The discus throw was introduced at the Ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C., and the modern game of golf dates back to the 15th century in Scotland. It was not until 1926, however, that we have any record of the two games being merged. That year schoolchildren in Canada developed “tin lid golf,” a game similar to golf played by throwing tin lids. Elsewhere and independently, other people tried playing golf with disc-like objects, including pie tins, from the 1930s through the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the late ’60s that the rules for modern disc golf were laid down and the game started to catch on in a big way.

As in traditional golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Unlike regular golf, most disc golf courses are located in public parks and are free to play, although some courses charge a nominal fee. The sport requires inexpensive discs instead of costly clubs and balls. The disc golf “hole” is a metal basket mounted on a pole. It’s become wildly popular, and seems to be America’s new favorite park game. It’s so easy to play that just about anyone of any age can enjoy it, yet at the same time it is very challenging to master. Courses can be found all over Mendocino County:

• Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Hwy 253 at Hwy 128 in Boonville, 707-895-2337

• College of the Redwoods, Mendocino Coast, 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg, 707-962-2663

• Mendocino High School, 10070 Ford St., Mendocino, 707-964-1601

• Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, 1600 Hwy 20, Willits, 707-459-6179

• Low Gap Park, 841 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah

• Mendocino College Disc Golf Course, 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah, 707-468-3000

• Lake Mendocino, Overlook Day Use Area, 707-462-7581

• Manchester Beach KOA, 707-882-2375