Disc Golf Holds
First Tournament
At Randolph Course
By Jonathan Kearney

Peering through the wooded terrain of Randolph's disc golf course, British reporter Jonathan Kearney takes aim. Peter Flaherty, his mentor for the day, has organized the town's first disc golf tournament this Saturday. (Herald / M. D. Drysdale)

The Randolph Recreation Area will this weekend host disc golfers from across the state for the Gnomes’ Challenge Disc Golf Tournament.

Under the expert supervision of Brookfield teacher Peter Flaherty, I intrepidly ventured along were few Brits had gone before me, to try my hand at this alien sport.

Soon after my arrival at the White River course it emerged that I could be way out of my depth.
Peter, who has been playing the game in some form or another since he was a child, began to draw out a number of discs, designed for different weights, trajectories and distances.

I had once attempted a round of nine hole golf but spent much of those uncomfortable few hours reciting a vocabulary unfit for a family publication.

Once I had learnt that disc golf shares a similar complexity of equipment I felt the pressure of an expectant nation creep all over me.

We got started and Peter offered me the choice of the blue tee, for the ambitious disc golfer, or the red, a little closer to the intended target.

Without hesitation I chose red .

Peter’s disc, a driver, sailed effortlessly to its intended target on the fairway. Having expressed the fear that mine would end up in the adjacent river, it actually smacked into the nearest tree possible. It had the potential to be a long afternoon.

Once we got going however, I realized what a fun and addictive game this is. My confidence soared as I made a couple of Par 3’s and even tried my luck from the blue tee.

Just like golf though, the false sense of security gained from a couple of pleasing shots can be quickly replaced by a baffling slice way off course. Such is the attraction of the game.
Unlike golf, disc golf is readily accessible to all. The multitude of discs can simply be banded into driver, mid-range and putter and secured for something in the region of $8.

For schoolteacher Peter, who oversees a loyal band of recess players, the game can also have wider uses.

He said: “At school we play a long shot game for power and “Jonny one step” to see who can get the furthest out.

“It’s a good way to teach kids about taking turns and complimenting each other.”

Although a comparatively short course, disc golfers at White River have to negotiate long cross-river shots and intense foliage as they make their way around the 18 holes.

Kendall Smith, who will be participating in Saturday’s tournament, made a round of 48 as I struggled through my harsh introduction to the game.

“I started out competitively 11 years ago but I haven’t played at a high level since then” said the White River resident.

Open registration for the Gnomes’ Challenge tournament begins from 8am to 9am, with a players meeting at 9am for 9.30am tee off.

Registration can be made in any one of nine different skill levels, with entrance fees ranging from $10 for recreational and junior players, to $30 for pro’s.

Prizes will be available to all skill levels and registration can be made at marshallstreetdiscgolf.com, or by showing up on the day.

As for the gnome’s, you’ll just have to go along and see for yourself.