There are very few sports in the world that really welcome every age range and skill level out there, but disc golf is one of them. With a trend of record-setting growth, the PDGA clearly has the membership base to back up the idea that disc golf could possibly be more prevalent and all-inclusive than many other activities.

Whether you’ve been playing disc golf for twenty years or have never even heard of it, the benefits and accessibility of the sport are incredible. How feasible is it for people across the world to get into it? Let’s take a look at what it means to play disc golf.

Getting Started Is A Snap

Many sports have a relatively high barrier to entry, whether it’s the cost of gear, fees for being on a team, or having to pay to access a sports facility. Think about the last time you saw a flyer or social media posting advertising nearly any sport, from wrestling or softball to swimming and more. The costs for these sports can run into the hundreds of dollars, and more niche activities often require extensive travel time to a specific and out of the way location.

In most cases, a disc golf course is within driving distance of most people. Those who live in more populated areas have the benefit of multiple courses to choose from, and many major sports stores sell discs at very affordable prices. While it’s nice to have some of the more sophisticated gear like a comfortable bag, stool, and shoes, none of these items are required to get started.

Fitness Levels And Skill Sets

One of the more appealing aspects of disc golf is that it takes very little athletic ability to enjoy the game. Obviously, the top players in the world fine-tune their craft and make it their full-time job to excel, but anyone who wants to enjoy the sport as a fun weekend hobby doesn’t need to have any background in sports.

Individuals who are looking for a low-impact and fun way to get some exercise are the perfect candidates for playing a casual round, as it’s literally no more difficult than taking a walk in a park. Many people compete in tournaments well into their 60’s and 70’s, as it’s far more feasible to play disc golf at this age instead of other high impact sports.

Our Youth Is The Future

Players are hopeful that as we teach children about disc golf that our sport will only continue to grow. Organizations such as Kids Disc Golf and DGU Play are working to teach and integrate disc golf into the lives of kids by hosting regular events and clinics across the country. Youngsters as little as age 5 or 6 can compete in tournaments, and many die hard disc golfers have their children throwing a frisbee as soon as they learn how to walk.

The push for the continued growth of the sport is also seen in the numerous partnerships with schools across the world, as courses can be installed on campuses and in local parks. Integrating disc golf into general physical education curriculums is close to the hearts of many players, and local city councils and parks departments can aid in furthering this goal with relative ease.

The next time you’re out playing around and someone expresses an interest in what you’re doing, take a few minutes to talk with them about the sport we love. You never know who you might inspire to take on this new activity.