Mike and Daniel Corbett have long seen the potential for disc golf to catch on in Tracy. This summer, the father-son team plans to show people that the sport is easy to learn, and, just like the similar game that employs clubs and balls, it’s appropriate for all ages and ability levels.

The Tracy Department of Parks and Community Services has added disc golf to its offerings of summer classes, and every Tuesday from June 12 to Sept. 11, the Corbetts will host classes at Dr. Powers Park.

“Nobody really knows about the sport,” Daniel Corbett said. “We want to introduce as many people to the sport as we can.”

Father and son exemplify the nature of the sport. Mike Corbett, 61, plans to keep playing as long as he can. Daniel Corbett, 24, picked up the game when he was 8 years old, soon started logging better scores than his dad, and has since played for the University of California, Santa Cruz, team and participated in international tournaments.

“Obviously anyone can play, but the kids are where it starts,” Daniel Corbett said. “For seniors looking for low-impact, this is what it’s about. Just about everybody has thrown a Frisbee, so you’ve got the instinct.”

Mike Corbett has been into disc golf for about 40 years. He recalls a day in San Diego soon after he discovered a disc golf course. He and some friends would camp out and play with Wham-O Frisbees, aiming their throws at the steel baskets, equipped with chains to catch the discs.

They knew they were onto something and learned that, indeed, disc golf had already become a sporting institution with unique equipment and techniques.

“These guys came over and said ‘No, no, no. You’ve got to get these,’” he said, displaying the smaller, denser disc.

The course even had a pro shop, where they could buy specialized discs, some designed for the long drives, others for the short putts.

The Corbetts will introduce their class this summer to disc-golf discs, various throwing techniques and strategies, and the rules and etiquette of the game. At a cost of $5 for the full 14-week course, they will provide the discs, and they have enough portable baskets to set up a temporary course at Dr. Powers Park at Lowell Avenue and Tracy Boulevard.

They also expect to get in a field trip to the nearest course at Oak Grove Park in Stockton.



At a glance

WHAT: Disc golf classes

WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 12 to Sept. 11

WHERE: Dr. Powers Park, Lowell Avenue and Tracy Boulevard

COST: $5 for Tracy residents, $8 for nonresidents

INFO: 831-6200 or www.tracyartsandrec.com