There is no doubt in anyone's mind that disc golf by far surpasses its ball-golf cousin when the topic of envronmental friendliness is raised.

However, before we go patting ourselves on the backs for our eco-superiority, we need take a closer look at how the game truly does impact the environment, and seek better ways to design and manage our courses.

With the high rate of growth that disc golf is experiencing, environmental impact is a subject that should concern to every player. In our first environmental piece, guest writer Bart Snell of the Oregon Disc Sports Association makes a case for using cement tee pads.

The Advantages of Cement Tee Pads
by Bart Snell
Oregon Disc Sports Association

The following is a brief list detailing the advantages of installing cement tee pads as opposed to utilizing ‘natural’ teeing surfaces on a disc golf course. While some might argue that the installation of cement tee pads would prove unsightly or even harmful and detrimental to the environment, the following information is provided in an effort to demonstrate otherwise.

1. Player Safety: Golfers are less likely to incur back or other injuries caused by poor footing during tee off if they have a firm, smooth, and solid surface from which to tee, regardless of weather conditions. Cement tee pads will also attract many ‘pro’ players, who simply will not play on a course without tee pads because of the increased possibility of injury.
2. Consistency: Golfers will observe improved scores and all-around game performance by having consistent teeing surfaces at every hole. The last few seconds of a player’s drive are crucial to the flight of the disc. The more concentration a player can devote to the throw (rather than watching his footing), the better and longer that throw is likely to wind up.
3. Low Maintenance: Properly installed cement tee pads require virtually no maintenance once the cement has set. If the surface of the tee pad has been scored correctly to provide for better traction when the tee is wet, the only maintenance that should ever be required is and occasional sweeping of limbs, leaves or debris from the surface.
4. Low Visibility: Properly installed cement tee pads are typically not visible from more than a few feet away. The tees should be set level with the surface of the ground (or just slightly lower) in order to allow lawn mowers and other maintenance vehicles to operate over them without making contact.
5. Soil Conservation: The installation of cement tee pads helps not only to improve a golfer’s game, but also helps to prevent damage to plants and grass in the tee area. Additionally, by providing a safe and secure surface from which golfers can tee, the ‘ever-widening tee syndrome’ (caused when the natural tee area fills up with rain water or mud and golfers take a step to the left or right) is eliminated. Cement tee pads also protect the soil from erosion due to repeated heavy foot traffic.