To give provide a definition, a sport is considered “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” So, by this definition, disc golf is a sport.

Disc golf is an activity that involves physical exertion, especially while playing; players need to have good cardiovascular endurance and typically walk up to a mile on generally uneven ground. Muscular strength is important for players as well because they need to be able to throw a disc anywhere from 200-500 feet per hole.

Anyone who has been to a disc golf competition has seen the great skill it takes to throw a disc that far and accurately.

Furthermore, competitive disc golf requires a serious aptitude for tunnel vision focus and pin-point accuracy. Not only does one need to be skilled at keeping perfect form when competing, but one also needs to be able to throw the disc accurately hundreds of yards away. And yes, disc golf is entertaining to some. The lengthy, difficult games the players partake in are engaging and impressive. They practice tirelessly to create the best, most accurate throws.

Though most of us have never seen a real disc golf competition, they are much more complicated than one may think. Each player goes one at a time according to where his or her name is placed on the score sheet. Then, in the following rounds, the order is based on the score of the previous round. One finishes a round when he or she successfully throws his or her disc into the basket, which takes the place of the hole in golf. If at any point a player is to commit a “stance violation,” which is any part of the body that is in contact with the playing surface or any other object to provide support at the time of release, one extra throw will be added to that player’s score. At the conclusion of the round, the player with the least amount of throws on his or her score sheet is deemed the winner.

So, why do some people not consider disc golf a sport? Well, oftentimes they don’t realize just how much work is put in by the player. Most would say that this is more of leisurely activity rather than an intensive sport. They often don’t know about the long days of practice put in often to perfect the throws and accuracy. Disc golf fits the definition of a sport, so why say it’s not?

Just because it doesn’t involve a ball does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because you don’t like it does not mean it’s not a sport. Just because it’s not always rightfully appreciated does not mean it’s not a sport. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you can learn to appreciate it: disc golf is a sport.