After a year and a half of long days clearing trails, setting up baskets and building signs, the region's top disc golfers and their faithful volunteers are near their ultimate goal.
On Wednesday, Aug. 15, Metro's Blue Lake Regional Park will open its new, top-of-the line disc golf course to the public. Originally slated to be a traditional golf course, Metro decided to go the disc golf route after hearing a much stronger interest locally in the more modern sport.
"There are a lot more up and coming players who want to see more courses for them in the region," said Julie Cash, a spokeswoman for Metro's parks. "We wanted to try something new!"
A ribbon-cutting for the $50,000 project is scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 15 at the course's first tee.
Not only was the disc golf course less expensive than a traditional course, it has fewer environmental impacts on the park.
"If this was a traditional golf course, you'd be pumping a ton of pesticides into the ground," said Jeff Hagerty, president of Stumptown Disc Golf Club. "Here we just need trails to and from the raised baskets. It's perfect."
The 370-member strong disc golf club, overjoyed by Metro's initial course proposal, was one of the main forces responsible for creating the ultimate layout. In collaboration with Portland's Next Adventure outdoor store and volunteers, the club constructed the unique 18-hole course – designed by David Feldberg, a world champion disc golfer from Portland – after work, on weekends and whenever they could squeeze in time.
Hagerty said he expects this new course to attract a variety of national and international tournaments. The first on the agenda? The United States' Women's National Championship.
"Eventually, I'd like to see a yearly event specific to this course," Hagerty said. "It's a world class design, so it'll be hard not to attract the pros."
But what about first-time or amateur players? Being a family-friendly park, Metro hopes to attract disc golfers of all levels. But for now, Hagerty said, they've got to start from the top.
"The minute you put in a course, you're placed with the dilemma: Should you create an easy course you can adapt into a more advanced course later on? Or vice-versa?"
This course follows Hagerty's latter option. For now, it's highly advanced, but in the near future, he said, it should be approachable by all levels of golfers.
While the disc golfers played a crucial role in getting the course on its feet, Metro and Fairview provided essential support as well. The group effort left a lasting effect on those involved.
"This course is based on great collaboration between all players involved, which can always be tough," said Bryan Knudson, co-owner of Next Adventure. "It really shows how much the city, Metro and golfers wanted this to happen."
There's no charge to play a round at the course save for the $5 parking fee at Blue Lake Regional Park. Pre-printed scorecards will be available for $1.
Alex Zielinski can be reached at 503-813-7538 or [email protected].