Disc Golf An Exciting New Attraction In Dargaville

Golf, but not as most of us know it, has arrived at Harding Park in Dargaville which now boasts a nine hole Disc Golf course.

The exciting new attraction will be officially opened at 12 noon on Thursday 5 June 2008, when the public can try it and learn more about the phenomenon which is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand and overseas.

Disc Golf replaces the traditional ball and clubs with a Frisbee which must end up in a basket, using as few throws as possible. Each subsequent throw must be made from where the last one lands.

The Harding Park course, on the western side of the access road to the museum, is only the second featuring nine holes in Northland and has been established by Kaipara District Council and Sport Northland with funding provided by the Oxford Sports Trust.

The holes vary in length from 48 metres to 118 metres and have ‘pars’ from three to five with a ‘pro par’ of 34 for the whole round.

Kaipara Community Development Officer Heidi Dreyer and Sport Northland’s Northern Wairoa co-ordinator Roxanne Kelly expect the course will be a hit with both adults and children.

“It should suit almost everyone as it’s not something you have to be a great sportsperson to play well. Most people can throw a Frisbee.”

They say that with 700 metres of undulating course the Disc Golf will also be a fun way of keeping fit.

“It’s going to be a great way to get out of the office during a lunch break. Take a couple of colleagues and do a few holes.”

Roxanne is promoting Disc Golf in local schools, using a portable course and, says it is proving very popular. At least one school has already purchased its own gear.

“I envisage schools will include Harding Park when they come to town and also that they will set up an annual primary school’s competition,” she says.

People using the new course can take their own Frisbees or, alternatively, the Dargaville Museum will have some for loan in exchange for a refundable deposit to ensure their return.

Score cards, including rules and a map, are available from the museum, Kaipara District Council, Sport Northland and the Dargaville i-Site.