Nine holes not enough for disc golf

By: Editorial Board

Posted: 7/10/08

Our View
Situation:	Last year, Eastern added a Frisbee golf course. Plans were to add nine more holes this summer, but that did not happen.
Stance:	Because the sport is popular enough, Eastern should consider adding nine more holes so more people can have more fun.

Last summer the campus disc golf course opened up. There were rumors that another nine holes were going to be added this summer, and another nine next summer.

But the course still only has nine holes, which just isn't enough for those who thoroughly enjoy the disc-golfing experience.

For those that don't know what disc golf is, think golf with Frisbees. Instead of hitting a ball with a club, players throw discs at baskets.

The baskets are about three feet across at the bottom and are about three feet tall and about three feet off the ground. At the top of the basket, there is a ring a bit smaller than at the bottom, but chains are connected to a central metal pole. The chains catch the discs.

Players count up the number of throws on each hole, par 3's and 4's at the Eastern course, and move on to the next hole.

The sport is fun for all ages; young and old can oftentimes be seen playing side by side.

There are leagues all over the country sponsored by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), and other informal leagues of friends that get together on a regular basis and compete for prizes.

It is a national sport complete with championship tournaments and endorsements, admittedly not on par with other professional sports, but there are people who make a living from the sport.

It is a cheap form of entertainment and exercise that is accessible to nearly everyone with a desire to play. The cheapest golf discs can be acquired for under $10. There are no greens-fees like in golf and the courses need minimal upkeep.

Eastern's course is on the open field just north of the University Apartments that, before its opening, used to be mostly empty besides the occasional band or sports camp.

It's easy exercise, because participants don't think about it as a stroll in the park; it's a game and the focus is on doing well.

But because our course is only nine holes, none of which are exceptionally long or difficult, it is less fun than a regular 18-hole course.

Campus recreation estimates adding another nine holes would cost around $15,000.

The department won't put in any more holes until it is brought up to the apportionment board.

It may seem like an inappropriate amount of money to spend on something like a disc golf course, but it would be money well spent. Take a drive south down Fourth street, look to the right after passing the rugby field, and you will see people using the course.

It would be a wise investment, mostly because it is something people want. It will be used, and the evidence is in the disc sales at Positively 4th Street Records, the main disc vendor in Charleston.

"The love of the sport has just gone crazy," said a manager at 4th Street Records, who declined to be identified. He went on to explain that they are almost completely sold out.

"I didn't think I would have to order another group (of discs) until school started."

At present, they will most likely have to place more orders.

So far they have sold upwards of 400 discs, averaging 50-75 a week.

The proof is in the pudding- people play disc golf and it is increasingly popular.

Nine holes just get too easy after a while, and the university should add to the course as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone in the community.