Disc golf popularity on the rise during COVID-19

“You could walk onto the course and play at absolutely anytime. We (Grande Prairie Disc Golf Club) book tee times for people that want to get with other people to play, so we’ll organize and help people meet other people playing disc golf, but if you just want to go use a course on your own or with your friends and family you can just show up and play anytime you want.”

Bressey wasn’t able to confirm any numbers on how much the sport has grown in the city so far this spring, but as an active disc golf player himself, he has noticed that the courses within the city are a lot busier than they normally are as people try to get outside and stay active.

The Grande Prairie Disc Golf Club was founded back in 2012 and has been growing ever since. The club is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the courses, as well as hosting tournaments throughout the year. The club currently has over 40 members.

“That includes weed whacking, fixing baskets and signs when they break and making the course better,” said Bressey.

Bressey noted that the South Bear Creek Disc Golf Course is undergoing several big projects this summer.

“What’s going on at South Bear is it’s a relatively new course, it’s only a couple years old, so we are only changing the holes now because we played them for a couple years and saw how to make them better.”

“This year our big project is we’re going to be putting concrete tee pads on our South Bear Creek course, and we’re going to need lots of volunteers to make that happen, so we can have our courses be great and also still be free.”

Bressey said that the club is also looking to add alternate pin locations at the Thrill Hill location so they can continue to change up the course every couple of months and make it slightly different to create a bit of a challenge.

Those interested in disc golf are encouraged to get out and play, but there are some things you should know before you head onto a course.

You can play the sport with any frisbee and try it out at any time. People have tried using soccer and rugby balls to try playing, but using those isn’t recommended.

Bressey says that the best type of disc for beginners to use is called a ‘putter’ which you can buy at any sporting goods store. The ‘putter’ is designed to have the straightest flight and if thrown with enough power it can travel long distances.

When things get back to normal, those interested in playing will be able to borrow discs for free from the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion. The club will be donating more to the Grande Prairie Public Library.

Social distancing on the disc golf courses is also being adhered to.

“We think that disc golf is really good right now because it is something that you can play while practicing safe social distancing,” explained Bressey. “We are asking people if they do go out to stay in groups of five or less, were asking them to keep their two-meter separation, making sure that only one disc at a time goes into the basket so they don’t touch each other’s discs. Our big thing is, is that when people use the courses that they will socially distance and they’ll be safe so we can continue to have these courses open throughout the summer.”

The club says they still are planning on having tournaments this summer, but have to wait for provincial guidelines to be lifted before they can begin planning.

If you’re interested in registering for the disc golf club, you can do so on their website.

by Shane Clausing

Disc golf popularity on the rise during COVID-19

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