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Forget Karsten; try some disc golf instead


There are few sports that one can began playing, and improve at, for less than $10. Disc golf is one of them.

For the uninitiated: Disc golf, Frisbee golf, frolf, or any other variation of the name plays like the traditional game of golf, without the greens fees. Each course has nine or 18 designated holes. A disc – one that is harder and more aerodynamic than a regular Frisbee – is thrown at a metal basket. Players face various obstacles through play, such as trees, blind shots, and water hazards. Most holes are played as par threes.

Seasoned players often have an arsenal of discs. There are putters which have wider, blunted edges. There are sleek drivers that soar, discs made for angled shots, discs that glow and discs that float.

Mike Villa, known as "Pancho" to the disc golf community said it is a relatively easy sport to get into. "You can buy a used disc for five bucks, and walk on the course. We're a friendly group, people shouldn't be shy. If someone wants to learn how to play the best thing they can do is meet someone with experience levels on the course."

In Tempe, the sport is gaining momentum. In a wash on east side of Mill Avenue, just north of Curry Road, players of all ages and experience gather twice weekly for friendly competition. On Tuesdays, play begins after dark. The 18-hole course is lit with glow sticks, and discs are fashioned with LED lights. The glowing discs resemble miniature UFOs, flying through the air and diving back toward the earth.

A core group of dedicated players has worked with the City of Tempe to establish this course, and are now in the process of expanding it.

Steve Dale has been playing the course since 2005. "When we used to play here there were just a few of us, this part of the park was run down. I think the City of Tempe appreciates what we've done. It's been cleaned up a lot. We've added plants and picked up trash."

The course sits on the south side of a service road. The group hopes it will be able to add another 9 holes on the north side of the street in the future, according to Dale.

Rex Rogers, another player who has helped maintain the course encourages students to play. "We're right down the street . I see a few students now and then, but there should be more of them. It's just a great sport. And for them, it's cheap, and anyone can come out and play anytime they want to. You can fit this sport in when you have time."

Villa sells discs and equipment before competitions. "Spinners (a local disc golf store) helps us out with discs, $4 from each sale goes to the club. We use it to buy more baskets, it goes back to the course."

Also, there is a small fee to play in the organized competitions. The winner receives a cash prize.

Over the summer the club raised enough money to add nine more baskets to the course. The club is also raising money to send Arizona resident, Paul Ulibarri to the upcoming Am World disc golf tournament in Fla.


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