Disc golf flies into central Newfoundland with new temporary Gander course
Nine-hole course will remain open until snow arrives
Disc golf enthusiasts in Gander are hoping a temporary course set up for the summer will become a full-time reality.
Brent Keough, vice-president of Gander Disc Golf, says the nine-hole course at the Airport Nordic Ski Trails is the first of its kind in central Newfoundland. There are also courses in St. John's, Corner Brook and Stephenville.
"We're really excited to bring it here," Keough told CBC News in a recent interview.
"We're building a community out of it, so they are very excited to have one here in central. And yeah, I think this is going to bring a lot more things to Gander and the surrounding areas for this sport."
Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, is played much the same as traditional golf, as players aim to complete a hole in the fewest number of strokes — or throws — possible.
But instead of using golf clubs and balls, players throw discs into metal baskets. Different discs can be used for various distances, Keough said, but only one disc is required to play.
Around 45 people attended the group's last pop-up event, and Keough said the sport is growing in the region.
He was drawn to the sport because of its low impact and inclusive nature while being a sport that can be played outside year-round. The metal baskets are built to withstand the weather and can be planted in the ground for all-year use, but that isn't the case at the temporary Gander course.
"I love the fact that anybody can pick this up and play this game," Keough said.
"For me, it's bringing something that is so easily accessible to the community that I love, and hopefully other people love as well."
Keough said disc golfers in Gander have been working with the provincial disc golf association to open the course, which will be in place until snow starts to fall. He wants to build a permanent 18-hole course, he said, which requires about $60,000 of fundraising, he added.
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With files from Melissa Tobin and Weekend AM