Final disc golf Autumn League event this Saturday

Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Disc Golf George's sixth and final Autumn League event will take place at Rooirivierrif sport grounds this coming Saturday, 3 June, from 08:00 to 13:00.

The Autumn League has been a great success with over 50 different players joining in the action and approximately 240 nine-basket rounds completed.

"New players in George have been improving rapidly and, with them purchasing their own discs from regular suppliers, practice sessions have become more regular," says Dr Leon Strauss, the chairperson.

"We get out to either Rooirivierrif or Van Riebeeck Garden at least two times per week with a few baskets for everybody to join us and improve their skills."

The course record for the Rooirivierrif course has been improved with every league event and is currently held by Ingo Hilbert, who broke Strauss's previous record by two throws.

In the latest leaderboard results, Hilbert and Strauss are the highest scorers, closely followed by Morné Galloway and Bryan Wilson. The fifth league event also saw personal best scores from 15 of the regular players, showcasing their improvement and enthusiasm.

Ingo Hilbert with his sons Heathe and Raine.

Hilbert, Strauss, Galloway and Wilson will be attending the Disc Golf SA Opens in Gauteng on 16 and 17 June.

"Paintsmiths George is sponsoring our team to the SA Opens and we hope to develop an ongoing relationship with them to develop the sport. We are looking for additional sponsors looking to support the sport," says Strauss.

One of their primary goals in the development of disc golf is the all-inclusiveness of the sport. The youngest league competitor is nine years old and players range in age up to their seventies.

"It has been a rewarding experience seeing the different age groups competing on an equal footing on the course. This sport is more about skill and technique than strength," Strauss says.

"We are looking into approaching schools in the area to showcase the sport at their open days or charity events, with a long-term goal of developing a school programme to encourage the younger players to get involved. The sport offers a great day out for parents and children away from technology."

Some of the participants in the fifth disc golf Autumn League event.

Disc Golf is growing fast countrywide and George is on the map with Disc Golf South Africa.

The club is working towards finding a venue for a permanent course in George so that players can enjoy a round of disc golf outside of the events they host.

"This could be a viable option for landowners or the municipality for a revenue stream and has the potential to become a growing business with future national and international tournaments."

Bryan Wilson in action.