Local disc golf enthusiasts celebrated the grand opening of a new 18-hole course while raising money for Green Built Alliance at the nonprofit’s first annual spring Disc Golf Fundraiser earlier this year.
Asheville has a strong and vibrant network of disc golf enthusiasts, many of whom are also part of the green-building community and among Green Built Alliance’s membership.
“I believe that disc golf is a great way to expand human activity into the outdoors in the digital era,” said Raymond Thompson, tournament organizer and Green Built Alliance board member. “Disc golf promotes health, conservation, participation, and wealth to the true National Treasury, which I believe can be summed up as ‘broadly accessible and beautiful open spaces.’”
The April 30 fundraiser was the first time many people had the opportunity to throw on the new holes at Lake Julian Park in Arden and served as the inaugural tournament on the recently improved course. In addition to enjoying beer and food at the after party, participants received a tournament-branded disc as well as a mini disc, and played for the opportunity to win prizes including $200 cash, tickets to numerous area events and attractions, hundreds of dollars in gift cards to local restaurants, and gift baskets from local businesses.
Thompson and other disc golf advocates tout the sport as environmentally friendly and inherently green.
“It is inclusive as you can play from 10 years old until you are 90; inexpensive with three discs costing $35; available since it can be built on small plots of green space; and time-efficient with the ability to play nine holes in 30 to 45 minutes,” said Thompson, also owner of Asheville-based Sure Foot Builders. “It is also accessible. Injuries are unlikely since there is no contact and it’s a ‘gentleman’s game’ without the expensive requirements of clubs, green fees, fertilizing, heavy mowing and maintenance associated with traditional golf.”
Stay tuned for details on the second annual disc golf tournament coming in spring of 2018 with all proceeds benefitting Green Built Alliance.
Cari Barcas is community engagement director at Green Built Alliance. She has more than a decade of experience in communications and nonprofit management, including time reporting on the green building scene in Chicago as a journalist covering residential and commercial real estate. Connect with Cari at Cari@greenbuilt.org.