Disc golf facts
Clark County boasts two disc golf courses — Buck Creek State Park and Wittenberg University. Both courses are free.
The Springfield Disc Golf Crew is looking for new members. Membership is $15 per year. For more information, log on to www.myspace.com/springfielddiscgolfers.
The Dayton Disc Golf Association is holding a tournament at Buck Creek State Park today, Aug. 8. Sign-up begins at 9:30 a.m. with play beginning at 10 a.m. Entry fee ranges from $10 to $20.
SPRINGFIELD — Dr. John Dobson doesn’t need yoga to take it easy after a long day of work.
He uses disc golf.
The 58-year-old orthopedic surgeon from Springfield has played disc golf for over three years with his sons, Evan, 22, and Colin, 19. They’re members of the Springfield Disc Golf Crew and play in weekly random doubles events.
“I come out here for rest and relaxation,” said Dobson, who has over 700 discs in his collection. “I’m able to unwind from the day’s activities. It’s also a great thing for us together.”
Disc golf is just one alternative sport people are using to stay in shape.
Joel Drake, the assistant manager at Play It Again Sports, 1608 Upper Valley Pike, said people are “cleaning house” when it comes to their old sports gear, especially fitness equipment and old golf clubs, forsaking expensive items for cheaper alternatives.
“In the past, people would keep a piece of equipment because they might use it,” Drake said. “Right now, they see it as cash. It’s spring cleaning and then some.”
He’s also seen people fixing old equipment rather than buy new, higher-priced items.
Dobson said disc golf is very inexpensive, with discs costing anywhere from $5 to $20, unless “you buy 700 discs.” He said you only need one or two discs to begin playing.
“There’s no waiting time,” Dobson said. “You just show up and have fun.”
It also serves as great exercise. Damien Brown, the founder of the Springfield Disc Golf Crew, calls it “hiking with a purpose.”
There are two courses in Clark County, one at Wittenberg University and a newly-installed course at Buck Creek State Park.
“It’s perfect,” Dobson said. “You can exercise at your own level. When I play by myself, I’ll run after the disc. It’s good exercise.”
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