Portage la Prairie’s growing disc golf community is gearing up for a major milestone.
The Portage la Prairie Disc Golf Club is hosting its 10th annual Portage Open tournament this summer. Chairperson Cody Buhler says the event has come a long way since the first tee-off back in 2015.
“We’ve been holding this tournament since the course was founded back in 2015,” notes Buhler. “So this year is our 10th edition of the Portage Open. We’re really excited to have competitors coming from all over Manitoba.”
The one-day event takes place Saturday, August 16. Registration is already open and capped at 72 players.
Course expansion part of tournament weekend
The event will once again be held at Island Park, where the club’s nine-hole course is set up year-round. But Buhler says the tournament will offer a full 18-hole experience.
“We’ll be adding portable baskets to different areas of the park to kind of enhance the tournament day,” he adds.
As for future plans, the club isn’t ruling out a permanent 18-hole course, though Buhler says that kind of upgrade takes funding, cooperation from the city, and long-term planning.
A sport for all ages
Disc golf has exploded in popularity across Canada, and Portage is no exception. Buhler says it’s become a sport that welcomes everyone.
“I’ve actually run clinics for kids, and I’ve run some different workshops for young students,” he remarks. “But then we’ve also done workshops with the Rotary Club and different ages of adults.”
No experience required
The Portage Open is open to all skill levels, from beginners to pros. Buhler mentions that players can register online through links posted on the club’s Facebook page.
“You don’t have to be a member anywhere. You don’t have to be a part of the PDGA,” continues Buhler. “Anybody can sign up.”
The Portage Open is also part of the Manitoba Disc Golf Tour, which means the results will count toward players’ rankings in the larger provincial circuit.
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