Popular sport goes airborne
Disc golf course to be unveiled at Rotary Park
Imagine throwing a Frisbee with precision into a large, loosely woven metal basket and you’ll have a vague idea of what it’s like to play disc golf.
In recent years, there have been a number of disc golf facilities popping up around the province, including a nine-hole spread to be unveiled next week at Rotary Park in Sydney.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is now in the process of constructing what will be the first public course in the region.
CBRM recreation co-ordinator Jonathan Penny said the municipality was approached in regards to creating a disc golf facility by course designer and sport enthusiast Ben Smith of Pugwash.
“He’s super passionate,” said Penny. “This guy was such an ambassador that I felt like if I jumped on board his ship that we would totally sail to where we needed to be and not sink.”
According to its professional association, disc golf is played like traditional ball golf but with flying discs instead of balls and clubs. One point is counted each time the disc is thrown and when a penalty is incurred. The goal is to play each hole in the fewest strokes possible. The player with the lowest total strokes for the entire course wins.
Much like a golfer uses a variety of clubs for different swings, disc golfers use a selection of discs to help them control the speed and path of their shot.
“I think it’s really cool,” said Penny. “I like to golf and I’ve played ultimate Frisbee when I was living in Halifax and there was a pretty big following there.
“I really like the fact that it’s something that bridges all those generational gaps, so a grandchild, a parent and a grandparent — and even their dog — can go out for the afternoon and play together.”
While green fees and equipment for traditional golf can be pricey, Penny said there is virtually no cost to disc golf.
The municipality has ordered a shipment of discs and is in the planning phase of creating a free loan program available through the Cape Breton Regional Library.
With the creation of the course, which shares a space with an off-leash dog park and leads into the Green Link Trail system, Penny said the site becomes a multi-faceted recreational area for residents and visitors of all ages.
Rotary Park’s disc golf course will open Wednesday, Oct. 25 with public sessions from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. An official opening will take place at 11 a.m. Restrooms are not available on site and patrons are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Penny said Smith will also be on site to demonstrate proper throwing techniques, rules of the game and to give park patrons the opportunity to play the course with a professional guide.