Disc golf, the sport of throwing disc shaped objects at targets, has probably existed in some form for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In 1964, Ed Headrick invented the modern Frisbee. In 1975, he formalized the game of disc golf by creating the first pole hole disc golf target. The first disc golf course was installed in Oak Hill Park, California in that same year. Also in 1975, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) was founded by "Steady" Ed, and it has had over 25,000 dues paying members.

Plastics used to make the discs have also evolved as the sport has grown, with most golf disc manufacturers providing 2 or 3 different lines of plastics in their molds. Some plastics are more grippy, some are more durable, some hold their shape better, and some just look super cool.

Disc golf has enjoyed tremendous growth from its inception. Today (2004) there are over 1300 disc golf courses and over 1 million people play the sport professionally or casually.

With regional organization from groups such as NEFA and national organization from the PDGA, disc golf's growth rate continues unabated. NEFA's annaul Points Series and ratings systems make the circle of players larger, while drawing them closer through common goals and interests. The PDGA's creation of the National Tour has done the same thing on a national level by showcasing the top players and creating a great advertising venue.