Give disc golf a shot

Played with a Frisbee-style throwing disc, the game is structured much like conventional golf with the course consisting of nine or 18 holes. Starting from a tee, the players try to get the disc into a raised, metal basket with as few throws as possible.

Holes can range from 150 to 500 feet. While serious disc golfers have multiple “drivers” and “putters” for different situations, all a person needs to play is a regulation throwing disc.

Those who play in this tournament won't even need that, as there will be loaners available to all who show up. Each of the first 25 teams to sign up will get a free disc to keep.

“It's an activity that you don't really have to be too skilled at to have fun,” Mushock said. “All they'll need is their sneakers.”

The disc golf course at Emerson Park first opened in June 2006. Holes on the professionally designed course are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. It is free to play on the course, though the $2 parking fee at Emerson Park applies for visitors.

Sunday's tournament is part of a month-long campaign by Eat Well Play Hard to get local residents out to underutilized spaces, Mushock said. Called Choose Your Move, the program also includes outdoor activities at Falcon Park and the nature trail behind Cayuga Community College.

The tournament will consist of teams of two, three or four. Only the best shots on each hole will be scored, which should allow each golfer to score as part of a team instead of an individual.

Mushock said he wants this event to encourage people to spend an hour in nature, while teaching them a new game that can make them want to come back.

“It's a wonderful setting, and disc golfers are very excited about it,” Mushock said of the course. “We need things like this to give people reasons to come out there.”

Christopher Caskey