'Ultimate Golf' gives discs a twist

By: James Schmelzer of The Cincinnati Enquirer
Appearing in The News Journal, Wilmington, Del.
Section: Life & Leisure, Page E1
Sat., May 15, 1999
FINAL EDITION

Back in the '50s, catch was the only game played with a flying disc.

Since then, it's, uh, caught on. Frisbees (that's one of the trademark discs) were "in."

Eventually, more complicated games evolved. Some people toss'e, into baskets, in the direction of teammates or end zones. Others juggle the discs or test their skills in distance, touch and accuracy in the tradition of punt, pass, and kick.

Years later, one of those popular games - Ultimate Golf - still is being played.

"The camaraderie is a big thing," says Frank Spicer, former president of the Greater Cincinnati Flying Disc Association. "You can live and breathe it or play once a month with your friends. It's a great game."

What is it?

A hybrid of football, basketball and soccer played with a flying disc, says mike kaylor of Forest Park, Ohio.

"It is more of an attitude than a sport," he says, regering to the lack of referees and judges. The players demand good sportsmanship

Columbia High School students in Maplewood, N.J., were the first to play Ultimate in 1968. After graduation, the game spread to the college level. Students from Princeton and Rutgers played the first intercollegiate game in 1972.

What do you need to play? A flying disc and friens. Cleats are helpful.

Where do you play? Any open field will do. There are also leagues, clubs and tournaments. The Frisbee Web site lists tournaments, locations and offers tips for playing.

How does Ultimate Work?

The game is played on a field between 70 and 80 yards long and 40 yards wide. At each end is a 25-yard-deep end zone that runs the width of the field. Player positions are similar to those of soccer with defenders, mid-fielders and forwards.

A point begins as one team throws (pulls) the disc to the other and rushes downfield to defend. The receiving team then tries to advance the disc to the other team's end zone with a series of passes.

When a player catches a pass in the other team's end zone, his or her team is awarded one point.

 

Cutline from photo printed with this story: The popular disc game "Ultimate Golf" combines elements of football, basketball and soccer.

 

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