Photo of a Frisbee disc being thrown towards a disc golf basket. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Disc golf course a hole in one at Lethbridge College campus

Apr 28, 2022 | 10:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The campus at Lethbridge College has a popular new addition.

A nine-hole disc golf course was built last summer, on the north green space near the tennis court entrance. Since then, it’s become a favourite destination for enthusiasts of the outdoor sport.

Tanner Marcer, events and communications manager for the Lethbridge College Students’ Association (LCSA) said, “adding a course to campus was something we’d had on our radar for a few years.”

“We knew there was a sizeable disc golf community in Lethbridge so when the pandemic began, we took a closer look at the project as an activity that would meet physical distancing guidelines.”

The goal of disc golf is to throw a special Frisbee disc into a supported metal basket and much like traditional golf, the person with the lowest score/fewest throws, wins.

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Noah Higgins is a first-year Exercise Science student. He is also a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association and has been since 2016. Higgins is currently the top-rated professional disc golfer in Lethbridge and among the top three in Alberta. From the ages of 15 to 18, he was ranked the number-one junior player in Canada.

Noah Higgins throwing a Frisbee disc towards a disc golf basket. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College)

Higgins stated, “the college course is a fun spot to play a casual round at since it’s beginner-friendly and easy to navigate.”

“The only other courses in Lethbridge are at Nicholas Sheran Park and Peenaquim Park so this really fills a gap. And since I’m a student at Lethbridge College, I can play disc golf in between or after classes.”

According to data obtained by Udisc – an app used to record scores by disc golfers – more than 2,000 rounds have been played on the college course in the four months between September 1 and December 31, 2021. It’s been so well used that tee pads have had to be installed to protect the ground from eroding where people are playing.

Jeff Hamilton, Exercise Science chair said, “the course is an awesome addition to the already excellent facilities we have on campus.”

“The course accommodates all levels and is always fun. And I appreciate the opportunity to have informal meetings as we walk from hole to hole.”

Hamilton has a standing tee time with a group of colleagues each Monday.

The LCSA has hosted two tournaments so far, bringing in portable baskets to expand the course to 18 holes. The One Disc Wonder event had over 70 participants while the Double-Double event, which was sponsored by Tim Hortons, featured 30 participants braving the chilly December weather.

A student scholarship fundraiser, to support the Centre for Business, Arts and Applied Sciences, in in the works for May.

The disc golf course at Lethbridge College is available for public use as well. Tanner Marcer said, “whenever I’m out playing, there are families and parents teaching their kids.”

“A group of seniors from a nearby neighbourhood was out there recently – some with their grandkids. I’m overjoyed with how popular it’s become and that it’s attracting players of all ages and skill levels.”

Visitors interested in playing at the Lethbridge College disc golf course can park in lots O and N.