As the owner/operator of the Spiritwood Disc Golf Course in Victor for more than thirty years, I feel uniquely qualified to speak to the matter of disc golf and to try to clear up some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions evident in the April 11 article in the Bitterroot Star.
First, I would like to point out that there is a large and diverse disc golf community already active in the Bitterroot Valley. Disc golf is not just an activity for “older boys.”
Similar to ball golf, it is a great individual, group and family sport that is fun for all ages. The mental game in disc golf is the same as ball golf, but it has the advantage of being a much more accessible sport, both in pocket book and time commitment.
The disc golf community has grown in the valley since the 1980s. Where I used to see the occasional disc golfer, now I see families, schools and all sizes of groups as well as individual disc golfers enjoying the Spiritwood Disc Golf Course on a daily basis!
The disc golf community gives back to our community through an annual winter disc golf fundraiser which has raised thousands of dollars and many pounds of food since 2008 for Haven House in Hamilton.
The local disc golfers are also assisted by an ever-increasing group of local businesses that support the sport with their sponsorship of disc golf events in the Valley.
Second. Hieronymus Park may not be the best location. I agree that the proposed layout should be observed throughout a weather season to assure access. There is no reason to rush the process. I think that the “sneakiness and surprise” feelings the article reflected on the process could be due to communication issues and the excitement to get it done.
As someone who has been mostly “in the loop” since the fairgrounds, I can assure you that the entire idea is not “being driven” by some disc golfers from Missoula. The desire for a Hamilton course is based on the demand from your hometown disc golfing neighbors!
The Missoula support comes from the Garden City Flyers (GCF). The GCF are promoters of the sport of Disc Golf as is the Bitterroot Disc Golf Club (BDGC). I founded the BDGC in the 1980s. Both organizations have volunteered many hours of labor to improve courses and enhance disc golfing in the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys.
For obvious reasons, a qualified course designer is required to create a playable course for all levels of players. A designer from the GCF was called in to advise and assist with the layout. There was no master plot or sneaky deal.
The big issue is that of cohabitation with other activities in this public recreation area.
The Spiritwood course is dog friendly to friendly dogs. We have proven that dogs and Frisbees are able to co-exist. But, the various user groups will need to work together to find a solution. They are not mutually exclusive activities.
That brings us to the environmental impact issues.
The Spiritwood Disc Golf Course is mostly wooded and rich with wildlife. There has been no observable impact on the wildlife. We see as many moose, deer, bear, critters as we ever have since 1971.
We do see an impact in pathways and tee pad areas due to volume and frequency of play, which is one reason for concrete tee pads. Disc Golf does not hurt trees.
Litter is another issue when the public is involved. One thing most everyone noticed at the Hieronymus Park meeting was that the dog walking public is not very good at cleaning up their dogs’ waste. It is everywhere out there!
Finally, I speak in support of a disc golf course in Hamilton. Hieronymus Park could be workable with compromises between the special user groups, but the 75 acres mentioned ought to be examined for potential. I know I would prefer to play on solid ground than in a wetland.
In short, Disc Golfers are here. Disc Golf is good fun for everyone. There is a need for a disc golf course in Hamilton. Bonus, a course improves tourism.
Nicholas Mariana
Spiritwood Disc Golf Course
Victor