An Article to the Disc Golf Community of Colorado Springs…

Disc golf (aka Frisbee golf) has been a growing sport and venture here in the Colorado Springs area. It is also growing nationwide, but I want to address the community I live and play in. There are so many misnomers about disc golf and the people that play it, and my hope here in this article is to better aquatint you with the sport as I see it, as I play it and the people I get to play the sport with.
To catch you up to speed, I started playing disc gold here in Colorado back in 2013, after a seven year lay off. I came back to start playing again after a tragedy had struck the Woodland Park community, when Eagle Scout Nick Naples had died in a auto crash. Nick has made his Eagle Scout project a disc golf course at the Woodland Park Middle School. Shortly after his death on June 30th, that following September 30th, many people teamed up and held the first ever Nick Naples Memorial Disc Golf Tournament, which now plays on July 5th each year.

After that, I resumed playing disc golf when I could, often on days off or Sundays. It didn’t take long for the bug to bite, and I was back in the game again. For me, I am an older player (Advanced Grandmasters Divisions, which means players 50-59 years of age) and I play on a Rec/Am level. I enjoy playing and also enjoy competing as well.

Disc golf offers a chance for people of all physical abilities, age and gender to get outdoors and participate in an active sport. Most of the courses are free and equipment to get started is pretty inexpensive as compared to other sports. But this is just the entry point of why disc golf is great, and can be great for you.

Disc golf is one of the most diverse sports by players I have ever seen. We have about every race, gender, religion, age- range, non-religious, background and educational levels you can think of. Once we are out on the course, none of that matters. Just a group of people enjoying the game and encouraging each other along.

Disc golf has some of the most good-hearted people you will find. While the competition can get fierce at times, the players are always encouraging each other to do better, trading disc favorites and tips on how to get better. Most of the upper level players and pros are good at finding ways to help other players come along and become more solid at the sport.

Now there are some perceptions about disc golf players that just aren’t true. For example, I was practicing shooting some putts at a local course when a person drove by and shouted, “Why don’t you get a job”. I guess he was concerned about America being great again, but I already have a job. And to that point, lots of disc golf players have jobs. Heck, maybe two jobs. They guys and gals I know are committed family members, hard workers and truly decent people.

Every community has its boneheads, and disc golf is no different. But you really don’t have to look too far to see the heart of gold of most its players. These are people I have seen play the game in every possible setting, from casual rounds to PDGA tournaments. In the end, they often exemplify a courteous and friendly attitude towards the game, its players and its fans.

Disc golf helps me stay in touch with my children. I have four boys, ages 28-10, that play the game. When we are out for a few hours playing disc golf, we talk about life and other issues. The discipline of disc golf and the rules of the game are great ways to teach young people about how life can be as you grow older.

I enjoy spending my time on the course, I enjoy the people I encounter, from players I have never met to the ones I draw in random doubles play. We share a mutual goal; to go out and play to the best of our abilities and have fun. I often need to be reminded to have fun; I can get a little too serious about my play.

I encourage everyone to come out and give disc golf a try. If you don’t know where to get started, go to Facebook and look up Pikes Peak Flying Disc Club and message one of its members. We are all interested in getting new people involved and will be glad to take you out for your maiden voyage in the disc golf world.

While on the disc golf course, you may lose a lot of discs, but you will make a lot of friends. You can get your exercise in, enjoy the outdoors and at the same time, experience the fun and friendship disc golf can bring. I will warn you that disc golf is contagious, and after your initial dose, you will be hungry for more. Good news is there are plenty of courses and playing opportunities here in Colorado Springs.

We all need the chance to get out and enjoy life. To feel alive, a few moments away from the challenges of everyday life.. and disc golf can help you! I want to thank all the players that have been so kind to play along side me and help me grow my talent and skill set. Disc Golf is a sport for everyone-a sport that reconnects you with the amazing outdoors of the Colorado scenery-and in the end-a fun way to spend your day.


David Fournier