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Frisbee golf, or more accurately, disc golf is a sort of laid back cousin of the more traditional game of golf, but much of the same rules and protocol apply. The basics: the golfer needs to toss a platter of plastic towards a basket, which is placed at some distance and perhaps obscured. To reach his goal, the golfer can employ the use of a number of Frisbees; drivers, long range drivers, putters etc.

The game was developed in the 1970’s and Philadelphia is home to one the oldest and more unique disc golf courses. The course winds through Sedgley woods in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

When it comes to Philadelphia, you can’t avoid the historical significance of any location, especially in Fairmount Park. The wooded course winds around the ruins of an 18th Century house where Ben Franklin’s daughter, Sarah once lived. Although America’s aristocracy have moved on to greener pastures, this area has been reinvented as a unique recreational facility, which the former residents most likely could not have imagined.

Can you find the basket?

This topography can lead to some very challenging shots. In one, the golfer must drive the disc across a wide ravine and hope that the disc lands some where near the basket, obscured by trees on the other side.

Sedgely even has a rugged back nine that begins by following an old cobblestone road before taking a twisted path through the overgrowth. As you work your way through the holes, you come across an abandoned 18th century structure, a commanding view of the river, and a bird sanctuary.

The Cliffs Ruins

The structure is called The Cliffs and was built in 1753 as a country house for Philadelphia merchant Joshua Fisher. The house remained in pretty good shape until 1980’s, when it was vandalized and burned. The empty shell still stands. It is easy to get turned around. It appears that the course has slipped away only to be replaced with over growth and post industrial rubble. But keep your eyes peeled and you may find hand painted sign leading you to the next tee-off.

The next tee is this way.