Back in college, completely out of left field, a crazy, half-brained buddy of mine once suggested we throw a toothbrush, a stick of Old Spice and a few pairs of clean underwear in a backpack and bolt for Las Vegas once the episode of SportsCenter we were watching was over.
It started out as a semi-ridiculous suggestion – more of a joke, really. But within 10 minutes, what began as a light-hearted idea soon had everyone on their feet, in the car and headed to the nearest gas station to load up on Doritos and Mountain Dew Voltage, coursework be darned.
I wish there was an epic, weekend-long tale to tell about what took place, but four college students from Brigham Young University with no plans, no money and a fairly strong moral compass had us enjoying the motel pool and late-night Domino’s pizza more than anything else.
That’s more my speed.
I had a blast. Today, it’s a fond memory.
Disc golf isn’t quite as intense, but it’s just as spur-of-the-moment.
And it’s awesome.
With a wife and three children, long gone are the weekends when I have absolutely nothing going on. But when I did have zero plans on a Saturday, should my disc-golf itch suddenly need scratching, within (literally) five minutes, I was out the door and headed for the course …
No planning necessary.
My bag was (and is) permanently packed. Filling a Nalgene took (and takes) 10 seconds. And in my case, at least, I had (and still have) a pitch-and-putt within 50 yards of my front yard, not to mention three more formidable options about a 10- to 15-minute drive from Miller Manor.
And tossing buddies …
Who needs ‘em?
The solo round is underrated.
Ball golfers need a tee time, not to mention money – and a collared shirt within snobbier circles. And the mainstream, more heavy-hitting sports like football, baseball and basketball all require other people to make them happen, if you’re wanting to actually compete – not just practice.
It’s more of the same with hockey, too.
Sunday through Monday, if you want to disc golf, you can. If you want to stay home, that’s fine, too. Just don’t blame it on circumstance. And though I do NOT recommend it, in disc golf …
No shoes. No shirt.
No problem.
Our sport is the epitome of spur-of-the-moment.
It’s brilliant.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
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- Disc golf: Don’t wait until you’re ‘good enough’ to compete
- Gripe No. 70: Hard, disc-chewing bases at the bottom of baskets
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You missed the most obvious point: Unlike ball golf – you don’t need to call in advance to get a tee-time. Only to find out they all filled up 30 days ago by old retired guys with nothing better to do then to call and book all the good tee-times the minute they become available.
Disc Golf: Just show up and play.
This is Disc Golf Perk #1.
I’m sure there are some DG courses around the country where you need to have a reservation and pay.
There ARE a few that require tee-times …
There’s one about an hour from where I live that I’ve thrown a time or two, in fact.
But wouldn’t you know it …
Nearly ALL of them are housed where?
Ball-golf courses. Haha.
Crazy, right?
I did this last night. My wife took our kids to a music in the park concert and I am not a fan of crowds (also parking is a nightmare on those nights). I dropped them off, went to drop off a found disc at our local pro shop, but they had closed 5 mins ago. I ran home, changed my shoes and grabbed my pack out of the work truck. I played 9 holes at our local pitch n putt, and with time to go I went to our local technical college that has a 5 hole pitch n putt too. Even after 5 holes I got in about 10 mins of putting practice. I could have just as easily stayed home, but I’m so glad I got two rounds in.
Very cool, Kurt!
My local pitch-and-putt has an amphitheater in the middle of it.
So, though I don’t love attending those concerts, it’s fun to play 9 or so holes with live music in the background …
Always a good time 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
No tee times. If I play at the local university, I pay $5 to park. My home course, Ryan Ranch in Monterey, CA. ( home of the 2011 Pro Worlds) is free. I can be on 32 hole course 15 minutes from home. Pebble Beach is also 10 minutes away, and a round of ball golf is $600+ a round. I’ll keep chucking.
Holy crap …
That $600 figure is absolutely terrifying.
(had no idea it was that bad, as I’ve never paid more than $50 for a round of ball golf)