Forget expensive equipment and green costs, all you need to enjoy a round of disc golf in the beautiful Spokane scenery is a disc and a group of friends. This low-barrier sport is attracting players of all ages and skill levels to local courses here in Spokane. Around since the late 90’s, disc golf has been growing wild.
“I only see it getting bigger.” says Ryan Griffith, the Assistant Director of Spokane Parks and Rec. “I know so many people who are obsessed with it.”
One of the city’s most popular courses just underwent a complete quality-of-life overhaul. White Water Disc Golf Course, previously known as Down River, is located along the Spokane River, this scenic 18-hole course winds through trees and provides a beautiful view of the river. About 10 minutes away, High Bridge Disc Golf Course offers a challenging layout with elevation changes but less water hazards than White Water. Camp Sekani Jamboree Disc Golf Course lies on the East side of Spokane, where it shares its home to a popular dirt bike trail.
Spokane’s disc golf scene is supported by a passionate community. The Spokane Disc Golf Club (SDGC) is a non-profit organization that organizes tournaments, maintains courses, and promotes the sport. The club also hosts leagues for players of all skill levels, allowing a very welcoming environment.
“It’s affordable and chill,” says Sam Fosberg, a local disc golf player. “(the Spokane courses) are better and more difficult than your average course, wildlife and homeless populations keep the courses interesting.”
The Spokane courses used to have an issue with drinking and drug use, but in the last few years and the popularity rising, it’s really changed.
“It’s becoming a sport where you can bring your family,” says Ryan Griffith. “Spokane also has junior courses, where the holes are shorter and beginner friendly.”
BEGINNER TIPS:
If you’ve never played disc golf and you’re interested, there’s a lot of helpful resources online, such as YouTube, where you can find countless guides and tips. A frequent issue with disc golf is not knowing which hole is next, or which one you’re aiming for in the first place. For this issue, the app Udisc can’t be recommended enough, available on all app stores. It helps you keep score, gives directions for courses, and can even track the distance of a throw!
Overall, disc golf is a thriving and growing sport, beginner friendly, and inexpensive.
“It’s cheap and easy to understand.” says Eli Lathrop.