A few years ago, our friends Greg and Jen came to visit. They brought their dog, Sparky. So we had four adults, two kids, and two dogs. I should mention that Greg and Jen also rode their bikes to our house once. From Seattle.
These were very active people. Even their dog was kind of making our dog tired. There was just too much energy in our tiny house, so we followed Greg to a park near our house. He had noticed a disc golf course when they drove by.
We snickered a little. “Like, frisbee golf? Dude! Should we try and find our old Phish T-shirts?” Energetic Greg slowed down, just long enough to let us know that hippie attire was not necessary, and only dorks call it frisbee golf.
Gotcha.
He put a frisbee disc in my hand, and showed me where the first hole was. To everyone’s surprise – including mine – I nailed it. I am horribly, horribly un-athletic. It was weird. I just looked at where I wanted it to go, tossed it, and there it went. Needless to say, any sport for which I have a natural aptitude immediately hooks me. Thus began my disc golf career.
I cashed in some Amazon gift cards I had been saving for – something, I can’t remember what now because what was more important than getting a driver of my very own? I ordered several, and when it starts getting warm I have to resist the urge to add more to my collection. These discs do not mingle with the lowly frisbees, lest they accidentally be flung into a neighbor’s yard or left out in the rain.
It’s the ultimate family sport, really. You are in a park. You are walking around. Your dog can come along. If your dog is awesome, they can even play. My dog is not awesome, so she just hangs out and smells stuff, but that’s OK too. It’s inexpensive, and if I can get a disc to go where I want it to – you can too.
In Grand Rapids, we have quite a few courses to choose from. Garfield Park is within walking distance to our house, so that’s where we typically go. According to Rapid Growth, the other parks with courses are:
- Riverside Park
- Earl W. Brewer Park
- Johnson Park
- Cascade Township Park
- Jaycee Park
- Old Farm Park
- Fallasburg Park
Have you ever played? It’s just one more way to get out and have fun this summer!
I’m sorry what? WHAT??
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Big Binder Reply:
June 16th, 2010 at 10:47 am
It’s fun! We’ll go after I teach you how to can jam
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There’s a course at Lamar Park in Wyoming too – I saw some people playing when we were over there a couple of weeks ago. I’ve never played, but I am rather proud of myself for at least recognizing a course when I see it.
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It is a cool sport, my husband is addicted! He often takes our kids(3) and I like to go sometimes as well. The disc’ are on average $10-15 and you need 3 (driver-mid range-putter) but after that it’s FREE!!
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