LEXINGTON, Va., Jan. 26, 2023—John Brodie is a highly recognizable figure on post as the director of music at Virginia Military Institute.  He can be seen directing the Regimental Band, the VMI Commander's Jazz Ensemble, the Institute Brass, and the Glee Club throughout the year at special events. Brodie also can be spotted nearly every afternoon participating in his favorite sport - disc golf.

Brodie has been playing disc golf for five years, ever since his brother Chris got him involved.  

“Chris played the first time by himself and didn’t like it, so rather than giving up, he invited me to keep him company for his second round. I was immediately hooked on the game, and Chris was too. I am attracted to it because I can be outdoors, and spend quality time with friends and family. It’s great exercise. I usually walk two miles in the hour it takes to play 18 holes. It is relaxing and engaging at the same time. During the COVID-19 shut down, it kept me sane. It was something I could do and still keep my social distance,” explained Brodie. 

Disc golf, or frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a basket target.  It is played using rules similar to golf. One throw (stroke) is counted each time the disc is thrown. The goal is to play each hole in the fewest strokes possible. The player with the lowest total strokes for the entire course wins. Most holes are par three, at a distance from the tee box of 350 feet, some are par four, a distance of 400 feet. The discs used are not ordinary frisbees, but are specially designed for the games. Most are made out of plastic, with various sized and weighted discs used depending on the distance from the basket. There are drivers, mid-range discs, and putters. “I only have nine discs, but my stepson Finn has over 100. He is serious about the sport. He competes nearly every weekend,” stated Brodie.   

Although Brodie admits to being competitive in friendly games, he prefers not to compete in tournaments. He plays wherever and whenever he can. “There are courses all over the place. I often play the course at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, there is a course at Montgomery Hall Park in Staunton, two in Harrisonburg, and many in the Charlottesville area. It’s an inexpensive recreation, and so much fun. It is a thrill when I or my companion ace a basket (hole in one). We always record the moment with a photograph.” he said. 

He often takes the many music groups under his direction on the road for performances. Whenever he travels, he packs his discs. “Because they aren’t very big and don’t weigh much, they are very portable, unlike golf clubs. I have played in New Zealand, Morocco, Puerto Rico, and Florida,” he said.  

Since he often plays with cadets, Brodie has considered starting a disc golf club on post. “I think a great area for a disc golf course is McKethan Park,” he mused referring to the off-post property which is the site of the VMI observatory.  

He shared an amusing story about playing on a winter day: “My discs had been in my car overnight when the temperature had dropped quite low. Being made of plastic, they are subject to brittleness when cold. While teeing off at the first hole, I threw a disc and unintentionally hit a tree 3 feet in front of me and the disc completely shattered. It was as if I had super strength and threw it with great force. Enjoying that moment was worth the price of replacing the disc,” he laughed.  

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE