Tired of your usual weekend hike or bike ride? Invite your pod for a round of disc golf.
Invented in the early 1900s in Canada, disc golf as we know it dates back to the 1960s, when players in Texas, Georgia and California independently held tournaments using trees, trash cans, water foundations, gazebos and lamp posts as targets. Modern courses usually have either 9 or 18 holes spaced out at least 100 feet apart, and you can even find courses designed with elevations, water hazards, trees and other elements to make play more challenging. The rules for scoring are similar to golf, and if you have decent aim with a Frisbee, you can play disc golf. Brush up on the rules with these tips from the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association), then try your hand at a game at one of these public or private courses:
The 200-acre regional park in Purcellville has majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a 3.5 mile perimeter train. They also have an 18-hole disc golf course that meanders near the equestrian trail, the pond and the road with a decent amount of elevation, three concrete tees and two permanent baskets per hole. // 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville
In addition to the miniature train, carousel, ice cream shop, hiking, mini-golf and boating opportunities, the 888-acre park in Fairfax County has a disc golf course with dual tees running through the woods parallel to the water. // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station
The 70-acre pastoral park in Arlington has lots of activities, including a disc golf course that includes hills, tight fairways and a creek. It has three cement tees and four pin placements for every hole and is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. // 601 North Manchester Street, Arlington
Within the Lorton park situated on the site of a former jail is a challenging and intense disc golf course with dual tees and baskets (red and white) that runs throughout 53 acres. // 8780 Lorton Road, Lorton
The challenging 18-hole disc golf course at the Lorton park goes through the woods. Disc golf costs $2 per golfer, per round or $20 for an annual season pass and can be purchased at the camp store. // 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton
The disc golf courses at this recreational center in Leesburg were designed by John Boscoe. There is a 9-hole beginner course as well as a challenging wooded 18-hole course that goes through fern-covered passes, a winding creek and paw-paw groves; they are available to Freedom Center All-Access Members, LoCo Disc Golf Club Members and Temporary Day-Use Members through a recommended donation of $5 or more per person, per day. // 13951 Freedom Center Lane, Leesburg
As of the end of March 2021, the Woodbridge golf center will have new permanent disc golf baskets installed. Check the website for more information. // 12350 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge
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