THE 2019-20 Mount Gambier Disc Golf season finished on a high note with record numbers competing in its June League Day last week.
A club record of 34 players graced the stunning Crater Lakes Park under picture-perfect skies for the handicap event.
Mount Gambier Disc Golf president Ryan Nicholson said it was the prefect way to complete a successful season interrupted by COVID-19.
“It was a fantastic way to conclude the season,” he said.
“Everyone was super pumped to be out there on a beautiful day.
“It was good to get through COVID-19 and only miss two months of play, which is pretty lucky.
“We are absolutely rapped to see the club’s numbers bounce back so quickly and people gravitate towards the sport.”
The top performer on the June League Day was Anthony Baseley.
Baseley smashed his personal best and recorded a nett score of 32.47 to take home the handicap competition followed by youngsters Will Harrison and Ben Ellis.
Daryl Pearson was the most accurate player and secured the closest basket on the day award after a sharp throw on the challenging 10th hole.
The event marked the last chance for leading contenders to get their hands on the season’s overall prizes.
Despite being unable to compete due to border restrictions, Joseph Quinn managed to hold onto the top scratch competition award.
But his nearest rival Lachlan Wookey did not enjoy a strong round and Michael Ellis swooped in to take the runner-up title.
The handicap competition was dominated by juniors after Harrison Ellis led home Austin Holman and Ben Ellis.
Harrison Ellis also secured the junior’s title followed by Austin and Jessica Holman.
Nicholson said these results are evidence of the high levels of enthusiasm shown by the next generation towards the sport.
“We have seen junior numbers starting to grow because they are so eager to learn,” he said.
“Some of the juniors are playing nearly everyday and it is starting to show in the competitions.
“These results indicate how much these juniors have improved over the last 12 months.”
There was another surprise in the women’s competition with the lead changing hands just before the finish line.
Michelle Schulz entered the event at the top of the leader board, but Kate Eldridge had a blinding round to snatch the title ahead of Schulz and Amy Weyers.
After such a promising season, Nicholson has high hopes for the 2020-21 calendar, which is set to begin next month.
He said increased exposure on the national stage is a top priority.
“We plan to run more events on the Australian Disc Golf tour,” Nicholson said.
“Hopefully we can run an event in October or November, but we are just waiting for Australian Disc Golf to finalise the 2021 tour.
“We are also looking forward to seeing more membership growth.”
The 2019-20 season presentations and AGM will follow the opening round of competition at the Blue Lake Golf Club on July 19.
