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Disc golf catching on in Harlan
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HARLAN -- Pioneer Park is a great place to walk but if you're looking for something new consider playing disc golf the next time you head to the park.
The objective of disc golf is to throw a frisbee into either a basket or a target. Similar to golf, in disc golf each player aims to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association's Web site.
The disc golf course was put in Pioneer Park in 2002, said Terry Cox, city manager, Parks and Recreation At the time Tony Beach brought up the idea of a disc golf course to the council after seeing them at other parks, and thought it'd be a nice addition to Harlan. The council agreed. Cox said the disc golf course cost approximately $4,300 to put in and the course is a total of 2,509 ft. with nine holes. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association's Web site, there are 148 disc golf courses in Iowa.
Overall, the response to the course was positive with many people playing disc golf. Broc Burmeister, a sophomore at Iowa State, began playing after the course was put in. Bill Early told him he should play. He still plays at Pioneer Park and at Iowa State.
"I loved it," Burmeister said. "because you don't have to be very strong to do it."
Forunately vandalism hasn't happened on the course, Cox said. Another perk of the course is little upkeep is required for it. Disc golf score cards are available at City Hall.
Cox gave disc golf a try and liked it, although he prefers golfing. The course is a good opportunity to enjoy being outside, Cox said.
Mark Maxwell, sponsored a disc golf tournament at the course at Pioneer Park on Sunday, July 12. Unforunately it was cancelled due to rainy weather. The tournament was a fundraiser for the Harlan soccer club, 12 individuals had signed up.
Maxwell lives right beside the course and sees many people playing disc golf. When he has time he enjoys playing disc golf because it's "easy and mindless," plus you "can have a conversation while doing it." He enjoys playing a round with his son or house guests.
"It's a walk in a park," Maxwell said of the disc golf course at Pioneer Park.
Burmeister enjoys disc golf but he's not interested in playing competitively. A challenge of disc golf for Burmeister is putting from close range. A round takes about an hour, Burmeister said who plays "everyday that I can."
Keeping track of disc golf scores is usually the same as golf with one point per stroke and the individual with the lowest points or strokes wins. Burmeister keeps score to a point but it's on one's honor rather than using score cards. Ways players can score can vary.
Some tips Burmeister suggested for beginners it to "play a lot and don't take it too seriously the first couple times."
"Play with friends," Burmeister said, "the more the better."
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©The Harlan Tribune 2009
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