By Trevor Jackson
IT has been a whirlwind ride for Mount Gambier disc golfers, with several players attending the recent South Australian Open and WGE (Women’s Global Event) in Adelaide with some impressive results.
Jessica Holman claimed first place in the Under 15 Female category, while her sibling Austin Holman also claimed the win in the Under 15 Male division.
In the novice women (FA4) Amy Weyers bagged second place, while in the Masters 40+ (MM1) Ryan Nicholson also claimed second place.
Hayden McPherson finished third in the Advance (MA1) division against some tough competition.
The event took place at the Adelaide Parklands with a limited number of positions available.
Playing three rounds of 21 tees over the two days of a somewhat challenging course, those who claimed podium positions were well deserved.
Mount Gambier Disc Golf Club president Mat Weyers said it was pleasing to see the growth and strength of the club here in Mount Gambier, with the state results testament to the efforts of the local players.
Club president Matt Weyers said the tournament itself saw some pleasing results from players who have been performing well.
“We have some good players locally,” he said.
“Ryan and Hayden have competed in a few events now.
“Consistency is the key, to tie it together over multiple rounds.
“Hayden won the Victorian championship recently so his scores are coming together and he is becoming quite strong on the national scene.
“Ryan is right up there in his division.
“The Holmans are going quite well and improving their scores – it would be good to see some stronger junior competition here for them.
“We have a good family base with our members and we think we will have an advantage over the city clubs in the future.”
The results were reflected in the end-of-season club awards.
“We had a junior player, Will Harrison who had an amazing improvement in his score,” Weyers said.
“I think he started around 110 in his his first round then his last round was 81.
“That is a big improvement for any player.”
Weyers said the growth of disc golf in the region continues, with the family-friendly sport providing a real outlet for all ages.
Weyers said the ability for mum, dad and the children to all play together was one of the major benefits.
The Holmans are a typical example, with dad Damian and three of the children all involved in the sport.
“We have a few families with the dad or mum and the kids playing, which is a real positive thing,” Weyers said.
“It is good for young families to get out and compete and involve their children, which traditionally it is hard to do in other sports.
“We have a two and a five year old and we go out and do nine or 18 holes.
“They love being down at the Lakes and we hone our skills, so you don’t have to forgo one or the other.
“It is a brilliant message.”
Weyers said another advantage was the cost.
“It is inexpensive and easily accessible to a lot of people,” he said.
“To have a sport where you can commit your own time and effort when you like is a lot more appealing to people.
“Where it beats traditional golf is the barriers to entry with the cost isn’t there.
“Hopefully we can maintain the interest for the club.
“The course here is well spoken of now and Mount Gambier is a hot-bed for sport.
“I think we are at the start of something which is very promising for the future.”
Mount Gambier Club Championships
Men: Gareth Morgan (Adelaide), Alex Costales.
Women: Kate Eldridge, Amy Weyers.
Junior: Austin Holman; Will Harrison.
End of season awards
Handicap winners: Will Harrison, Amy Weyers, Sandra Halleday.
2020-21 Mens league winners: Hayden McPherson; Daryl Pearson; Alex Costales.
2020-21 Womens league winners: Amy Weyers; Kate Eldridge; Michelle Schulz.
2020-21 Juniors league winners: Harrison Ellis; Austin Holman; Ben Ellis.
