Fenton Man Creates New Backyard Game

When John Wojtaszek saw how much his niece and nephew were spending on disc golf, he thought to himself there had to be a better way.

That better way became a backyard game called Fling A Ring.

Wojtaszek, a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, put together a Frisbee with notches that would latch on to a post when thrown.

He came up with the idea about two years ago when he realized he didn't have the time or money to go to a disc golf course, but still wanted to play. The Fenton resident went to work determining the best material and trying to get feedback. He experimented with materials to come up with the best way for the “ring” to connect with the post. Wojtaszek uses a hard plastic that is flexible, safe and it even floats.

Wojtaszek made up a prototype game and started taking it to graduation parties to play. Everyone who played liked the game and wanted one, he said.

The finished product was completed just before Christmas.

Wojtaszek said he recently received his design patent and the product is being manufactured in Clinton Township. The game has been selling online and Wojtaszek said he has sold about 300 sets. The next step is trying to get it in stores. He has started with friends, a distributor in North Carolina and owners of in Brighton. He said Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops plan to carry the game. He is also working on a television commercial. 

“We are looking at ways of letting people know it’s out there,” Wojtaszek said. “We are making a big push for the Fourth of July. Everything is going to be red, white and blue.”

Wojtaszek believes the game can be right up there with the ones he grew up playing in northern Michigan.

“We grew up on the lake up north on the weekends and in the summer playing Bocce Ball and Jarts. It was a weekend tradition,” he said. “This a brand new cross in-between Frisbee, ladder golf and washers.”

Wojtaszek wife, Heather said the couple has received a lot of positive feedback.

“Thus far everyone has really enjoyed it,” she said.

John Wojtaszek said he hopes the game will take off in the spring and summer.

“I see people setting up backyard courses with nine or 18 holes,” Wojtaszek said. “With the popularity of Frisbee golf in schools and tournaments this game will be very interesting.  It sets up in seconds and can be played almost anywhere.”

The game sells for $39.95 and can be purchased at www.flingaring.com/shop/.

How to play

The game comes with two blue disks, two red disks, two posts and a carrying case. The posts can be set from five to 40 feet apart depending on age and skill level.

Point System

• One point if the throwing ring is within a disc length of the post.
• Two points if the disc hits the any part of the opposite post.
• Three points if the disc is within the finger locking features of the disc.
• Four points if the disc is locked in the small circle on the disc.

The game is to 21 and you must win by 2 points.