Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, or simply Frolf, is a growing sport in the area. Similar to the regular game of golf, it is played on a course using different discs including a Driver, Mid-Range, and Putter. Like golf, it is a good way to spend time outside but unlike golf, Frolf does not take years to master.

According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, “The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc.”

The number of disc golf courses has doubled from 2000 to 2008. Out of the more than 3000 established disc golf courses, 87% are free. The game is played in about 40 countries around the world.

A sport that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, a trip to a disc golf course can be the perfect family outing or simply a nice way to unwind after work with a few beverages. Harry Caldwell, an avid disc golfer, describes the sport as, “the opposite of golf, not uptight, and is just like walking through the woods throwing a Frisbee and relaxing.”

Within a driving radius of two hours, there are a handful of different disc golf courses. Each course has the versatility to be enjoyed by any skill level. Generally, two different tees are set up per hole, one for beginners and the other for pros.

Hyzer Creek Disc Golf Course: This course is about thirteen miles outside of Saratoga Springs with 18 holes. The owner describes it as “a private course owned and operated by local disc golfers, who built the course by adopting fairways and sponsoring pins…the course is open 24/7 all year, unless buried under snow. Visitors are welcome if they sign a liability waiver.”

Whiteface Disc Golf: Established in 2009, this course is only nine holes but brings you to the base of beautiful Whiteface Mountain. The holes are played on some of the lower ski trails, with a view of the surrounding mountains. The Professional Disc Golf Association gives a course description as “on the site of the 1980 Winter Olympic alpine venue. Mostly open with 3 holes taking advantage of altitude changes (#1, 7, and 9). #1 and #8 have rushing water near the target.”

Stone Bridge Frisbee Disc Challenge: This is the most family oriented course in the area.  It can be played for free with the purchase of cave tour if you bring your own discs. It is a perfect place to introduce youngsters to the sport, along with an educational adventure through the geological phenomena of the area. Located in Pottersville, this 9-hole course is small but challenging.

Base Camp Outfitters Disc Golf: Located in Vermont, it’s only a short drive to enjoy one of Vermont’s top rated disc golf courses, according to Disc Golf Review. For $6, you can play this 18-hole course that meanders through the woods at the base of Killington Mountain Ski Resort. Each hole is challenging, and located in beautiful woods. Kent Lake is a short walk from the course where you can enjoy a nice swim afterwards.

Pico Disc Golf: Also in Vermont, this disc golf course is perched on top of the little peak of Pico Ski Mountain; it rambles through the woods and down the ski trails with the last hole at the base of a waterfall. To access the start of the course one must ride the chairlift up the mountain that brings you to a vista of the surrounding Green Mountains. With 18 holes this course can be either welcoming to the family, or challenging to the pros. Admission is $10, but the chairlift ride and views alone are worth it.