LEESBURG – Udisc.com calls the new disc golf course in Leesburg a “midrange masterpiece,” and the crowd that turned out for the opening Saturday seemed to agree.
Perimeter 6 at Leesburg Grace, which features six holes, was called “challenging” by several people at Saturday’s event.
“The holes aren’t as long as some others (area courses) but the pole placements are challenging,” said Mike Getty of Winona Lake. “They made the most of the space they had.”
Andrea Justice of Winona Lake, who was playing for only her third time, called the course “challenging but doable.”
“It’s a nice mix of beginner-friendly holes while giving you some real challenges,” said Alaister McFarren of Warsaw, who works at Circle Disc Golf in Warsaw.
“It’s good and challenging for the space that it’s fit into,” said Josh Jacoby of Warsaw.
The idea for a course on church property came from Pastor Tim Sprankle. “When I was offered the opportunity for a grant that will reach the community … this was the first thing that popped into my mind,” Sprankle said, “because there’s a lot of people I disc golf with.”
Furthermore, “I knew the Leesburg community was looking for recreation options,” he said.
Around 15 guys from the church worked many hours to get the course ready, according to Art Bushen, a member of Leesburg Grace. This included cutting out areas for the concrete pads, installing the baskets, building a deck for one of the holes and putting up the signage for each hole.
The goal, said Sprankle, is “to provide a space for our church to connect with the community. They are not coming through our doors on Sunday morning but they will walk on our lawn during the week.”
Matthew Seece of Winona Lake came Saturday because of his “love of community, hanging out with these guys,” he said, gesturing to several men around him.
It’s “another outdoor activity that kids can enjoy,” said Getty, who attended with his family.
The course is open to the public anytime except Sunday mornings. For details about Perimeter 6, including tips for each hole, visit UDisc.com.
Nearly 30 people came out Saturday to take part in a doubles tournament. Prizes for the day included two $50 gift cards for Owen’s Fresh Meat Market in Leesburg, two disc golf starter sets, the book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer and a trophy shelf.
Following the morning’s game play, visitors had lunch in the church. A putting tournament followed lunch for those who were interested.
The grant for the course came from Grace Financial, which is one of the course sponsors. Other sponsors are Owen’s Fresh Meat Market, Grace College, Circle Disc Golf, Maple Leaf Farms and DreamOn Studios.