by Carla Caruso
If you’ve seen more people out with their frisbees in King Rodney Park/Ityamai-itpina (Park 15) lately, there’s good reason.
A disc golf course was installed in May 2020, with $5000 in funding from the City of Adelaide, matched by the non-profit South Australian Disc Golf club.
For the uninitiated, disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, competitors use a flying disc. The sport was formalised in the 1970s.
The Park Lands course has already proven worth its investment.
South Australian Disc Golf president Gareth Morgan says it’s number one for course usage among registered players nationally.
Disc golfers (from left) Sarah Lee, Tom Lee, Gareth Morgan, Richard Klein, Charl du Plessis, and Sam Caon.
The course is free to use and open to the public. People can either play competitively, during league days, or just for fun with family and friends.
“It’s just so peaceful, watching the disc fly,” Gareth says. “You just step into this tranquil nature but then you have that little bit of competitiveness too.”
Gareth Morgan, South Australian Disc Golf president.
About nine courses were installed around Australia in the 12 month period over 2020-21, according to Gareth.
“The councils see the benefit. It’s not an ongoing cost. Once the courses are in the ground, they’re maintained by the clubs, or they’ve got to mow those park lands anyway.”
The minimal equipment doesn’t get in the way either. As for any safety concerns for non-competitors, Gareth says: “Other park users always get right of way.”
The club’s put in a proposal for further funding from the council for proper tee pads, incorporating AstroTurf. “With the course’s success, especially now during winter, the grass is starting to get chewed up a little bit,” Gareth says. “This will keep the longevity of the grass. It will look nicer and it’s a bit safer for the players.”
Currently, the club has 84 members, aged from eight to 75. It’s focused on attracting more juniors and women to the sport.
