When did disc golf start?
Modern day disc golf started in the late 60’s. The early frisbee golf courses were “object courses”, using anything from trees, trash cans, light poles, chicken wire baskets, pipes to fire hydrants as targets.
What is the minimum age to play disc golf?
Required division for male amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 935. Tournament experienced players who have played disc golf for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 300-450 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots in their arsenal.
Is disc golf an amateur or professional sport?
The majority of these players participate at the amateur and recreational level. The Professional Disc Golf Association is the governing body of disc golf and oversees both amateur events and a professional tour that sustains a growing field of full-time players.
Who is the father of disc golf?
“Disc Golf” as it is known today began with “Steady” Ed Headrick, the father of disc golf, modern day disc sports and the driving force responsible for the modern era of Frisbee sports.
When did disc golf become popular?
From its humble beginnings as an informal, creative playground game, disc golf became popular in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Over time, the rules, techniques, discs, professional associations, and courses evolved to formulate the game we know and love today.
Who invented disc golf?
Ed HeadrickDisc golf / CreatorEd Headrick, also known as “Steady” Ed Headrick, (June 28, 1924 – August 12, 2002) was an American toy inventor. Headrick served in combat in the Army in WWII and was a deep-sea welder. He is most well-known as the father of both the modern-day Frisbee and of the sport and game of disc golf.
What was the first disc?
The first was the plastic Frisbee that he developed in 1966 while working at the Wham-O toy company. And yes, the name is a nod to the old Frisbie pie tins that are credited for starting the flying disc craze almost 100 years earlier.
When was the first official disc golf event?
1969 The first official disc golf tournament was held at Brookside Park in Pasadena, California. The goals were natural objects marked with a ribbon. Later, George Sappenfield organized several Frisbee golf events in Southern California. Disc enthusiasts introduce the concept of disc golf to other parts of the country.
Who is the oldest disc golf?
Don ShinnDon Shinn, 96, is the oldest person to compete in a Professional Disc Golf Association event. Shinn, from Santa Maria, shot a 64 in the first round of the Santa Maria Showdown at Waller Park on Saturday.
Is disc golf a real sport?
Disc golf (also known as Frisbee golf, or frolf) is an emerging sport that is played much like traditional golf, but rather than using a ball and club, players use flying discs. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and has continued to grow at a rapid pace.
Who invented golf?
Charles Blair MacDonald, who attended St. Andrews University and learned the game at the St. Andrews Golf Links, is considered the father of American golf course architects. In 1893, MacDonald built the Chicago Golf Club, which was the country's first 18-hole course.
What country invented golf?
Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club.
Where is disc golf most popular?
Where Is Disc Golf Most Popular in the U.S.?RankStateTotal Disc Golf Rounds in UDisc (2021)1Maine169,8622Minnesota458,9883Vermont51,5754New Hampshire110,92046 more rows•Jan 26, 2022
Why is disc golf called disc?
Headrick coined and trademarked the term “Disc Golf” after inventing and patenting the original Disc Pole Hole. Headrick had originally wanted to call his invention a Frisbee Pole Hole but ran into issues over the Frisbee trademarked belonging to Wham-O where he had served as Vice President.
What was disc golf called?
Street Frisbee GolfDonnelly began playing a form of Frisbee golf in 1959 called Street Frisbee Golf. In 1961, while a recreation leader and then recreation supervisor for the City of Newport Beach, California, he formulated and then began organizing Frisbee golf tournaments at nine of the city's playgrounds he supervised.
What is the golden rule of disc golf?
Basically, the Golden Rule of Disc Golf is to have respect and manners while you're on the course and interacting with other players. Not only is it about treating other players how you'd like to be treated, but it's also about respecting their property, the course, and the game as a whole.
Who invented golf?
Charles Blair MacDonald, who attended St. Andrews University and learned the game at the St. Andrews Golf Links, is considered the father of American golf course architects. In 1893, MacDonald built the Chicago Golf Club, which was the country's first 18-hole course.
Why is it called disc golf and not Frisbee golf?
Headrick coined and trademarked the term “Disc Golf” after inventing and patenting the original Disc Pole Hole. Headrick had originally wanted to call his invention a Frisbee Pole Hole but ran into issues over the Frisbee trademarked belonging to Wham-O where he had served as Vice President.
What country invented golf?
Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club.
When was disc golf established?
