Have You Tried Frisbee Golf? - Discover Äänekoski's Frisbee Golf Courses!
Mira Ekroos |
There are now at least 9 free disc golf courses open to everyone in the Äänekoski area. The courses found in each locality are a great way to get to know Äänekoski and its beautiful nature. Challenge your friends to join and try playing all the courses!
A hobby for everyone
The disc golf courses in Äänekoski vary in terrain and suit players of all levels. For example, the Suolahti course has emphasized visual appeal, whereas the Konginkangas course has a story of its own. It’s easy to get into the sport, as to start you only need a single disc golf disc. Warning! The sport is addictive, and you might find yourself enjoying the outdoors longer than planned. ;)
Courses suitable for beginners and enthusiasts
The most challenging 18-hole course in the area is at Äänekosken liikuntapuisto, where the holes are longer and more technically demanding. The course is suitable for everyone, but especially for those who have played a bit more. This course has been made more difficult and is well suited, for example, to hosting competitions. Open weekly competitions are now held there every Saturday at 12:00.
In Suolahti, on Vesitorninmäki, there is a fine 18-hole disc golf course. The holes are fairly short, but not too easy. The course suits both beginners and long-time players. Thanks to short transitions, it’s quick to play through.
A 9-hole course that is not maintained in winter. The course is located next to Kangaslammen Leirikeskus. The course runs through easy-to-walk pine forest, where discs that stray off the fairway are easy to find.
The course’s 9 holes were opened in summer 2017 as a collaboration between Äfky ry and 4H youth. The starting point is behind the sports field of Sumiainen School. Walkers and dog walkers also use the area, so remember safety! You can borrow discs from Vanharouva.
A 9-hole forest course built in cooperation with the parish, Äfky ry, and the village committee, funded by the will of Niittylän Elli. The terrain is fairly flat and suits players of all levels.
A 9-hole disc golf course is located at Laajaniemen leirikeskus. The terrain is flat and suits throwers of all levels. The first hole starts on the other side of the road next to the parking area before the leirikeskus.
Honkolan koulu and Koiviston koulu
Honkolan koulu has a village-maintained 9-hole disc golf course located in the forest behind the school. The terrain makes it well suited for beginners, but also for those who have played longer. You’ll also find a kota shelter next to the course.
The 9-hole disc golf course at Koiviston koulu is the newest course in the Äänekoski area. The course circles around the school grounds and is especially suitable for beginners. For more experienced players, it’s good for practicing aces, for example.
Laajalahti’s 10-hole disc golf course is located along Kotakennääntie on the shore of Lake Kuhnamo. You’ll find the starting point behind the inspection station. The course is especially popular in winter, as the entire area is kept in throwing condition throughout the winter.
How to get into the sport?
If disc golf is new to you or the hobby is just getting started, pretty much all of the above are good courses, except for the Liikuntapuisto disc golf course. You can practice your throws there, but the holes may be challenging for beginners.
To join the game, you only need even just one disc golf disc. In Äänekoski, discs are widely sold by, among others, Tarvikekeskus and Urheilu Niskanen. Often friends who already play are happy to lend discs and guide you on the rules and throwing techniques.
This affordable hobby that gets you moving almost without noticing suits everyone. Try it with friends, or pack some snacks and try the sport with the whole family at Honkolan koulu, where you can grill sausages at the lean-to between throws.
Disc golf glossary for beginners:
Every sport has its own terminology. Disc golf has several established terms that may sound unfamiliar to beginners. Below are a few course-related terms to help you get started.
Hole= a part of a disc golf course that includes the tee, the target basket, and the area between them
Tee=The designated area for the opening throw
Basket, target basket=The hole’s target
Course= Most commonly a 9- or 18-hole layout played as a whole