Disc golfing into fall

Fall might be upon us, but that has not slowed down the growing interest in disc golf. "That is one of the great things about disc golf, it is playable almost 365, as long as you are willing to deal with some snowdrifts," said Calvin Daniels, chair of the Parkland Association of Disc Golf. "We even play at night. There was a group out Saturday evening at the Patrick Park Disc Golf Course in Yorkton after dark. Flashlights taped to the baskets and small LEDs on the discs. It was nearly ideal out there." Daniels said it is just another way a course stays busy. "There is a growing number of people using the Yorkton course," he said. "One day last week there were two groups that looked like they were part of a school group on the course and several regulars playing too." But the growth is more than just Yorkton, said Daniels, who noted the PADG represents courses within 125 kms of the City, and that is a growing number of courses. "In May 2015 there were three courses. By the first snow last year we had 10 courses installed," said Daniels. "Today there are 17 courses installed, and two more that are still hoping to be ready by freeze-up." Daniels said while he tries not to predict the future, he is expecting continued growth in terms of courses in 2017. "The PADG is pretty active in helping communities plan courses, and we are aware of a couple of regional parks looking at courses next year," he said. "There are two provincial parks in the area talking about courses too." In addition, Daniels said the Association has had discussions with area councils, private individuals and community councils, so there is definitely interest in the sport as a low-cost option which allows for all-age play in a community. While future growth is exciting, existing courses are also hosting new events on a more regular basis. "We've had a great run of tournaments this summer," said Trevor Lyons Tournament Chair with the PADG. He said there have been events in Springside, Sandy Beach at Good Spirit, Birtle, Asessippi Beach & Campground, Fort Qu'Appelle and Yorkton. "We've had players from Flin Flon to Saskatoon to Regina attend events. That's great because it means meals and gas and all the other economic benefits tourists create." And the tournament series is far from complete. "There will be an event held at the Stockholm course this Sunday (Sept. 25), which should be a lot of fun. It's a challenging tonal nine that is a Par-30," said Lyons, adding there are lots of trees to deal with, so players will have to be accurate. The event is one players can simply arrive at before tee-off (10 a.m.) and pay their entry fee to participate. Saturday, Oct. 1, action for disc golfers will shift to Bredenbury. "The morning tournament will be part of day long activities in town that will include ball, soccer, barbecues, pancake breakfast, dance and fireworks," said Lyons. The disc tournament, with prizes from local businesses will highlight the tonal 12 course, that plays as a Par-36. "Entry fee for this one is interesting, players can pay $25, or they can donate a disc to the town, which they will use to support youth players, and then the fee is $10," explained Lyons. The next day, Sunday, Oct. 2, the Yorkton committee within the PADG will partner with the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. "It's great to partner with the Terriers. We've invited a number of youth groups to come out, and we are of course inviting the public," said Daniels. "It will just be a fun way to meet the current Terriers, eat a burger and throw a few discs." For those wanting more competition Oct. 2, an 'Ace Race' event is being held as Asessippi Beach & Campground. As for night golf there will be a Halloween Toss being held at the Patrick Park Disc Golf Course Saturday, Oct. 29, starting at 7:30 p.m. LED lights for discs will be for sale that night. Anyone wanting to follow disc golf action in the area can search the PADG on Facebook, or the Association can be contacted by email at padg.yorkton@gmail.com - Submitted by the Parkland Association of Disc Golf