Driving into the growing sport of disc golf

To this day, it's unknown exactly when disc golf took it's first flight. But, the earliest known instance of anyone playing an early version of disc golf was in 1925 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The sport's modern roots began in 1965 when a recreation counselor, George Sappenfeld, realized that kids could play golf using Frisbee discs. Sappenfeld contacted the Wham-O manufacturing company about sponsoring a summer game where they would use frisbee discs to play a golf course, using Hula Hoops as the holes.

In 1973, a group of people in upstate New York began organizing tournaments and organized a championship to help the sport grow.

As specialized discs were built, the sport's popularity increased with consumers, too.

LOCAL COURSES

Missouri Southern

Located near the residence halls, Missouri Southern is home to a course without tee boxes or signs. Holes are, well, poles. Still, it's close to school with plenty of open space to practice drives.

Map: East of residence halls

Rating: 1/5 Discs

McClelland Park One of the best disc golf courses in the four-state area is right in our backyard. Built in 1998, this big, hilly course has 27 holes. The front nine are shorter and easier than the back (holes 10 through 18). All 18 holes have concrete tee boxes and signs stating the hole location and par. Great course.

Map: tinyurl.com/mcgolf

Rating: 5/5 Discs

Morse Park North An 18-hole course with moderate difficulty, great chains but without tee boxes. The terrain is mostly flat with a lot of clean, open driving areas. A fair amount of trees and "hidden" holes. Course is poorly labeled and weaves through a city park. Take a regular or you'll be frustrated. A fun course if you can avoid the park crowd.

Map: tinyurl.com/mpnorth

Rating: 3/5 Discs