Nature, Friends, and a Flying Saucer: How Disc Golf Won Our Outdoorsy Hearts
Sponsored by brands we genuinely love and trust: Idio Sports, SOLE, and Farm to Feet.
The Case for Chucking a Disc Through the Woods (With Purpose)
When’s the last time you chased a frisbee through the woods and called it cardio? That’s disc golf in a nutshell—except the discs are purpose-built and the walk is half the fun. We got hooked because disc golf meshes everything we love: free or low-cost access, a “show up and throw” vibe, real-deal time outside, and a community that cheers for your birdie and helps you find your lost midrange.
Disc golf’s superpower is how easy it is to get into—and how welcoming it feels once you do. As Jack Tupp writes in The Disc Golf Revolution, the cost to play is low enough that “anyone can afford not just to play, but to play the best,” keeping courses truly mixed and community-forward. You’re not buying into a clubhouse; you’re showing up to a park with people from every walk of life.
A Walk in the Woods That Actually Fits Your Life
Rounds are typically around 2 hours (often less), which means you can sneak in nine after work or loop the full course on a Saturday and still make the farmer’s market. And because most courses are free—or cheaper than a drive-thru lunch—you can bail after a few holes if the weather becomes an issue, start where it’s convenient, and keep it casual.
Easy to Learn, A Lifetime to Master
You don’t need lessons to enjoy disc golf from your very first day. Most of us bring some built-in “throw a thing” muscle memory, so it’s fun from the jump—then gets delightfully nerdy as you learn angles, wind, and lines. Mastery? That part can take forever in the best way.
Field Tip: Start with a putter and a neutral midrange. You’ll learn control faster than if you jump straight to high-speed drivers.
Forest Bathing…With a Scorecard
We’re big “touch grass” people, and disc golf is basically structured forest bathing. You’re moving, breathing, noticing mushrooms on a stump—and you didn’t need to book anything. Bonus: compared with traditional golf, disc golf courses generally avoid the water- and chemical-heavy maintenance that environmentalists critique.
Okay, But What Do I Need?
Short answer: not much. A starter disc or two, a water bottle, and decent shoes will carry you far. If you want to spend money anywhere, spend it on your feet. Disc golf is miles of walking plus explosive footwork on concrete or packed-dirt tees. Happy feet = better throws + more fun.
For Your Feet: Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
1) Socks that actually work on-course
We’ve been testing Farm to Feet’s Rock Hill Light Targeted Cushion—a collab inspired by disc golf’s East Coast hub—and it’s a sweet spot: U.S.-sourced merino for moisture + temp regulation, targeted cushioning in high-impact zones, and a seamless toe to help prevent blisters.
2) Insoles for extra comfort (especially if you’re new)
If you’re playing in everyday sneakers or older trail shoes, supportive insoles can make a huge difference. SOLE footbeds are heat- and wear-moldable for a custom feel, and they use recycled cork through the brand’s ReCORK program—very Field Trip energy.
They’re especially great if you need more arch support or stability for those tee-pad pivots. If you already have disc-golf-specific shoes with solid support, you might not need them—but for beginners or anyone wanting extra comfort, they’re a smart upgrade.
3) Shoes built for disc golf, not just “outdoorsy”
We’ve been impressed by the 2025 Syncrasy EVO from Idio Sports: waterproof liner powered by Sympatex, a protective Drag-On toe cap for forehand toe-draggers, a low (6mm) drop for balance, and outsole features designed for bracing and pivoting on tees.
Why Right Now?
Disc golf’s growth has been wildly organic and community-led for years—tournaments ballooned as the player base exploded, and the grassroots momentum kept rolling. It still feels like the best-kept secret in outdoor rec: friendly, affordable, and everywhere once you start looking.
Ready to Play?
Grab a friend, pick a park, and go chase a disc between some trees.
Psst—big thanks to Jack Tupp, author of The Disc Golf Revolution, whose writing nails why this game is such an inclusive, time-flexible, low-cost gateway to more outside time.
