Since opening in July, disc golf fans from across Ontario have been playing Abbey Gardens’ expansive 18-hole course.
Now, beginners, those fresh to the sport and any disc golfer looking for a good time have the chance to showcase their skills in the Leaf Drop Doubles Disc Golf Tournament Oct. 23.
“I wanted it to be family-friendly and anyone who’s heard of it but hasn’t thought to come out and play,” said Victoria Fenninger of FR Bike – E-Bike Tours. She’s organizing the tournament along with fellow disc golf enthusiast James McKenna.
Competitors can choose from three categories based on their skill level. Beginners and novices will play from the short tees, while more experienced players will throw from the further tees.
Included in the cost of entry is a full-day disc golf pass so players can practice before or after the tournament. Experienced players will be on hand to assist those fresh to the sport.
Disc golf is much like golf: players tee-off at set locations and try and land their disc in a metal basket. At Abbey Gardens, the course takes players from a gravel pit to forests to ponds all over the property. It’s also a growing sport.
“We’ve had a pretty good turnout every time I’ve been out there, there are multiple groups of people,” she said. “Especially this time of year as the colours begin to change; it’s a beautiful walk in the woods.”
Proceeds of the tournament and a raffle will go towards the Abbey Retreat Centre, a cancer care centre on Abbey Gardens property. “‘Because of COVID-19 there’s been a more of a focus on online retreats,” Fenninger said. “Now they are looking at hosting in-person retreats now that people are getting vaccinated.”
Funds from disc golfers will help with those retreats and help the center continue to develop new services throughout the pandemic.
To register, visit: discgolfscene.com/tournaments/The_Leaf_Drop_Doubles_Disc_Golf_Tournament_2021
