Maxine Giza

Have you ever gotten the urge to join in and throw something while attending a sporting event at the DCU Center? Well, now is your chance. In fact, you’ll be encouraged to propel plastic discs to the best of your ability, thanks, in part, to a collaborative effort among Downtown Disc Golf, Discover Central Massachusetts and the City of Worcester. On Aug. 30, people can reserve a tee time and find out what disc golf is all about. With a pass, people will be able to play disc golf and carnival games, meet vendors and enjoy food at the DCU Center.

The event is a kickoff to the Vibram Open, taking place at Maple Hill in Leicester from Aug. 31-Sept. 1. “Our hope is this educational event will hook people who are athletic and may not have known how to get into it,” said Michael Lucey, of Discover Central Massachusetts. “This is sort of a ‘come one, come all.’ Make sure everyone knows the doors are open for people who play competitively.”

Driving down Marshall Street in Leicester, you may have seen a flying disc or two on the premier Maple Hill course. If you think disc golf is nothing more than a gym class game, you would be mistaken. The sport has experienced consistent growth over the years, according to Downtown Disc Golf Pro Tour Director Steven Dodge. To that end, a professional player press conference will be held to round out the festivities. “For people who look up to the pros, it’s their chance to meet them, get their autographs and play somewhere they don’t normally play,” noted Lucey. “[The professionals] will be there to celebrate the game and enjoy being engaged with the crowd. This is the first time an event like this has come to the DCU Center, although a similar affair was recently held at the AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys call home.”

What is Disc Golf Anyway?

While many people know what golf is and have tossed a Frisbee at some point in their lives, how the two are combined may be a bit more difficult to envision. As you may have guessed, it’s not one of those sports where players are going at lightning speed. Actually, one of the unique things about disc golf is that people of various sizes, ages and backgrounds can excel. No special experience required!

“My mom started playing when she was 72, and she does it to stay active, to get outside and stay in shape,” said Dodge. “Her goals are different than mine, and mine are different than those of a touring pro, but it lends itself well to whatever your fitness goals are.”

As the name implies, disc golf is akin to regular golf and became formalized in the 1970s. Courses typically consist of nine to 18 holes. Instead of a hole in the ground, like in traditional golf, disc golf courses are comprised of a basket suspended in the air by poles. Players aim to throw a disc into the basket in the fewest number of tries. There are courses sprawled throughout the country. Some venues are as professional as Maple Hill, while others are more simplistic and call state parks home.

“It’s holistic. It’s a combination of different mediums,” said Lucey, who described the sport that juxtaposes athletic skill and mental relaxation. “Up here in New England, when we tend to be inside for the winter, getting outside and breathing in nature is very good for your soul.”

For more information and pricing, visit dcucenter.com.