FERGUS – It used to be called Frisbee Golf but that was trademarked.
You may know it as Frolf, like George Costanza in Seinfeld.
Centre Wellington officials are calling it disc golf, and they officially opened the first course in the township on July 4 on the grounds behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus.
“It’s exciting to introduce another sport into the community,” said Mayor Shawn Watters. “The people who play it are 1,000 per cent behind it.”
Mayor Shawn Watters, left, and Curt McQueen, chair of the healthy communities advisory committee, say a few words at the official opening of the disc golf course at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex on July 4. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
“I’m excited by the course,” said Curt McQueen, chair of the healthy communities advisory committee, which first fielded a request for a disc golf course in the township and recommended it to council.
“You don’t need skill, just a disc.”
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton brought a motion to install disc golf to council and it was approved in the 2024 budget.
Managing director of community services Pat Newson said $10,000 was budgeted and so far, it has cost $7,000 to purchase and install the equipment.
Mark Henderson, of Guelph, winds up for a shot at the first hole of the disc golf course behind the Fergus sportsplex. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
It’s a nine-hole course that starts in an area behind the greenhouse by the ball diamond and winds its way around the perimeter of the field, ending by the tennis courts.
Layout of the course, rules of the game and other nearby courses can be found at udisc.com.
The game is free to use and unscheduled, so first come, first served. Bring your own disc.
Nine of these are placed around the perimeter of the sports fields at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for disc golf. The game is free to play; bring your own disc. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth
The targets can be removed for winter and for special events when required.
Wilton said she was moved by James Scott’s delegation to council in 2023 lobbying for such a facility and thought it would be inexpensive and relatively easy for the township to install, which is why she brought forward the motion.
Watters said the course provides a great opportunity for residents to learn a new game and meet some new people.
“This is a good thing,” he said. “I hope there will be more of these.”
