Sierra Park hosts Disc Golf event

BY Dawn Rankins

More than 20 participants showed up Saturday at Sierra Park to learn how to throw a disc at Disc Golf Demo Day. The Canyon Lake POA-hosted event was organized by Canyon Laker Cory Gorham, who invited community members to come and learn the sport.

Cory and fellow disc golfers Kevin Flaig and Steve Gailey coached the newbies on technique and the rules of the sport.

The event began at 10:00 a.m. and lasted a little over two hours. Cory divided the participants into three groups and each of the coaches worked with their group. The groups represented people of all ages, the youngest participant being 5-year-old Emma Moline.

Cory began the event by describing what the sport was and how to play. He showed different techniques for not only holding the disc, but for throwing it. Safety instructions were also discussed.

Emma Moline, 5, tries her hand at Disc Golf during the Canyon Lake POA’s Disc Golf Demo Day at Sierra Park Saturday. Photo by Dawn Rankins.

The disc golf course is about a third the size of a typical golf course, but, like golf, the game involves playing 18 holes.

At the beginning of each hole, all players throw their disc towards the basket and the player furthest from the basket then takes the next turn. The object of the game, of course, is to throw the disc into each hole’s basket. Like golf, the player with the least amount of throws after 18 holes wins.

Kevin, one of the coaches, said that the more obstacles that exist between the player and the basket on the course, the better. Trees and other obstacles in the way of the basket help develop players’ ability to not only throw, but to control the flight of the disc.

Kayla Giannatsio celebrates her birthday learning disc golf with coach Cory Gorham, right. More than 20 others showed up at the Disc Golf Demo event at Sierra Park on Saturday to learn more about the sport. The Disc Golf Course at Sierra Park is open for all in Canyon Lake to use.

Cory, who has been playing for eight years, said this is a game for everyone.

“Entire families can participate and that’s what makes this a great game,” Cory said. “I love the game and want to see more people, especially those in Canyon Lake, take to the sport.”

“You don’t have to be able bodied to play,” Bob Whiteside, who uses a wheelchair, said after participating in the demo event. “I enjoyed coming out and participating today. More people with disabilities should come out and give the game a try. It’s a great way to be outside and enjoy something with family and friends.”

Bob Whiteside

John foster

Kelly Montez

Grant foster

Brandon Montez

Emma Moline

Photo by Dawn Rankins

Photo by Dawn Rankins

Photo by Dawn Rankins