UFOs Over FDL

By: Phil Hullin

If you pass nearby Fond du Lac’s Adelaide Park sometime in the near future and glance up in the sky only to notice disc-shaped objects occupying the airspace, don’t be alarmed. These are not visitors from some distant galaxy; they are merely fellow earthlings enjoying the fast-growing recreational sport of disc golf.

Just about all of us have, at one time or another, marveled at the sight of a “Frisbee” in flight; and few of us have not, at some time in our lives, thrown one. Whether its bending left or right to reach its target, hovering softly, or zipping along on a straight line, let’s face it: it’s just plain fun! Combine this with the challenges of conventional golf and you have a recipe for total outdoor enjoyment.

This is disc golf, and it’s here in Fond du Lac now! With the support of several local businesses and the cooperation of the FDL Parks Department, area residents can now enjoy this unique activity at Adelaide Park. The new disc golf course features a total of nine holes, and each hole includes a regulation concrete tee-off pad and PDGA approved Mach III baskets.

Disc golf is scored the same as ball golf, with each throw counting as one stroke. The object is to complete each hole making the fewest number of throws. The game’s roots date back to the early 1970s, with its origins forming in the West coast. Wisconsin currently hosts 38 registered courses, with Fond du Lac’s soon being number 39. Other area courses such as those located in Sheboygan, Kaukauna, and Madison, occupy densely wooded parks whereas Adelaide is more open and groomed (similar to Plamaan Park in Appleton for those familiar). The Adelaide course rewards long and accurate throws, and includes plenty of hazards and elevation changes.

Here is the best part: there is no cost to play the course! The equipment is used just like the parks other play areas. Although actual golf discs are available for purchase at sporting goods stores, the old Frisbee you have stashed in your trunk of garage will work just fine. Disc golf offers an opportunity for the entire family to play together. We urge you to give it a try.

The Adelaide course will officially open late March or early April if the weather permits. There will be more information (including rules, league play, and instructional clinics) posted near tee-off number one at the Northeast corner of the park on Hickory Street. So come on out and join the fun.