Maine disc golf, just one more round

By Adam Smith

Why making time for disc golf matters, especially as the days get shorter.

The days are getting shorter, and for those of us trying to squeeze in an after-work round, every minute of daylight counts. 

Maybe there isn’t enough time for 18 anymore. Maybe nine holes is pushing it. Sometimes we’re racing the sunset just to finish one more hole. 

Keep squeezing those rounds in. They may be doing more for you than you realize … 

More than exercise 

Disc golf gets us outside and moving, but its benefits go beyond physical activity. 

Every hole requires us to think. What disc should I throw? What’s the wind doing? Which line gives me the best chance? Should I attack the basket or play it safe? 

Those constant little decisions challenge our problem-solving skills, concentration and ability to adapt. 

At the same time, we’re walking, throwing, breathing fresh air, and stepping away from the everyday pressures of work and home.

Be here. Throw this shot. 

One of the greatest things about disc golf is its ability to pull us into the present moment. 

When you’re standing on the tee, you’re not thinking about tomorrow’s meeting or the email you forgot to answer. 

You’re looking at the fairway. 

You’re thinking about the wind. 

You’re choosing your disc.

You’re focused on this throw. 

That opportunity to slow down, concentrate and be present can be one of the most valuable parts of a round. 

You vs. the course 

Disc golf is also different from many traditional sports because nobody is actively trying to stop you from succeeding. 

Nobody blocks your drive. 

Nobody defends the basket. 

Nobody tries to knock down your putt. 

It’s simply you and the course. 

That makes it possible for beginners, experienced players, kids, parents, grandparents and people with very different athletic abilities to enjoy the same round together.

You don’t need a 400-foot drive to belong. 

You don’t need a bag filled with expensive discs. 

You just need a disc and somewhere to throw it. 

Quick nine. Why disc golf is good for you.

1. Gets you moving. Walking the course adds physical activity to your day. 

2. Gets you outside. A round gives you an excuse to trade screen time for outdoor time. 

3. Challenges your brain Every hole involves strategy, problem solving and decision-making. 

4. Encourages focus. Good shots require you to concentrate on what’s happening right now. 

5. Provides a mental break. The course can offer some much-needed separation from everyday responsibilities. 

6. Builds community. Disc golf brings together people who might otherwise never meet. 

7. Welcomes different abilities. Beginners and experienced players can comfortably share a round. 

8. Creates connections. Some of the best conversations happen while walking from one basket to the next.

9. It’s fun. And sometimes that’s reason enough. 

Don’t have time for 18? 

Play nine. 

Don’t have time for nine? 

Play three. 

Only have 20 minutes? 

Grab a putter and practice. 

As daylight disappears a little earlier each evening, don’t be too quick to put the discs away. 

Make time to move. Make time to laugh. Make time for friends. Make time to be outside. Make time to play. 

Because sometimes just one more round isn’t really about the score at all. 

“Disc golf gives us an excuse to move, think, laugh, connect and be present — one throw at a time.”

Smith, a Dexter resident who teaches at the Tri-County Technical Center, played disc golf for 24 hours straight in June at Black Stream Disc Golf on Burrough Road in Sangerville to benefit “Last Card Standing”, a 24-hour disc golf endurance event to help raise funds and awareness for the Paul McBeth Foundation.