DISC GOLF

Canfield's is your source for Disc Golf in Omaha, Nebraska!

Canfield's is pleased to stock Innova disc golf discs, bags, and the Innova Skill Shot portable disc catcher. 

Disc golf is basically throwing a flying disc (Frisbee is one brand, so many people call it Frisbee golf) at chain "baskets."  Just like in regular golf, the lowest score wins.  Most disc golf courses around the country are free to play and are set up in city parks.  Omaha's biggest course is in Seymour Smith Park at 72nd and Harrison streets.  There's also a beautiful course at Iowa Western Community College and one at Cunningham Lake.  In Lincoln, check out the courses at Max Roper Park and at Tierra Park.  Other local courses are located in Waverly, Nebraska and in Ashland, Nebraska.  Visit www.nebdisc.com and click on Courses to find more disc golf courses around Nebraska.

Many disc golf courses are 18 holes, meaning there are 18 baskets to throw to.  Some courses, like the one in Waverly, Nebraska, have 9 holes, and some, like at Roper Park in Lincoln, have 27. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

- What are the best discs for beginners?  It's best to resist the temptation to use several different discs for different length throws when you're just starting out.  Pick one disc and throw it exclusively until you get used to throwing disc golf discs.  Good options include: Aero, Leopard, Cobra, Stingray, Archangel, and Sidewinder.

- I've seen different types of discs for putting, mid-range, and long-range.  Do I need these?  You don't need all three, but you might enjoy having them in certain circumstances.  For example, when throwing a disc into a basket on the course, it's nice to use a blunt-edged putter rather than your more aerodynamic distance driver.  Conversely, a distance driver will get you more distance when you're throwing from a tee.

- How do I know what weight disc to throw, and how do I know what the weight of a disc is?  The weight of each disc is written on the bottom from the factory.  The weight is measured in grams.  Lighter weight discs tend to fly faster and farther, unless you're throwing into a headwind.  Heavier discs are tougher to fly fast, but are easier to control in the wind.  If you're a younger or newer player, your driver should be 165 grams or less.  The same with your mid-range driver.  Your putter can go up to 175 grams. 

- Which type of disc plastic is best?  Innova uses various types of plastic in their discs.  Canfield's carries DX, Champion, and Star plastics.  DX is the most common and the least expensive.  DX discs will sustain more cuts and gouges when thrown into trees and disc catchers.  Champion plastic is translucent or pearled and is more durable than DX plastic.  Star is a newer plastic for Innova and is claimed to fly further than either DX or Champion, all other factors being equal.  If you're just starting out or if losing discs is a real possibility, you may want to stick to DX discs.

- What do the terms Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade mean?  These terms describe the flight characteristics of each disc.  Please visit Innova's flight rating system page on their website for a complete explanation of each term.  In general, the terms refer to the speed of the disc when it leaves your hand, the distance it will maintain altitude, how much it will turn in flight, and how quickly it will drop and drift to one side as it slows near the end of its flight.  All disc golf discs will turn to one side or the other depending on which hand the thrower throws with. 

- What do the terms Stable, Understable, and Overstable mean?  "Stability" describes a discs flight path.  A stable disc will tend to remain straight and level throughout most of its flight.  An understable disc will tend to turn right for a right handed backhand thrower during the high speed part of the flight (speed is highest when the disc leaves your hand).  An overstable disc tends to turn left during flight.  Understable discs are more sensitive to speed than stable or overstable discs and will often fly stable or overstable at low speed.

- What do the terms Hyzer and Anhyzer mean?  These terms refer to the angle of the disc at release from your hand.  In a hyzer, the left edge of the disc is tilted downward for a right handed backhand thrower.  For an anhyzer, the left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a right handed backhand thrower.  These angles are the opposite for left handed throwers or for right arm sidearm throwers. 

- Do I need any equipment besides discs to play disc golf?  No, you don't.  However, there are some things that will make playing more comfortable and/or more enjoyable.  One handy accessory to have is a disc bag.  These are bags with slots inside to hold your discs.  Many of the bags have a water bottle holder on the side so you can stay hydrated on the course.  Some bags have pockets for things like score sheets and pencils, a towel, and other items.  All disc golf bags have a shoulder strap, and some competition-level bags are designed for use with backpack style shoulder straps for easier carry.  Other items to carry are score sheets to keep track of your number of throws for each hole on the course, water bottle, pencils, sunscreen, and snacks.   Wear comfortable clothes you can bend and twist in, and shoes you don't mind dragging across cement or dirt throwing tees.   

- Where can I get score sheets and maps of courses I want to play?  Print out maps and score sheets for many courses at www.nebdisc.com and other online disc golf sites.  The first time you play a course it can be helpful to take someone along who's played that course before.  You don't have to, though.  The tees point in the general direction of the next hole, and a signboard at the tee will often tell you the distance to the hole in yards.

- What are the rules of play?  You can buy a rule booklet at Canfield's that lists all the rules of the game.  Or, check the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) website for the rules.  One good rule to know is that you're not allowed to set foot past the spot where your disc landed on a previous throw.  

Disc golf is an excellent way to get outside in the sunshine and fresh air.  Walking between the tees and holes is great exercise, too!  It's a great sport for the family, as well as for corporate teams, clubs, and other organizations.  Sometimes people want to set up a course on their own property.  Check with Canfield's, as we can offer course design help and can order as many baskets as you need!  Also, check online at www.innovadiscs.com for more info on everything from course design to the various disc models available. 

See you on the course!