GRAVETTE -- Gravette City Council gave approval to install a nine-hole disc golf course in Old Town Park at their regular meeting last Thursday night. The vote was unanimous to go ahead with the project. Cost will be $3,975 installed with the nine goals and a practice target.
Mike Stout, representing the Professional Disc Golf Association, spoke to the council at the Sept. 11 Committee of the Whole meeting and recommended the course as an excellent investment to enhance the park and provide a good means of exercise for sportsmen of all ages.
Stout explained that disc golf is played much like traditional golf but, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. The golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole." On Gravette's course the targets will be elevated metal baskets called Pole Holes. The course will also include a practice target and all will be painted in Gravette's colors of black and orange.
As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw has landed. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed. Trees, shrubs and terrain changes on the course will provide challenges for the players just as on a traditional course. Holes will be placed on both the upper and the lower levels of the park and will be installed so that they can be removed during scheduled events if needed.
Disc golf is growing in popularity throughout the country and several towns hold tournaments throughout the year. Gentry, Bella Vista and Noel, Mo., are area towns which have recently installed courses. Players may play alone or in groups.
Work is scheduled to begin soon and completion is expected later this fall.
General News on 10/01/2014