Have you heard of disc golf? If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and get outdoors this fall, then why not give it a try? Disc golf is an intergenerational sport where participants try to throw special flying discs or Frisbees into an above-ground target. The sport is based on the rules of golf, but instead of swinging a club to hit a ball, players throw a disc from a tee. The goal—reaching the target basket in as few throws as possible—is the same.
Many factors contribute to making disc golf one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Over the last seven years, the number of courses found in the Maritime provinces has grown to 21. Disc golf is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The sport incorporates the ABCs of movement, with a nice mix of agility, coordination, and balance needed by participants as they move through the course.
An activity for staying active outdoors
Disc golf courses are usually anywhere from three to nine kilometres in length. This gives players a fun way to connect with nature and stay physically active by achieving between 2,000 and 5,000 steps per round. The sport can be enjoyed in many types of weather conditions including the snow, making it a great activity to be played year-round.
Most disc golf courses are also free to play, making the sport accessible and a great social experience where groups of people regardless of skill level can get together for a round. If you can throw a disc, you can play the game.
Where to play locally
Disc golf in the CBRM has been steadily growing since the implementation of our first nine-hole course in Rotary Park in 2017. Since that time, the municipality has put a second nine-hole course in New Waterford in the historic Colliery Lands park. Both courses are free for the public to play, with each being on bus routes.
Discs are available for loan from CBRM Recreation at no cost. The courses stay busy with community groups, school groups, seniors and women’s nights, and Special Olympic athletes all taking advantage of the community space.
If you’re interested in trying disc golf or want to learn more about the sport in CBRM, you can contact the Recreation Department.