James Murphy
DISC Golfers will flock to the iconic Valley Lakes course this weekend for the annual Crater Lakes Classic.
With 78 registered entries at the time of print, the 2024 event promised to be even bigger and better than last year’s, which was contested by a field of 52.
Both Adelaide and interstate competitors will make the trip, adding plenty of quality to the lineup.
A total of 14 pros join the fold, adding plenty of interest for local disc golf fans.
The Crater Lakes Classic is one of the Mount Gambier Disc Golf Club’s feature events of the year, second only to The Eruption which is held in November.
“It is a sanctioned event and is part of the Australian Disc Golf tour with players earning points from playing here,” Mount Gambier Disc Golf president Justin Clarke said.
The competition will be a C Tier event, the same ranking as the recent SA Open and will utilise the course’s advanced layout.
The event caters for all ages and skill levels, with players ranging from 10 to 60-plus year’s of age and divisions starting at beginner all the way up to the Pros.
“We have eight in the Open Pro Division, then we have one in the Female Pro Division and we have five in the Over 40 Pro Division,” Clarke said.
“We have a lot from Adelaide coming down, we have people from Melbourne, Geelong and over Ballarat way coming down too.”
Among those are some of the top players in the country.
“Luke Bayne was ranked number one in Australia and he won the nationals in Tasmania last year – he is coming over,” Clarke said.
“Tim Bohan who is from over Geelong way, he is a Pro and is coming.
“Then we have a lot of new players in the beginner level and a lot of locals as well.
“Currently we have 78 players registered and out of that I would say probably close to 30 of those would be local.”
Both Saturday and Sunday will be utilised for competition, with a round played on each day.
Saturday’s tee off time will be around 1.15pm, while Sunday’s round kicks off around 9.15am to cater for those travelling home after the event.
Saturday night will also include a social event for all involved, which presents a chance to exchange stories and participate in some putting challenges.
