???While ultimate frisbee is a staple on college campuses across the country, students looking for a more relaxing sport with a slower pace can turn to another rapidly expanding disc sport known as "frolf."
More formally known as disc golf, frolf has gained local popularity as Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)-certified courses have begun popping up in parks throughout Western New York.
Frolf plays with many of the same rules as traditional golf; players attempt to land specially weighted and specifically constructed discs into the hole (a metal basket with and overlying chain) in as few strokes as possible.
Beaver Island State Park, located just a few miles from North Campus on Grand Island, has gained a reputation as one of the best all-around venues for both beginners and avid frolfers.
Beginners beware, however, be prepared to spend some time either wading through knee-deep water or climbing trees to retrieve wayward discs. Writing your name and contact number on the back of the frisbee is a smart move; with frequent traffic on the course, it is not uncommon for a good Samaritan to stumble upon lost discs and return them to their rightful owner.
???For the more experienced frolfers, or those just seeking an adventure, Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park is another option. However, over a half an hour drive from North Campus, students may find it less accessible than Beaver Island.
Though Chestnut Ridge provides a more challenging experience, offering rougher terrain and more precariously placed holes, the course itself is in pretty bad shape. Missing signs and tees can often perplex players leaving them guessing the par on many holes, and sometimes getting lost altogether.
Offering a scenic course that is well maintained and easy to follow, as well as score cards and PDGA approved discs for sale in the park office, Beaver Island is the most convenient course to learn on, and accessible enough to visit for a quick nine hole practice session.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
