we recommend you buy three discs.  You'll want a putter, a mid-range disc, and a long-range disc.  Don't buy just a long-range disc and plan to use it for putting, for example, because the chain baskets will soon dent the edges of the disc, making it less aerodynamic.  If you really want to splurge, get a disc bag, too.  Disc bags have slots in them to hold the discs separately.  Many bags have a water bottle pocket, and most have at least one other pocket for carrying score sheets and pencils, and maybe a towel loop (you can work up a sweat playing disc golf on hot summer days!). 

You don't need any special equipment to start.  Just grab your Frisbee or your discs and head for the nearest course.  Wear shoes you don't mind dragging across cement or dirt tees, and wear comfortable clothes you can twist and bend in .  You'll be twisting when you throw and bending down to pick up discs on the ground. 

At the course, there's often a course map on a signboard near the first tee.  You can print out maps and score sheets for many courses at www.nebdisc.com and on other online disc golf sites.  Once you're ready (you may want to stretch a little, throw a few discs to warm up, that sort of thing), step onto the tee.  Make sure no other players are still at the basket you're throwing to.  Then let 'er rip!  There may be trees, bushes, a creek, or other obstacles between you and the basket.  That's all part of the challenge and the fun!  It can help to take someone with you the first time you play a course who's played that course before.  They'll know where the baskets are located, since you can't always see the basket from the tee.  Again, if you check the course map before playing, you'll have an idea where the basket is, even if you can't see it.  Also, tees are generally oriented to face toward the basket for that hole. 

If you're keeping score, keep track of the number of throws it takes you to land your disc in the basket.  By rule, you're not allowed to set foot past the spot where your disc landed on a previous throw.  Check the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) rules booklet (available at Canfield's, of course) for all the official rules of the sport, like how to handle it if your disc lands in an evergreen tree or a stream. 

Disc golf is an excellent way to get outside in the sunshine and fresh air.  Walking between the tees and holes is great exercise, too!  It's a great sport for the family, as well as for corporate teams, clubs, and other organizations.  Sometimes people want to set up a course on their own property.  Check with Canfield's, as we can offer course design help and can order as many baskets as you need!  Also, check online at www.innovadiscs.com for more info on everything from course design to the various disc models available. 

See you on the course!