Humboldt's Disc Golf Course Is A Hidden Gem

Before I came into work this morning I went for a round of disc golf on what looks to be the last warm day of the year.

The nine-hole course at St. Elizabeth Park seems to be a hidden gem of Humboldt. I've never seen anyone else playing.

That's a shame. The course isn't as big as the one at Diefenbaker Park in Saskatoon, but it's charming - and tricky in places.

So I took a few pictures to introduce our readers to the course, in the hope that I might see some more of you out there next year.

Here's the entrance to the park. Note that I'm holding three discs - a white driver, blue midrange and pink putter. I'll be using all of them. You should be able to track down a starter set with one of each and a bag for about $70. (I got mine at Escape Sports in Saskatoon, but there are other options.)

Some drivers give you more control, others give extreme distance. There's a huge variety and some are discs more beginner-friendly than others, so make sure to ask for advice when you're buying a set. This particular driver is meant to catch the air and glide forever. Let's see what happens.

Well, that didn't go exactly as planned - but at least I'm close enough to use my beloved Discraft Buzzz. When you need a disc to land right there, the Buzzz is your best friend.

Not as close as I'd have liked, but I am in putting range. Putters are heavier and softer than midrange discs and drivers, so they don't roll as far when they hit the ground. They also fly straighter, rather than curving in the air.

Et voila! (I'll confess, it took me two tries to sink that. Still, a bogey isn't bad.)

Two more pictures for you. First, here's why it's important to develop your forehand throw.

When you throw backhanded (assuming a right-handed throw) the disc will arc to the right before coming back to the left as it flies. At this hole, that would put you right into the trees - but if you throw forehand it'll arc the opposite way, ideally landing right at the basket. 

Next, we have arguably the toughest hole of the course:

Honestly, I don't have this one cased quite yet. It's almost impossible to throw a disc so straight that it clears this grove. But if you're lucky, you can sneak it between the trees and get a clear line to the basket on your second throw.

And there you have it! Disc golf is a fun, inexpensive sport to get into, and Humboldt has a lovely course to play on.

Now that I think about it ... maybe I'll just swing by again on my way home.

See you all out there next summer!