Get Out And Throw!
Disc golf is a fun, accessible, recreational, and professional sport that combines the precision of golf with the joy of throwing a disc. It’s suitable for all ages and skill levels; there are no tee times to make, and most area courses are public and free to play at any time; carry as few or as many discs as you like, making it an excellent activity for families and individuals alike. The disc golf community in the Rochester, NY, area is vibrant and welcoming, offering numerous opportunities to learn and play.
Is Disc Golf Just Like Golf?
Disc golf is played similarly to traditional golf, but players throw a disc into a metal basket instead of hitting a ball into a hole. The objective is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. Courses typically feature various terrains and natural obstacles, adding to the challenge and enjoyment of the game. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors while engaging in physical activity.
Getting Started: Essential Equipment
To begin playing disc golf, you’ll need:
- Discs: Specialized discs designed for different types of throws (drivers, mid-range, and putters). And guess what? Our club typically provides free used and sometimes new discs for beginners to get you started. Contact John Kelly, Social Media Manager, for details.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear weather-appropriate attire and comfortable shoes with good traction in the grass for walking on varied terrains. The throw is an athletic movement, so we suggest athletic wear, not restrictive clothing.
- Apps: Navigating a course you’ve never played before and keeping scoring records can sometimes be challenging. Luckily, there’s an app for that! Udisc is a disc golfer’s best friend. Track your scores, GPS your way to the next tee, find new courses, and so much more.
- Our Social Media Pages: Connect with other players of all skill levels and keep up on current events and news on our social media groups. See them here.
Local retailers like Millennium Games and Backbone Disc Golf in Rochester offer a wide selection of discs and equipment to get you started.
Learning the Basics
Understanding the fundamental rules and techniques is crucial for tournaments, but if you’re just getting started, don’t worry about it! Just go out, “throw that thang,” and have a blast! Some area courses offer short and long tees, and some courses are short and very beginner-friendly. Learn more about our area courses here.
See for yourself why so many people enjoy disc golf. If you want to learn the rules, and we suggest you do, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) provides comprehensive resources on rules, techniques, and etiquette.
For personalized instruction, consider contacting local coaches for lessons. JohnKellyDiscGolf.com offers free lessons tailored to beginners at the Shadow Pines course.
Local Courses in Rochester, NY
The Rochester area boasts several disc golf courses suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike. Here are some notable ones:
- Ellison Park, Rochester, is the oldest course but with new baskets and tees. It’s a popular course known for its mix of elevation changes and beginner-friendly layout. It’s well-maintained and free of water hazards, making it ideal for newcomers.
- Basil Marella Park, Greece, NY, offers a challenging course with a variety of hole designs amidst wooded areas, providing a good mix of technical shots. It’s not a long course, but it is a true wooded course with many trees to navigate around.
- Parma Town Park, Hilton, features a well-designed course with open fields and wooded areas, suitable for players of all skill levels. This course is also scheduled as a stop on the Pro Tour!
- Widener Park (Chili DGC), Scottsville, is home to the famous Chili Disc Golf Course. This park offers a diverse layout with open and wooded holes and short and long tees. It has also hosted the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships!
- Riverton DGC, West Henrietta, is a course that combines open spaces with wooded challenges, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.
- Shadow Pines, Penfield, is a relatively new course offering a mix of open and wooded holes, several layouts, and short, medium, and long tees, all providing a balanced challenge. In 2024, it was ranked the #1 most popular course in the State of New York, #24 in the USA, and 99th in the world on UDisc, an app for disc golfers worldwide.
Joining Local Leagues and Events
Engaging with local leagues is a fantastic way to improve your skills and meet fellow disc golf enthusiasts. The Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club (GRDGC) organizes various leagues and events yearly. Whether you’re interested in casual play or competitive tournaments, there’s something for everyone. Regular events include:
- Tuesday Doubles: A fun, competitive, team-based format suitable for all skill levels.
- Women & Junior’s League: Dedicated sessions encouraging women and young players to participate and grow in the sport.
- Winter League: Continued play opportunities during the colder months.
For a comprehensive list of events and schedules, start with the Tournaments page and the Leagues page.
Staying Connected
The Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club is a not-for-profit organization that is 100% volunteer-based. Please consider becoming a member. Your contribution helps to provide us all with course upkeep expenses, new course installations, insurance, league and tournament expenses, and more throughout the year.
To stay updated on the latest news, events, and discussions in the Rochester disc golf community, consider joining the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Facebook Group. It’s an excellent platform to ask questions, find playing partners, and learn more about the local disc golf scene.
Your disc golf journey in Rochester, NY, offers a blend of community, exercise, and outdoor enjoyment. With numerous resources and a welcoming community, it’s the perfect place to start playing and continue developing your skills. Now go out and play!
