Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
All ages can enjoy disc golf, and it is a great sport to share with the grandkids! So, maybe you’re thinking that you’ve never played disc golf. But, have you ever thrown a Frisbee? If yes, practice a few throws in your yard with your grandchild, then try a disc golf game at a course near you.
Disc golf is a variant of traditional ball golf, but instead of golf balls and clubs, the players throw a disc, or special Frisbees, into a basket. A hole in disc golf is really not a hole at all, but a term to encompass the entire play area of the tee, fairway, green and target. The target is an elevated trapper basket with chains suspended over the top which will catch and trap the disc. This type of golf is a low impact, physically active sport, which is extremely easy to pick up and play. Another advantage is that you can play at your own pace! Play nine “holes” or more, whatever you feel like playing. With young grandchildren, even 1-3 holes are a fun experience.
At first, you can practice using a normal Frisbee, but if the grandkids want to pursue this sport, it is important to purchase disc golf Frisbees as they are sturdy plastic that won’t break, brightly colored to find more easily, and are heavier so they travel farther when thrown. There are many different brands and types of discs. You can purchase the discs separately, or as a set. A disc starter set can be bought at any sporting goods store or online. A beginning set will cost around $20 and will probably include at least 5 discs. (2 drivers, 2 mid-range, and 1 putter) Actually, in the beginning, two people can play with this set. These discs are a good weight and fly well.
Fall is a glorious time to play, as in golf, the courses are built in beautiful settings and have fairways that traverse through both field and wooded areas, making for a joyful walk. In addition to your golf discs, pack along some sunscreen, hats and snacks to munch on between holes.
To begin the course, start at the tee and throw your disc toward the direction of the basket. There is usually a post with a diagram of the hole at each tee. The driver disc should throw the farthest at this point, but 
experiment and use whichever works and feels best to you. Everyone throws, and then walks up to their disc. The one that is farthest back is the one to take the next throw. Also, consecutive throws are done at the point of disc landing. Make sure everyone stays back behind the person tossing the disc! Count your tosses. Approximately 30 feet away from the basket is considered a putt. You have completed the “hole” when your disc lands into the basket. The grandkids will love chasing after their discs! (and, hopefully, can find them!)
There are many disc courses around Northeast Ohio. All are free and restrooms are available. Here are a few we’ve played:
Veterans Memorial Park off of State Rd in Parma has 18 holes. The area is heavily wooded and hilly. There is a walking and bike path around the course, plus a large playground in the park.
Sims Park in Euclid has a great hole layout and the location is right on the lake. It makes for a wonderful walk while having a view of the water. There is a total or 21 holes, mostly flat and moderately wooded.
In Willoughby you can play in Osborne Park. This course also has nice views of Lake Erie. The 9 holes lie on a mostly flat and lightly wooded terrain.
Medina has 5 disc golf courses. One is Roscoe Ewing Park. This one was the first 18- hole course in Ohio. It has 16 holes, but is also a more challenging course.
Within Punderson State Park is the Friends of Punderson Disc Golf course. It ranks as the #2 course in Ohio. There are 18 holes with red, white and blue tees. It has a lovely wooded landscape and it even has a playable island shot on hole #2 with a floating bridge to reach the island. Discs can be rented at the campground check in station.
This fall, check out disc golf and introduce the grandkids to a sport they may never have played. It really is fun! Give it a try!
Photos by Karen Shadrach
