5 reasons to try disc golf in Dayton

Disc golf has been around since the 1970s and so is hardly a new trend, but did you know that Dayton is a prominent hot bed for excellent courses fit for all levels and a variety of tournaments within southwestern Ohio? If you’re not already part of the scene, maybe it’s time you gave it a shot.

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1. “The Dayton scene has taken off.”

Dayton Disc Golf Association president B.J. Burke sees the Gem City as a core location for disc golfing, with players traveling from Cincinnati, Toledo, and more areas to play one or all of the local courses. The DDGA also holds a variety of tournaments year-round that draw players from around the state to play.

“It’s almost a point of pride to tell people how many courses you played, so we all travel a great deal,” he said. You might make some new friends from out of town on the course, or from down the street. That’s how Burke got involved in the scene in the first place.

“You meet someone, you ask to play a few holes with them, and you just hop right into it,” he said.

2. Two local organizations make it easy for you to get involved

It certainly helps to have two local organizations that supply everything you need to know and have to get started in Dayton’s disc golf world.

The Hazy Shade Disc Golf Store at 723 Watervliet Ave. in Belmont has been a one-stop shop for all of your disc golf needs since 2002, where you can find every kind of disc you would need (like ball golf, you have drivers, putters and mid-range discs to optimize your throws), to targets and baskets, and apparel and bags. They even have a practice area and an experienced staff to help you get your technique down.

“Don’t go to Meijer or Walmart and buy a disc; go to Hazy Shade,” Burke said. “That shop is owned by and run by disc golfers, so they’re going to be able to give you all sorts of information and be an excellent resource.”

And the Dayton Disc Golf Association provides you with the events and opportunities to meet other golfers and try out a few tournaments. It doesn't matter if you're a rookie or a veteran — the DDGA is open to anybody and everybody and is a great way to meet future disc golfing friends from far and wide. They will soon be hosting some beginner clinics, so bookmark their website and watch their Facebook page here for more information on how to get involved.

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3. Though it does take time to perfect the ideal way to send your disc flying toward the basket, with practice, anybody can feel comfortable enough to play (trust us, we’re terrible, but we still succeed every once in a while.) 

“Buy a cheap putter, and go out and throw it till your arm falls off,” Burke recommends. “Meet up with some people who are playing and ask questions.”

4. And it’s so, so cheap to play.

To get started, all you need is a disc (and really, you can probably borrow one from a friend until you’re ready to invest) and a car to get to the course (this too, you can borrow from a friend, so really, there’s no excuse).

5. There's a course for every level within the Miami Valley, too. For beginners, Burke recommends the Englewood MetroPark 18-hole course or the Twin Creek in Kercher Park course in Germantown. If you're good for the challenge, get over to Handyman Ace Hardware in Fairborn or the Sycamore Trails Park course in Miamisburg.

So, what are you waiting for? Become part of the movement now.

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Find the closest disc golf course to you

If you're looking for a place to play disc golf, there is no shortage of courses in the Dayton area (see list below). There are currently 43 courses within a 25 mile radius; and if you're willing to travel a bit, within 75 miles of Dayton there are over 130! Visit DGCourseReview.com for detailed information, driving directions, images, and more.

Nine-hole courses:

18-hole courses:

Get more info about the courses and directions at daytondiscgolf.org

Get in on the competition at local tournaments: More information available at the Dayton Disc Golf Association’s website and Facebook page.