It’s one of the hottest sports you’re only just hearing of, and enthusiasts are flocking to play.
You don’t have to be a pro to do well, but if you have the chops, you can find solid competition. And a newbie can play an easy match side-by-side with an expert.
It’s Disc Golf, the newest hot sport in town. And as the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) comes to New England’s own Smuggler’s Notch Resort (https://www.smuggs.com) Aug. 30- Sept. 3, this may just be the right time and place to try it out.
Smuggler’s Notch, in Jeffersonville, Vermont, has long been known as a hot spot for family fun in just about every season. But in recent years, they’ve quietly built two disc golf courses and programs around them.
Today, Smuggs is home to two of the top-rated disc golf courses in the world. Smugg’s Brewster Ridge is ranked number 4 in the world and Fox Run Meadows is number 7, based on player votes gathered by UDisc.
It’s where 300 of the best disc golfers in the world will be competing starting next week, an event open to the public, whether you’re staying at Smuggs or not. With five rounds of elite level competition, it will feature the best disc golfers in the world; a chance to see some great play and amazing trick shots. In other words: fan heaven.
But consider this: Smuggs also offers lessons, clinics and chances for you to get out and try your hand.
Disc golf is a doable sport for just about anyone, said Nick Hover, Smuggler’s Notch’s Disc Golf Guru (official title: Director Operations; Disc Golf and Outdoor Center).
“If you can throw a Frisbee®, you can play disc golf,” he said. “Most disc golf courses have multiple tee locations, just like traditional golf. Depending on your ability and experience, you can choose the distance that best suits you.”
Smugg’s courses do add difficulty, he said, but the wide variety of tees (starting points) make it doable for all.
“Difficulty also varies from course to course; while courses at your local park or recreation center may be a bit less challenging, professional courses like Brewster Ridge and Fox Run Meadows here at Smuggs are specifically designed to test even the most seasoned disc golf players,” he said.
Smuggs offers both group and private disc golf lessons. You could learn with your family, a group of friends or on your own.
It’s easy to do with all levels, Hover said, because each hole offers tee boxes for beginners, intermediates, advanced and pros, meaning you can all play along and keep up, no matter your level. A base lesson would give you a better understanding as you watch the championships.
Like Pickle Ball, Disc Golf is an easy-entry sport. Unlike golf or tennis, you can find enough groove to be a player quickly.
“Many people find throwing a disc or Frisbee® more intuitive for beginners and intermediates than hitting a golf ball with a club,” said Hover. “Novice and amateur players often view a round as a walk in the woods or local park while tossing around a disc. Others who compete in tournaments or play on a regular basis can find it similarly frustrating to traditional golf, which often depends on how well their game is going. In my opinion, disc golf is much more approachable for those looking for a new sport than traditional golf, and beginner players will have a more enjoyable experience on a disc golf course.”
That said, a visit just to take in the championships before you become a player yourself works well too, he said.
“There’s something about watching a disc in flight that is unique and awe inspiring,” he said. “The way that they seem to effortlessly fly through the air, defying gravity; the way you can get your disc to turn, and the ability to shape the flight path of your disc; the thrill of watching a perfectly thrown disc dance through the air on its way to the target. It’s hard not to see a flying disc and smile. “
And then there’s the location. Smuggs has been a haven for family and mountain fun since 1976. Tucked into the base of three mountain peaks, it’s totally slopeside.
The town of Stowe is right down the road should you want to wander. You might even get a first peek of foliage, too. Spectator tickets can be purchased here: https://www.pdga.com/2023proworlds.
It might just be the perfect time to be the first in your circle to embrace the next big sport.
