New course to satisfy disc golf demand in Saskatoon

People will be able to try out a new disc golf course in Saskatoon for the first time on Sunday.

Gophertown Disc Golf is hosting a fundraising tournament for the new course inDonna L.Birkmaier Park.

• Village of Vanscoy sets up 9-hole disc golf course

It'sexpected to help meet the growing demand for disc golf.

"The other course is getting busy, so I mean, just to be ableto spread out some of the players throughout the citywill be great," said Gophertown president James Lawson.

He added the tournament will also help expose the sport to new, curious players.

In his experience,Lawson said one of the most difficult parts of playing a new course is working out the distance perception and the wind in the area.

The new setup will be on par with a standard course, butwill boasta few signature holes to test people, he said.

Some of the original plans were scrapped to come to the final design,and most changesstemmed from the city's requests,Lawson said.

"There'sconcern for safetyof the public and for the environment and that area there," he said.

"There'sa wetland area there that obviously is a concern for people."

The changes have been made, and Lawson expects the city to fully install the course around the last week in July.

"It's a beautiful parkand I think people will really enjoy it," he said.

There will be two rounds of 18holes at the fundraiser,and raffle prizes will be given out. Organizers hope to raise $600 to go towards permanent installation of baskets, as well as signs and other costs.

Players should meet at 11a.m. CST.

The other disc golfcourse in Saskatoon'sDiefenbaker Park was established in 2005.