Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses

If you are looking for a new activity that can be done on the cheap and is a fun outdoor activity, you may want to try disc golf. The rules are very similar to regular golf, but instead of a club and balls, you use a disc (much like a frisbee). 

There are disc golf courses across Columbus, so it’s easy to find somewhere to play or practice. 

Written by guest contributor: Dave K.

Getting started with disc golf

To get started you will need a disc, and although any frisbee will technically work, you will be at a disadvantage with these. The disc golf discs are smaller and heavier than your basic everyday frisbee. They also fly further, which is invaluable when you have distances of 500 plus feet between tee and basket (disc golfs’ version of a hole in the ground).

If you have never played disc golf, you will need to buy or borrow a disc. These are available at many stores in the sports department. You may even find them in a few gas stations that are located near a disc golf course.

When buying for the first time, don’t be overwhelmed by the multitude of discs’ available. Although they are all basically the same size in diameter, they come with different profiles, component material, colors, and flight characteristics, among other factors. But these won’t really matter to a beginner. I would suggest buying these three types to start: putter disc, mid-range disc, and driver disc. You can often get a three pack of these for around $20.00.

Here are some options on Amazon

Once you are proficient at these then you can decide whether investing in other discs’ is right for you. Personally, even though I have been playing the game for over 30 years, I can no longer throw for distance like I once did. Therefore, I only carry a putter and a mid-range disc most days.

You will see people on the course with disc golf bags, even carts, where they have 50 or more discs with them. You DO NOT NEED this if you are just starting. I’m pretty sure no one needs that many other than to impress others of your love for the game.

Disc Golf Resources

Once you have your discs’ you will need a place to play. Here in Ohio we have quite a few places no matter where you live. A good source for finding one near you is U-Disc. 

U-Disc is also in app form and comes in a free version as well as a subscription form. The free one gets you quite a bit of data and is worth trying out.

The site, as well as the app, have an interactive rating system where fellow golfers can rate the course, comment on the current conditions, as well as other items. This is helpful as some courses can be quite soggy or muddy after a rain whereas others hold up well.

Here are a few rules of etiquette to follow:

1. Keep your group size small, 4 or less is preferable but if you go during off hours, you’ll be less likely to encounter others on the course. If there is a group behind you that is playing faster, offer to let them play ahead.
2. As with regular golf, the person with the best score on the previous hole tees off first.
3. In between tee and basket, the person furthest from the basket throws first.
4. Help others in your group look for their disc if it goes into the rough. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly hard to find, even in the fairway if the grass is a little tall.

For a more complete explanation of rules, tips and etiquette, check out DiscGolf.com. 

Basics of Disc Golf

When you get to a course, finding the first tee is sometimes difficult, as these courses are often part of a larger park system and not the focus of signage. Ask fellow golfers for assistance. Anyone I’ve ever talked to on a course has been more than happy to point me in the right direction.

Tees

These can vary greatly in their make-up. Some are cement pads of approximately 7-8 feet in length. Others are as simple as a worn spot in the grass next to the hole/basket designation. Most courses have some sort of info posted near it, such as distance to basket, number of the basket, and par.

The newer courses may have a virtual picture representation of the fairway and where the basket is located. These are helpful when it’s your first time on the course. See example below.

Basket

These vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the dimensions are all similar.

The biggest difference is their visibility. If they are in the line of sight, ones with bright markers are easiest to see. However, this is not always the case as many are positioned around the corner of an obstacle, most of the time these obstacles are trees. Below is an example of basket styles.

Fairways

These can be wide open or a narrow path through a tunnel formed by trees. If you are new to the game, look for courses that have mostly open areas as that makes for a more acceptable range of error on the throwers part.

Other features

Since many Disc Golf courses are in parks, there are also restrooms available in the area. Some of these may be Port-a-Potty style. And if the course is in a park, you may have people out for a walk that are unaware that they may be in your fairway, so be patient.

Some courses have a practice basket(s) near the first tee. This is used for putting practice.

Who can play?

Disc Golf is great for most ages. I would suggest not having small children on the course though for safety reasons.

The discs are typically around 170 grams (over 1/3 lb) and are thrown at a high velocity. Young kids that are not aware of what’s going on could be hit and could potentially be hurt badly.

