Capital Region catching disc golf fever
MIDDLE GROVE, N.Y. >> It’s inexpensive, gets people outdoors and is a whole lot easier than trying to hit a little white ball off a tee.
These are just some of the reasons disc golf is undoubtedly the Capital Region’s fastest-growing sport.
On Saturday, 72 pro-rated and amateur players will compete in the 16th annual Battle of Saratoga tournament at Hyzer Creek, one of the area’s most popular courses at 7272 Barkersville Rd. in Middle Grove.
“It’s great exercise and kidfriendly,” said tournament co-director Cody Meddis of Mechanicville. “All you’ve got to do is pick up a Frisbee-like disc and start throwing. This tournament sold out in no time.”
It’s believed the sport originated in 1926, but has become something of a phenomenon in recent years. Some cities such as Charlotte, N.C. have dozens of courses.
The concept is the same as ball golf. Players start on a tee pad and throw a disc as far as they can, with accuracy. The first disc, called a driver, is typically a bit heavier and larger. Those used closest to the holes – a metal basket mounted on steel pole – are putters. There are also mid-range discs as well.
“You can go to Dick’s Sports and get a starter set for $25 or $30,” Meddis said. “Compare that to a good set of golf clubs.”
“And most courses are at parks, so they’re either free or you can pay a few dollars and play all day,” said tourney co-director Jeff Wiechowski, of Ballston Lake.
Both men belong to a group called DisCap, which promotes the sport throughout the area.
Courses are laid out just like regular golf, except holes are measured in feet rather than yards. Each hole is assigned a par. A par-3 hole might range from 120 to 300 feet.
Scores are determined by the number of throws needed to put a disc in the basket. Baskets have chains that “catch” the disc.
Hyzer Creek has an iconic hole that ends in the middle of a rushing stream, where players must toss discs into the basket, or get wet trying to retrieve them.
Locally, there’s also a heavily-used course at Saratoga Spa State Park. Others are at found at Shenentaha Creek in Malta, Central Park in Schenectady, Blatnick Park in Niskayuna, John Boyd Thacher State Park, Joralemon Park in Coeymans and Stony Kill in Chatham.
However, Meddis said the 18-hole course at Mine Kill State Park, in Schoharie County, might be the region’s best. “That has the potential to be a prolevel course,” he said. “It’s a lot bigger and more unique than others in the area. Front nine holes are in a big open field. On the back nine, they’re in woods.”
This Saturday’s 18-hole Battle of Saratoga is sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association. Competition is in several men’s and women’s categories from recreational all the way up to a professional open division.
Highly-skilled players routinely use discs of slightly varying weight and shape to obtain desired flying characteristics such as straight or a fade left or right.
Cash prizes are awarded in all pro categories.
In early September, the Professional Disc Golf World Championship was held in Smuggler’s Notch, Vt.
“I went there to watch,” said Mark Hay, of Carlisle, Schoharie County. “An estimated 2,000 people watched the final round on Sunday and record numbers streamed it live on YouTube. I actually just started playing this year. I’ve been surprised at the number of courses in the area and the number of people that play.”
Another reason for disc golf’s popularity is that it’s suitable for people of all ages and walks of life. Hay is production team leader for GE Healthcare in North Greenbush.
“I got my brother and a couple friends together to go play at Mine Kill State Park and we all got hooked on it,” he said. “You can play an 18-hole round in about two hours. I have always liked hiking, being outside and throwing discs so this just combines them all. Personally, for me, it’s a good excuse for our group of friends to get together and do something we all enjoy.”