U of L disc golf course open for play

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on August 4, 2022.

The University of Lethbridge has opened a new disc golf course on campus. University of Lethbridge photo by Michael Warf

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The University of Lethbridge is offering a new course to members of the community, available to all ages, free of charge – a disc golf course, that is.

Even though they quietly opened the course earlier this year, executive director of Horns Recreation Services Bill Halma said in a release, it has been busy from the first day they 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,” said Halma in a press release.

The lack of directional markers did not discourage disc golfers from making their way to the venue according to the release.

The course has been maturing over the summer and was recently completed with the addition of signage and wayfinding for visitors.

The course is a collaborative effort between the Lethbridge Disc Golf Association (LDGA) and Horns Recreation and weaves throughout the foliage of the University’s upper campus.

“We see the disc golf course as another opportunity for people to engage with the university,” said Halma.

Utilizing Aperture Lake as a scenic, natural hazard, the layout has been described as picturesque, challenging, and varied and offers the public an opportunity to experience the university as they never have before.

“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,” said Halma.

The disc golf course idea has been lingering since 2013 when student athletes with the fledgling U of L Disc Golf Team Matt Mitten and Kevin King and coach Craig Burrows-Johnson proposed a course be added to campus.

The release states the proposal never gained any traction and after two seasons, the disc golf team disbanded, but the idea never died and years later Mik Woolf, who also played on that disc golf team, made another push to get a course established.

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

He said anytime he drove by, he envisioned baskets and players 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,” said Woolf.

Woolf said the actual work to get the course up and running took countless hours, involved many conversations, emails and a lot of encouragement before the first basket was finally installed.

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

The Disc Golf Course is located on the west edge of campus with the first seven holes positioned along the west berm, just behind the University of Lethbridge entry sign. The next 10 holes of the course meander around Aperture Lake, with the 18th hole finishing on the raised hill next to Parking Lot G.

Parking is free on campus before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends and holidays. For those playing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during weekdays, parking is available in Lot G to be paid through the Honk App or at the kiosk.

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