Disc Golf Association, (DGA) was established in 1976 by Ed Headrick to form a new international sport and to promote the installation and use of disc golf courses around the world.
When was disc golf invented?
The first formal disc golf course was built in Oak Grove Park, (Pasadena, California), by Headrick in 1975 and was an instant success.By the time of his death, Ed has designed over 200 courses.
What was the first disc golf game?
Since that time disc golf evolved from man’s natural competitive nature. Early games used targets of trees, trash cans, light poles, chicken wire baskets, pipes, and coeds. The game was formalized when Headrick invented the first Disc Pole Hole catching device, consisting of 10 chains hanging in a parabolic shape over an upward opening basket, US Patent 4,039,189, issued 1975.
What is disc hole?
The Disc Pole Hole™ became the equivalent to ball golf’s “hole” and was installed in the first standardized target course (what was then known as Oak Grove Park Pasadena, California).
When was the Friz pole hole installed?
Ed and Ken Headrick with their Friz Pole Hole installed in Oak Grove Park March 19, 1976. In 1976 Ed replaced his Pole Holes which were just poles cemented into the ground with the first DGA Disc Pole Hole that where the first disc golf targets to use chains to stop a disc.
When was the Frisbee invented?
Then came the ancient word “scaling” (to throw a thin flat object so that its edge cuts through the air). Pie pans, film can lids and toy flying saucers were the recent predecessors of the modern Frisbee which was invented in 1964 by Ed Headrick, US Patent 3,359,678. He also formed the International Frisbee Association which had over 112,000 members by 1972.
Who is the father of disc golf?
Disc Golf History. “Disc Golf” as it is known today began with “Steady” Ed Headrick, the father of disc golf, modern day disc sports and the driving force responsible for the modern era of Frisbee sports. Disc Golf Association, (DGA) was established in 1976 by Ed Headrick to form a new international sport and to promote the installation and use ...
When was disc golf invented?
In the years leading up to DGA’s founding in 1976, the sport was already moving quickly. In 1975, “Steady” Ed installed the first official disc golf course at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, with the targets being nothing more than permanent poles placed into the ground for targets. Disc Golf Pole Holes would later replace the poles in the ground in 1976, causing a massive increase in disc golf traffic on the property.
When did disc golf become an organized sport?
The combination of Donnelly’s — and especially Sappenfield's — early promotion of Frisbee golf was an important factor that led to the emergence of disc golf as an organized sport in 1974. Unfortunately, that was the last significant mention of Frisbee golf by Wham-O for over seven years.
What is PDGA in disc golf?
The PDGA was a players organization in which local clubs provided a feeder program of new players and money to build new courses for this new sport of disc golf. It was all brand new, and nobody—probably not even Ed—knew exactly where it was going but the PDGA generated a steady source of income and gave Ed a way to pay for mailing newsletters and other costs of running a growing organization.
What year did the Datsun B210 win the American Flying Disc Open?
They called the event the American Flying Disc Open (AFDO), and to attract the attention of the Frisbee community, they put up a brand new 1974 Datsun B210 to be awarded to the winner. Jim Palmeri #23 (left) handing Dan "Stork" Roddick #003 (right) the keys to his prize for winning the 1974 American Flying Disc Open.
How many disc golf events were sanctioned in 2015?
2015 ended with a total of 2,590 events, including seven that were on the PDGA National Tour, 12 PDGA Majors, and 100+ A-Tiers. As with every year, we are on pace to easily surpass that number, with 3,000+ events already sanctioned for 2016.
What year was the Eagle disc made?
Coincidentally, 1983 was also the year a new disc company called Champion Discs (now known as Innova) debuted with its new proto Aero, then called the Eagle. The Eagle, designed by another future DGHOF member Dave Dunipace #987, represented a quantum leap in technology and instantly became the hot new driver that everyone was throwing.
When did Wham-O sell Frisbee?
Sappenfield went on to work full time for Wham-O until the company was sold in 1985. The combination of Donnelly’s — and especially Sappenfield's — early promotion of Frisbee golf was an important factor that led to the emergence of disc golf as an organized sport in 1974.
When was disc golf invented?
People have been playing catch and throwing flying discs around since the days of the old Frisbie Pie tins in the late 1800s. Somewhere along the way, someone must have developed the concept of disc golf and thought about throwing the disc at a specific target and counting how many throws it would take to get from point A to point B.
Who was the first person to play disc golf?
