This past summer, I went golfing for the first time. While I enjoyed it, I realized I would have to shell out a couple of 20 dollar bills each outing. That’s why I was happy to eventually land on a more affordable form of golf: disc golf. 

Disc or frisbee golf (sometimes shortened to “frolf”) bears much of the same terminology and rules as ball golf. For instance, scoring terms are still the same here; if a player makes their disc in two throws on a par three, it’s a birdie. 

The main difference between ball golf and disc golf is the equipment involved. There are three main types of discs: a driver, mid-range, and putter. Perhaps what’s most unique is the disc golf basket. The basket protrudes from the ground, and the player aims to have the chains dangling from the top catch their disc. 

Since returning to Fisher, I set out to find different courses near campus. Luckily, there are a handful of excellent options for disc golfers of all skill levels. Below are three courses I’ve highlighted in the area that I’ve played and feel are great choices.

Shadow Pines – Penfield, NY

The first course I decided to go to was Shadow Pines. Upon first visit, you’ll discover remnants of an old ball golf course such as sand traps. Since 2022, the course has gone through many upgrades to transform it into the disc golf course it is today. 

Where the course shines is its flexibility for golfers of all skill levels. Each hole features a red, white, and blue tee pad, with varying distances to the pin. Red tee pads are the easiest of the bunch, as they have the shortest distance to the basket, while blue requires further drives and is recommended for more experienced players.

Speaking of tee pads, this was the first course I’ve seen that has a broom at each pad, allowing players to sweep off any debris before driving. Other players informed me that the course adapts for winter, as the brooms get replaced with shovels. Another golfer, Mike, raved about the drainage system, knocking out any potential puddles from melted snow or rain.

It’s well-maintained, has easy-to-follow signage, and has no entry fee.

Some of the only gripes from players were the lack of an established bathroom, with a portable restroom near the parking lot being the nearest option. Others like Luca, a disc golfer with two years of experience, hoped for more shot variety. “It gets repetitive, the back nine gets a little repetitive,” he said.

Overall, Shadow Pines is a great course whether you’ve been playing for decades or are just throwing your first disc. It’s well-maintained, has easy-to-follow signage, and has no entry fee. I can see myself continuing to frequent this course.

Ellison Park – Rochester, NY

The next course I played was at Ellison Park. This hilly and wooded course has been dubbed the busiest course in Rochester and has even held disc golf championships, according to the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club.

The elevation changes in the course are satisfying. After trudging uphill for one hole, you’ll get to launch your disc downhill the next. And although the course is supposed to be busy, it was rather tranquil the day I went. The call of mourning doves and the rush of passing cars set the backdrop as I navigated the beautiful landscape.

Something I didn’t like was the lack of signage. Usually, as seen from Shadow Pines, there is a sign at each hole, typically featuring the distance to the pin and where the basket is. Fortunately, an app called “UDisc” allows players to not only keep score but also utilize GPS to see hole location. 

I chatted with a golfer named Ian as I played hole six. His main con for the course was the upkeep. When referring to hole five, he said, “There’s just a bunch of muck right there, real muddy right there. So that part kinda stinks.” I had to agree with him– the grass was mowed but there were still areas with mud and general debris.

However, Ellison’s flaws do not prevent anyone from having a good experience at the course. Although signage could elevate play up a notch, golfers can still enjoy 18 holes here just fine. Ellison Park’s scenery and variety made it a memorable time for me, and I encourage golfers to give it a try.

Williamson Town Park – Williamson, NY

Although a bit further of a drive from Fisher, Williamson Town Park is another solid course to visit. I played there back in July and was impressed by the upkeep of the front nine. Expect to see manicured fields and trees throughout.

Some of the negatives occurred on the back nine, which has golfers venture off into the woods. I played with my buddy Joseph Reagan that day, and we soon became a combo meal for dozens of mosquitoes. This was no fault of the park, but something to be aware of as we wished we had brought bug spray.

A disagreement that can arise between golfers and course owners is the par of each hole. For example, hole six at Williamson is 469 feet and is a par four, meaning the average player should make it in four throws. The next hole is 443 feet but is labeled a par three. This is another thing the park could consider changing, but certainly doesn’t hamper the experience.

 “Each [hole] had a different challenge to offer and really made you think.” – Joseph Reagan

Cons aside, I still enjoyed my time at Williamson. Joseph and I had some of our best rounds up to that point the first time we played it. When I asked him what he enjoyed about the course, he said, “Each [hole] had a different challenge to offer and really made you think.” Whether it was angling shots around bushes or throwing uphill, Williamson Town Park has a lot of variety to keep players coming back.

All three courses mentioned are great for disc golfers to have close to campus. If you are interested in trying out disc golf for yourself, I would recommend this starter set. This is the set I started with, and it includes all three disc types you’ll need for just around $25.