Jared Ziegenhagel and Jeremy Knodel play a game of disc golf Sunday afternoon (Tiffany Goodwein/CHAT NEWS)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Disc Golf sees surge in popularity in city

Jun 7, 2021 | 7:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– On any given afternoon at Central Park sounds of discs hitting baskets are common, as teams come together to play.

The sport is Disc Golf, and according to local players, the sport has grown exponentially in the city.

“Oh 100 per cent. Since COVID-19 even. It is actually one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and just coming out every night you see more and more people,” player Duncan Markie said.

Markie is just 16 years old, and got hooked on the sport three years ago. He now plays in leagues throughout Alberta.

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“For me, I think it is just the flight of the disc, you can do so many things with discs, and once you start getting the hang of it, it is awesome,” he said.

Jeremy Knodel also got hooked on the sport and dedicates up to six days a week on the courses with his family.

“I think I love it because it is always a challenge. I’ve never become really fully great at all the different aspects of it, so for me, it is like me challenging myself,” he said.

The sport is played like golf, but with discs instead of golf clubs.

“Basically you are just trying to throw into the T-box into the net with the least amount of shots as possible,” stated Jared Ziegenhagel, organizer of the Medicine Hat Disc Golf League.

With little needed to get started, the game is very inclusive, according to the players, with kids to seniors taking part.

“It’s inclusive because it is not expensive, because it doesn’t require tee bookings, or anything like that and it is just really simple,” Knodel explained.

Athleticism, unlike some sports, is also not the main requirement, according to Knodel.

To get the perfect throw, the players say that’s a bit of an art, but Markie said it all comes down to how you position yourself.

“A lot of people think you just throw it as hard as you can with your arm but no it’s all mostly lower body,” he said.

Players typically throw the discs using the classic underhand frisbee throw and the overhand throw, all with the goal of getting the disc as close as they can to the basket.

But that doesn’t always happen with discs sometimes landing on the ground, in the bush and even up in trees, requiring some special reinforcement.

“I got this InZone Quick Stick and it stretches 18 feet and it is very useful and you can use it for trees, for water,” Markie explained.

Once the disc is out of the tangled web of tree branches, it’s back to the game, one these players say is full of ups, downs, excitement and overall fun. It is something they are hoping to share with even more member of the public. A disc golf league is being organized in the city. Games start this Tuesday, and anyone interested can register here, or contact the Medicine Hat Disc Golf Facebook page for more information.