The discus throw was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C., and the modern game of golf dates back to the 15th century in Scotland. It was not until 1926, however, that we have any record of the two games being merged. That year schoolchildren in Canada developed “tin lid golf,” a game similar to golf played by throwing tin lids. Elsewhere and independently, other people tried playing golf with disc-like objects from the ’30s through the ’60s, but it wasn’t until the late ’60s that the rules for modern disc golf were laid down and the game started to catch on in a big way.
As in traditional golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Unlike ball golf, most disc courses are located in public parks and are free to play, although some courses charge a nominal fee. The sport requires inexpensive discs instead of costly clubs and balls. The disc golf “hole” is a metal basket mounted on a pole. It seems to be America’s new favorite park game, and courses can be found all over Mendocino County:
- College of the Redwoods Mendocino Coast Center, 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg, 707-962-2663
- Mendocino High School, 10070 Ford St., Mendocino, 707-964-1601
- KOA Campground, 1600 Hwy 20, Willits, 707-459-6179
- Anderson Valley Brewing Company, corner of Hwys 253 and 128 in Boonville, 707-894-5966
- Low Gap Park, 841 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah, 707-448-6722
- Mendocino College Disc Golf Course, 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah, 707-468-3000
- Lake Mendocino, Overlook Day Use Area, 707-462-7581
- Manchester Beach KOA, 707-882-2375
