Disc Golf Takes Flight 

What started with a bunch of uncles ditching a Christmas gathering to hit the course has turned into a weekly community tradition for Dylan Kuehni, who now helps lead the charge for Edmond’s growing disc golf scene. 

“I married into a family that’s been disc golfing since the ’80s,” said Kuehni. “One Christmas, all the uncles just left the house, and I said, ‘Where’d they go?’ Disc golfing.” 

Kuehni tagged along the next time, and he’s been playing ever since. Since 2015, Dylan’s been hooked. He quickly found himself entering tournaments, sharpening his skills at Edmond’s Tye F. Cunningham Memorial Disc Golf Course at Mitch Park, and connecting with other enthusiasts across the OKC metro. He now volunteers with the Oklahoma City Disc Golf Association, helping to organize local tournaments and promote the sport in partnership with the parks and recreation departments. 

Though disc golf has been around for decades, its popularity exploded during the pandemic. “The sport was immature, but when COVID hit, it took a huge turn and now it’s super popular,” said Kuehni. “Still immature compared to traditional golf, but growing fast.” 

What makes it so appealing? For one, the barrier to entry is low. “It’s free and easy and quick,” Kuehni said. “Even at 7 p.m., you can go play a quick nine holes and be back for bedtime with the kids.” 

Courses like Tye F. Cunningham Memorial offer a family-friendly atmosphere, and Kuehni is always eager to introduce new players. “If we see a family with kids, we try to talk the sport up and encourage them to try it or keep playing,” he said. “I keep a bunch of discs in my truck, so when I have extras, I’m happy to give them out to introduce people to the sport.” 

Kuehni now hosts a mini-doubles tournament every Tuesday and runs a winter putting league at Patriarch Craft Beer House in Edmond. The league is listed on UDisc.com, a popular site for tracking rounds and finding local events, as well as numerous courses around the world. 

“People don’t realize most disc golf courses are free and city-owned,” he said. “It’s an unknown gold mine; you can go play whenever you want.” Dylan encourages new players to check out PDGA.com for rules and etiquette as an introduction to the sport. As far as Edmond goes, he says Arcadia, Oklahoma Christian, and Mitch Park can’t be beat. 

For Dylan, the joy of the sport is in both the challenge and the community. “When you see a disc fly perfectly through a narrow gap, hitting a spot as big as a door from 100 feet away, it’s rewarding. It takes weeks and months of practice, but it’s worth it.” 

And the clink of chains? The sweet sound of success. “It’s a great thing to hear. Even when you hear someone else sink a shot, it’s a very positive sound.” 

From toddlers in junior divisions to adults playing in advanced leagues, Edmond’s disc golf community is growing fast, and with leaders like Kuehni, it’s as welcoming as ever. 

To learn more, follow patriarchputtingleague on Facebook or search “disc golf” on visitedmondok.com.