Ucluelet’s brand new disc golf course aced its first tournament showing on June 30.
Smiles, cheers and good vibes filled the 9-hole course that began as an idea by the Pacific Rim Rotary Club four years ago and has now blossomed into a full fledged family recreation haven thanks to the club’s efforts.
“The whole community came out and supported the cause. We had a ton of fun out there. It just couldn’t be better,” Rotary Club president Jeff Anderson told the Westerly News after the trophies were handed out. “It’s beyond what I could have imagined when this whole idea formed. Having so many people on the course and to see all the smiles and hear the cheers and everybody having so much fun today just made it all worth every single minute that we put into this.”
Luke Lister was delighted to score first place honours in the men’s division and was quick to take the opportunity to thank his mother.
“I love you mom,” he beamed.
Lister moved to Ucluelet from Whistler about a month ago and told the Westerly News he was stoked to support the new Ukee course.
“I love it here and this is just getting started, so I wanted to support everyone getting this course up and running,” he said. “It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy nature and hang out with your friends. It’s social and it’s skillful and it’s just really fun…It’s great to see all the community out here getting into and having fun.”
He said he’s been playing disc golf for about eight years and Ucluelet’s course offers unique and interesting challenges within a gorgeous backdrop.
“It’s definitely a tricky course. It requires a lot of really tight, technical shots around some trees, but it’s super fun. It definitely requires a lot of skill and aim,” he said. “It’s absolutely beautiful with the salal and the rhododendrons and the big firs and cedars in there.”
Darian Coull-Weir took the top spot in the women’s division and picked up her second ace (hole-in- one) of her life during the tournament.
“I had a great day today. I met new people and it’s nice to be part of a community event. There was just really good energy, good vibes, good support and it was just fun.” she told the Westerly with her trophy in hand.
She said her parents were involved in several disc golf initiatives when she was growing up in her hometown of Rossland and she has memories of being pushed through courses in her stroller.
“I never really played, I was just along for the ride as a kid, but then actually started playing two years ago. It felt like second-nature,” she said.
“It’s a good way to walk the dog and its great to just hang out. It’s free. There’s gorgeous scenery. It’s nice, social, low-stress and just fun.”
Coull-Weir moved to Ucluelet from Rossland in February and was excited to see the Rotary Club’s efforts underway to put the town’s first disc-golf course together.
“I was so, so stoked. I saw the beginning of it and to watch it grow into what it is and this first tournament, I’m here for it because I was actually really sad to not have a course when I moved out here. It’s so good to see this is actually taking action and becoming legit,” she said. “Coming home with the win, I’m feeling a bit on top right now and I’m definitely going to stay involved. I love it…I’m super grateful to see the Rotary Club have support.”
Lister, Coull-Weir and youth division winner Wyatt Rhodes all received immaculately unique trophies designed by local artist Marla Thirsk.
Anderson said five of Sunday’s competitors scored an ace during the event with each receiving a gift certificate from the Ucluelet Brewing Company.
The course is now officially open and is free to play for anyone with a disc and Anderson noted work will continue at the site, adding tee boxes, benches, additional signage and other infrastructure continuously leading up to next year’s grand opening.
“Please come play,” Anderson beamed. “Play, play, play.”
He added that Rotary Club branded discs are available at the Ucluelet Brewing Company, West Coast Connect and Gray Whale Deli with all proceeds going towards supporting the course.
He expressed gratitude for the volunteers and sponsors that made the dream a reality.
“It’s so appreciated,” he said. “What a gift to the community to have another outdoor sport that anybody can play.”
