Disc golf is a rather well-known sport across both the USA and Europe. In Thailand, however, there are only 2 places dedicated to this sport. They can be found on Ko Samui, Surat Thani province, and on Ko Mak, Trat province. Anyone that is interested in knowing how this sport is played and how much fun it can be is welcome to take a turn or just watch. You might fall in love with it just like many of the locals who frequently gather to play, and have started up the Disc Golf Association of Thailand.
Disc golf players can be found off Somsi Uthit Road in a big field dotted with trees. Players frequently gather everyday around 4-5 p.m., and is usually a mix of Thais and foreigners. The owners of the resorts and tourists know each other well and are very welcoming of newcomers.
People who play golf will be instantly familiar with the rules for disc golf since there are many similarities. Of course, the big difference is that instead of swinging a golf club you will be throwing a disc into a basket. The course consists of 9 main baskets. Like golf, if the disc falls into a basket with a single throw, that is considered a hole-in-one. A little competition is always good and playing with 2 to 4 people is possible.
Each player has a variety of discs, similar to how golfers have many golf clubs to be used in different situations. For example, a driver disc is used for farther away targets, while a mid-range disc helps at a medium distance. The putter disc is used when close to the basket and has greater stability.
The real fun comes from the different obstacles between you and each basket; depending on where you are standing. A straight line is not always the best option, sometimes you will need to angle away or to try and curve your throw around an obstructing tree.
If you want to get serious in this sport, then be prepared. There will be a disc golf tournament on Ko Mak in October. Some of the top players in the world will be taking part. However, the tournament is open to everyone who wants to participate.
Disc golf is one of the many fun outdoor sports the island has to offer for non-stop excitement.
Disc golf
Khun Sakol Ngernsri (Pom)
Tel.: +66(0)8 6751 7668