Though nobody will ever know the first person to play the game of disc golf, the history of our sport is very rich and interesting. DGU is proud to be associated with Innova and to have made our own contributions to the history—and future—of disc golf with the development of events and initiatives like the USDGC, College Disc Golf, U.S. Women’s Disc Golf Championship and ThrowPink.
What was the first disc golf event?
He created the 1974 City of Rochester Disc Golf Championship, which was the first national disc golf event recognized by the International Frisbee Association (IFA). It was then that people realized how the popularity of disc golf was growing nationwide.
What was the first invention of the Frisbee?
He patented many key inventions. The first was the plastic Frisbee that he developed in 1966 while working at the Wham-O toy company. And yes, the name is a nod to the old Frisbie pie tins that are credited for starting the flying disc craze almost 100 years earlier.
When did disc golf become an organized sport?
In the 1970s , disc golf was becoming more recognized as an organized sport. Across the country, Jim Palmeri was also growing the game in Rochester, New York. He began organizing competitive disc golf clubs and tournaments.
When was the first disc golf course built?
1975 was also the year that the first official (and permanent) disc golf course—Oak Grove Park Disc Golf Course—was installed in Pasadena, California. At that time, the targets were nothing more than permanent poles placed into the ground as targets. Baskets were brought in the following year, and one of the original pole hole baskets still sits on the course today to remind everyone of its history.
Who were the two people who played Frisbee golf?
Two other important figures in disc golf history are George Sappenfield and Kevin Donnelly. They both worked as a recreation counselor at Fresno State University. They both had separate—but similar ideas—of playing golf using Frisbees. They got together and shared their ideas. George eventually reached out to Wham-O in 1968 to support a Frisbee golf tournament in Thousand Oaks, California.
When was disc golf invented?
Disc Golf is First Played in 1926. According to The Complete Book of Frisbee, disc golf’s earliest recorded history was in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1926. Ronald Gibson and a group of his Bladworth Elementary School buddies played a game of throwing tin lids into 4 foot wide circles drawn into sandy patches on their school grounds.
Who invented disc golf?
Jim Kenner (Discraft founder) and Ken Westerfield, even before the idea of disc golf played some random object hole Frisbee golf in Michigan parks. After moving to Canada in 1970, they developed and played on an object disc golf course they designed in Queen’s Park, Toronto. During this period, Ken and Jim would add disc golf events to the other events at their Canadian Open Frisbee Championships in Toronto and Vancouver, BC.
What was the first city in the world to hold a disc golf championship?
1972–Rochester, New York becomes the first municipality in the world to hold an Annual City Disc Golf Championship. 1974–Dan Roddick wins a brand new 1974 Datsun B-210 at the disc golf portion of the American Flying Disc Open in Rochester.
How many qualifying events were there for the disc golf tournament?
The tournament was groundbreaking because of the cash involved, its massive payout right in the title, but also because the competitors had to qualify for an invitation. 72 qualifying events were established around the country, bringing in the best disc golfers from across the United States.
When did Wham-O start playing frisbee golf?
In 1961, while a recreation leader and then recreation supervisor for the City of Newport Beach, California, he formulated and then began organizing Frisbee golf tournaments for children at nine of the city’s playgrounds he supervised. This culminated in 1965 with a fully documented, Wham-O sponsored, citywide Frisbee golf tournament.
Where was the first disc golf course built?
Headrick designed and installed the first standardized target course in what was then known as Oak Grove Park in La Cañada Flintridge, California. (Today the park is known as Hahamongna Watershed Park). Ed founded “The International Frisbee Association (IFA)”. Headrick coined and trademarked the term “Disc Golf” when formalizing ...
When did disc golf start in Canada?
In Canada, national disc golf competitions began with object courses in the mid-1970s at the Canadian Open Frisbee Championships in Toronto and Vancouver. In 1980, the first 18 Disc Pole Hole course in Canada is installed on Toronto Islands. (See: History of Disc Golf in Canada ).
What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).
How popular is disc golf?
Choosing the right disc for a child or beginner makes a big difference in their success and their first impression of disc golf. Disc golf has steadily increased in membership popularity by 15 percent over the last seven years. The game of disc golf has a 72 percent course growth rate, and tournament play has increased by 90 percent. These stats translate to an all-time high for disc selection and courses to play. There is a wide variety of disc manufacturers and no one brand stands above the other when it comes to junior specific discs. Manufacturers provide a variety of styles and weights to allow the player to experiment within their own game.
