Walking through various parks, one may notice strange “basket” objects draped with chains, and might wonder if they are some sort of enlarged sprinkler.

But any disc golfer can tell you otherwise.

“Those would be the targets or ‘holes,’” said Roland Van Bibber, a veteran of disc golf playing professionally for 20 years. “You try to get your disc in the basket in the fewest throws.”

Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, is played a lot like traditional golf, except one has a disc instead of a ball and clubs. Each throw is counted as a stroke, and the next throw is taken from where the disc lands; the fewest strokes wins, just like in golf.

The sport has been around since the 1970s and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) supports about 30,000 members worldwide.

Disc golf is a much more affordable alternative to traditional golf. The equipment is very inexpensive and locations are more abundant since disc golf can really be played at any park, even if it doesn’t have a disc golf course.

Players can still create their own targets.

A disc could cost as little as $10, while traditional golf clubs could cost hundreds of dollars. The same money that could be spent on a single set of clubs could fully fund several years of playing disc golf. Plus, there is rarely a greens fee, and a game can be played from one to two hours alone, or with others at any time. In traditional golf, one would have to schedule a tee time, and may get stuck with a bad one.

The game can be played any time during the year, rain or snow only adding extra diversity to the sport.

Disc golf can even be played at night with a glow-in-the-dark disc and glow sticks around the target.

“It’s good excercise and it’s something that the entire family can participate in, no matter what skill level,” said Van Bibber.

It takes a certain skill to be able to throw the disc through obstacles such as trees, brushes, and any other natural object.

Most disc golf courses are Par 3, that means that it should take three throws to complete the course.

A “putt” is any throw within 10 meters of the target and can be just as difficult as a traditional golf putt.

Disc golf shares the same attributes of regular golf, avoiding obstacles, concentrating on throws and the pleasure of hitting a long putt.

Serious players can compete in organized tournaments set up by the PDGA. It requires membership which a year-long professional membership costs $55, a year-long amateur costs $40, and a year-long junior (amateur under 19) costs $25 and there is discounts for families signing up. Members will earn player ratings and points for their finish and scores at PDGA Tour events. The PDGA player points are used in deciding invitations for the World Championships. Cash prizes for top players in tournaments can reach $300.

Van Bibber has competed in the Pro Master division in seven competitions this year placing first in the Full Sails Whistling Discs Tournament June 11-12, and also placed first in Shale City Open June 18-19.

Disc golf is a great way to get outside and can become a lifetime sport no matter what the age, sex, or experience.

The closest park to play from MHCC would be Dabney State Park in Troutdale. It has 18 holes and was established for disc golf in 1998. A day use pass costs $3, or a season pass that gains access to all parks is about $25-40. Most parks are free to the public.

To get involved on campus, there will be the first ever Frisbee club, and although the focus isn’t on disc golf, it would still be good opportunity to get experience in Frisbee throwing techniques. They will meet Oct. 25 in Room 2399 at 1:30 p.m. and in Room 2556 at 4 p.m.