Welcome to the Whirling World of Disc Golf
What is Disc Golf?
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to a sport that is taking the world by storm! You may have heard people call it “Frisbee golf” or even “frolf.” However, for those of us who play, we prefer to call it “disc golf.”
So what exactly is disc golf? Well, it is a sport played much like traditional golf. However instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee, and try to throw it into a basket with chains. The sport was formalized in the 1970’s and shares with “ball golf” the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes, (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).
Whatever you want to call it, it is a sport that is gaining more and more popularity every year. It has made its way onto ESPN on Sports Center’s top 10 plays of the week numerous times, and is popular not only in the states, but in Europe as well. But, before we go any further, I would like to tell you my story of how disc golf became a part of life.
I began playing in early 2013, I had just moved to Davenport from Iowa City. Some local friends introduced me to the sport, and I immediately fell in love. I began playing every day. I got the bug, and I was hooked!
It wasn’t long before I met local professional disc golfer Ben Callaway. After first meeting him, I was impressed not only by his talent, but by his down to earth personality, and his willingness to help someone he had just met. Ben began working with me, teaching me the skills and fundamentals that I would need to be successful on the course.
The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. My passion, drive, and determination, were fueled by my will to succeed. Fast forward to May of 2013. After only a few short months of playing, my discipline and hard work paid off as I won my first A -tier tournament, The Des Moines Challenge in Des Moines. A couple of months later, I won another tournament, also in Des Moines. Disc Golf has been a big part of my life ever since.
I also want to thank local pro disc golfers, Mike Robinson (MDR) and Dustin Oostendorp, for their help in making me a better player. When I’m not working my full time job as a professional magician, I play tournaments on the weekends and I am always working on improving my game. This year I made the decision to turn professional, after having a successful 2015 season. I recently began teaching disc golf clinics for kids. Not only do I love working with the youth, it is very rewarding and I love helping the growth of disc golf. Which is why I agreed to write this column for QuadCities.com!
A final thank you goes out to my disc golf sponsor Iron Lion. Thank you Chase and Jessica for your continued support. I am honored to be a member of Team Iron Lion, and I look forward to a great season.
So, are you ready to give disc golf a try? If you answered yes, then let’s get you headed in the right direction. We have an amazing disc golf shop right here in Davenport — Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply Store. There you will find hundreds of discs, hats, t-shirts, and bags for sale. Owners Chase Roberts and Jessica Argyle also run several local tournaments all season long, with the biggest tournament being The Rumble. In 2017, the Quad Cities will host the Amateur and Junior Disc Golf World Championships! It’s estimated that 600-1,200 players will be competing all over the Quad-Cities.
Now you have your discs, where do you go and play? Well, there are several courses located in the Quad Cities. West Lake Park, Camden 1 and 2, Middle Park, Prospect, and Eastern, just to name a few. There are many local leagues and tournaments you can get involved with that are open to anyone. I would suggest contacting Iron Lion if you have any questions or would like more information.
Stay tuned to this column for more info and tips on the exciting sport of disc golf!
