CALGARY, Alberta – Disc golf is one of the few sports with few barriers to entry and a high degree of accessibility. Many different things keep a sport from being accessible such as cost, accessibility and skills, to name a few. Disc golf eliminates all of these and provides a sport that’s simple to join.

Like golf’s rules, this sport uses discs to go from hole to hole attempting to get it in the target in the least number of throws. Disc golf is remarkably like a game of typical golf but with one key difference. There are no balls or clubs, only a set of discs and a throwing hand. Disc golf isn’t as mainstream as soccer or lacrosse, or hockey, especially in Canada but it’s been gaining popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tim Plamondon, an avid Alberta-based player and the president of the Edmonton Disc Golf Association (EDGA) explains that, “disc golfs accessibility is one of its best qualities. Anyone of any age, body type, the ability can play and have fun. With little to no tee times or cost outside of discs, it is incredibly cost-effective. Ball golf traditionally takes five or more hours to complete 18 holes, while disc golf takes two or less.”

Affordability

In terms of cost-efficiency, this is a very inclusive sport. Plamondon uses hockey as an example while explaining that, “a lot of affluent people and privileged people get to play a sport. I didn’t even get to play hockey growing up. It was too expensive.”

The disc golf sets are generally affordable. A professional high-quality disc can cost around $20.

“Disc golf is free to play (in most cases) and open to play whenever you want to depend on park hours. All you need is a disc, and you can play, a disc typically costs less than $20,” explains Calgary Disc Golf.

Accessibility

In terms of accessibility, all you need is to be able to swing your arm or somehow throw the frisbee. Without the need for running or jumping, this is a low-impact sport perfect for those with preexisting conditions, earlier injuries or mobility concerns. Moving from one hole to another is a form of exercise whether you’re using a wheelchair, canes, or other mobility aids. That simple movement adds to physical exertion for a healthy lifestyle.

“Disc golf provides upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise and mental stimulation. Concentration skills increase by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles and players of limited fitness levels can start slowly and gradually increase their level of play,” explains the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA).

Simplicity

It’s a simple sport to start and to learn. The rules are straightforward to put into practice. In general, it’s simple to get started in a game. A game of disc golf doesn’t require extensive training or planning or strategizing. That can come with skill and experience, but a recreational game is a low pressure.

Disc golf isn’t the “a nice kind of hippy stoner type of sport, where go to the field and throw some discs” but instead uses a lot of, “technique, athleticism, and precision” and requires a degree of athleticism as Plamondon describes. Disc golf is a great and open environment for anyone interested in coming to learn. There are many supportive players eager to help inexperienced players.

Minimal Risk

When we say minimal risk, we mean that there’s a degree of safety during a pandemic or the general flu season. Disc golf is a sport that complies with most if not all COVID-19 restrictions. The WHO suggests wearing a mask, socially distancing at least two meters and avoiding direct contact with others. Disc golf is a game that was designed with those elements in place even before the pandemic.

Not only that but it can also be played recreationally instead of competitively easier than other sports that require a team. With no contact between players, it’s a sport that’s safe to play during the COVID-19 pandemic. As discs are the main equipment, they’re even simple to sanitize in between rounds.

Why Is Accessibility in Sports Important?

“Disc golf is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, gender identity and economic status, making it a great lifetime fitness activity. Because disc golf is so easy to learn, no one is excluded; players merely match their pace to their capabilities and proceed from there,” describes the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), a membership-based organization with more than 120,000 members internationally across 54 countries.

Accessibility is important. Eliminating barriers is important to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be a part of a community and take part in an active lifestyle. Sports communities including the disc golf community encourage comradery and an active healthy lifestyle.

For those that are looking to increase their overall health, disc golf is a wonderful and low difficult form of exercise. Disc golf is one great and fun way to stay in shape without unsafe or high impact exercising.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.