Disc golf is like conventional golf, but it’s played with a plastic, Frisbee-like disc. Instead of holes, there are metal chain baskets that stand mid-waist. The object of the game is to finish the course in the fewest number of throws. Courses are found in parks and open spaces using natural obstacles such as trees, shrubs, elevation changes, and creeks.
Beginners should start out using lighter discs, the putters or mid-range discs.They fly straight and are easy to throw. More experienced players add heavier drivers that fly further and are designed to veer to the right or left. Don’t feel obligated to keep score or follow the official game rules; the point is to have fun. However, there are some unofficial pointers to follow: never throw when others in the park are within range, give other park users the right of way, don’t litter, and pack up what you bring in.
There are twelve courses in Greater Rochester and most are free to play. Discs range in price from $10 to $30. Go to the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club website to find a course near you.
Retailers
- Neighborhood Skateboards and Disc Golf sells a variety of discs, clothing, bags and accessories. The store, at 2892 Dewey Avenue, is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sonny’s Landing sells a large selection of Innova and Discraft discs, clothing, hats, scorecards and bags.The store, at 92 North Landing Road, is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods sells disc golf sets, discs, targets and accessories. Dick’s is located at the Mall at Greece Ridge, the Towne Center at Webster, Marketplace Mall, and Cobblestone Court in Victor. Store hours vary by day.
- Eastern Mountain Sports at 3349 Monroe Avenue sells disc sets and targets. Call 383-1140 for more information.
- Play It Again Sports in Southtown Plaza in Henrietta sells used and new disc golf gear.
Courses
- Angry Apple Disc Golf Course at Darien Lake State Park, Route 20, Darien
- Basil A. Marella Disc Golf Course at Basil A. Marella Park, 975 English Road, Greece
- Chili Disc Golf Course at Widener Park, formerly known as Baker Farm, 400 Scottsville- Chili Rd., Scottsville
- Churchville Park Disc Golf Course, 120 North Main St., Churchville
- Ellison Park Disc Golf Course, 200 Landing Rd. N, Rochester
- Monroe Community College Disc Golf Course, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester.
- Parma Disc Golf Course, 550 Peck Road, Hilton
- Sawyer Park Disc Golf Course, 732 Long Pond Road, Rochester
- Shore Winds Disc Golf Courses (white and blue courses), Lakeside Beach State Park, Route 18, Waterport
- Sweden Town Park Disc Golf Course, Redman Road, Brockport
- Apple Farm (Spartan) Disc Golf Course, 1640 State Route 444, Victor
- The Woodlands at Gates Town Park, 4310 Lyell Road, Gates
