by James Silberman
Frisbee golf is one of the most popular activities on campus at Whitworth. So when Intramurals Coordinator Tyler Coopman was brainstorming ideas for improving the area known as the Back 40 and a disc golf course was the perfect fit.
Coopman put a presentation together, requisitioned the funds and a few months later, the course was available to Whitworth students, he said.
Part of the attraction of disc golf is the easy access and low commitment required, Coopman said.
“Anyone can go in the 30 minutes between classes and play nine holes,” Coopman said. “You can just go out and throw a Frisbee with someone and talk.”
During the planning process, Coopman became aware of a few students who had reservations about whether or not they wanted funding to go into a new disc golf course rather than other ideas. However, Coopman said he wants people to know that it is not a one-or-the-other situation.
The money for the course came from a budget designed for student activities, and the money was used for exactly that, he said.
Using the course takes no signing up and is open to everyone at all times. Additionally, discs can be borrowed for free from the University Recreation Center.
From the custom-weighted discs to the trails connecting the holes, Coopman designed it with all the necessary parts of an official disc golf course. It is challenging for experienced players and fun for beginners.
“Everyone that has played it has had nothing but good things to say,” Coopman said.
Senior Aaron Libolt, who has played the course, enjoyed it because of the course as well as the surrounding area. “The pine tree setting is ideal for disc golf,” Libolt said.
Libolt added that the Frisbee culture on campus made the course a perfect fit.
“It seemed like a natural addition to campus to have something like [the disc golf course] put in,” Libolt said.
Junior Brandon Emerson, a frequent Frisbee golf player, advised those who have yet to try disc golf to give it a chance.
“It’s a little more challenging than Frisbee golf, but it can be really fun once you get good at it,” Emerson said.
As well as being a fun, relaxing activity, Emerson also said that he enjoyed the social aspect of disc golf too.
“It’s a really good way to get to know people around you,” Emerson said. “It’s a way to enjoy the outdoors with something simple.”
Senior Oliver Durand also played the course, he said.
“It is definitely one of the better nine-hole courses I’ve played,” Durand said. “I think that everyone should get out there and give it a try because it’s a lot of fun.”
Coopman said that it is a great experience.
“A lot of people are curious about it, but if they get out there and try it, they’ll really enjoy it,” Coopman said.
Contact James Silberman at jsilberman17@my.whitworth.edu