Over the weekend we saw a post on Instagram from our friend the Disc Golf Guy that certainly got us thinking and we wanted to help keep the discussion going.

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The photo highlights a sign at a local Milwaukee County disc golf course in Wisconsin. The sign states the Milwaukee County Parks will introduce a “new permit fee” for their disc golf courses next year. With the increased popularity, Milwaukee County Parks says this extra fee will go toward maintenance and improvements on the course. They close by saying they’ll still work with the local disc golfers to improve the courses.

How do you feel about a permit to use a disc golf course? Do you think the “pay-to-play” model is the way to go?

In my opinion, I’m not opposed to a permit fee on the right courses. I think it would work for the right course if done correctly. Some local courses aren’t at the level that would require a permit like this. It is almost silly at that point. Other championship level courses likely could benefit from some added funds. If these fees to toward new baskets, teepads, landscaping, etc… then it could be worth it.

The cost of the permit could also turn people away. If it is kept to $10-15, or even $20, for a year then it shouldn’t be too hard to swallow. What is the perfect cost for a permit?



How would you enforce the permit? You certainly don’t want to be the guy on the course that calls out every golfer on the course and checks for their permit. That certainly ruins the idea behind the permit. Are you fined if you don’t have one?

Another concern we have when it comes to a pay-to-play model is the casual disc golfer or visitor. If you’re out at the course every week and have been playing for years, the idea of a permit might not be that big of a deal to you. If you’re just getting into the sport you might be hesitant to pay the fee. Milwaukee County Parks has thought of this and has set five courses as permit courses and four others as free courses. Only one of those free courses clocks in at 9 holes though. While that might help ease things for the beginner, the visitors to town would likely need to pick up the permit.

Milwaukee County Parks states the fee hasn’t been set and we they haven’t stated where or when you can purchase a permit. While they wouldn’t be the first to have a yearly permit, it looks like they are one of the next to do so. As I said before, if done correctly, this could be a boost for the local courses and improvements could be right around the corner for the locals. If done incorrectly, it could quickly slow the traffic on the local courses.

We want to hear your opinion. Leave a comment below to help keep this DISCussion going.