MOUNT Gambier now boasts an 18-basket disc golf course at Browne’s Lake – free for community use.
Disc golf is a flying disc sport where players throw a disc at a metal basket and is played using rules similar to golf, with the aim to play each hole in the minimal amount of shots.
The Mount Gambier Disc Golf Club had been using portable baskets before Mount Gambier City Council supported the permanent establishment of the course with a $22,000 boost from its 2017/18 budget.
“The funds helped us to acquire the services of Disc Golf Park Australia’s Andrew Ferguson, who supplied the baskets and signage and came down to Mount Gambier for five days to design the course in October last year,” Mount Gambier Disc Golf Club president Ryan Nicholson said.
“Since that stage, the baskets have been installed and signage will be installed soon.”
The picturesque course in the Valley Lake precinct features 18 advanced holes, with nine beginner options and a total of 27 tees.
“The location is absolutely perfect for the sport, we’re very lucky,” Mr Nicholson said.
“There aren’t many 18 basket courses in Australia – there are only a handful, so our course has got the greater disc golf competitors buzzing that it can be used for top level sanctioned events.
“We will be hosting the SA Open on May 12 and 13, which has the potential to attract about 50 seasoned disc golf players.”
The club hopes to continue to attract sanctioned Australian Disc Golf (ADG) and Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) events this year.
The club hosts monthly league days for members and those who are interested in learning more about the emerging sport.
“We’ve noticed the numbers have increased at the last couple of league days, with people keen to use the new baskets,” Mr Nicholson said.
“We normally have about 15 regulars, but with new people coming along to try we have had up to 20 people competing.
The club championship will be held on March 18 and the next league day will be held in April.
“Anyone who is interested is encouraged to come along and ask questions and, besides league days, people should know that the course is free to use at any time,” Mr Nicholson said.
“You can use cheap frisbees from department and sports stores or get in contact with the club or go online to purchase the discs.”
Follow the Mount Gambier Disc Golf Club on Facebook @MountGambierDiscGolf.
