Disc golf courses a hit

SUMMIT, Mar 29, 2009 (The Daily Independent - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- AS | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Armco Park was bustling Saturday with people scrambling through the hills looking for flying discs.

Families, groups of friends, novices and experienced players were among the dozens who came to try two new disc golf courses that opened over the weekend.

The cool but dry spring day brought out more than 100 players who tested the white and blue courses. It's a sign to many the sport could take off among locals as well as bring in disc golfers from other areas to play a round or two.

"It's cool," said 10-year old Jacob Burchett of Raceland. Burchett, who took a slide in the mud while putting to one hole, was enjoying a course with his uncle, Marshall Jarrell, 38. Dave Miller, 40, of Ashland, played with them.

"It's fun," Burchett said, swinging a new orange disc emblazoned with the Boyd County seal by his side.

In fact, all three said they enjoyed playing and would return.

"This is really neat. I'm extremely impressed with this. I think something like this is an extremely good option," said Mark Rabalais, 40, of Ashland. He and daughter Audrey, 19, an Ohio University student home on spring break, were also trying out a course Saturday afternoon. They, too, said they would be back.

"It's like hiking and a sport at the same time," said Audrey Rabalais.

Debby Lewis, 53, of Ashland, suggested players wear hiking boots. She and husband Al, 54, said they had read about the project and were excited to try it. They also planned to come back with friends and family members.

"I think it's great. It's good use of the park terrain. Hopefully it will get some people off their butts and they'll get some exercise," Al Lewis said.

The courses were designed by former disc golf World Champion Johnny Sias, a Lavalette resident. He played a course with a group of friends who had traveled from across Ohio and West Virginia to be there for the grand opening. The group of old friends was found midcourse raving about the new playground.

"This is fantastic," said Tom Gibbs of Charleston. "This course is shorter but very technical. It's a great challenge and excellent exercise," he said of the white course while leaning against a tree and catching his breath.

"The topography is fantastic. You throw uphill and downhill," added Kenny Rollins of Ashley, Ohio. "This is great. This park is ideal for this."

Mark Rabalais said he thought the courses would attract many visitors, especially families with small children.

"It's safe for the kids and you can let them run around," he said.

With the closure of the Sundowner Golf Course, he said he might replace a few regular golf games with disc golf this summer.

Playing is free and discs are low cost and available at hobby and sporting goods stores.

For those already hooked on the sport, such as Eric Adams, 28, of Barboursville, the course is bound to become a frequent destination.

"I work in Ashland so it's very easy for me to come after work to play," he said, adding it would be nice to have more courses to choose from.

"I'm sure something like this is going to help the local restaurants and the local economy," Miller said. "I'm glad they did it. It was a very good move by county parks and recreation."

Local disc golf enthusiast Tim Huff suggested the course and Boyd County Fiscal Court officials ran with the idea. The courses were begun in the winter and aren't complete. All the goal baskets have been set -- there are two sets of sleeves for goals at each hole so the courses can be changed up to add more variety -- but some of the concrete pads are unfinished. Handcrafted wooden benches will also be placed throughout the areas of play.

Huff said the county is in the midst of aerial mapping and plans to eventually create a map with global positioning satellite coordinates of baskets for both courses as well as erect a large course map for visitors. Paper maps also will be provided.

Huff spent a good portion of his afternoon digging through boxes, picking out free discs for players who requested them. He said he was pleased with inaugural play.

"It's been pretty good," he said.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.

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