The Eagle Nest Course at FGCU

What Is Disc Golf?

What should i tell people?

When you talk about your passion for disc golf, they will grasp the concept more quickly if you use the term 'frisbee golf' instead. So why isn't the game called frisbee golf? "Frisbee" is a registered trademark much like "Kleenex" is in the tissue world, so we must call the game 'disc golf' and explain from there. Oddly enough, the company which produces Frisbee toys makes very few golf discs.

The Gear

Golf discs (top to bottom):
Putter, midrange and driver.

How does disc golf differ from regular golf?

Disc golf is a lot like traditional "ball" golf, except players use specially made plastic flying discs instead of balls and clubs, and throw them for 'par' at an above-ground target instead of a hole in the ground. There are different types of discs used for different purposes, much like ball golfers use different clubs.

What is the object of the game?

The object of the game is to throw a golf disc into the target, typically a "Pole Hole®" basket (a steel basket over which chains hang), in the fewest number of throws. The player begins by 'driving' from a designated tee area and continues toward the target, throwing each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. Finally, a successful 'putt' sends the disc into the target. The most satisfying sound a disc golfer can hear is the 'ching!' of a disc crashing the chains before dropping into the basket.

The Drive

How do the disc's differ?

Most disc golf courses consist of 18 or 24 holes, and you'll find some nine-hole courses too. Holes lengths vary, but generally fall between 150 and 500 feet each. Trees, shrubbery, water and terrain changes offer plenty of hazards to avoid, and it becomes very possible to lose a disc in areas with thick growth, tall trees or (SPLASH!) deep water. Fortunately, at retail prices between $7 and $15, lost discs are more easily replaced than your typical nine-iron.

Is disc golf an established sport?

The Approach

With the incredible rise in popularity of ball golf, it's no surprise that disc golf is also enjoying a similar -- if proportional -- rise in popularity. Disc golf offers many of the same pleasures: fresh air in a beautiful landscape, the camaraderie of friends, and the challenge and excitement of combining personal skill and speed to project an object toward a target. In addition, disc golfers can feel better about themselves and their environment, knowing that chemical pollutants aren't being used to keep their playing fields looking good, nor do acres of trees need to be clear-cut or wetlands filled in, as is sometimes the case for too many ball golf courses. And perhaps best of all, disc golf is inexpensive. The only equipment you need is a flying disc, and most disc golf courses are located in municipal parks, which admit players for free or charge a minimal fee for daily or yearly access.

The Putt

Can I use my frisbee's from home?

Don't expect to see many freestyle discs out on the course. These discs, commonly seen at the beach, will prove to be bulky and lack the distance you'll want for driving. On the other hand, the sharper edges of a golf disc can be very painful if used for a game of catch!

What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?

The game draws a friendly, easy-going crowd of 500,000 regular players who welcome and encourage new players. Traditionally dominated by 18 to 54-year-old males, the field of disc golf players has expanded greatly in recent years to include many women and families. Kids love it, it's a cheap date and a great excuse to get a little outdoor exercise. Bottom line: disc golf can be big fun for everyone regardless of age, gender or economic status.

History of Disc Golf at FGCU

Check out our video explaining the development of our course

In March of 2006 FGCU Outdoors applied for a Matching Baskets Grant Program for Florida Gulf Coast University.  This grant was

approved by the Professional Disc Golf Association in May of 2006.  The next step was to raise the other half of the funds for the Matching Baskets Program.  After a couple of months of hard work the Campus Recreation Department in conjunction with Housing & RHA raised the appropriate funds.  This amenity has the ability with proper maintenance to serve Florida Gulf Coast University for more than 25 years, before chain replacement would be necessary.  We thank everyone involved in this projects development and look forward to providing the student body with years of tournaments & intramural play on this course.

After the grant was awarded FGCU Outdoors then worked with a local Disc Golf Professional (Dale Schweagle) who was nice enough to help with the development of the course layout.  This course has an interesting mix of tightly groomed beachfront holes starting the course.  The course then moves into tall grass fairways and foliage filled out of bounds areas.  The diversity this course offers is welcomed as a reminder of the FGCU environmental diversity on our campus.  We give our participants the ability to truly enjoy Florida's natural beauty, while participating in a fresh new sport.

In the future semesters FGCU Outdoors plans to host a league night that will allow for students to play on the course as singles or pairs, while testing their ability's.  A bi-annual disc golf tournament will also be hosted by FGCU Outdoors to help with course promotion & maintenance fundraising.  FGCU Outdoors is planning on selling disc's at the waterfront shed as the course interest grows.

-Tee-offs are marked by posts.

-Be careful of wildlife while on the course.

-We do have a fragile & unique eco-syestem here at FGCU.