FORE! Disc golf on the rise

Local residents, students pick up frolfing, enjoy laid back attitude, atmosphere, nice weather, good scenery in local Corvallis parks

By: Terry Horstman

Posted: 5/14/08

Willamette Park Disc Golf Course is hidden in a large forest inside Willamette Park in south Corvallis. Regardless of skill level, disc golf is a great way to spend a rare sunny, spring afternoon in Corvallis. "Just grab a [drink], grab a disc and you have a full three hours of enjoyment," said Kevin Doane, a sophomore disc golfer at Oregon State.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, disc golf is a simple game. All players have to do is pick up a plastic disc and try to throw it into a metal basket that is about 300 yards away on average. As in regular golf, the lower your score, the better. But unlike regular golf, disc golf enjoys a more laid back and fun-loving nature more suitable for beginners.

"Watching the disc just flying around the trees is really relaxing," said Colin Carter a junior at Oregon State and disc golf enthusiast.

Carter is just one enthusiast of many as disc golf is becoming more popular throughout the country and becoming especially popular with college students.

A disc generally costs about $7-$12. After paying that small fee, you can enjoy the world of disc golf for the rest of your life. "It's basically free after you find a disc to play with," said Ben Waters, a sophomore at Oregon State. "It's also pretty relaxed and everyone out there is really friendly."

In addition to Willamette Park, disc golf is also available at Adair Park located in north Corvallis. Adair Park is less challenging, with shorter holes, and is known as a great course for learning how to play disc golf.

Willamette may be a more scenic course; however, its humongous trees make it a very challenging yet fun experience. Despite the difficulty of the course, the hardest thing to do while disc golfing is to not have fun.

"It's a sport that you don't have to be the supreme athlete to play; any average Joe can do it," said Doane.

It appears that most average Joes are doing it as both Willamette and Adair Parks are filled with avid "frolfers" on the few bright and sunny days Oregon has seen so far this spring.

However, there's good news for all current and potential frolfers - the forecast for the upcoming week is predicting a lot of sun, a lot of heat and virtually no rain. Sounds like disc golf weather to enthusiasts.

"The best time is during those summer days," said Waters. "It's a great way to get exercise and meet new people."

"And to get that tan for the summer!" said Doane.

Terry Horstman, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com