Disc golf tournament doubles in size after pandemic popularity
Winnipeg's best frisbee players, along with a host of newbies, filled Kilcona Park Sunday morning to take part in an annual disc golf tournament.
Taking place every year at the end of September, the 2021 Fall Classic offers a chance for disc golf players to test their skills towards the end of the season.
This year, however, the annual tournament has nearly doubled in size.
"There's an increase in the number of golfers coming to the sport. With the pandemic and everyone needing to get outside and safely distanced, disc golf is the perfect game for that," said Will Belford, the tournament's organizer.
Belford said the Fall Classic usually gets around 100 players, but this year there are 170.
"This year is the first year we've been able to introduce a novice division. So, we still have the advanced, intermediate and beginner, and then we've added novice,"
The tournament also has a professional division where pro disc golfers play for cash.
"It is competition and tournament, but I always pride myself on trying to make it as welcoming as possible for new players," added Belford.
Belford said disc golf is a great sport for people to pick up.
"If you've ever thrown a normal frisbee in ultimate frisbee or at the beach, then you can play disc golf," he said. "It's very fast to learn, but takes a very long time to perfect."
Belford also recommends the sport because of the low cost and need for little equipment.
"Being able to use some of the beautiful parks in Winnipeg is a huge benefit of being able to get out and play disc golf. It helps that there are no green fees. You can go out and play anytime for free."
With many new players on the course, veteran disc golfers are quick to lend some tips.
"A lot of the folks out here have been playing for many years, and so I think on the one hand they're just really happy to see the sport grow, see lots of new players come out," said Bedford.
The influx of new players also comes with an added bonus.
"As the tournament grows, so does its payout, so it's kind of a reward for their years of dedication," noted Belford.
Belford said the best way for people to learn more about the sport is to head to Disc Golf Manitoba's Facebook page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.