Frisbee Golf is taking over southwest Florida this fall. 

The game is played much like golf. Except instead of a ball, the players use a disc that is like a

Frisbee®. However, the discs are smaller and have a shallower depth, so they go faster and

farther. The players start from a tee area and end at an elevated-basket target.

Progressing down the fairway, the players make a consecutive throw from where their previous throw landed. The player whose disc lands farthest away from the target always throws first. When the disc lands in the target, the hole is complete. The idea is to land in each target with the fewest throws.

The game is simple, fun, and great for players of all skills and ages. Plus, it’s a lot more affordable than golf. The discs can be found at sporting goods stores and online disc golf retailers. In Southwest Florida, there are a few places where disc golf courses are offered. One is the Estero Disc Golf Course, and the other is the North Fort Myers Course. The Estero Disc Golf Course was built in 2007 after the opening of Estero Park and Recreation Center.

“The course is 18 holes with various features, including throwing over multiple ponds and up a huge hill. That is a unique challenge of elevation change here in Southwest Florida,” says Brandon Kaczmarek, Planner for Lee County Parks and Recreation.

The Estero course includes multiple tee pads and baskets for all skill levels to enjoy. The North Fort Myers Disc Golf Course at North Fort Myers Community Park and Recreation was built in the summer of 2023, with a soft opening on June 6, 2023, for all to enjoy while Lee County Parks and Recreation finalizes the signage for the course. The course’s official opening is expected to be around the first week of September 2023.

“The course is 18 holes with a unique terrain of pine flatwoods throwing over Saw Palmettos and between pine trees. The course includes multiple tee pads and baskets for all skill levels to enjoy. The course is free, and discs can be borrowed from the recreation center,” says Kaczmarek.

Coming soon is a Lehigh Acres Park Course.

The Lehigh Acres Park’s Disc Golf Course is currently under construction, with the park’s expansion project expected to open February 2024.

"The course is nine holes and includes multiple tee pads and baskets for all skill levels to enjoy and will be free to use,” adds Kaczmarek.

So, head out to the course and enjoy a round or two. Find maps, tip sheets, and about disc golf leagues at leegov.com. The Professional Disc Golf Association offers a Beginners Guide at https://www.pdga.com/news/what-disc-golf-guide-parents-kids.

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.