Is Disc Golf a Fad or a Fixture? A Look at Its Rapid Rise Across Canada
It's a beautiful weekday evening, and you and your family are taking a stroll through the park, enjoying the vibrant colors and scents of nature. But there's something unusual: metal poles with chains dangling from them, and people flinging frisbees in their direction. What's going on? You're witnessing the growing popularity of disc golf, a sport that's spreading like wildfire across Canada.
Disc Golf Courses Sprouting Up Across Ontario
In Ontario alone, disc golf courses are appearing in cities and towns such as Belleville, Kingston, Enterprise, Tweed, Stirling, Brockville, Napanee, and Westport. So why is this sport suddenly gaining so much traction? Disc golf has a lot going for it. It's a low-cost activity—players need just a few discs to get started, and many courses are set up in public parks, keeping expenses minimal. For municipalities, installing a disc golf course is relatively inexpensive compared to other sports facilities, making it an attractive option for local governments looking to draw tourists and offer residents a new recreational activity.
A Sport for All Ages
Disc golf is unique because it’s accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Families can play together, from young children to grandparents, making it an ideal bonding activity. The sport's low-impact nature means that people can enjoy it without worrying about injury, allowing for a gentle form of exercise that promotes mobility and fitness well into retirement age.
A Growing Competitive Scene
Despite its recent surge in popularity, disc golf is not a new sport. It has a complex history, with various iterations appearing around the world. However, it’s widely accepted that Ed "Steady" Headrick, an employee of Wham-O and the so-called "father of disc golf," patented the modern Frisbee in 1966 and the basket in 1975. Headrick also founded the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in 1976, creating a structure for organized competition that includes amateur and professional levels, as well as a pro tour. The PDGA has seen rapid growth in recent years. In 1999, there were 355 events; by 2015, that number had skyrocketed to 2,590. The increase in organized events has driven membership from 5,653 in 1999 to over 30,396 by 2015 and today there is 71,911 PDGA players. With this structure in place, disc golf has evolved from a recreational pastime to a competitive sport, attracting a diverse range of players.
A Sport for the Future
The rising popularity of disc golf has led to its inclusion in school curriculums, with many schools installing baskets on their grounds for physical education classes. The first official Ontario high school disc golf tournament recently took place, and Redeemer College even sent a team to a PDGA Major event in the United States. Given its affordability, inclusivity, and low impact, disc golf seems to be more than just a passing trend. As it continues to expand in schools and communities, and with the growing competitive scene, disc golf is poised to remain a staple recreational and competitive sport for generations to come.