Disc golf facts for kids
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| Highest governing body | Professional Disc Golf Association |
|---|---|
| Registered players | 53,366 (as of 2019) |
| Clubs | Yes |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | No |
| Team members | Single competitors, doubles |
| Type | Outdoor |
| Equipment | Flying disc, Target, Tee off location |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | No |
| World Games | 2001 |
Disc golf is a fun outdoor sport. Players throw a special disc towards a target. It's a lot like regular golf, but instead of hitting a ball with a club, you throw a disc with your hand.
This sport is played in about 40 countries around the world. In 2019, over 53,000 people were active members of the PDGA. This shows how popular disc golf is becoming!
Contents
Discover Disc Golf
Disc golf is a sport where players try to complete each "hole" in the fewest throws possible. A "hole" means the journey from a starting point, called a "tee," to a special target. The person who finishes the entire course with the lowest total throws wins the game.
How the Game Works
Playing disc golf is simple and exciting. Each hole starts at a "tee pad." This is where you make your first throw. Your goal is to get your disc into the target.
- You throw your disc from the tee pad.
- Wherever your disc lands, that's where you take your next throw.
- You keep throwing from where your disc landed until it reaches the target.
- Once your disc is in the target, you've finished that hole.
- You then count how many throws it took you for that hole.
The most common target is a metal basket with chains. These chains help catch the disc.
Your Disc Golf Gear
You don't need much to play disc golf. The main things are discs and a course with targets.
Different Types of Discs
Just like in regular golf, there are different types of discs for different throws.
- Drivers: These discs are designed to fly very far. They are usually used for your first throw from the tee pad.
- Mid-range discs: These are good for throws that need to go a medium distance. They are easier to control than drivers.
- Putters: These discs are used for short, accurate throws when you are close to the target. They fly slower and straighter.
The Targets
The most common target is a "disc golf basket." It's a metal pole with a basket at the bottom and chains hanging above it. The chains help guide the disc into the basket. Some older courses might use "tone poles" or other simple targets.
Where to Play
Disc golf courses are often found in public parks or dedicated areas. Many courses are free to play, which makes disc golf a very accessible sport. You can find courses in forests, open fields, and even on hillsides. Each course has its own unique challenges and beauty.
History and Growth
Disc golf started in the United States. People began playing informally in the 1960s. The sport grew slowly at first. In the 1970s, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) was formed. This group helped create official rules and organize tournaments.
Today, disc golf is growing fast all over the world. It's a great way to get exercise, enjoy nature, and have fun with friends or family. It's a sport for all ages and skill levels.
Images for kids
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A disc resting in a basket, the most common type of target
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A red disc sailing towards a "Tonal Pole" style target at the disc golf course on Pender Island
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Three discs showcasing different edge profiles. From top to bottom: a driver, a mid-range, and a putter.
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Ken Climo teeing off at hole 5 of the 2008 USDGC
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A disc golf course in a public park.
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Women at the 2021 WGE event in Malaysia
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