Disc Golfing in Boundary Country

Disc golf, a sport that combines elements of golf and frisbee, has been on the rise in popularity in recent years. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, the number of registered members has grown from just over 20,000 in 2006 to over 100,000 in 2021, demonstrating the tremendous growth of the sport.

The province of British Columbia has also seen a rise in the number of courses, with over 100 courses now available throughout.

The origins of disc golf can be traced back to the early 1900s when a group of people in Bladworth, Saskatchewan invented “tin lid golf,” which involved throwing tin plates at targets on their way home from work. The game evolved over time, and with the introduction of frisbees in the 1950s, lead to the creation of the first formal disc golf course in Pasadena, California in 1975.

Disc golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and its popularity continues to grow. The PDGA reports that the average age of registered members is 32, and that the sport is popular among both men and women.

In British Columbia, disc golf is gaining steam. The province has hosted several major disc golf tournaments, including the 2013 and 2018 Canadian National Championships. Meanwhile, the PDGA holds sanctioned tournaments throughout the province each year.

The Boundary has been a part of this growth. Several disc golf courses have been added to Boundary Country locations within the last decade. Let’s highlight a few.

Big White

Big White Resort has not only become a premier winter destination, but has also established itself as a top-notch location for disc golf enthusiasts during warmer months.

With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, Big White’s 9-hole disc golf course offers a unique twist on the classic game of golf.

Designed by a renowned disc golf course designer, the course features a variety of obstacles including trees, rocks, and elevation changes. Completed in partnership with the Big White Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the Big White Mountain Community Development Association, it winds through the forested and mountainous terrain, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Each hole is uniquely designed, with different distances and obstacles to test a player’s skills and strategy.

Disc golf at Big White Resort is a popular activity for both locals and visitors, with local events held throughout the summer season. The resort’s commitment to the sport has been evident in its continued investment in disc golf infrastructure, with tee pads and baskets being added each year to enhance the player experience.

The course has become a model for other resorts and clubs across British Columbia.

Grand Forks

One of the newest disc golf courses in the Boundary can be found in Grand Forks.

The Grand Forks Disc Golf Club worked with the municipality to launch in the summer of 2020 a fun and diverse 18-hole course located within Angus Macdonald Park.

A historic park established in 1937, Angus Macdonald Park and the Granby River that runs through it provide an idyllic setting for disc golfing. The park was named after Angus Macdonald, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1874 and moved to Grand Forks in 1907, ultimately serving as mayor of Grand Forks from 1919 to 1920 and again from 1927 to 1928. During his tenure, he oversaw construction of the city’s initial water and sewage systems, among other accomplishments.

On gentle ground, the Angus course has minimal elevation change. Primary hazards are Ponderosa Pines, “of which there are many,” according to the designers.

Holes range in length from just over 200 feet to nearly 400 feet, with “a monster 500 foot finishing hole.” Some holes are open, with others “running through a maze of trees requiring well shaped shots, with baskets heavily guarded by the Ponderosa Pines.”

“Discs were flying between the Ponderosa pines Saturday, when competitors teed off in the first-ever ‘Settle Down’ disc golf tournament in Grand Forks,” wrote Jensen Edwards for Grand Forks Gazette shortly after the course opened that July.

While fairly new, disc golf is already so popular in Gand Forks that locals use glow discs and glow tape to play in the dark on shorter days, while the Disc Golf Club hosts regular events.

The regional club is known for community outreach programs that introduce the sport to schools and youth organizations. It aims to “promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles while also sharing the joy of disc golf.”

Christina Lake

Located on the grounds of the prestigious Cascade Par 3 Golf Course is Christina Lake’s premier destination for disc golfing.

Disc golf was added to the Cascade Par 3 Golf Course in 2016, in response to a growing demand from the community for the sport. According to an article in the Boundary Creek Times, the idea to add a disc golf course came from a local disc golf enthusiast who approached the owners of Cascade.

Today, the nine-hole course winds its way through the beautiful landscape of Christina Lake, taking players on a scenic journey through trees and over hills. Each hole has multiple tee pad options, which allows for a different experience each time you play.

One of the interesting things about the Cascade Par 3 Disc Golf Course is the way in which it blends with the traditional golf course. The two courses share many of the same features.

After a round of disc golf, dine at Duelling Oaks, named after the two massive oak trees that stand proudly at the entrance of the restaurant. Since the 80’s, Duelling Oaks has offered golfers a wide range of dishes, from classic pub fare to upscale delights, while providing brilliant scenery.

Mount Baldy

On the border of Boundary Country and the Okanagan is Mt. Baldy, which can be accessed from Rock Creek on the Boundary side and Oliver on the Okanagan side.

Easily accessible and located close to the lodge on Mt. Baldy is a full 18-hole course for disc golf enthusiasts.

The course, set at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres, has been described by players as “wild” and “unkempt” while offering ample natural beauty to admire and appreciate while navigating technical terrain.

Disc rentals and scorecards can be found in the ticket office.