VicOpen sends discs flying

COMPETITORS from across the country landed in Ballarat last weekend for one of the biggest disc golf tournaments Australia’s ever seen.

Hosted by Disc Golf Victoria and Ballarat Disc Golf at the Victoria Park course, the three-day all-ages VicOpen had more than 160 competitors, with many travelling from interstate to participate.

Advanced amateur women’s division player Sue Summers represented Western Australia.

“This is one of the majors of the Australian Disc Golf Tour all around the country, and my husband Ken and I flew over from Perth to compete in this,” she said.

Melbourne’s Hailey Cooperrider played against Summers, and said the sport is wonderful to watch along the course.

“Seeing the way discs fly is really beautiful, and when they come out of your hand and do what you want them to do, it’s quite satisfying,” she said.

“It’s outside, it’s a walk in the part, but it’s way less intense than stick and ball golf. We’ve felt really welcomed by Ballarat.”

Melbourne’s Rueben Berg played in the masters 40-plus amateur division and said he enjoyed the sunny conditions, course, company, and a milestone.

“I played ultimate frisbee before I got into this sport, but it’s been one year since I’ve been throwing disc golf discs,” he said. “I love disc golf. It’s an amazing sport full of good people.”

Jason Vidot played alongside Berg, and said the disc golf community is a strong one that continues to expand.

“I’ve played for 11 years, and I’ve watched our sport go from tournaments of 30 people, to 166 today, so the growth has been phenomenal,” he said.

“This is easily one of the best-branded, best-run, best-supported tournaments that I’ve seen playing in Australia. It feels like a major.”