What is the difference between a golf disc and a Frisbee?
When compared to a Frisbee, a golf disc travels faster and farther which may make it more difficult to control.
How many discs are needed for disc golf?
The beauty of disc golf is that it only takes one disc to play. One disc is recommended in the classroom when first introducing disc golf. It makes it easy to teach and for the group or individual to learn. Implementing different discs too soon will work against the group, individual, and instructor.
How many people play disc golf?
The PDGA annually presents four separate world championship: Professional, Professional Masters, Amateur and Juniors. It is been estimated that 8 to 12 million Americans have played disc golf and that over half a million play regularly. The majority of these players participate at the amateur and recreational level.
Why is disc golf so easy?
One disc allows the new player to focus on throwing technique, disc angles, and repetition which accelerates the learning curve. One disc is also easier for kids to keep track of when playing a course or in the classroom. Equipment responsibility is part of the game.
What are the different types of disc golf discs?
Many disc manufacturers offer a starter pack, which usually consists of one each of the three primary types of disc golf discs: a putter, mid-range, and high-speed driver.
Why PDGA Members Should Be Interested?
A list of reasons why adding more seniors to the sport will enhance your experience, provide additional dollars and labor for new courses, provide additional attention to the sport, etc.
Can seniors play disc golf?
Again, working with seniors requires special consideration of their ages and abilities. We all will have different ideas about how to go about teaching seniors to play disc golf. It is important to realize that they may not be interested in competition and working as hard as it is needed to win. A younger person must use teaching techniques that do not require the strength of a young person or the same goals of a younger competitive player. Demonstrations and lessons must be tailored to what is available and appropriate for the students
When Should You Retire Your Old Disc Golf Disc?
Before discussing what to do with them, let’s first discuss when you should retire your old disc golf disc.
Can You Repair An Old Disc Golf Disc?
In general, yes, you can. Some players choose to repair their old and worn-out discs so that they can get more use out of them instead of immediately retiring them.
Recycling Old Disc Golf Discs
When you decide to retire your old disc golf discs, aside from having them repaired or adding them to your collection, you can also choose to recycle them and use the plastic to create new ones.
The Advantages and Challenges of Recycled Disc Golf Discs
Overall, if you don’t want to repair or store your old disc golf discs, recycling them can be an excellent and more sustainable alternative.
Final Thoughts
Overall, most disc golf discs are designed to last as long as possible, but this doesn’t mean they can be used forever. After all, constantly using them can lead to more wear and tear, especially if you play every day.
DX Cheetah, Vintage Assorted
Just because Tom Brady ignores the rules sometimes doesn’t make him a Cheetah.
Shadow B. Jones DVPRGoob 96
Scuffy, scratched, nicked, grimey, dirty, sun faded, used condition, inked.
Unknown Innova DVPRGoob
Ontario embossed. Feels like DX. Beaded, narrow, concave rim. 8.25″ diameter. Scuffy, scratched, nicked, grimey.
What is advanced disc golf?
Advanced - the top amateur division, available to all amateur players. Required division for male amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 935. Tournament experienced players who have played disc golf for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 300-450 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots in their arsenal.
How does disc golf improve?
As players become more proficient at the different disc golf skills, including putting, driving, approaching, and learn other shots such as rollers, overhands, and forehands, their scores will improve. As their scores improve, their rating will increase, moving them up through the Amateur levels.
What is PDGA Tour Player?
The PDGA Tour Player system is based on Professional, Amateur, and Junior Divisions with both Mixed divisions (Male & Female) and female-only divisions. Professionals compete for money, Amateurs and Juniors for trophies and prizes.
How many feet does a women's golfer throw?
Ratings Guideline: 925+. An average Open Women's player will have played several years, throws 250-325 feet, make 5-6/10 putts from 25-30 feet.
How many feet does a world class golfer drive?
A world class Open player has many years of tournament experience, drives at least 350 feet, makes 7-9/10 putts from 25-30 feet, rarely makes a mistake, and has a shot for every situation. Ratings Guideline: 1000+
What is the advanced women's golf division?
Advanced Women - the top women’s amateur division, available to all female amateur players. Required division for female amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 825. Upcoming players who have played 2-3 years and are gaining consistency and experience. Throw 200-300 feet, make 4-6/10 putts from 25-30 feet, developing different shots.
