Disc golf has arrived in Yorkton. The sport, for those who would like to play a game similar to golf without the outlay for equipment and cost of course fees, is relatively easy to play. A clinic hosted by Yorkton Community Development Parks and Recreation was offered at Patrick Park, the site of Yorkton's first disc golf course, to introduce the sport to local residents. About 40 participants took in the clinic instructed by former resident and course designer Joe Hunt, reports Darren Spelay, Yorkton Recreation Services Manager.
Two local disc golf players, Brent Guenther and Garret Karcha have taken up the sport.
Disc golf is similar to regular golf. Instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw a disc into a basket in as few throws as possible, explains Guenther.
The course at Patrick Park, designed by Hunt is a nine hole par three course. It's only one three disc golf courses in the province, the other two located at Regina and Saskatoon.
"Every hole's a par three," says Guenther. "It's easy to keep track of your score and it's easy for kids and adults alike to get their feet wet," he adds.
Guenther has been playing for about five years. He says he likes the fact the game doesn't cost him money. Disc golf can be played quickly. It's casual. It can be played with friends by all ages. It can be competitive or just an excuse to get outside and get some exercise he points out.
Karcha is a relatively new player. He learned about the sport at the Saskatche-wan Physical Education Association (SPEA) last year. SPEA has equipment which it loans out to schools. Last year Karcha rented the disc golf equipment for his school last fall. He received 20 discs and one net. He and Guenther set up a nine hole course around Scared Heart High School (SHHS).
He learned from Guenther that the city had set up a course at Patrick Park. Saturday afternoon Karcha tried out the new disc golf course at Patrick Park for the first time. He says some of his students from SHHS have already borrowed some discs and player at the park.
While Guenther claims he throws pretty close to par, Karcha admits he's still shooting for a bogie.
