I've only golfed once in my life. It was a couple years ago, and I was trying to impress a boy. Needless to say, I was horrible and we only lasted nine holes. It was hot, boring and by the end of the day, I was covered in bug bites. So, when I decided to try disc golf, I was a bit skeptical.

We started out the K-State campus course with a few quick lessons in throwing the discs and what types of throws and distances each specific disc was used for. I learned quickly that there was much more technique and skill to the game than I had originally thought.

I struggled through the first couple holes, but luckily I played with Eric Davis, senior in print journalism and Collegian news editor, who had played on the campus course before. For those new to disc golf, I suggest heading out with a friend who has experience and can point out all the trees and light poles that serve as holes. Though the campus course is fun and fairly manageable, it isn't marked as clearly as it could be, and did confuse me at times.

One of my favorite shots was the second hole because I had to maneuver the disc across Vattier Street and through a grove of trees to hit a light pole east of All Faiths Chapel. This shot seemed like it would be too challenging, but it was much more forgiving and an encouragement to pursue the rest of the 18-hole course.

Disc golfing is also a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon with friends. I enjoyed the leisurely pace and felt it familiarized me with some areas of campus I had never seen before. For example, on No. 6, behind Calvin Hall, I discovered a quaint fountain and sitting area I had never seen before. It was located under a giant, metal tower and complemented by daffodils and decorative rocks; a plaque on one of the concrete benches explained that the area was a memorial to one of broadcast radio's forefathers. I love finding pleasant nichés on campus to spend 15 minutes of my day reading or napping.

Also, because it is a full course, the 18 holes on campus circle from one end of campus all the way around, passing through areas around the K-State Student Union, the quad, Hale Library and even near the residence halls. So, disc golfers can look forward to finding all kinds of surprises around campus while playing the course.

Though it was more than 90 degrees and humid outside during our Sunday afternoon round of disc golf, it didn't put too much of a damper on my energy. At nearly every hole, there was a water spigot to drink from, and unlike a bare golf course, you're surrounded by shady trees and buildings that can provide a brief escape from the heat and bugs if needed. Not to mention there is a bathroom about 20 feet away from most of the disc-golf holes on campus.

Hannah Blick is a junior in print journalism. Please send comments to edge@spub.ksu.edu.

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