Disc golf flies into central Newfoundland with new temporary Gander course

Disc golf enthusiasts in Gander are hoping a temporary course set up for the summer will become a full-time reality.

Brent Keough,vice-president of Gander Disc Golf, says the nine-hole course at the Airport Nordic Ski Trails isthe first of its kind in central Newfoundland. There are also courses in St. John's, Corner Brook and Stephenville.

"We're really excited to bring it here," Keough told CBC News in a recent interview.

"We're building a community out of it, so they are very excited to have one here in central. And yeah, I think this is going to bring a lot more things to Gander and the surrounding areas for this sport."

Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf,is played much the same as traditional golf, as players aim to complete a hole in the fewest number of strokes or throwspossible.

But instead of using golf clubs and balls, players throw discs into metal baskets. Different discs can be used forvarious distances, Keough said, but only one disc is required to play.

LISTEN| Brent Keough hits the disc golf course with Weekend AM's Melissa Tobin:

Weekend AM9:44Disc golf comes to Gander

Brent Keough, the vice-president of Gander Disc Golf, walks Weekend AM's Melissa Tobin through the disc golf course at the Airport Nordic Ski Trails.

Around 45 people attended the group's last pop-up event, and Keough said the sport is growing in the region.

He was drawn to the sport because of its low impact and inclusive naturewhile being a sport that can be played outside year-round. The metal baskets are built to withstand the weather and can be planted in the ground for all-year use, but that isn't the case at the temporary Gander course.

"I love the fact that anybody can pick this up and play this game," Keough said.

"For me, it's bringing something that is so easily accessible to the community that I love, and hopefully other people love as well."

Keough said disc golfers in Gander have been working with the provincial disc golf association to open the course, which will be in place until snow starts to fall. He wants to builda permanent18-hole course, he said, which requires about $60,000 of fundraising, he added.

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