A new disc golf course is now available for play at Pine Ridge Park, three miles east of Blairsville. The park and new disc golf course is operated by Indiana County Parks & Trails.
Disc golf is similar to traditional “ball” golf, except players use specially made plastic flying discs instead of balls and clubs, and throw them at an above-ground target instead of a hole in the ground. There are different types of discs for different purposes, much like ball golfers use different clubs. The object of the game is to throw a golf disc into the target, usually a steel basket over which chains hang, in the fewest number of throws. The player begins by ‘driving’ from a designated tee area and continues toward the target, throwing each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. Finally, a successful ‘putt’ sends the disc into the target. The most satisfying sound a disc golfer can hear is the ‘ching!’ of a disc crashing the chains before dropping into the basket.
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, three to five million people have played disc golf on nearly 900 disc golf courses worldwide. Disc golf offers much of the same enjoyment as ball golf: fresh air in a beautiful setting, the camaraderie of friends, and the challenge and excitement of personal accomplishment and speed to send an object toward a target. And maybe best of all, disc golf is inexpensive. The only equipment you need is a flying disc, which retail between $6 and $13.
The course at Pine Ridge offers a variety of open, wooded, uphill, downhill, straight, and dog-legged holes for disc golfers. The course was designed with the recreation-player in mind. Course designer Patrick McKinney had this to say about its design: “The disc golf course at Pine Ridge Park was designed as a recreation course to attract the widest audience. Whether it is families bringing their kids to the park, students, or adults, this course has something to offer everyone.”
The course features 9 holes with a par of 28. With a course length of 2,534 feet, it is a great way for anyone to get out and enjoy one of our beautiful county parks. McKinney also added, “Disc golf is an inexpensive activity. All you need to play are three discs (driver, mid-range, and putter). Some websites offer starter sets for around $20. You can also pick up the discs at local sporting goods stores. I have even played with an ultimate Frisbee.”
For more information about Pine Ridge Park visit www.indianacountyparks.org or call (724) 463-8636.
