DISC GOLF KING IN CROSSHAIRS
HE might be Townsville’s first state champion in disc golf, but Chris Palazzi is adamant he won’t get a free ride in the region’s first ever North Queensland Championships.
The titles will be held on September 25-26 at North Queensland Disc Golf’s permanent course at Harris Crossing, and Palazzi will head up a strong field of advanced players.
The avid disc golfer, who has been involved in the sport for more than a decade, is coming off his first major tournament when he won the Queensland Novice Title in Brisbane earlier this year.
But after beating out a lead card that also included North Queensland clubmates Nick Gregg and Nate Hammell, Palazzi expected them to be out for revenge.
“I was quite surprised, quite proud and happy to represent Townsville,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are out to get me. There are three of us who are quite competitive here, and then a lot of guys coming up and challenging us.
“The three of us ended up on the lead card for the championships. On any given day those guys will beat me here in town. I was able to take it out from them then, but I don’t think it will be as easy this time.
“They are very hungry to get one back on me.”
Registrations for the North Queensland Championships are still open to people of all abilities, and Palazzi was hopeful he would see a few new faces on the course.
The disc golfer, who operates disc retailer Kingfisher Disc Golf, said the sport was going through a serious growth in Australia.