Augusta, Georgia, is known as the epicenter of golf as it hosts the most prestigious golf tournament, The Masters, every year. But did you know, just a short drive from the Augusta National is the world’s premier destination for golf of another kind, Disc Golf?
The PDGA International Disc Golf Center located at Wildwood Park in Appling, GA is the home of the sport of disc golf and a must see for every disc golf enthusiast. It features a modern clubhouse with 2,700 sq. ft. of amenities and attractions that will make your visit a unique experience. With a state of the art training center, practice putting greens and three demanding championship caliber courses, the International Disc Golf Center will challenge and improve every aspect of your game.
What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played much like golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).
A disc golf hole begins from a tee area and ends at a target, the most common of which is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. In-group play, the farthest away player always throws first. Players should not get ahead of the away player. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. When the 'putt' lands in the basket, the hole is complete.
Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations as golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. Unlike golf, disc golf is usually free to play in public parks and takes about half as long to complete a round. Disc golf is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, gender identity, and economic status, making it a great lifetime fitness activity.
Those looking to get started in disc golf should not be intimidated to head out to the IDGC. In fact, the IDGC encourages new players to come out to the Center.“ The International Disc Golf Center is one of the best places to learn the sport. Our Pro Shop staff is more than happy to assist anyone who has never played before,” Said Nate Michalove, Manager of the IDGC. “We want people to know that we’re here to assist. If you need suggestions on which disc to use or which course to play, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
The IDGC Pro Shop is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays but the course is open to the public all week. The Disc Golf League plays every Sunday and is open to all, from beginners to professionals. The greens fee is $3 for Columbia County residents, Military and PDGA Members and $5 for non-residents. In addition, Wildwood Park charges a gate fee of $5 per car to enter.
About The PDGA
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is the international governing body of disc golf, one of the world’s fastest growing sports. The PDGA sets rules and standards for the game and sanctions more than 4,000 annual competitive tour events with a collective purse of $4.5 million. A 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization, it is based in Appling, Ga., where it operates the International Disc Golf Center and three championship disc golf courses. Its 40,000 recreational and professional members come from 60+ countries.