The opening weekend of Ashburton’s new disc golf course saw 110 full rounds completed and a big smile on the face of course organiser Polly Hill.

Ms Hill and Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown cut the ribbon to declare the course open at an official opening ceremony on Saturday attended by about 70 people.

Mayor Brown had the honour of making the first disc golf shot, throwing the disc hopefully towards the first basket on the 18-hole course, which is on the Smallbone Drive Reserve near EA Networks Centre.

“It was a lot of fun and the course will be a great asset for our community. The fact that 110 full rounds were played on the opening weekend shows an interest.

“Polly pitched her idea, secured Council and community funds, and has made this happen. We appreciate her contributions to this community.”

Ms Hill worked as a lawyer in Ashburton and is an enthusiastic disc golf player. She saw the value of a course for the town.

Disc golf is played like regular golf, except there is no club and ball, just a disc (like a Frisbee) that players throw and aim for a basket.

The course is free and discs are available for hire from the EA Networks Centre, or to buy. Maps of the course and rules are also available.

Installation of the course involved local contractor Paveco Ashburton laying small concrete pads for the tees and baskets. New Zealand Disc Sport Supplies also contributed by supplying the baskets and facilitating the course design. Brita Safety helped with the signage. Other sponsors included the Ashburton Lion Foundation, Ashburton Lions Club, Ashburton Rotary, RMF Silva, Mitre 10, and Greg Marchand.

The course has been designed to start at the EA Networks Centre carpark and holes were placed around the Smallbone Drive reserve, taking advantage of the natural lay of the ground and treelines. Safety is important, so the direction of play is away from the nearby road.

Council Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said it was great to see the course well used on opening weekend.

“We see it as a natural fit alongside the EA Networks Centre and it is something we hope will encourage people to get out and about and be active. It’s fun for people of all ages and abilities.

“This is great example of the community working with Council, local businesses, and funders to provide an activity to connect and play.”