I play disc golf for a lot of reasons. I mean, there are TONS of excuses to get out on one of the three disc golf courses at Liberty University. It’s affordable, it’s fun, and it’s a challenging sport to master. It can be relaxing, help you connect with friends and family, and makes a great tool to network with new people. The community is awesome and is made up of really great people. It can help you get fit, it’s easy to learn, and absolutely anyone can play it. Have I persuaded you yet?

Health

Disc golf is a healthy recreational activity with a low entry barrier. Unlike traditional golf, there are no golf carts on most courses so you walk the whole time. Most courses in the local area are about 5,000-6,000 feet long. If you’re looking to get those steps in, this is a great way to do it. It is also a great way to care for your mental health and find peace. The sport allows me to go into nature and shift my focus away from the daily grind. I have spoken with many other players who feel the same way, especially new players who had discovered the game during the pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak led to significant growth in the sport because it is free, you play it outside, and you can do it alone. Though it can be a solo sport, the larger benefit from the sport can be taken from the social interactions between players.

Building Relationships 

The sport is a great way to build new relationships. Because anyone can play, it is easy to ask a friend, parent, spouse, work colleague, or even a first date out to the course. The game runs at a slower pace so it is easy to keep a conversation going and connect with one another while playing. If you are looking to join a community, disc golf is one of the easiest and most welcoming I have ever been a part of. No one cares who you are, what you do, or even how good you are as long as you’re having fun.

Making Your Community a Better Place

Speaking of community, disc golf has a positive effect on green spaces and community parks. There have been studies on clubs putting courses into underused public parks, which have led to dramatic changes to the park’s perceived quality. They can also lead to decreases in the crime rate in the park, more users, and an added economic value to the community. So, the investment of your time at your local course (free for you), is an opportunity for you to invest in the local recreational opportunities that your community provides! Be a good neighbor, and play disc golf!

Affordability 

I mentioned disc golf as being an affordable sport, and it truly is. One can expect to go to their local sporting goods store or online and get a new starter set of discs for $20.

You could even go used and get your discs for $3-$5. Though, much like any sport, you can certainly spend money quickly if you would like to. The expensive bags and specialty discs can easily cost you around $60-$100 a pop. More experienced players will even spend a few hundred dollars on digital range finders to track distance. But those extreme costs aside, compared to most sports, disc golf is easily one of the most accessible and affordable. But, don’t feel like you have to run right out and buy discs; we rent them to students, free of cost, at the Hydaway Outfitter!

Final Thoughts

Disc golf is basically hiking with a purpose. So, if you love the outdoors, love hiking, love a challenge, or if you are just bored, give disc golf a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it. We are blessed to have three courses located right here on our beautiful campus. We have a 20-hole course on Campus East, and another 20-hole course at the Hydaway Outdoor Center. We also have a beginner-friendly 9-hole course located at Hydaway as well as plenty of discs for rent in our Pro Shop. Come visit us and try something new this year!

Sources

“Disc Golf Boosts Mental Health During the Pandemic” at UDisc

“Disc Golf Benefits for the Community” at Infinite Discs Official Blog