It has been said that golf is a "nice walk in a park ruined by a little white ball," and for those who have never gotten the hang of which club to use at which hole for which condition, then disc golf might be just the thing. Rochester Disc Club Golf President Thomas Mulligan said that disc golf is a very visual game. "The sport is similar to traditional 'ball' golf except players use specially made plastic flying discs (similar to Frisbees) instead of balls and clubs." Mulligan explained the discs are thrown at an above ground target instead of a hole in the ground. And there are different types of discs used for different purposes, much like ball golfers use different clubs. The object of the game, Mulligan said, is to throw a golf disc into the target -- usually a steel basket over which chains hang -- in the fewest number of throws. The player begins by "driving" from a designated tee area and continues toward the target, throwing each consecutive shot from the sport where the previous throw has landed. Finally, a successful "putt" sends the disc into the target. "The most satisfying sound a disc golfer can hear is the 'ching' of a disc crashing into the chains before dropping into the basket," he said. Mulligan said disc golf is a great sport for players of all ages. "You can enjoy playing it the first time out," he said. "Disc golf is easy to learn but is still challenging to master." Disc golf offers many of the same pleasures as ball golf: fresh air in a beautifully landscaped area, the camaraderie of friends and the challenge and excitement of harnessing personal skill and speed to send an object toward a target. Perhaps the best part of the sport is that it's inexpensive. Mulligan said the only equipment that's needed is a flying disc which retails between $7 and $15 and because most disc golf courses are located in municipal parks there is no admission fee. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, three to five million people have played disc golf and there are more than 1,000 disc golf courses worldwide. Mulligan said that most experienced players are happy to show new players how the sport is played. "The sport is generally free and one of the best parts is that there are no tee times," he said. History of Rochester Disc Golf Club The Club was started in 1994. To raise money to maintain the course, increase membership and promote the sport, the club holds tournaments at the five area Rochester courses. The peak disc golf season runs from May through October with special events for "hard core" players taking place in November and January Mulligan said. For information about the Rochester Disc Golf Club visit the website: www.discgolfrochester.com. Further information about disc golf can be found at: www.pdga.com, www.disclife.com and www.discgolf.com. Courses are located at: •Ellison Park - Course starts near restrooms adjacent to the parking lot at the bottom of hill on Landing Road; •Chili - Baker Property, 400 Scottsville Chili Road (Rte 386); •Basil Marella Park in Greece - Course starts at kiosk at the end of the Fetzner Road entrance to the parking lot; •Churchville Park - north of Churchville, look for kiosk at the large parking lot on the right after bridge over Black Creek; and the newest course •Parma - 550 Peck Road, off the VFW parking lot. |
