Disc Golf: On the Rise
For nearly 100 years, disc golf has been an iconic sport featuring a wide expanse of nature, a trusty piece of flying plastic, and a host of devoted players. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the sport has grown faster than ever as more courses are being built around the community. Popular courses can be found in Bridgman at Lake Township Park (LTP), River Park in Benton Harbor, Andrews University in Berrien County, Flaherty in Watervliet, and several more scattered around the Benton Harbor/St. Joe area.
Getting discs, finding a course, learning how to play: these look like daunting tasks that can turn away many would-be players, but getting out on the course is much easier than it might seem. All an interested player needs is a disc--there are three type: distance driver, fairway driver (mid-distance), and putter. While any one will do to get started, putters are a favorite among beginners because of their stable flight and reliable distance. Furthermore, any of the aforementioned courses are completely viable to learn the sport, though the smaller ones are more beginner friendly than others--Flaherty, a 9-hole course, is a great example.
Another reason disc golf has grown in popularity these past few years is the nature component: it’s a fantastic way to get fresh air as well as some exercise. As spring takes its hold in St. Joe, it’s the perfect time to pick up a disc and check out a course--there are a few disc golf leagues always accepting new members.
Mr. Charles Raiff, the president of Sand Ridge Disc Golf Club, runs a leadership committee that aims to navigate and grow the club. He also runs several locally held tournaments and enjoys playing both casually and competitively.
“[Disc golf] allows me to get out in nature, get moving, and enjoy myself. I like to travel around and see little towns in the area that I wouldn’t go to otherwise, and I get to make friends. I’ve made some really good friends in the disc golf community and everybody gets along well--they’re great people,” Mr. Raiff said. For highschoolers interested in learning the game, Mr. Raiff provides his insights.
“Watch a 3-minute youtube video on the basic rules; grab a couple used discs--or some brand new discs--go out with a few friends, and just try it. Know that the first six holes, as you play, everybody’s going to suck. But by the end of the first round, you’ll have it figured out and you’ll want to try it again,” he assured. Furthermore, in addition to being a physical activity based in the heart of forests and along rolling hills, the mental health benefits are undeniable as well.
“You’ve got time to clear your head, and 80% of golf is a mental game, so you strengthen your mind and your self perspective while you’re playing. And you get to go out, meet your friends, and relieve stress,” Mr. Raiff noted.
In addition, while it’s still on the come-up, disc golf has grown so much that many colleges and universities are beginning to recognize it as a full-fledged collegiate sport.
“College teams… are recruiting specifically for disc golf. There are colleges that have hired professional disc golfers to help coach kids, and there’s even a college master-tournament every year,” Mr. Raiff stated. “It’s one thing that can help people get into college and a fun thing to do while you’re there. The amount of young kids, even highschoolers, that have pushed this game and elevated it--the moment they get done with high school, they’ve gone pro… I highly recommend that if it’s anything you want to look at playing, just start. Go out and have some fun!”