The Region of Waterloo is becoming a disc golf hotbed thanks to the Grand River Disc Golf Association.
The association was founded in 2018 as a way to grow the sport in the area. Since that time, memberships have grown from 35 members to 160 who play on 10 different courses around the region, including Soper Park and on the grounds of Four Fathers Brewing in Hespeler.
“We used to be just based out of Chicopee,” Adam Hussey, president of the Grand River Disc Golf Association said.
“We saw the growth of disc golf happening and decided to expand.”
Not a traditional sport, Hussey was drawn to the game because it's a spinoff that shares many similarities to traditional golf.
“I was a golfer with a four handicap and played 100 rounds a year at Whistle Bear,” Hussey said.
“Family life came in and I obviously couldn't golf that much nor did I have the money to do it. I was introduced to disc golf and it’s the same premise as regular golf. It’s honestly more exciting, the learning curve is way quicker.”
More than just a game, disc golf has played a significant role in reviving Soper Park in Galt. Once a place to avoid, the park is now somewhere people can be seen out for a daily walk, and of course, playing disc golf.
“I’ve seen the transformation from the start,” Hussey said.
“Our club helped raise money for the course and at first it was still an uncomfortable place to be. There were needles lying around. Now more people are coming through the park, walking their dogs and it’s more welcoming to everyone.”
The Soper Park course was first proposed, designed and installed in 2019 by Chris Ozolins and John Macleod of the Ontario Disc Golf Association and Cambridge resident Jared Patus.
Ozolins says the course is part of the Ontario Disc Sport Association's ongoing commitment to advocate-for and develop the sport's infrastructure in Ontario.
Evan Khamphoumy, who has lived in Cambridge all his life, is a volunteer with the disc golf association and an avid player. He picked up the game by chance before finding the Grand River Disc Golf Association.
“I didn’t pick up disc golf until the summer of 2021,” he said.
“Some friends and I grabbed frisbees one day and played, and I was hooked. I knew a little bit about the sport and some courses, but I didn’t even know the Soper Park course existed, and I live here.”
Khamphoumy agrees with Hussey’s point of the sport helping to make the park more inviting.
“When I was growing up I was told this place was dangerous,” he said.
“I was always told not come here at night.”
Now, disc golf is played in the park at night.
Hussey and Khamphoumy feel the sport is a perfect opportunity to get some exercise and meet new people, no matter your age or athletic ability.
“The accessibility of the sport is great,” Hussey said.
“I love the camaraderie, everyone here gets together for the same love of the game. If it wasn't for this I would've never met Evan. Everyone comes from different places in their life and it creates this instant love and talking point for people.”
For more information on the Grand River Disc Golf Association grdga.ca.
For more information on disc golf and other Ontario courses, visit www.ontariodiscsports.ca.
