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| Disc golf in works at new park |
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9/2/2011
By Tom Marshall
Senior Advocate writer
Mt. Sterling is about to get a new one-of-a-kind golf course.
The Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Dept. is in the process of developing a new 18-hole disc golf course for Herb Botts Parks.
The golf course could be open as soon as October.
Parks and rec officials expect the park to be exploding with activity once the new course is complete.
“I think this is something that’s going to be an atomic bomb,” parks and rec Director John High said. “When it first goes off you’re not going to see it, but then all of a sudden it’s going to be up in the sky and then it’s going to be everywhere.”
High says the park will become a popular place once the public realizes how fun disc golf can be.
“It’s going to become a family friendly place where you can spend some quality family time inexpensively right here at home,” he said.
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, only the players use a flying disc or Frisbee instead of a ball and clubs. Scores are determined by the number of throws it takes to get from the tee to each hole, which is an elevated metal basket.
Obstacles along the course remain in play.
There are no greens fees. The only cost is the purchase of the discs used. As for those, players can spend as little or as much as they want.
There are discs designed to travel certain distances and even soft discs that serve as sort of a putter.
Ricky Bowles, a parks and rec employee who plays frequently, said you can purchase a set of long, medium and putting discs for as little as $18 to $20.
Bowles said he personally bought himself a beginner’s set online with eight discs and a carrying bag for a little more than $60.
In addition to the fun, High encourages the public to participate in the sport because of the potential health benefits. While not a strenuous game, it does require walking, stretching, throwing and deep breathing.
The idea for disc golf on the local level dates back at least 10 years, but did not get off the ground until recently.
That’s when High and Bowles began discussing activities for all ages they could add to the allure of the new 32-acre park next to Mt. Sterling Elementary School.
“This is something for anyone 5 to 95 years old,” Bowles said.
Bowles said as many as 40 to 50 local residents travel to other central Kentucky parks to participate in the sport.
By bringing those people back to Mt. Sterling and adding new players, High and Bowles say the local course will be a big attraction.
A course in Mt. Sterling would be the only one east of Winchester, Bowles said.
With disc golf growing in popularity across the globe, High and Bowles say it’s time to capitalize on the opportunity.
“Frisbee golf is the growing thing in the world. ... ” High said. “It’s really here to stay.”
Parks and rec wants disc golf to not only be a popular leisure activity, but also a sport with leagues for all skill levels.
By next summer their hope is to be hosting tournaments that would make the park a tourism destination. The dept. plans to work with local tourism director Tracy Pearce to promote the course.
“We’re going to bring people into this community with the reason to play disc golf,” High said. “We’re going to be the country club and the Old Silo, but we’re going to be throwing discs.”
The tournaments will be good for the community because out-of-town visitors will be spending money at local businesses, restaurants and motels, High said.
“That helps everybody,” he said.
To get the project running the parks and rec. dept. is looking for hole sponsors.
A business, group or individual can sponsor a hole for $500. To honor the donation, a sign will be placed at a tee box acknowledging the donation. Tee boxes will be made of concrete or asphalt to prevent the wear and tear around the tee.
Money raised from the sponsorships will be used to maintain the course.
Bowles estimates it will take $9,000 to $10,000 to develop the course, including baskets and tee pads.
“We hope you will see the benefit to our community and desire to help us make this course a reality. ... ” High wrote in a letter sent recently to potential sponsors.
For information about the project or to sponsor a hole, call 498-8728.
Future plans at the park also include an amphitheater, lake and large pavilion. Lights may also be added there, officials said.
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