What is the age limit for amateur masters?
Amateur Master 40+ – available to players who will be 40 years of age or older during the current year. Seasoned tournament players who have competed for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 250-350 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots to choose from.
Overview
Disc golf, more commonly known as Frisbee Golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. Most disc golf discs are made out of polypropylene plastic, otherwise known as polypropene, which is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in a wide variety of applications. Discs are also made using a variety of other plastic types that ar…
Origin and early history
Disc golf was first invented in the early 1900s. The first game was held in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1927. Ronald Franklin Gibson and a group of his Bladworth Elementary School buddies played a game of throwing tin lids into 4-foot wide circles drawn into sandy patches on their school grounds. They called the game Tin Lid Golf and played on a fairly regular basis. However, after they grew older and went their separate ways, the game came to an end. I…
Disc golf courses
Most disc golf courses have 9 or 18 holes, and exceptions most often have holes in multiples of three. Courses with 6, 12, 21, 24 or 27 holes are not uncommon. The PDGA recommends that courses average 200–400 ft (61–122 m) per hole, with holes no shorter than 100 ft (30 m). The longest holes in the world measure more than 1,500 ft (460 m) long. Course designers use trees, b…
Gameplay
The sport of disc golf is set up similar to a game of golf. A "round" is played on a disc golf course consisting of a number of "holes", usually 9 or 18. Each hole includes a tee position for starting play and a disc golf target some distance away, often with obstacles such as trees, hills or bodies of water in between. Players begin by throwing a disc from the tee, without crossing over the front …
Disc types
Disc golf discs are smaller than Ultimate flying discs or general-purpose recreational frisbees. They typically measure 21–22 cm (8.3–8.7 in) in diameter and weigh 130–180 g (4.6–6.3 oz). All PDGA-approved discs measure 21–30 cm (8.3–11.8 in) in diameter and weigh no more than 200 g (7.1 oz). Discs used for disc golf are designed and shaped for control, speed, and accuracy, while g…
Throwing styles
While there are many different grips and styles to throwing the disc, there are two basic throwing techniques: backhand and forehand (or sidearm). These techniques vary in effectiveness under different circumstances. Their understanding and mastery can greatly improve a player's game, and offer diverse options in maneuvering the disc to the basket with greater efficacy. Many players use what is referred to as a run-up during their drive. This is practiced to build more forw…
Scoring
Stroke play is the most common scoring method used in the sport but there are many other forms. These include match play, skins, speed golf and captain's choice, which in disc golf is referred to as "doubles" (not to be confused with partner or team play).
Regardless of which form of play the participants choose, the main objectives of disc golf are conceptually the same as traditional golf in the sense that players follow the same scorekeepin…
Tournaments
Tournaments are held nationwide and year long in the United States. Sanctioned Tournament play is communicated through the Professional Disc Golf Association Membership. The PDGA provides international, professional, and amateur disc golf tournaments as well as communicates event results, opinions and other information beneficial to the sport via electronic and printed media. I…
“Steady” Ed—The Father of Disc Golf
Competitive Disc Golf Origins
- Two other important figures in disc golf history are George Sappenfield and Kevin Donnelly. They both worked as a recreation counselor at Fresno State University. They both had separate—but similar ideas—of playing golf using Frisbees. They got together and shared their ideas. George eventually reached out to Wham-O in 1968 to support a Frisbee golf tournament in Thousand Oa…
The First Disc Golf Course
- 1975 was also the year that the first official (and permanent) disc golf course—Oak Grove Park Disc Golf Course—was installed in Pasadena, California. At that time, the targets were nothing more than permanent poles placed into the ground as targets. Baskets were brought in the following year, and one of the original pole hole baskets still sits on...
The Birth of The PDGA
- This ultimately led to Ed founding the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), as well. Membership quickly grew as the PDGA would become the governing entity driving the official rules and tournament sanctioning for disc golf. PDGA player ratings were not implemented until 1998, but that was another game-changing move by the organization. You can read a more in-de…
Dave Dunipace—The Innovator
- There are many other influential disc golfers who helped shape the history of disc golf (too many to mention here), but another worth mentioning is Dave Dunipace. He is the founder of Innova Disc Golfand the inventor of what we now know as disc golf discs. Up until the 1980s, players had a very limited selection of Frisbees and flying discs created by Wham-O and DGA. They were all …