Disc golfer ends second 50 states tour at Fairchild

from 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/3/2012 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- An aerospace ground equipment technician with the California Air National Guard completed his second disc golf tour of the 50 U.S. states at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct.1.

Tech. Sgt. Larry C. Kirk, from the 144th Maintenance Squadron in Fresno, Calif., started his first disc golf tour at Fairchild 10 years ago.

Kirk traveled more than 13,000 miles by vehicle during the period of July through Oct. This time around Kirk said the tour was to promote disc golf and be an ambassador for the sport.

Disc golf was known as Frisbee golf in its early years and has evolved over the last 35 years. It is played much like traditional golf however instead of using a ball and club, players use flying a disc. The discs used are capable of being thrown 800 feet and today disc golf is growing in popularity nationwide and is played professionally.

Since Kirk started playing disc golf he has played more than 470 disc golf courses across the nation.

The rules of disc golf are pretty much the same as those used in golf, Kirk said. Nine or 18 "holes" are the usual game, though sometimes 27 holes are played. While "holes" is a term carried over from golf, the actual target is more of a basket, surrounded by hanging chains that intercept the disc, allowing it to drop down into the basket below.

"Disc golf is great! It is very fun to play and good for you," said Kirk, who took up the hobby in 1978 and says helps him to pass his physical training test.

Fairchild is home to a nine-hole disc golf course located in Miller Park.

"It takes a lot of practice, but you can enjoy it at any level," Kirk said. "It's a gentleman's sport, like golf."

He also touts the sport as a great family activity.

"It's perfect for families; it is something they can do together," he said, recalling from the start it was a sport he enjoyed sharing with his sons.

I am a "fanatic," I want to promote disc golf. I love it," he said.

[Editor's note: Nick Stubbs, MacDill Air Force Base Thunderbolt editor contributed to this article]