Disc golf is quickly becoming one of the most popular recreational and competitive sports in the world, with new courses opening up every year and live broadcast tournaments. Disc golf is a fun and inexpensive sport with easily accessible courses—and free to play!
In Central Oregon, sunshine graces the crispy autumn months, creating stunning backdrops for family and dog-friendly courses in all parts of our region. Whether you’re tossing your first disc or a seasoned pro, disc golf courses offer a variety of terrain and skill level. And on the way to the course, pick up some picnic food at one of our local restaurants, food trucks or specialty grocery stores and turn a round of disc golf into full day of fun in the great outdoors.
History of Disc Golf
The evolution of casual Frisbee tossing to competitive disc golf has an interesting yet somewhat blurry history. The invention of the modern Frisbee was patented in 1966 by ‘Steady’ Ed Headrick when he was an employee at WHAM-O, the toy company that invented the Hula Hoop and Slip and Slide. Initially, Frisbee was a lighthearted game that involved tossing a cylindrical disc back and forth at the park, beach or as something for dogs to chase.
In the late sixties, the idea of turning Frisbee into a golf-like game took shape when two enthusiasts in Thousand Oaks, California shared their ideas about what they called ‘frisbee golf’ – a game with similar rules and layouts as regular golf. Their casual games evolved into more structured competitions and the catching basket or Disc Golf Pole, patented by Headrick in 1975, became part of the standard equipment. Backed by WHAM-O, early frisbee golf events began to garner public attention.
Similar to traditional golf, frisbee golf players must navigate nine or eighteen ‘holes’ aiming to complete the course with as few throws as possible. While there was very little written on the significance of frisbee golf, it played an important role in the development of disc golf as a recognized sport. Even before official disc golf equipment was being designed, disc golf was being played informally in places like upstate New York and was finally recognized as an organized sport in 1974.
Interest in the game grew rapidly amongst competitive frisbee players and in the summer of 1975, Headrick—who was now an executive at WHAM-O—began to reassess the value that disc golf could hold as a sport and for business. That same year, Headrick installed the first official disc golf course at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, California, complete with the now iconic Disc Golf Pole Holes.
In April of 1976, Headrick founded the Disc Golf Association, earning his place as the official ‘Father of Disc Golf’. Headrick’s vision introduced a sport that was virtually unknown in America and Canada. WHAM-O then incorporated disc golf as an event in the national tour of qualifying tournaments for the World Frisbee Championships, further boosting the sport’s profile. This move introduced disc golf to thousands of frisbee players in North America and courses were installed all over both countries. The sport’s popularity surged again during the COVID 19 pandemic as people sought new ways to gather outdoors and stay active. With its minimal, inexpensive equipment, natural social distancing and welcoming community, disc golf quickly became a go-to activity for all ages.
Central Oregon Disc Golf Courses
Disc Golf courses in Central Oregon are uniquely shaped by the beauty and diverse terrain of the high desert. Players in the region can experience everything from wide-open desert fairways lined with lava rock and sage brush to towering ponderosa pine trees on forested courses. Each course offers its own distinct challenges and stunning views, making it an ideal location for casual playing or competitive tournaments. Most courses are family and dog friendly, which offers a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the Central Oregon lifestyle. Want a beer while you play? Try the mini course at Bevel Brewing on the east side of town – it’s a fun atmosphere to practice that throw!
Disc Golf Etiquette
- Wait your turn: The player farthest from the basket throws first; honor the order based on previous hole scores.
- Don’t distract other players: Stay still and quiet while other players are throwing their discs.
- Keep the pace: If a team behind you is playing faster, let them pass and try to catch up.
- Respect the course: Pick up trash and dog poop on the course and don’t muddy up the tee pads.
- Be safe: Always make sure your throwing line is clear of people and animals before your turn.
- Be honest: Keep accurate scoring and use the honor system.
- Control your kids and dogs: Kids and dogs need to be well-behaved on any course. Never let them run free and bother other teams.
- Help find discs: Show good sportsmanship by helping teammates find lost discs.
- Be kind to new players: Encouragement is part of the game!
For more info on local courses, go to: VisitCentralOregon.com
Local Favorites for Great Picnic Food
- Market of Choice: With a huge deli, salad bar, bakery and awesome beer and wine selection, there’s plenty of variety for the whole family to enjoy.
- Wild Petal Provisions – For delicious charcuterie, customize a board loaded with meats, cheeses and provisions like olives, nuts and spreads.
- Wich Doctor – for yummy sandwiches and seasonal salads, Wich Doctor at the Pineshed has the perfect fall picnic food.
- Redmond Smokehouse – operating since 1940, Redmond Smokehouse has a variety of family meals and snacks to choose from.
- Active Culture – With its healthy acai bowls, kids meals, smoothies and mini grocery store, Active Culture is the perfect spot for a food and drink pick up.
- Sisters Meat and Smokehouse – With locations in Redmond and Sisters, you will find some of the best sandwiches around, along with amazing charcuterie.