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Disc-o Mania

Catch a game of Frisbee golf

A A A Comments Thursday, Feb 26 2004

"Disc golf" is more popularly known as "Frisbee golf," but Wham-O, Inc. slapped a trademark on the term "Frisbee" in 1958. Semantics aside, the game is enormously popular, with more than 100 courses in Texas and dozens within Houstonians' reach. So, where's good? Just west of downtown on Buffalo Bayou lies the Jim Mozola Memorial Disc Golf Course. "It has elevation," says Jeff Moore, president of the Houston Flying Disc Society. In a city whose only hills are freeway intersections, Mozola offers sloping terrain, trees and water, including a hole where you have to lay up before you cross a creek. Of course, there are urban hazards, like people and dogs and stuff. Tee No. 1 is just northwest of the Sabine Street Bridge.

Larry Kruse

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The Tom Bass Regional Park has two 18-hole courses. Host of many championships, Bass features basically flat, thick woods. Here, long holes offer the real tests. When it rains, mud and standing water offer a swampy, er, challenge. Bass is located a quarter-mile east of Highway 288 off of the Beltway 8 feeder. Follow the signs.

Dozens more courses are spread around town. They're free, and a beginner can get a Frisbee -- I mean "disc" -- for less than ten bucks. For information on disc golf and where to play, visit www.hfds.org or www.pdga.com, or call the Houston Parks & Recreation Department at 713-845-1000. -- Eric Norvell

Rodeo Run, Not Drive

SAT 2/28

If you're looking for a safe alternative to running with the bulls in Pamplona, then we suggest the Rodeo Run in downtown Houston. The 5K and 10K races begin just minutes before the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade, so you can pretend like you're trudging through the winding streets of Spain without worrying too much about all the mooing and neighing catching up with you. And even if it does, your biggest concern will be stepping into a fresh pile of poop, which is why we suggest you wear cowboy boots. You'll keep your sneakers clean and you just might win the prize for best Western costume. 9:45 a.m. Saturday, February 28. The race begins downtown at the corner of Texas and Smith and ends at Minute Maid Park. For information and a complete route, call 281-293-2447 or visit www.conocorodeorun.com. $25. -- Keith Plocek

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