Scoggins Valley Park Disc Golf: A Guide for Beginners
If you are looking for a fun, challenging, and affordable outdoor activity, you might want to give disc golf a try. Disc golf is a sport that combines the elements of traditional golf and frisbee throwing. The goal is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible, using specially designed discs that fly differently depending on their shape and weight. Disc golf is a great way to enjoy nature, exercise, and socialize with friends and family.
One of the best places to play disc golf in Oregon is Scoggins Valley Park, located near Gaston. Scoggins Valley Park is a 2,500-acre park that features a scenic lake, hiking trails, picnic areas, and an 18-hole disc golf course. The course is open year-round and offers a variety of terrain, difficulty, and views. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something to challenge and delight you at Scoggins Valley Park disc golf course.
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In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know to get started playing disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park. We will cover the basics of disc golf equipment and accessories, rules and tips, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will be ready to hit the course and have a blast!
Disc Golf Equipment and Accessories
The first thing you need to play disc golf is, of course, discs. But not just any discs. Disc golf discs are specially designed to fly in different ways depending on their shape, weight, and plastic material. There are four main types of discs: drivers, fairway drivers, mid-range discs, and putters. Each type has a different purpose and flight characteristics.
Drivers are the fastest and farthest flying discs. They are meant for long-distance shots from the tee or the fairway. However, they are also the hardest to control and require more skill and power to throw accurately. Drivers have sharp edges and low profiles that cut through the air.
Fairway drivers are slightly slower and more stable than drivers. They are meant for medium-distance shots that require more accuracy and finesse. Fairway drivers have rounded edges and moderate profiles that glide smoothly.
Mid-range discs are the most versatile discs. They are meant for short to medium-distance shots that require a variety of angles and shapes. Mid-range discs have blunt edges and high profiles that fly straight and stable.
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Putters are the slowest and most stable discs. They are meant for short-distance shots that require precision and touch. Putters have blunt edges and high profiles that fly slowly and predictably.
As a beginner, you don't need to buy a lot of discs. In fact, you can start with just one or two discs that are easy to throw and suitable for your skill level. You want discs that have low speed (1 to 6), high glide (3 to 7), more turn (-1 to -4), and less fade (0 to 1). These numbers represent the flight ratings of each disc, which tell you how they fly when thrown correctly. You can find these numbers on most discs or online.
Some examples of beginner-friendly discs are:
TypeNameSpeedGlide TurnFade
DriverInnova Leopard65-21
Fairway DriverDiscraft Buzzz SS54-21
Mid-rangeInnova Mako35500
PutterDynamic Discs Judge2400.5
You can buy discs online or at local sporting goods stores. You can also rent discs at Scoggins Valley Park for a small fee. The park has a disc golf kiosk near the first tee that offers a variety of discs for rent and purchase, as well as snacks and drinks.
Besides discs, you might want to bring some other accessories to make your disc golf experience more enjoyable. Some of these are:
A disc golf bag or backpack to carry your discs and other items.
A towel or rag to wipe off your discs if they get wet or dirty.
A water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated.
A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements.
A mini marker disc to mark your lie (the spot where your disc lands).
A scorecard and a pencil to keep track of your score.
A map of the course to navigate the holes and find the baskets.
A smartphone with a disc golf app to measure distances, check the wind, and record your stats.
Disc Golf Rules and Tips
The basic rules of disc golf are similar to traditional golf. The objective is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. Each throw counts as one stroke. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.
The game begins at the tee pad, which is a designated area for throwing. The player must throw from within or behind the tee pad. The order of play is determined by the score on the previous hole, with the lowest score throwing first.
The player must throw until the disc lands in the basket or chains, which marks the end of the hole. The basket is usually mounted on a pole about 3 feet high and has a metal cage below and chains above. The disc must come to rest inside or supported by the basket or chains to count as a completion.
The spot where the disc lands after each throw is called the lie. The player must throw from within 30 centimeters behind the lie. The player can use a mini marker disc to mark the lie, or simply use the thrown disc as the marker.
If the disc lands out of bounds, such as in water, on a road, or over a fence, the player must take a one-stroke penalty and throw from the nearest point where the disc went out of bounds. This point is called the drop zone.
If the disc lands in an area that is deemed unplayable, such as in a thick bush, on top of a tree, or under a bench, the player can choose to either play from that spot or take a one-stroke penalty and move up to 5 meters away from that spot in any direction.
If the disc gets lost and cannot be found within 3 minutes, the player must take a two-stroke penalty and re-throw from the previous lie.
The game ends when all players have completed all 18 holes. The player with the lowest total score wins. If there is a tie, the players can either share the victory or play extra holes until there is a winner.
These are some basic rules of disc golf, but there are more detailed and official rules that you can find online or at Scoggins Valley Park disc golf kiosk. You should also follow some etiquette rules, such as being respectful of other players and park users, letting faster groups play through, picking up your trash, and having fun!
Besides knowing the rules, you might also want some tips on how to improve your disc golf skills. Here are some tips for beginners:
Tips for Throwing Technique
The most common way to throw a disc golf disc is called a backhand throw. This is when you hold the disc in your dominant hand with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath, and then swing your arm across your chest and release the disc with a snap of your wrist. This throw is good for straight and stable flights, but it can also be modified to create different angles and shapes.
Some tips for improving your backhand throw are:
Use a firm but comfortable grip. Don't squeeze the disc too hard or too loose. Find a balance that allows you to control the disc and generate power.
