On the Course: Disc golf and Dad

ASPEN ” Disc golfing used to seem like the nerdiest pastime. Something Dad was into ” he has been an avid disc golfer since 1981.

Over the past two years, I’ve begun to play more than ever and now own several drivers, mid-ranges and putters. (Not coincidentally, I met my boyfriend on a disc golf course in Alaska two years ago.)

One of the best aspects of the sport is the steep learning curve. With practice, one can improve their game relatively quickly.

The course on the Colorado Mountain College campus in Glenwood Springs offers holes that require long drives, as well as shorter ones requiring skilled aim through groves of trees. Such diversity, not to mention Mount Sopris as a backdrop with the Indian paintbrush accenting the sage, makes it a fabulous course.

When my parents came to visit from Portland, Ore., last week, I was excited to show the place to Dad. He’s a course aficionado. Growing up in Southern California, Pops had ample first-rate courses at his fingertips. Let’s just say I tried not to talk up the Glenwood course too much. As long as there are baskets to throw the discs into, I’m usually pleased with the experience. It’s like hiking with a purpose.

Dad loved the course. So much so, we went twice.

Disc golfing is generally better in the morning, before the wind picks up. (A word of warning: sometimes the wind takes an airborne disc in unpredictable directions, so be ready to hike.) The second time we went, the early morning rain made the course a bit muddy. Wet dirt attached to our feet like globs of clay. I don’t recommend this course on a wet day, as the slick muck makes for a difficult drive from the cement tee-boxes.

It was fun to show Dad my disc-throwing skills, and pick up a few more tips from the seasoned pro.

I guess it is a pretty hip pastime.

epalm@aspentimes.com