Meeting up with friends up to two times a week, Plathe builds up skill and a comprehension of the different types of throws to get a competitive edge throughout the lighthearted game. For instance when Plathe throws in a flick motion, it’s hard for the Frisbee to go as far, but is aimed and fast to get to a specific point. Unlike the side arm throw, going across the body to achieve more power but losing some control. Plathe said that his skill “is average but we are all pretty bad.” Partaking in Frisbee golf remains an unserious exploration of time, as exemplified by the fact that his favorite parts are when his friends fall into the water nearby.

The cool summer breeze settles in the air carrying discs of all colors and sizes across beautiful scenic courses all over Iowa, as Gavin Plathe and his friends make their way to their summer pastime — Frisbee golf. Whether it’s the Mount Vernon Quarry or Solon’s Sugar Bottom course, Plathe and friends Caleb Coon and Cole Thurn will be there. They started this outdoor hobby last summer “because we were bored one day,” Plathe said.  “Now it’s a regular thing.” 

For some, Frisbee golf is a low pressure yard game, where similar to golf, the lowest score wins. All players start at the same distance away from the basket, and with every throw, where the disc lands is where the player picks up and re-shoots. Players gain points each time they relocate without making it into the basket, unless of course they complete it the first try, also known as an ace. 

As for the Frisbee themselves, Plathe owns 6 himself but said that when they go to these courses there are discs already there, and that he and his friends search for them if not. These discs brought Plathe to his best score of 30 at the Mount Vernon Quarry. With the Par of this park being 31, meaning that the average score of players at this course is one point higher than Plathe.

Keeping it easy Plathe and friends put a spin on the traditional Frisbee golf game by not keeping score, or even in some cases, not necessarily following the rules. This carefree approach leads this group of friends to follow their ambition for the game. “Sometimes we won’t complete it and go do something else,” Plathe said. 

As for advice for new players or people considering trying Frisbee golf, Plathe just recommends taking it easy and just having fun, as he and his friends do.