Even though the city's traditional golf courses are opening their greens to the masses, those looking for a different style of golf don't have to book a tee time.
The disc golf course at Rainbow Park, while still damp, is already getting use for the season.
Josh Van der Meer is a member of Prince George Disc Sports, a non-profit organization whose members play, organize and promote disc sports such as disc golf and Ultimate Frisbee in the city.
While he would consider himself to be more of a competitive Ultimate player, Van der Meer said disc golf is a fun hobby for all ages.
"Ultimate's a lot more fast paced, cardiovascular, more similar to soccer or football. Where disc golf, you just have to be able to throw a disc, really. It's more solo and it's more similar to golf. You're walking around between the holes and you have to be able to chuck the disc, but other than that it's not nearly as physically challenging as Ultimate," he said.
Van der Meer has been involved with disc sports since 2007 and said disc golf is widespread due to its accessibility.
"It's free and I think there's a disc golf course in a lot of communities. It just takes somebody wanting to put one together and little bit of money," he said. Prince George Disc Sports collaborated with the city and Rotary Prince George to create the city's first nine-basket course in Rainbow Park in October 2007.
During a game of disc golf, players attempt to get their disc in the metal basket within three throws.
But just like regular golf, that's not usually the case, so don't get discouraged.
While any common Frisbee will do for a casual game, Van der Meer recommends getting a disc specifically made for the game. As players advance, they may be interested in the variety of discs available (drivers, mid-range and putters).
"But unlike golf where you have a selection of clubs, one good disc is plenty," Van der Meer said.
In addition to the Rainbow Park course, there is also a seasonal disc golf playing field at Otway Nordic Centre, which opened last summer. The club anticipates that course will open next month when the ground has thawed.
For information on where to play, upcoming events and where to find the perfect disc, visit the Prince George Disc Sports website at www.pgultimate.bc.ca.
