Golf Vs. Frisbee Golf

Frisbee golf popularity has been on the rise.

Although golf and Frisbee golf, or disc golf, share a common name and some fundamental rules, there are some vast differences between the two sports. Types of equipment, location and game play distinguish the sports from each other.

Equipment

There is far more equipment involved with traditional golf. golf clubs image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com

Traditional golf requires a set of various golf clubs, golf balls, tees and, for the more serious player, special gloves and shoes.

Frisbee golf only requires a disc and a small disc marker.

Course Layout

A traditional golf course tends to have a more open fairway. Golf Course image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com

Traditional golf courses all vary in layout but tend to have close similarities, such as short-grass fairways down the middle of each hole, taller grass and trees surrounding the course, and a smooth green for putting the golf ball into he hole where usually a flag pole or "pin" resides.

Frisbee golf is considered to be a more diverse course with each hole having many natural obstacles, such as trees and shrubbery, that could possibly obstruct a thrower's ability to reach her destination. The disc's final destination or "hole" is composed of an upright metal basket.

Gameplay Objectives

While differing in terms of equipment and course layout, golf and Frisbee golf both share a common objective--to have their ball or flying disc reach its final destination or "hole" in the fewest strokes (traditional golf) or throws (frisbee golf) possible. Also, traditional golf is typically only played on a 9-hole or 18-hole course. Frisbee golf courses can range anywhere from 9 to 27 holes.

Cost

A round of traditional golf may cost more if playing with a private club or course, due to membership fees. However, for general public play, both Frisbee golf and traditional golf share a similar price range depending on the course and its gameplay length. Most traditional public golf courses average $10 to $20 for nine holes and $40 to $50 on 18-hole layouts, as of June 2010. The price of Frisbee golf only differs if you are on a private course or longer layout such as a 27-hole course. But with the amount of equipment involved with traditional golf the overall cost to play can be significantly higher.

Attire

Appearance requirements typically depend on whether the club is private or public. shirts. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com

Depending on the course a traditional golfer chooses, business-casual attire such as polos and slacks may be required to in order to play. Because of Frisbee golf's more physical nature, sportier attire such as gym shorts and t-shirts are more widely accepted.

References

• Professional Disc Golf Association: A Guide to Disc Golf from the PDGA
• Professional Golf Association:Play:Golf Etiquette