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Disc
Golf
SUSAN MARQUEZ
Ryan Porter can drive and putt
as well as any golfer. Only Ryan plays with
assorted discs instead of clubs, and the hole is a basket.
As an avid disc golfer, Ryan has helped to bring more
players to the game in Natchez.
Now the city’s parks and recreation director, Ryan
is introducing the sport to as many people as he can.
“Disc golf is the second fastest growing sport after
pickleball, and you aren’t as likely to get injured playing
disc golf.” Ryan says the sport exploded during the
pandemic because it is played outdoors, and players
naturally distanced themselves from one another.
Ryan was first introduced to disc golf while a
freshman at Southern Miss. “It’s ideal for a student
because it is a low-to-no-cost activity. But it’s great for
any age. We see lots of families playing together. I like
to say it is a nice walk through the park with a purpose.”
A disc golf course was built at Duncan Park in 2021
and completed in 2022, according to Ryan. “The Rotary
Club, in partnership with the Natchez-Adams County
Community Alliance, built the course. Richard Burke and
Tate Hobdy were the two driving forces along with others
in the community.” Ryan says that there is no green fee
to play. “It is 100% free to whoever would like to play.
Our mission is to provide recreational opportunities at
no cost.” The course is maintained by both the City of
Natchez and a newly formed organization, Natchez
Disc Golf.
Natchez Disc Golf formed and quickly went from
a Facebook page to a regular non-profit. “We held the
Bluff City Open in April 2023 and had 92 players from
four states. Most of them stayed multiple nights in
Natchez hotels, or bed and breakfasts, and ate in
restaurants around town.”
The game is simple enough. It is similar to traditional
golf in that there is a tee pad and a target. There are
different discs for different shots, from long-range discs
to putters. “A basic set of discs can start at only $25,”
Ryan says. For those who are interested in learning to
play, Ryan suggests watching YouTube videos to get a
general idea, and then contacting members of Natchez
Disc Golf. “Anyone on the course would be happy to
help get you started,” he says.
A course map for the course at Duncan Park can
be found on the Udisc Disc Golf app that can be
downloaded to any smart phone. “Just create a park
profile and a GPS walk-through is provided from basket
to tee, and from tee to basket.”
As the number of players continues to grow, plans
are being made to establish a new disc golf course at
Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park. “We are also
working to establish a Natchez-to-Nashville disc golf
trail, following the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are
already courses every 45 minutes to an hour apart
along the Trace. The idea is that if you are in any town
along the trail, you can find a place nearby to play. We
are looking forward to working with other clubs to
make this happen.”
Natchez has one retailer, Sports Center, that
provides four lines of discs. The store is located at
305 Sgt. Prentiss Drive.
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