Man throwing a frisbee "disk" towards a disk golf net made of metal chain links and a basket
Contents of the Disc Golf kit that can be borrowed from the library
Contents of the Disc Golf kit that can be borrowed from the library

Disc Golf Kit

Loan Period: Twenty-one (21) Days (non-renewable) 

Available to: Poughkeepsie Public Library District residents, 18 and over, with a PPLD Library Card for at least six months, and with no fines. 

Pick Up/Return: In-person at Adriance Memorial Library Check-Out Desk during library operating hours. If the bag is checked out, you may request a hold. 

Number of Kits Available: One.

Borrower's Agreement: Review and sign with staff at the Circulation Desk before check-out and when checking back in. Includes Guidelines, Fines and Liability, and Proper Use & Care. View the Borrower's Agreement. 

Replacement Fees: If the items in the Disc Golf Kit are damaged, stolen, or lost, the Borrower is charged the cost to replace them.

Kit Contents and Replacement Fees: 

  • Dynamic Disc Trooper bag, $18
  • Innova Leopard Driver disc, $12
  • Innova Shark Midrange disc, $12
  • Innova Aviar Putter disc, $12

Fines: You must return in-person. $20 if returned in Book Drop (plus damages, if any); $5 late fee per day. 

Call the Check-Out Desk to place a hold: (845) 485-3445 x3701

Useful Information

Disc Golf is a fun outdoor activity that anyone can play, with most courses being free to the public.  The aim of each hole is to throw a disc from a tee pad into a basket using the fewest number of throws, similar to golf. The winner is the player with the lowest score of the combined holes played. Courses are usually configured as having either 9 or 18 holes.  

Discs are similar to Frisbees© but are a little bit smaller and to start enjoying the sport you only need a couple of discs. They are available in three general types: drivers, mid-range, and putters. Drivers are used to throw from the tee pad as far as possible, while putters are used to finish the hole. If you are starting off in the sport, it is generally recommended to use only a putter your first couple of times playing. This allows you to become familiar with your form without needing a lot of power to throw the disc. 

For the official professional rules, visit the Professional Disc Golf Association website. 

There are numerous resources available to learn how to play disc golf and improve throwing, with YouTube being the most common. Videos made by disc golf companies, professional disc golfers, and amateurs provide suggestions and insights into various methods. Playing with others is also recommended, as most people are supportive and helpful in providing tips and suggestions. Detailed videos about starting out and throwing discs can be seen in the following links: 

Dynamic Discs Beginner's Guide Playlist 

Innova's Learn Disc Golf 

Latitude 64 Disc Golf Basics 

As many courses are within wooded areas, misplaced or lost discs can be a common occurrence, especially for beginners. Here are some helpful tips.  

  • After throwing the disc, do not turn away. Watch your disc and follow it until it lands. If playing with others, have them watch the disc after you throw it, too. Sometimes having others watch safely from further down the fairway is another precautionary step that can be taken. 
  • If you can't see the disc when it lands, pick a nearby, distinct landmark to the suspected landing zone to orient yourself when you begin searching for it. Proceed immediately or as soon as possible to the area where the disc landed. You may need to sweep away grass, sticks, branches or other obstructions to find it. You may also need to put yourself at different levels, angles, and heights to spot the disc. Look down low but also look up as it could land on top of bushes. 
  • It is important to listen while the disc is flying or lands. Hearing branches or leaves are helpful clues, while thuds can mean hitting trees or rocks. If the disc hits a tree or rock, it could be sent on a different trajectory. 
  • When purchasing your own discs, try to buy ones that have colors that are uncommon, or do not occur, naturally in wooded areas. Pink, purple, blue and white discs are often much easier to find.

Courses can be played by anyone of any skill level, but some are designed to be more or less challenging. There are a lot of courses within an hour and-a-half or less from Poughkeepsie, with most being free to play. An excellent resource is UDisc to find more courses in the area and reviews. The following courses are located within the Mid-Hudson Library System area.  

  1. Dutchess County 

A wooded course that is good for beginners to advanced players. 

A recently constructed 9-hole course. 

Beginner level course, but Hole 1 has a water hazard, so play it carefully or skip it. 

This course goes through the woods and an old summer camp, providing multiple hole layouts for challenges of various skill levels. 

One of the best-rated courses in the world and #1 in New York state. It is great for players of all skill levels by offering a wide range of course layouts and holes. 

A 9-hole course for beginners and intermediate skill levels. 

Short 9-hole course. 

  1. Ulster County 

Beginner-friendly course with open and wooded holes. 

  • Mohonk Mountain – Mohonk Mountain House in High Falls (Paid Entry; eligible for Mohonk Mountain House pass) 

A challenging, wooded, technical course. 

  1. Columbia County 

Fun, short course for beginners with beautiful views of the lake. 

A beautiful course in the woods for experienced players. 

  1. Greene County 

Beginner to intermediate level course with some surprising challenges. 

Open and wooded holes provide various challenges. 

  1. Westchester County 
  • FDR State Park – Yorktown Heights (Paid Entry; eligible for Empire Pass) 

A challenging and fun course with lots of variety and hole layouts.