Local disc golf takes flight

Local disc golf takes flight

Players from throughout the lower North Island gathered on the south bank of the Ōtaki River on Sunday (August 2) for the district’s first public disc golf pop-up course.

The temporary nine-hole course, organised by Wellington Disc Golf Club member Canon Larsen, is designed to gauge local interest in the fast-growing sport and, ultimately, pave the way for a permanent course in the town.

While disc golf has been steadily gaining popularity in New Zealand, Ōtaki has never had a public course. Canon believes the riverside reserve offers an ideal location for introducing the sport to local families, visitors and experienced players alike.

“This is really about getting people out to have some fun and test the course,” he says. “If people enjoy it, the long-term goal is definitely to create a permanent course.”

Disc golf follows much the same format as traditional golf, except players throw specially designed discs instead of hitting balls with clubs. Each throw counts as a stroke, with the aim of completing each “hole” in as few throws as possible before the disc lands in a metal basket.

The temporary layout features a mix of par-three and par-four holes, along with a challenging par-five stretching more than 200 metres. Experienced players can throw more than 100 metres in a single shot, while beginners can simply enjoy learning the game at their own pace.

Canon says one of disc golf’s biggest attractions is its accessibility.

“It’s one of the easiest sports to get into. Once a course is there, anyone can come along and play. You don’t need expensive equipment, membership fees or tee times – just a few discs and you’re away.”

The course was established with the approval of Greater Wellington Regional Council after Canon approached staff with the idea only a few weeks ago.

“It’s actually been a really quick turnaround,” he said. “The support has been fantastic.”

The event attracted players from Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Manawatū, many keen to experience a new course and support efforts to establish the sport on the Kāpiti Coast.

Unlike the established course at El Rancho, which is on private property and has limited public access, a permanent course on public land would allow anyone to play whenever they wished.

Canon hopes Sunday’s event is only the beginning. His plans include additional pop-up courses, introducing disc golf to local schools and seeking sponsorship from businesses to help fund permanent baskets.

With professional tours established overseas and participation growing in New Zealand, Canon believes disc golf has a bright future.

“I’d love to see Ōtaki become another place where people can come down, throw a disc and enjoy the outdoors,” he says.