Explore Huntsville is supporting the 2024 Ontario Provincial Disk Championships, which are taking place in the area this week, with a $10,000 grant to create a temporary disc golf course at Huntsville Downs Golf Club.
Explore Huntsville Executive Director Kelly Haywood says the sport is growing and aligns with their desire to increase opportunities for low-impact, year-round outdoor activity.
She adds they’re excited to see the sport grow in the Huntsville area.
Officials say the event, which takes place Oct. 18-20, is being held at three area disc golf courses — Bondi Resort, Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, as well as Huntsville Downs — and is expected to draw between 200-300 players, including several world champions.
The funds come from the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association, are generated by a portion of Huntsville’s Municipal Accommodation Tax, and are earmarked for tourism promotion and product development.
Sarah Sangster, general manager of Huntsville Downs and Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, says staff at both properties are excited to be part of the event. “Disc golf is a growing sport, and we hope the competitors have a great time on the course and enjoy the conditions that our team has been working so hard to create. We are happy to have them.”
Matt Stein, head of operations at Limberlost, adds that the “disc golf community has been really supportive of the work we have been doing at Limberlost. We recently expanded to an 18-hole course, and the feedback has been so positive that we are even looking at a further course redesign to make it more of a championship-level course while still keeping it accessible to those new to the sport. Our goal is to take Limberlost from a really nice course to the best course in Ontario.”
Spectators are welcome at all three courses.
