Disc Golf Course Design: Inscribing Lifestyle into Underutilized Landscapes

Disc golf emerged as a lifestyle sport from the countercultural movement of the 60s & its popularity has grown while other postmodern recreation forms have faded or plateaued (Wheaton 2004). As an accessible malleable form of recreation its appeal can be explained by a genius loci elicited from direct engagement & a culture of play. What landscape & cultural characteristics of disc golf make it attractive? Participants in the LA region were given semi-structured interviews at 4 popular courses representing 4 distinct typologies to discover preferences. Demographic results and analysis of interviews revealed an overall reluctance to travel, but a desire for variety. Interviewees also expressed overall enthusiasm for courses developed on underutilized post-industrial sites. Camaraderie at each site was shown to be uniquely shaped by rule-creation through play forms (Callois1961); leveling the field for new players, or creating complexity/challenge for experienced players. Guidelines & recommendations are given.