Aerial shot over the disc golf course at the U of L. (Photo courtesy Michael Warf)

By Justin Goulet

New disc golf course open for play at University of Lethbridge

Jul 28, 2022 | 9:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new 18-hole disc golf course has been unveiled at the University of Lethbridge, and it’s free for the public to use.

The ULethbridge Disc Golf Course was quietly opened earlier this spring and was recently fully completed with the addition of signage and wayfinding for users. Bill Halman, executive director of Horns Recreation Services said, “It’s been busy from the first day we put the baskets in.”

“The disc golf community was quick to respond to a new course opening up and as more people played, word spread we had a really good, challenging and unique layout available to them.”

The U of L is welcoming members of the public to its new disc golf course. (Photo courtesy Michael Warf)

The course was made possible thanks to a partnership between Horns Recreation and the Lethbridge Disc Golf Association (LDGA). It weaves throughout the foliage of the U of L’s upper campus and utilized Aperture Lake as a scenic, natural hazard.

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Halma said, “We see the disc golf course as another opportunity for people to engage with the university.” He continued, noting, “First and foremost, we’re one of the top schools in the country and beyond that, there are so many ways for the community to experience our campus.”

“From our recreation services, the Max Bell pool, our climbing wall, Pronghorn Athletics games and summer camps to fine arts performances, public lectures and conferences, there are so many ways the University contributes to the vibrancy of our city. Now, we have a great outdoor experience that is free and open to everyone,” Halma stated.

The history of the course goes all the way back to 2013, when student athletes with the fledgling ULethbridge Disc Golf Team, Matt Mitten and Kevin King, along with coach Craig Burrows-Johnson, proposed a course be added to the campus. That initial proposal did not gain any traction and after two seasons, the disc golf team disbanded. However, the idea never died down and years later, Mik Woolf, who also played on the disc golf team, made another push to get a course constructed.

Woolf said, “When Matt and Kevin first showed me the vision of this amazing space, I was convinced that this course had to happen.”

“Anytime I drove by I envisioned baskets and players throwing in this very special area and the impact it could have on the community, on the sport, and the University. With support from Kevin and the LDGA, I made the decision to make another attempt and do whatever it took to make this dream into a reality.”

Woolf noted that the process to get the course up and running took lots of work, countless hours and involved many conversations, emails and engagement before the first basket was installed.

“We truly have something special, and I want to thank all the organizations, businesses, groups and individuals involved who helped make it possible,” Woolf said.

The disc golf course is located on the west edge of the U of L campus, adjacent to University Drive, with the first seven holes positioned along the west berm (just behind the U of L entry sign). The next 10 holes go around Aperture Lake, with the 18^th hole finishing on the raised hill next to Parking Lot G.

Parking is free on campus before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and on weekends and holidays. For anyone playing between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, parking is available in Lot G and users can pay through the Honk App or at the parking kiosk.

ULethbridge Recreation members can sign out beginner disc golf sets (three discs per set) at no charge at the Customer Service Centre.