Unregulated Disc Golf Courses Popping Up Across Spain – Is the New “Skateboarding is a Crime” Movement?
Something unusual is happening in Spain’s parks and open spaces, and the public is starting to take notice. Disc golf – a sport that has long been on the fringes – is expanding at an unprecedented rate, but not through official channels. A growing underground movement of disc golf players is setting up makeshift, unregulated courses across the country, from public parks to abandoned lots. Much like the skateboarding revolution decades ago, this grassroots effort is quickly gaining momentum.
The Rise of Underground Disc Golf
What started as a few isolated baskets here and there has grown into a nationwide movement. Disc golf players, frustrated by the lack of government support and official recognition, have decided to take matters into their own hands. Not only are they setting up courses where they can, but they are also making their own targets . Instead of expensive baskets, these players are building simple, cheap “tone posts,” made from steel poles driven into the ground and an empty fire extinguisher screwed upside down on top. When a disc hits the extinguisher, it makes a satisfying metallic sound, similar to hitting a basket.
These tonal poles, which cost a fraction of the price of a traditional basket, have allowed players to build disc golf courses all over Spain on a shoestring budget . Suddenly, any open space can become a disc golf course, making the sport more accessible than ever before.
Despite the unofficial status of these courses, the public is intrigued. Passersby stop to watch, curious about what’s going on. Kids join in, locals try their luck, and suddenly, the sport is gaining more visibility than ever. Disc golf, once a niche pastime, is now being played in broad daylight – even though it’s not officially regulated or endorsed .
Echoes of the Skateboarding Rebellion
This movement sounds familiar. In the 80s and 90s, skateboarders faced similar barriers. Public spaces banned them, and cities viewed skateboarding as a nuisance. But instead of giving up, skaters turned streets and parks into their playgrounds. Makeshift skate parks popped up on abandoned lots, and the sport’s underground culture grew stronger by the day. What began as a rebellion against the system eventually led to skateboarding becoming the global sport it is today, with public skateparks, competitions, and widespread recognition.
Now, disc golf players in Spain are following a similar path. With few public courses and limited resources due to the lack of recognition as an official sport, they have adopted the same DIY mentality that skateboarders once had. This time, instead of skates, they are throwing discs between trees, fields and obstacles, setting up their own courses and building their own tonal poles wherever possible.
Audience Reaction: Curiosity or Conflict?
As the underground disc golf scene grows, the audience is starting to split. On one hand, many are drawn to the relaxed, accessible atmosphere of the sport. Families are getting on board, and local communities are discovering the fun of playing disc golf in their own neighborhood.
On the other hand, some aren’t so enthused. Much like the early days of skateboarding, there are concerns about using public spaces without official support. Parks once reserved for picnics and leisurely strolls are now dotted with makeshift tonal poles , leading some to question whether these unregulated fields could be a hazard or interfere with other recreational activities.
Despite the controversy, it's clear that disc golf is making waves, and it's only a matter of time before authorities start paying more attention.
The Strategy Is Working
What's undeniable is that the underground disc golf movement is working. More people are discovering the sport than ever before. Social media is filled with stories of new courses emerging, and local disc golf communities are growing at an astonishing rate. The fact that these courses are being built outside of official channels has only increased the sport's appeal, giving it a rebellious air that is attracting a new generation of players.
For many, the thrill isn’t just in playing disc golf – it’s in building something from scratch, reclaiming public spaces and making the sport visible. And, just as it did with skateboarding, the DIY spirit is inspiring a sense of belonging and community among disc golf players across Spain.
A New Era for Disc Golf?
So what's next for disc golf in Spain? Will the underground movement continue to grow or will authorities crack down on these unregulated courses? One thing is clear: disc golf is here to stay, and the public is taking notice.
Much like skateboarding eventually took over the world, disc golfers are betting their sport will follow suit. And with more and more people discovering the fun of throwing a disc through the trees and hearing that iconic “clang” from a homemade tonal pole , it seems official recognition isn’t far off.
But until then, the underground disc golf revolution continues to spread. You never know where the next course will pop up – it could be at your local park.
Disc golfers aren't waiting for permission anymore. They're building the sport on their own terms, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.
Disc golfers aren't waiting for permission anymore. They're building the sport on their own terms, and it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.