Presuming that we will not be greeted by another fresh dumping of the white stuff in early April; which, dare I say, is probable, the breed of athletes known as golfers are making their first appearances outside this year. In fact, let me set the scene: the sun is shining, birds are singing and a few buddies are amped for the opportunity to hit the links. After stretching their muscles, one of the friends, let’s call him Drew, starts the afternoon with a wicked drive, firing his disc with an accurate 110-yard shot.

Yes, you heard me correctly, this golfer used a disc rather than the customary golf ball. The plastic disc, which is more commonly referred to by its trademarked name, “Frisbee,” is one of the few instruments required in the sport of disc golf that has recently become a legitimate recreational activity in Winnipeg.

Darin Watson, the Manitoba representative of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), explains people’s reaction to what, for many, is a foreign sport: “Almost every time I am playing I am approached by someone asking what I am doing. After explaining the basic rules of disc golf, and how the baskets catch the discs, they are always amazed at how simple it seems.”
The sport’s rules are quite similar to its mainstream brethren as the fundamental goal is to have your disc land in an above-ground target with as few throws and penalties as possible in the course, which is usually around 18 holes. The player with the lowest score is the champion. The discs are caught in what is known as a disc pole hole. The makeshift device, which appears to have been manufactured by using odds and ends from a neglected part of this city, is comprised of a centre pole, chains and a basket. A set of chains is draped down from the chain holder to the centre pole to “trap” the disc and signify that competitor’s completion of the hole. The discs will usually fall into the basket.

Golfers more prone to the club-and-ball variety will find strategy to be a major component of this version of the sport. For example, separate discs can be used depending on the situation. “One mistake that beginners make is choosing a disc because it looks cool or fast,” Watson added. He recommends that novices should start with a disc that flies straight before adding more challenging discs to their arsenal. Generally, experienced disc golfers use three differently sized discs: drivers for longer shots, putters for shorter distances and the mid-range discs which are used for, you guessed it, mid-range lengths.

With three courses in Winnipeg, disc golf has carved a niche for itself with a dedicated group of committed advocates of the sport. However with little organized activity in the city, Watson decided last year to spearhead ways to bring the disc golf community together. His efforts will culminate with the opening of Winnipeg’s first-ever league at the end of April. Welcoming players of all skill-levels, competitors will face off each week against their own average, giving everyone the opportunity to win. Games run every Monday night throughout the summer beginning on April 26 at 6:15 p.m., excluding long-weekend Mondays. The course is at Happyland Park, at the corner of Marion and Archibald.

Similar to traditional “ball” golf, Watson asserts that the combination of physical activity in a natural setting is a main reason why people have become interested in the sport. “A couple members here in Winnipeg have said they value the social aspect and the sense of community that disc golf provides,” said Watson.

However, contrary to the regular adaptation, disc golf is relatively inexpensive. Engineering graduate of the University of Manitoba Marty Beaudette agrees with the assessment, having taken to the sport himself only last year. “It has all the challenge of ball golf with the advantage of being an inexpensive hobby. The only disadvantage is the limited scene in Winnipeg [ . . . ] but that is about to change this year, which is very exciting.” The Winnipeg league costs $6 a night in addition to the measly $10 yearly fee.

For the most avid of disc golf supporters, sometimes their attraction to the sport can be pinned to the simplest of pleasures: “Watching the disc in flight is a beautifully addictive thing,” Watson explained.

If you are curious about disc golf you are encouraged to join the league, or for more details check out their Facebook.com group: MODS Disc Golf in Winnipeg Manitoba.