“Safari” is the term used to describe a customized, non-standard disc golf layout. So instead of playing the same two or three courses you always do, to mix things up a bit, alter the teepads and pins to create a new, never-before-thrown layout – and on the same piece of property, incredibly.
If you’ve never done this before, give it a whirl …
It’s fun.
Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Avoid heavy foot traffic
This is big.
During normal rounds, you want to avoid crowds. During safari rounds, the same logic applies, as you’ll be doing things different. Obviously, if the course is packed, it’s harder to do that.
Here’s what I’ve experienced:
- Early-morning rounds are great for avoiding the masses.
- Conversely, late-night, glow rounds are often light on people.
- Mildly inclement weather scares people away: rain, cold, wind, etc.
The fewer people, the better.
None is best.
2. Use teepads as a starting point
Don’t listen to arm-chair course designers …
Installing a quality track is hard.
Should you find yourself stuck, start with teepads.
And I mean that quite literally: Start with the teepads the parks department installed for the course. Then, look around and see which alternative baskets might make for fun, new holes.
If you still can’t imagine anything worthwhile, look for surfaces that could double as a teepad of sorts: pavilions, parking lots, walking paths, playground pits – even the road, assuming traffic is light in the area. This’ll improve the experience, but it’ll also make holes easier to remember.
3. Stick with pitch-and-putt courses
It’s easier to do this with pitch-and-putt courses.
Less is (often) more – this is one of those times.
Besides, these are the kinds of courses that frequently need some “spice” added to ‘em.
Arguably, the best short, nine-hole course in Utah Valley is situated right across the street from my house. I’ve played it umpteen-million times with nothing more than a putter and midrange.
Using the tried-and-true safari layout I’ve developed over the years, however, nine holes have become 18 holes that feature multiple par fours and fives, requiring EVERY disc in my bag.
Be jealous.
4. Plan layouts during normal rounds
Don’t go crazy with this or anything …
First and foremost, enjoy your round – duh.
But the next time you throw a course you’d like to give the “safari” treatment later on, pay attention to your surroundings. And I’m not just talking about the obvious stuff: trees, benches, parked cars, water hazards, pedestrian-heavy areas, etc. Get a feel for the flow of things as they currently sit. Then, think of how you could piggyback it with the addition of a few new holes.
Safari golf should be pleasant.
5. Give priority to those playing the right way
This is obvious …
Or at least it should be:
Don’t be dumb.
Just because you’ve decided to get kooky with your disc golf doesn’t mean other people should have to pay the price for it. Back to the first tip on this list: Avoid people, if at all possible.
I love safari golf.
I’ve got a job, wife and twin, two-year-old boys, with a third arriving in what feels like the next 15 minutes. For as much as I love my life, injecting some additional excitement into my weekly disc golf outings has been a welcomed break from the routine – THIS is safari disc golf.
Is your life at all similar to mine?
Go safari.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golfers: Other people can use public parks, too
- Ace-hunting: Kudos to the guys who film every tee shot
- Gripe No. 37: Disc golfers who require a perfect environment to putt
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