By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Visitors to the Bucyrus Public Library learned of a new type of golf Saturday morning as they were treated to a program on disc golf.
The disc golf program, which was sponsored by Innova, as well as Mid-Ohio Organized Disc Golf (MOOD Golf), was held in the basement of the library. During the program Ken Rollins played a video explaining what disc golf is as well as a little about the game’s history.
After the video Rollins discussed a few throwing techniques that disc golf players will use which included forehand, backhand, and side arm techniques. Rollins noted that there are three basic discs used in disc golf: the driver, mid-range, and putters.
Rollins gave some pointers for those just starting out at disc golf.
“Don’t get discouraged, because the more you play the better you get at it, and just get involved with someone who has played a little bit and hang out with them,” Rollins said. “They will show you some skill shots and some things to do. The important thing to remember is it is supposed to be fun and it is great exercise.”
After the presentation wrapped up in the library it continued at Robert B. Picking Memorial Park with attendees practicing putting and basic throws.
Among attendees was two-time World Junior Champion Lacey Brugler. Brugler, who is from Upper Sandusky and sponsored by Innova, explained what got her interested in disc golf.
“My father and my sister got me into it,” Brugler said. “At first I was dragging my disc golf bag, but now I carry it.”
Brugler explained what propelled her to the junior championship.
“I worked hard. I pushed myself, but my sister and I traveled together before she went to college,” Brugler said. “She kept pushing me, and I went more into it, and I was really excited when I did it. This year I am hoping that I get my third title.”
Brugler said that her favorite course to play was the Turtle Creek Disc Golf Course in southwest Ohio.
Disc golf began in the 1970s with one disc golf course in Oak Grove Park, California. The sport has blossomed to over 4,000 courses worldwide including 170 courses in Ohio. Crawford County is home to two disc golf courses at Aumiller Park in Bucyrus as well as Reservoir Ridge in Galion. In 2010 Aumiller Park hosted the amateur world championships.