Submitted by:
Jocelyn Beehler
The Shaker City Disc Golf Course in Benito has been in use just over a year now. Interest and participation in this sport has far exceeded expectations. As long as the weather is decent, there are people on the course day and night.
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Bug spray is recommended, as the mosquitoes have been present.
The course has seen some improvements this summer. The Village of Benito donated lumber for 3 benches to be built and placed around the course. Lynn’s Greenhouse also generously donated 30 trees/shrubs to be planted around the course to help make holes 5-8 feel more like a park and less like a wide, open field. A dark burgundy leaf Maple tree was planted in the middle of hole 5 as a feature for the park. A windrow of Silver Willows was planted as well as several aspen and shrubs. There was a crew of about 15 individuals that had a work night to build the benches and plant the trees. Many hands make light work, and everyone’s efforts are appreciated.
There have been many successful events already and many more are planned. At least 3 valley businesses have had organized staff functions at the course and at least 1 more business has a social evening planned as well. There was also a 2-day tournament July 18th/19th that was very successful. Congrats to those that won. There were 2 divisions: beginner and intermediate. League nights have already started on Wed. evenings at 7:00 pm. They are for everyone whether you are a beginner or not. League nights are free. At least 25 individuals have been participating and newcomers are welcome.
On July 29th, we tried a ladies night and 14 ladies came out (several for the first time) to try their hand at the new sport.
There was a brief demonstration on how to play, and then ladies broke into groups and played a round.
There was a closest to flag competition after that, which required a measuring tape to determine winners.
Prizes were generously donated by: Kim Martens (Mary Kay Director), Crystal Englot (Scentsy), the Swan Valley Credit Union and Scott Beehler (Shaker City Disc Golf Supply).
There will be 1 more ladies night Monday Aug. 18th 7:00 pm and $5 per person. Lots more fun, games and prizes. Please let Jocelyn Beehler know (204 539 2957) if you plan on attending. If you would like to donate prizes for any of the events through the rest of the season please contact Jocelyn at the number above.
This season another spin on the sport is being tried. For those that are competitive and want to know how they are ranking against others… tags can still be purchased for $5. At the beginning of the season individuals got together and played a few rounds.
The person with the best score (lowest) got the #1 tag, then the next best got #2 etc. Through the season if you are on the course and see someone with a tag that is better than yours, you can challenge him to play for tags. If the #8 tag challenges the #2 tag and wins then those 2 individuals have to switch tags.
The goal is to have the #1 tag by the end of the season.
There are also a couple planned tag nights (Aug. 5th, and 24th), where we will try and get as many of the tags out the same night as possible. There are yellow tags for men and pink tags for women. The final tag round for the 2014 season is Sept.9th at 7:00 pm.
A tournament is planned for Sept 20th.The date for the wind-up and finale is to be determined.
For more information please contact Scott Beehler at 204-539-2957 or check out the Shaker City Disc Golf page on Facebook.
Copies of the season schedule are also available at the Village of Benito office.
If you don’t have discs and just want to try it out, discs can be borrowed from the Village of Benito.
If you would like to purchase discs they are available at Shaker City Disc Golf Supply in Benito, call Scott Beehler to make arrangements.