Gallagher Park is one of the lovely reserves in Pauanui and it recently became the venue for an emerging sport – Disc Golf.
Leading the project is Pauanui resident, Rowan Anderson.
“It’s like playing golf, but with a disc like a frisbee and there are nets instead of holes,” says Rowan.
“It’s a sport for all ages and anyone can play. And I believe it is one of the fastest growing sports, with about 17,000 courses worldwide.”
She says it is good to see people enjoying the game and bringing Gallagher Park back to life.
“It’s there for the community to have fun and it’s free. We’ve got the tick from the council, which has funded us for five of the nets.”
Members of Pauanui MenzShed have been busy installing equipment for this fascinating game. They are also sponsors of the Pauanui project, along with Pauanui Focus Club and the Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club.
Rowan has also sponsored the game and says she appreciates the support of New Zealand Disc Golf champion, Simon Feasey. He designed the course layout on a pro bono basis and manufactured and delivered the equipment. Simon has represented New Zealand in the Disc Golf World Games.
Rowan says she has been encouraged by the interest and community support for the game.
“Feedback from our locals and holidaymakers has been very positive. We held a trial last summer which showed there was strong interest in the community, with up to 22 groups using the course in one day. And I am happy that the disc golf nets used during our trail of this sport are going to Mercury Bay Area School, to be used by the students.”
Pauanui’s 9-hole course starts by the pump house and incorporates the horse arena. You can bring own frisbee or borrow one from Pauanui Information Centre.
There are currently about 20 Disc Golf courses in New Zealand, from Dargaville to Invercargill.
How to play
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf. Instead of hitting the golf ball with clubs, players throw a disc from a tee towards a target. This is usually an elevated metal basket, which is the hole. Players aim to complete each hole in the least number of throws. As they move down the fairway, they make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw landed. Gallagher Park’s undulating course and large trees bring extra interest, and challenge to the game.
