In the bureaucratically tamed heart of Colorado Springs, nestled beneath the watchful gaze of the great and grand Pikes Peak, there's a game afoot. It's not for the faint of heart or the weak of spirit. It's disc golf, a sport for raucous rebels, surly scofflaws, and men and women who don't care much for the stuffy boredom of regular golf and all its petty pretentiousness.
It's a game for those who prefer a disc in one hand and a joint or a pipe or a cigarette in the other, or maybe even all three if they’re talented, rather than holding a golf club or a scorecard. And there ain't no pretty, voluptuous and tanned beverage girls driving ‘round the course in golf carts looking pretty and ready to sate your thirst with a Bud Light.
No, sir, this is a game for the self-sufficient.
Amidst throws of discs come laughter, friends reveling in the freedom the sport offers. Masters of their own destiny, the captains of their own consciousness, players take great care to throw their discs in spanning arcs, glidin’ and weaving’ through trees on the way to metal baskets called “holes”. Players take breaks between throws and holes, embracing the warmth of the Colorado sun, sharing joints and pipes, swapping tales of misadventures of both sport and life.
In between holes, there's nothing like a swig of whiskey to keep the vibe flowin’. It’s a communion of spirits, a celebration of unconventional choices and a shared love for this newly popular game.
Near the throbbing heart of the city lies The Aviary, a psychedelic woodsy playground of a course that winds through a labyrinth, a drippin’ maze that twists and turns and keeps you guessin’. It's a course where bumbling beginners and wily veterans alike can test their mettle, a muddy rite that has become a favorite haunt of local disc golf junkies.
The Aviary is the place where discs and dreams and shoes can get lost in deep, thick mud. It’s a beautiful but treacherous course offering an urban escape. But be warned: one wrong step could send you trippin’ and tumblin’ down into Fountain Creek’s icy cold ankle-high waters as it snakes its way south.
In the realm of disc golf, the game unfurls bearing a striking resemblance to its more bourgeois cousin, golf. Players embark on a journey that begins at the first hole, weaves through slightly treacherous terrain, and ultimately concludes at the revered 18th hole. Do not expect the trappings of scorecards or pencils, for such trivialities have no place here: scores are muttered amongst players and carried upon the wind - this is a game where verbal honor reigns supreme.
The objective, much like its golfing counterpart, is to achieve par or even capture the elusive birdie on each hole. But here, the paths diverge. Disc golf course distances are shorter but do not be deceived. These holes are fraught with minor danger, brimming with physical and mental challenges that will test the grit of even the most seasoned players.
Gone are the manicured lazy fairways and pristine putting greens of golf, replaced by an unpredictable landscape that demands slight madness to navigate. At The Aviary, towering tree limbs reach out like gnarled fingers, threatening to snatch your disc from the sky. The undulating terrain can swiftly betray your throws, plunging them into the abyss of uncertainty. This is a game that rewards daring strategy and unwavering resolve though you’ll need a hell of a lot of luck.
It’s good to discard your preconceptions of golf's gentility and embrace the feral beauty of disc golf. The distances may be shorter, but the obstacles are no less daunting. Summon your courage, steady your hand, and let your disc dance through the air, defying gravity and logic. As you strive for par and chase the elusive birdie, remember that in this realm, the true victory lies not in the final score but in the raw, unfiltered experience of conquering each arduous hole.
Within this game lies the untapped potential for adventure, camaraderie, and a journey into the depths of your own spirit. Heed the call and let your discs soar; the audacious shall find their stride and the daring shall carve their own path to victory.
Disc golf is a trip, a real trip.
The sport of disc golf is spreading like wildfire throughout the colorful landscapes of Colorado and across the United States. With nearly 300 disc golf courses in Colorado alone, this unconventional sport is capturing the hearts of both the untamed young and the young-at-heart.
The surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. Disc golf is a remarkably affordable sport to get involved in. Unlike its pricey counterpart, all it takes is a couple of discs and you're ready to embark on your odyssey. Fortunately, discs cost about the same as golf balls
No tee times required. No fees to play. No need for fancy clubs or expensive memberships. You just show up and play.
And also, disc golf is a phenomenal way to stay active and get your blood pumping. A single round of disc golf can torch up to 600 calories, making it a fantastic workout in the great outdoors, especially if you’re chuggin’ whiskey. Breathe in that crisp mountain air, soak up the sunshine, and let the exhilarating throws of disc golf be your dose of adrenaline. And oh, pass the joint around, you selfish SOB.
But it doesn't stop there, sir. Disc golf is also a social sport, offering a gateway to a vibrant community of players. The courses serve as meeting grounds for spirited individuals who are more than willing to lend a helping hand to newcomers. Soak up their wisdom, learn their techniques, and let the camaraderie flourish as you journey together through the twists and turns of the disc golf course.
Now, if you're ready to take the plunge into the sport, there are a few essential tidbits of information you should grasp. You'll need to acquire a few discs to accompany you on your quest. The options are vast and varied, so be sure to select discs that align with your skill level and style of play. Armed with the right tools, you'll be ready to conquer the courses with finesse and flair.
The Disc Golf Association website stands as a guidepost, illuminating the path to the nearest courses in your ‘hood or city. Take up the challenge and let the journey commence.
Disc golf offers adventure, exercise, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Let the spirit of the game guide you as you embark on your disc golf pilgrimage, leaving the mundane behind and soaring to new heights of exhilaration.
For disc golf junkies, the game ain’t no place for the faint-hearted or those bound by society's suffocating grip. No, sir, this is a game for the self-sufficient and seekers of libertine liberation.
Colorado Springs, a city of disc golf dreams and disc golf warriors. A place where the game is almost a way of life, a mad, gliding dance beneath the shadow of the Rockies. Spark up a joint, take a swig of whiskey, and let the games begin.
This is disc golf, the sport for those who dare to be different.