When Birch Point became a disc golf course four years ago, most people didn’t know what the sport was.
The few enthusiasts who used the course would spend their round answering questions from curious walkers about what the yellow baskets dotting the landscape on the north side of Boulevard Lake were for, how the game was played or how far the specialized discs could be thrown.
But in just a few short years, Thunder Bay has taken to the sport like a putter to the chains as more than 70 people sold out the Birch Point Disc Golf Association’s Spring Huck Off Tournament Saturday afternoon.
“We’re really excited, really a great level of competition this year. We’ve been seeing a lot of people out practicing the past couple of weeks, the course has been really busy and people have been shooting ridiculously low scores,” association spokesman Phil
Jamieson said. “It’s really exciting.”
“It’s pretty challenging, frustrating and a lot of fun.”
President Juan Baztarrica said dozens of people can be seen on the course throughout the day. And because all it takes is a few discs to play, the costs are low.
“It’s kind of built more of a community vibe out here. It’s pretty sweet,” he said. “You just meet up with some buddies get out here and have some fun.”
Current River Coun. Andrew Foulds, who threw out the ceremonial first disc, said it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying a greenspace that was underutilized for so long.
“There are people playing it all the time. It’s fantastic,” he said.
