Disc Golf Is Coming To Blacksburg

Very few people know the names Josh Anthon, David Feldberg and Ken Climo. However, they are the top-three players in the world, respectively. Their sport is disc golf, the game of miniature frisbees and elevated metal baskets.

Although the Professional Disc Golf Association is still relatively unknown, Montgomery County will soon be getting its first taste of this competitive sport.

Montgomery County will host the first Golden Hills Disc Golf Tournament on Nov. 7 at the Golden Hills Disc Golf Course in Mid County Park, Blacksburg. The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is also offered at the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation department in Christiansburg. The registration cost is $10 and on-site parking is free. All proceeds go toward making improvements on the course.

Josh Sharitz, the aquatics and community programs supervisor, said, “Our motto at Montgomery County Parks and Recreation is ‘Go Play!’ This course gives people the freedom to just get out and play and take a break from the daily hustle and bustle of life that all of us need.”

The Golden Hills Disc Golf course is 8 years old and is especially hilly and wooded, said Brad Buchanan, the outdoor and playground supervisor.

“The initial cost of the park was $5,000 and was designed, built and is maintained by volunteers, Buchanan said.

Though the terrain is uncommon yet not unheard of for disc golf courses, Golden Hills is recognized by the Professional Disc Golf Association and is “a very fun course and playable for all skill levels,” said Tim Haynes, an experienced disc golf player from Christiansburg.

The tournament will have four skill classes: masters, amateurs, ages 13-16 and parent and child duo (12 and under). Haynes, 31, plans on competing in the masters class.

“This course is like nowhere else I've played anywhere in the country," Haynes said. “This is -- for it's distance -- one of the most challenging courses in the country.”

The first 70 participants will receive a Golden Hills Disc Gold towel and the winner for each class will receive a $20 cash prize, in addition to the coveted Golden Frog trophy.

Sharitz said, “The purpose of this event is to showcase our Golden Hills Disc Golf Course...By presenting the community with an alternative to sitting on the couch, we are providing a challenging and fun activity that will provide them with a sense of accomplishment and encouragement to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle and encourage self growth.”