I think a good indicator of whether a child is old enough to play would be on their ability to throw a disc at least 60 feet or more. Just something to think about when taking younger kids out on the course.

Where to play Disc Golf Courses in Columbus

Below are a few courses I frequent. It’s hard to put a favorites list together as many factors come into play when I decide to play on any given day.

Some of these factors are: Am I playing with others? How much time do I have? Am I playing mainly to get in a few steps in for exercise? Etc. Walking distance on most courses is usually between 1.1 to 2 miles.

If I’m playing by myself or one other person, the time it takes to complete a course can be anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. I play rather quickly but play time also depends on whether I’ve had to look for any discs or if the course has slower players/groups bunched up through the course.

Griggs Reservoir Disc Golf Course

Address: 2933 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 4322 (Located in Hoover Park)
Restroom: One Port-a-Potty in the parking lot.
Tees: Cement Pads
Available: Year Round
Holes: 18
Difficulty: Good for beginners. Mostly open areas. Wooded along some fairways. River parallels a couple holes. Beware of poison ivy in places.
Website:     https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/griggs-reservoir-park

I play this course the more often than any other. Mainly because it’s the closest to my house. But it is also a very open course and I am unlikely to lose a disc, although it has happened.

One thing to think about when going however is that this is a popular league course. Several time a week there is a group in a league. They split up and are several holes away from each other, but they aren’t in a hurry. They are usually quite accommodating in letting faster groups play through, but still something to consider if playing in the evening during the week.

Checkout my Relive of this course:    https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyGRWpg46

Scioto Grove Disc Golf Course

Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123 (Located in Scioto Grove Metro Park) 
Restroom: Running Water Facilities through-out the park.
Tees: Cement Pads
Available: Year Round
Holes: 18
Difficulty: For experienced players. Narrow fairways. Water hazards. High grass, shrubs and trees in areas. Hills can affect perception of throwing distance.
Website: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-grove/activities/#disc-golf

This course opened in 2018 and is a challenging course. Mainly due to the terrain. I have lost discs in the water hazards even though I could easily see them about 6 feet from shore, but they were also in about 6 feet of water. All in all, this is a fun course.

Check out my Relive of this course here:    https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNNZZ1x3q

Blendon Woods Disc Golf Course

Address: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 (Located in Blendon Woods Metro Park)
Restroom: Running Water Facilities through-out the park.
Tees: Dirt Pads
Available: Year Round
Holes: 18
Difficulty: For beginner & intermediate players. Narrow fairways. Heavily wooded along sides of fairways. Most baskets can be reached in one or two throws. Great for those that can’t throw for distance, but great for accurate throwers.
Website: https://www.bwdgc.com/

This is a good course for those that have a hard time hitting par on some of the longer courses. Most of the holes are an easy reach with one or two throws.

One drawback is the tight fairways, which means you need to be accurate. But if you are and you’re playing with a friend that can throw a mile but can’t throw straight, this course is the great equalizer. It can be a bit soggy in places even days after a rain. Bring the bug spray.

Check out my Relive of this course:   https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOPPNM4B2O

Other courses to check out

• Hoover Reservoir Disc Golf Course (2000 Central College Rd. Westerville)
• Walnut Hill Disc Golf Course (6001 E. Livingston Ave)
• Glacier Ridge Metro Park Disc Golf (9801 Hyland-Croy Rd. Plain City)
• Alum Creek The Players Course (4450 Africa Rd. Galena, OH 43021)
• OSU Disc Golf (1049 Carmack Rd, Columbus)
• Grove City Community Disc Golf Course (4750 Hoover Rd, Grove City)

Have other favorites? Let us know in the comments!

There are many courses around town, around Ohio, and in other states. Getting started is inexpensive and easy. You don’t have to be an athlete to start and it’s a fun way to get in some exercise.

This activity is an easy one to do last minute. Keep your discs in your trunk and play anytime. Have fun, everyone.

About the author

Hello everyone. I’m Dave. I love to hike, bike, kayak, and just about any outdoor adventure that won’t kill me. In my spare time, I lead groups of fellow outdoor enthusiasts on adventures in Columbus, around Ohio, and surrounding states. Contact me at: Davek_@63wowway.com