Frequently Asked Questions
1What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970's, and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest number of throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole". the hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed. Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. There are few differences, though. Disc golf rarely requires a greens fee, you probably won't need to rent a cart, and you never get stuck with a bad "tee time." It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.
2Where Can I Play Disc Golf?
You can play disc golf in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course. It is located next to Marx Meadow on John F. Kennedy drive in the western portion of the park (click here for a map). The course is open when the park is open (sunrise to sunset, everyday). Occasionally the course is close for work parties or special events, so please check this website for up-to-date informaiton.
When you get to the course there is a map at the 1st tee that talks about rules and etiquette; there is also more information at the 2nd tee. You can also download a map and scorecard here.
3Sounds Fun, Is It Expensive/Time Consuming/Difficult?
Disc golf in SF is FREE of charge, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to play a round, and is a wonderful activity for any skill level.
You will need at least one disc to start playing. They typically run from $8-$20 dollars. Often on weekends (and some weeknights) there are members of the SFDGC selling discs near the 1st teepad. You can also buy them at various places around SF such as The Purple Skunk Skate Shop, Sports Basement, Sports Authority, and Big 5 Sports.
Disc golf is played competitively, and therefor there are many skill levels. However if you can throw a frisbee, you can disc golf. Your first time playing you may want to go out with someone familiar with the specifics of throwing a golf disc, in order to get a few pointers. You could also try asking a golfer on the course for a few hints!
4The Golden Gate Park Course Is Awesome! How did it get built?
The course was funded and entirely built by the San Francisco Disc Golf Club. It opened on March 31st 2007. The club is solely responsible for it's upkeep and maintenance. Please respect all other users on the course as they have the right-of-way. The course is maintained by the volunteers of the San Francisco Disc Golf Club. Also please respect the course, countless hours go into making improvements, maintaining and picking up trash. Please pack your trash out!
5I Would Love To Get More Involved, But How?
There are many ways to get involved. You can become a member of the San Francisco Disc Golf Club by joining here or at one of our events. You can sign up for our mailing list by entering your email address in the form at the top right of this page. You can also join us for work parties, the weekly singles tournement on Sunday morning, or any other event mentioned here on the SFDGC website.
