colorado disc golf

Disc golf doesn’t get as much attention or Saudi oil money as its buttoned-up inspiration, but it’s a popular recreational sport. Known for a more relaxed atmosphere and cheaper greens fees, disc golf has been part of a tournament with a special twist since 2017 in Colorado.

“One dab per team per hole. No exceptions.”

Those are the rules of Discs-n-Dabs as explained by Ben Owens, who founded the tournament after smoking bowls and tossing Frisbees in college. After graduating, Owens founded CannaVenture, a cannabis-friendly outdoors group that organizes Discs-n-Dabs as well as pot-friendly hikes and camping trips. Cash and trophies are on the line during the tournament, but the competition is largely celebratory, Owens says, with live music, food, vendors and campgrounds all on site during the weekend.

Before the next Discs-n-Dabs gathering is held on a private course in Trinidad September 2 through September 5, we caught up with Owens to learn more about the event and why disc golf and cannabis are such a good mix.

Westword: What is it about disc golf that appeals so much to cannabis users and the good-vibes crowd?

Ben Owens: Disc golf is a laid-back sport. Cannabis is a laid-back pastime. There’s some obvious overlap there. But disc golf’s appeal to the cannabis and “good vibes” crowd goes beyond its relaxing nature.

Disc golf has an affordable entry point. You can grab a few discs at a local store for under $50 — or cheaper, if buying used. This is advantageous if you’ve already spent most of your cash on weed, as was the case for me in college. Disc golf typically takes place on courses that are not as strictly regulated [as golf]. Private courses are the exception, but with private land often comes more allowances, not less. This is advantageous for cannabis consumption, which is often prohibited at other facilities, like gyms, courts or country clubs.

Disc golf focuses more on growing the sport than on being the best. Sure, there’s competition — increasingly so with the trend toward professionalism — but casual players are welcoming and willing to help one another, especially if you’re new to the sport, rather than being irritated that you’re holding up their game. It’s also easier to find a bright-colored disc when you’re baked than it is a small white ball (and even still, I typically lose a disc at each tournament).

Disc golf is just as much of a party as ball golf; it’s just dressed down a bit. There’s no dress code — and you’ll see a…