SA’s other disc jockeys

Golf is a tough game for many novices, as they often feel like they’re suffering through a military drill as their ball goes left-right-left down and over the fairway.

But, all it takes for the beginners to come back for more is that one shot, the one where the ball went exactly where it was intended to go. That feeling of getting it right, just right, and the warmth accompanying that feeling is as addictive as the world’s most perfect chocolate cake.

However, there is a cheaper, and arguably just as skilful an option available for those who think golf is a game they could enjoy, if in a different version.

Disc golf, like its cousin, is played on an 18-hole course, from tee to basket (the hole), with players throwing their disc (think of a slightly flattened Frisbee with curved edges) as close as possible to the basket as possible.

The scoring system operates in the same way as golf. Each hole has a par score. Like different club lengths, there are different discs for a drive, mid-range (think irons) and putting. Also, different discs curve at different degrees depending on what discs are in a player’s bag.

There are two noticeable differences with golf. There are different ways to throw a disc and it does not matter which hand you use. Ryan Males, director and treasurer of the South African Disc Golf Association (Sagda) and winner of the 2011 SA Open, explains: “The main differences are how you grip the disc and how you take the disc back in your backswing. Think squash or tennis. For a right-handed player, the backhand has a backswing to the left of your body while the forehand is taken back on your right-hand side.”

A right-handed person throwing a back-hand would normally fade the disc to the left as it loses revolutions and stability. A forehand will fade to the right, with it reversed for a left-hander, he said.

“Since a backhand is gripped with a full fist and all five fingers, as opposed to three fingers for the forehand, the greater grip allows more spin to be imparted to the disc and hence greater distances thrown.”

The curve is what helps players get around doglegs, and obstacles such as bushes, trees, and water. There are also other throws such as the “roller”, along with the “hammer” and “tomahawk”, often used to get over trees.

Disc golf was started in the US in the 1960s with the first Frisbee patent granted in 1966 to “Steady” Ed Headrick. In 1975, Headrick designed the first Disc Golf Pole Hole ® (the basket) and installed the Pole Hole on the first ever formal course in Oak Grove, Pasadena, California. He also formed the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA).

There are over 3 000 disc golf courses currently played by almost 40 000 registered members worldwide. In the US, Males said more “discs are sold than basketballs, baseballs and soccer balls put together. Courses are often established by local municipalities themselves to improve community benefits”.

Males played disc golf in California and the UK and marked out the first course in Johannesburg, at Delta Park in Randburg, Johannesburg, in 2003.

“Royal Delta” now contains two 18-hole courses, Old and New Course, with trees substituting for baskets depending on the course and hole. Males, Martin Whiting, Hilton Fryer and Lionel Lurie (the 2010 SA Open winner) formerly established Sagda on May 21 2009. There are about 40 players who participate in Johannesburg with the Johannesburg Disc Golf Club staging seasonal Sunday leagues and regular annual tournaments. This year’s SA Open is scheduled for August 5.

How much does it cost to get started?

“As a prospective player, start-up costs are low. You need a minimum of three golf discs – long-range driver, mid-length approach disc and a putter. These are imported from the US and a set of three, latest design discs would typically cost R400. There are no other green fees to play or special disc golf shoes.”

Disc golfer attire varies from jerseys and tracksuits to jeans and shorts. Headgear switches from beanies to hats to caps depending on the player.

Start-up costs for a new course vary, but a course that meets US PGDA specifications would cost approximately R40 000.

Currently, Sagda are working with resorts in Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, the former-Transkei and even Mozambique to establish new courses, as owners seek to increase recreational activities. Team building companies have also shown their interest.

Males says they are aware of established courses in Port Elizabeth and Thabazimbi and previously in Beaufort West and Durban, with Sagda assisting with course design, supplying discs and training workshops.

“Most people have at some stage in their lives enjoyed throwing a Frisbee with friends or family on a park or beach. Disc golf takes that to another level by introducing competition and increased skills,” says Males. “Anyone can play no matter their age or gender, and courses are generally set in beautiful natural surroundings.“

He says throwing a disc accurately, with power and style “feels magnificent” with disc golf being a healthy, low-cost activity that generally takes place in relaxing surroundings.

“The game has a similar mindset to traditional golf in how you approach each throw but it doesn’t have the same elitism or cost.”