'Plastic matters' in tackling disc golf

Recommended Video:

Mark Twain is said to have called golf, “a good walk spoiled.”

If he had played disc golf, he might have enjoyed the walk more.

Investigating these courses of metal baskets around several area parks, I played with members of the Live Oak Disc Golf Alliance to find the attraction of the game.

Disc golf and regular golf have some similarities — start from a tee, aim at a goal, fewest throws (or strokes) wins. People can invest hundreds of dollars in equipment and accessories, too.

On the tee, in front of four experienced players, trying desperately to remember lessons from junior high gym class, I reached back and threw my first disc in about 20 years.

To no one's surprise, least of all mine, my first throw flew about 50 feet before wheeling over and nose-diving into the turf. Meanwhile, the others in my group easily sent their discs flying around 300 feet.

Corey Peschke of Helotes drops a long putt into the basket during a recent disc golf tournament at Live Oak Park. It's one of five places in Greater San Antonio where the activity can be enjoyed. Corey Peschke of Helotes drops a long putt into the basket during a recent disc golf tournament at Live Oak Park. It's one of five places in Greater San Antonio where the activity can be enjoyed. Photo: Joshua Trudell / For The Express-News Photo: Joshua Trudell / For The Express-News Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close 'Plastic matters' in tackling disc golf 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

As a new golfer, I didn't have any discs of my own. The group, however, welcomed me by letting me borrow a set, which they offer to all newcomers.

“Plastic matters,” said Laura Karshis, noting that beginners can get a whole set for $30, but some single discs can cost up to $100.

There are three basic types of discs used. The driver usually has sharper edges, with very little lip in order to cut through any wind.

Midrange discs have more lip and are heavier, for more control. Putters have the biggest lip and are the heaviest for the most control.

Despite how much control each disc is alleged to have, it's all how you throw it. As a right-hander, I need to aim slightly to the right of the basket, so the disc will hit the pole and spin in.

My playing partners helped me out, explaining that throwing flat and fast would have the best effect.

By the time I reach the second hole, I've learned enough of the basics to make a decent throw from the tee, and from there I salvage bogey on three straight holes.

The flat and fast method worked for most players, but some added something extra.

Trevor Ely of San Antonio reached back like a quarterback and threw the disc overhand, arching it high over a grove of trees between him and the hole.

“I like this technique because there's nothing in my way,” Ely said after a successful birdie putt.

Ely, 22, was one of the youngest players on the course, and said he had been playing for nine years, starting with his brother on the same Live Oak course.

The groups trooping around the course in Live Oak covered a wide range of old and young, men and women.

“A lot of our entertainment is playing in tournaments around the state,” Kyle Snyder said. “We call them mini-vacations.”

Snyder said she started playing after being cleared medically from a bout with breast cancer. Other ladies chimed in, saying they've lost up to 60 pounds walking around the courses and showing off their toned legs.

The sport has become so popular with women that a branch of the Live Oak Disc Golf Alliance has been formed called the Ladies of Live Oak.

“It's great to be outside, not inside on the computer,” said Lena Votion as she played a tricky hole on the edge of a concrete barrier.

Votion said she started playing in 2008 with her husband, Jerrod, and they both have become involved with the Live Oak Disc Golf Alliance. It's one of two major disc golf groups in San Antonio along with the San Antonio Disc Club.

“The closeness is what I really love about the disc golf community,” said Jerrod Votion, pointing out that the group raised thousands of dollars for more than 20 different charities in the past year.