Disc golf gains massive popularity in Meløy, Norway with viral TikTok video

In the northern Norwegian municipality of Meløy, disc golf has skyrocketed in popularity, captivating local residents and drawing significant attention on social media. A spectacular course located at the Glomfjord Alpine Center has amassed 8 million views on TikTok. Eirik Holdal, who filmed the viral clip, noted the sport has become a community favorite.

Holdal established Meløy’s first disc golf course during the pandemic, and since then, local volunteer groups have created a total of eight courses, with another in development for the community’s 6,000 inhabitants. The objective of disc golf is to throw a disc into a metal basket in the fewest throws possible, mirroring traditional golf while incorporating its own unique rules and terminology.

Disc golf was introduced to Norway in 1978, with the Norwegian Frisbee Federation founded the following year. The sport saw modest beginnings, with only a handful of courses in the 1980s and gradual growth through the years. Interest surged dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holdal believes the sport’s appeal lies in its accessibility and the freedom it offers players to engage with it whenever they wish. He stated that registrations on the popular Udisc app have exceeded the population of Meløy itself, highlighting the town’s enthusiastic embrace of the activity.

Despite environmental concerns about littering, Holdal expressed optimism about the sport’s future in the region. He plans to invite professional players next year to engage with the community and promote disc golf further. With the sport experiencing a nationwide uptick in membership and visibility, it seems poised for continued growth in Norway.