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Sophomore's Kenny Russell (left) and Ryan Newman play disc golf at Vance Park in Rockwood.
Disc golf is not your grandfather's sport
If you were to make a long list of sports, whether professional or recreational, there would be a good chance that disc golf may never appear. In fact, you may have to reference a Wikipedia page before you discover that disc golf is a sport that has been around almost 50 years, has a following worldwide and has its own professional association.
Disc golf is a sport that has very similar rules as the traditional golf; a regular course size is 18 "holes" although every hole is a par three. Instead of a golf ball, of course, you have a Frisbee-like plastic disc, and a metal basket with chains instead of a hole. The object of the game is to play a course from beginning to end making the least amount of throws of the disc.
Unlike golf, disc golf is not considered to be your grandfather's sport, which is part of why Mt. Hood students Ryan Newman and Kenny Russell enjoy it so much. The disc golf enthusiasts have more than 13 years playing experience between them and like to emphasize the distinction between golf and disc golf. "It's not Frisbee golf. Calling it that is like calling a tissue a golf ball. It's disc golf," said Newman.
For Russell, the difference is an obvious one. "Golf's an old man's sport for rich people. Disc golf has such a diverse community of people that play. That's why I love it." Another reason is that 87 percent of disc golf courses are free, and even though it is usually played in singles, you can play in teams of two or more. The age range of players is widespread, from 5 up to 60 and beyond. The sport continues to spread in popularity and is known as a sport anyone can play. "Anyone can play — girl, guy, young, old, it doesn't matter. It's not a really physical sport, it's fun for anybody," said Newman.
What makes this sport so enjoyable for these two students, who on average play three or four times a week in the summer when not in school, is the unconventional courses.
A course can range in size from a smaller nine-hole course to the standard 18.
Some disc golf holes may also have as "mandatories," also commonly called "mandos." These are obstacles that a disc must get by or pass.
"There are trees, obstacles, different distance of the holes. The more different and open the field or course is, the more interesting it is to play," said Russell.
There is no disc golf team at MHCC but Newman and Russell, who have been close friends for five years and work together (Wall Street), think that's primarily because it doesn't get the exposure it deserves.
"Not a lot of people have heard of it, but there's a PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) and it's played in the world games. There are people who are really good at it, like any professional sport," said Newman.
Disc golf may continue to fly under the radar when compared to other professional sports, but for now it will remain a fun, carefree game at the disposal of anyone who wants to play.
"I saw a 5-year-old playing once. He was better than me. It was very impressive," said Russell.
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