Disc appeal

There’s nothing eerie about these flying saucers.

At parks across Kootenai County, a rapidly growing number of outdoor enthusiasts are flinging plastic at metal in a unique twist to the centuries-old game of golf. Instead of dimpled balls, these players test their skills at aiming discs—commonly known by the trademark name Frisbee—at chain link baskets.

“It’s a fantastic area for disc golf because there are so many courses—10 in Kootenai County—and they’re all free to the public,” said Jason Petersen, president of the North Idaho Disc Golf Club.

The nonprofit group has more than 100 members and an active Facebook page with more than 700 followers.

With no special skills required, disc golf appeals to all ages and is cheap to play with starter kits available at local stores for about $10, Peterson says.

“Our members range from 10 years old to over 70 and come from all walks of life,” he says. “That’s what is so great about this sport—anybody can play.”

Disc golf is a draw for more serious players as well. In September, the North Idaho Disc Golf Club will host a national tournament at Farragut State Park that is expected to draw up to 400 disc golfers from across the country.

Boasting one of the largest disc golf venues anywhere, the Farragut disc complex includes five courses. Other popular disc golf courses in Kootenai County include Cherry Hill and Bluegrass parks in Coeur d’Alene and Corbin Park in Post Falls.

There’s no mistaking the popularity of disc golf. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, there were 2,982 disc golf courses in the U.S. in 2011. In 2018, that had grown to nearly 6,000 courses.

“I think we’ll continue to see growth like that,” Petersen says.

Jack Wardian, treasurer of the North Idaho Disc Golf Club, founded the local organization in 2008.

“It amazes me all the new people I see on the course,” Wardian says. “It appeals to all ages and athletic abilities and you don’t have to be good at it to have fun with it.” Like traditional golf, players aim for a low score. The fewer tosses it takes to bag a basket, the better.

“Our members range from 10 years old to over 70 and come from all walks of life. That’s what is so great about this sport—anybody can play.”

--Jason Petersen, president of the North Idaho Disc Golf Club

Wardian, who owns a laundromat and car wash at Seltice Way and Greensferry Road in Post Falls, introduced disc golf merchandise into his business a few years ago with amazing results.

“I saw a guy at the car wash with a sign that said mobile disc golf store and he was looking to sell,” he said. “We exchanged numbers and things kind of clicked.”

For starters, Wardian put some golf disc merchandise on the shelves of his laundromat. Then things just took off.

“It’s crazy; it’s just taken over,” he said. “Kind of an unusual combination: a laundromat and disc golf store!” His business is now aptly named Seltice Wash and Disc Golf.

Petersen said the club is always accepting new members.

“I think anybody who loves to walk with nature and throw plastic at metal and hang out with friends would love this sport,” he says.

To learn more about the North Idaho Disc Golf Club contact Wardian at (208) 773-1115.