Align your body with your target. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly away from your target. Keep your shoulders, hips, and knees in line with your throwing arm.
Use your whole body to generate momentum. Start with a small step forward with your non-dominant foot, then rotate your hips and shoulders as you swing your arm. Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you release the disc.
Release the disc at the right angle and speed. Depending on the type of disc and the flight you want, you can release the disc flat, tilted, or angled. You can also vary the speed of your throw to affect the distance and stability of the disc.
Follow through with your arm and wrist. Don't stop your motion abruptly after releasing the disc. Extend your arm and wrist in the direction of your target and let them naturally come to a stop.
Another common way to throw a disc golf disc is called a forehand or sidearm throw. This is when you hold the disc in your dominant hand with your thumb on top and your fingers on the rim, and then flick your wrist and forearm sideways to release the disc. This throw is good for curving and skipping flights, but it can also be used for straight and stable flights.
Some tips for improving your forehand throw are:
Use a firm and secure grip. Place your thumb on top of the disc near the edge, and curl your index and middle fingers on the rim of the disc. Your ring and pinky fingers can either rest on the rim or tuck under the disc.
Align your body perpendicular to your target. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing sideways from your target. Keep your shoulders, hips, and knees in line with each other.
Use your wrist and forearm to generate power. Start with a small step forward with your dominant foot, then bend your elbow and wrist as you bring the disc close to your chest. Snap your wrist and forearm forward as you release the disc.
Release the disc at the right angle and speed. Depending on the type of disc and the flight you want, you can release the disc flat, tilted, or angled. You can also vary the speed of your throw to affect the distance and stability of the disc.
Follow through with your wrist and forearm. Don't stop your motion abruptly after releasing the disc. Extend your wrist and forearm in the direction of your target and let them naturally come to a stop.
Tips for Strategy
Besides throwing technique, you also need some strategy to play disc golf well. Strategy involves choosing the right disc, aiming for the best spot, adjusting for the wind, and avoiding obstacles. Here are some tips for improving your strategy:
Choose the right disc for each shot. Depending on the distance, shape, and elevation of each hole, you might want to use a different type of disc. For example, you might want to use a driver for long straight shots, a fairway driver for medium curved shots, a mid-range for short accurate shots, and a putter for close shots.
Aim for the best spot for each shot. Don't always aim directly at the basket, unless it is within reach. Sometimes it is better to aim for a spot that gives you a better angle or position for your next shot. For example, you might want to aim for a spot that is closer to the center of the fairway, or that avoids a tree or a hill.
Adjust for the wind for each shot. The wind can affect how far and how stable your disc flies. You need to account for the wind direction and speed when choosing your disc and aiming your shot. For example, if the wind is blowing from left to right, you might want to use a more stable disc and aim more to the left to compensate for the wind pushing your disc to the right.
Avoid obstacles for each shot. The course at Scoggins Valley Park has many natural and artificial obstacles that can make your shots more difficult or impossible. You need to be aware of these obstacles and try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, you might want to avoid throwing over water, near roads, or into trees or bushes.
Conclusion
Disc golf is a fun, challenging, and affordable sport that anyone can enjoy. Scoggins Valley Park disc golf course is one of the best places to play disc golf in Oregon, with its beautiful scenery, varied terrain, and well-designed holes. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something to challenge and delight you at Scoggins Valley Park disc golf course.
In this article, we have provided you with everything you need to know to get started playing disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park. We have covered the basics of disc golf equipment and accessories, rules and tips, and frequently asked questions. We hope that this article has inspired you to try out disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park and have a blast!
FAQs
How much does it cost to play disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park?
It costs $7 per vehicle to enter Scoggins Valley Park. There is no additional fee to play disc golf at the park. However, if you don't have your own discs, you can rent them at the disc golf kiosk for $5 per set (one driver, one mid-range, and one putter).
How do I get to Scoggins Valley Park disc golf course?
Scoggins Valley Park is located at 50250 SW Scoggins Valley Road, Gaston, OR 97119. You can get there by car or by public transportation. By car, you can take Highway 26 west from Portland, then take Highway 47 south to Gaston, then follow the signs to Scoggins Valley Park. By public transportation, you can take the MAX Blue Line west from Portland to Hillsboro Transit Center, then take the Yamhill County Transit Route 33 bus to Gaston City Hall, then walk about 2 miles to Scoggins Valley Park.
When is the best time to play disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park?
The best time to play disc golf at Scoggins Valley Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The disc golf course is open year-round as well, but it might be closed temporarily due to weather conditions or maintenance. You can check the park's website or Facebook page for updates on the course status.
What are some other activities to do at Scoggins Valley Park?
Scoggins Valley Park offers many other activities besides disc golf. You can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing at the park. The park has a boat ramp, a fishing dock, a swim beach, a campground, a picnic shelter, restrooms, showers, and drinking water facilities. You can also visit the nearby Henry Hagg Lake for more water recreation opportunities.
Where can I find more information about disc golf in general?
If you want to learn more about disc golf in general, you can visit some of these websites:
: The official website of the governing body of disc golf. You can find information about rules, events, courses, ratings, rankings, and more.
: The largest online community of disc golfers. You can find reviews, ratings, maps, photos, and videos of disc golf courses around the world.
: The best place to find and register for disc golf tournaments and leagues. You can also find disc golf news, blogs, forums, and podcasts.
: A comprehensive guide to disc golf for beginners and advanced players. You can find tips, tricks, tutorials, reviews, and recommendations on disc golf equipment, accessories, rules, and techniques.
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