Disc Golfers Loving the Sunny Weather

Zachery Vercher works on his game at the Barfield Crescent Park disc golf course.

Barfield Crescent Park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, a sport that is steadily growing in popularity across Middle Tennessee. This outdoorsy, economical and healthy sport has been around for a while, and it is growing in recognition and reputation every year.

The Middle Tennessee Disc Golf Association formed in 2001, with 18 original members. It formed out of a group of guys who loved to play disc golf and wanted to further the comprehension, awareness and prevalence of the sport in Middle Tennessee.

In 2001, Barfield housed a 9-hole course, which is considered the front-9 today. The city of Murfreesboro recognized the trend and a need for a disc golf course. The MTDGA originally formed to raise funds and obtain the manpower for a back-9 on the Barfield course, which occurred in 2002.

One of the members, Thomas Laird, is now the Tennessee State Coordinator for the MTDGA through the Professional Disc Golf Association. Laird began playing disc golf in 1988, at the age of 17, in Millington, Tenn. Laird played recreationally at a course in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, just throwing the disc around and having fun. When Laird moved to Middle Tennessee in 1990, he began to learn about the technique and finesse of the sport.

“I realized it was more than throwing discs,” Laird said. “It’s like golfing; different discs do different things.”

Laird learned the skills necessary for a good disc golf game and joined the MTDGA. In 2004, he became the State Coordinator, and he now schedules events and tournaments across the state. He works hard to increase awareness and accessibility to the sport of disc golf. He also wants to increase the number of players across the state.

Dan Lawerance and Sebastian Snyder

“There is no age limitation and no stereotype as to body type or player ability,” Laird said. “Anyone who wants to play can go buy a disc for $10 and play. It is economical, [provides] exercise and a way to socialize. It also presents personal challenges.”

The Barfield course is one of the few courses across the country that has all-access handicap trails to each tee and hole. Disc golf is truly a sport that anyone can play.

Since its formation, the MTDGA has grown to over 130 members. The members challenge each other to gain ranking within the association. This can be done in several ways. Each member receives a card with a ranking. Groups of four can challenge each other to a game, and at the end of the game, they exchange rankings according to scores.

Another way to go up in ranking is to attend a tournament. Participants turn in their cards, and at the completion of the tournament, cards are passed out according to high-to-low scores.

There are several tournament opportunities for members and non-members alike. An open tournament occurs the last Saturday of every month at the Barfield Park location. Beginners, amateurs, advanced, pro, women and youth (12 and under) compete for fun or for points to move up in the rankings. The entry fee is $6 for non-members and $5 with club membership.

Barfield Park also has a Wilderness Station that houses the Disc Golf Pro Shop. Players, both beginners and pros, can visit the pro shop to purchase bags, discs (around $10), towels, beverages and snacks. Players can also enjoy viewing wildlife while at the Wilderness Station, which houses many creepy crawly creatures like turtles, salamanders and snakes.

Disc golf is a sport that is growing in popularity and recognition because of its great benefits. It is a fun, free and healthy way to be outside. Whether competitive or playing for fun, disc golf is a sport that anyone can play.

There are other courses in the Middle Tennessee area, including Cedar Hill Park in Madison, Cedars of Lebanon Park in Lebanon, Crockett Park in Brentwood, Henry Horton Park in Chapel Hill, Liberty Park in Franklin, Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Seven Oaks Park in Nashville, Sharp Springs in Smyrna, Triple Creek Park in Gallatin and Two Rivers in Donelson.

For more information on disc golf or the MTDGA, visit tndiscgolf.com/.