Disc sports a golden addition to city

THE disc sports community in Ballarat is growing stronger, following the successful Golden City Classic ultimate frisbee and disc golf tournaments last weekend.

Ballarat Disc Sports president Leah Cushion said 72 people played disc golf at the “friendly” Victoria Park event on Sunday, across varying divisions.

Professionals and amateurs on-course included residents from the Ballarat region, and those who had travelled from Melbourne, Geelong, South Australia, and the ACT.

The Golden City Classic was so popular, more players registered than the amount of people Ballarat Disc Sports could safely accommodate on the day.

“It was good to see so many people out making use of the course on such a great day, and it’s been a good chance for the higher-ups to get some practice in before nationals later this year, one of which is here in April on Anzac Day weekend,” Ms Cushion said.

“It’s also really good for newer players to experience their first disc golf tournament. It’s an openly accessible sport for all ages and abilities.”

Ballarat’s Reece Surkitt played with a group of new and old friends in the MA4 novice division, enjoying the chance to be active in the sunshine.

“Disc golf is a really easy, accessible way of getting outside and spending time with friends and people you might not have actually met otherwise,” he said.

“Unlike other sports where if you’re bad at them, you’re really bad at them, anyone can throw something and that makes it really accessible.

“It would be nice to see another course pop up on the other side of Ballarat. I think it would be good for tourism, and a way to get people to come to Ballarat and stay overnight.”

Ms Cushion said last weekend was a huge two days for the Ballarat Disc Sports group, with 144 players from across Victoria playing ultimate frisbee at Trekardo Park on Saturday.

“It was a really good day, with Geelong taking out the championship. It was great to see quite a few people stay over in Ballarat over the weekend to play two codes of such a fantastic sport,” she said.

“We’re really excited to see it grow and develop.”

Those interested to try disc golf at Victoria Park can purchase a starter kit at Guf or SportsPower, or hire one from the library.

“Rock up with just yourself, or as many people as you like in a group, and just go,” Ms Cushion said.

“The maps on the course are really self-explanatory, and anyone keen to come and to give it a go certainly can at their own leisure.”

Ballarat Disc Sports have social evenings throughout the week. Visit facebook.com/BallaratUltimateInc for updates.