Jeff_LaG
Aug 31 2007, 10:25 AM
From: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/SPORTS/708300349/1007/SPORTS)
August 30, 2007
<font size=4>Disc golf course opens at MCC</font>
Kevin Oklobzija
Staff writer
BRIGHTON � Dave Thomas is becoming to disc golf in Rochester what the late Donald Ross is to traditional golf.
Ross is the legendary golf-course architect. The East Course at Oak Hill Country Club is one of his masterpieces.
Thomas can call the disc golf course at Monroe Community College one of his best works of art.
A retired physical education teacher in the Greece school district, Thomas joined forces with Craig Rand to craft an 18-hole disc golf course in the woods and around the pond on the east side of campus.
Rand is the chairperson of MCC's health and physical education department.
While players have already been letting shots fly on the course, the grand opening is at 3 p.m. today.
Disc golf follows the same premise as golf. A flying disc is used as the ball. A set of three discs � a driver, mid-range disc and putter � retails for about $25 at sporting goods stores.
"They're not as cheap as a golf ball, but you don't need any clubs," Rand said.
The idea behind the development of the course was quite simple: Give students, and the community, an activity that promotes wellness. The course is free to play and open to the public.
Each hole has two tee boxes. And water and the woods provide challenges.
Rand recently used his pedometer while playing 18 holes and walked about 6,000 steps. He said the target for a healthy lifestyle is 10,000 steps a day.
The tennis courts are across Campus Drive from the disc course, giving the 700 or so on-campus residents an option for physical activity.
"We have a weight room open on weekends and that's about it," Rand said. "This course will be used a lot."
Intramural leagues are planned for students and faculty, and a disc-golf physical education course will be added to the class curriculum.
Thomas, 57, is hooked on the game.
"I played softball and baseball for over 50 years and when your legs and reflexes go, you need to find something that keeps you active and keeps you mentally sharp," said Thomas, who is the recreation supervisor for the town of Riga.
"The learning curve is really, really short," he said. "You can get good really fast."
MCC disc golf
What: An 18-hole course on the east side of campus.
Cost: Free.
Who can play: Open to the public.
What you need: You must bring your own discs.
Where to park: In the last row of lot G. Place a note on the dash indicating you're playing disc golf.
August 30, 2007
<font size=4>Disc golf course opens at MCC</font>
Kevin Oklobzija
Staff writer
BRIGHTON � Dave Thomas is becoming to disc golf in Rochester what the late Donald Ross is to traditional golf.
Ross is the legendary golf-course architect. The East Course at Oak Hill Country Club is one of his masterpieces.
Thomas can call the disc golf course at Monroe Community College one of his best works of art.
A retired physical education teacher in the Greece school district, Thomas joined forces with Craig Rand to craft an 18-hole disc golf course in the woods and around the pond on the east side of campus.
Rand is the chairperson of MCC's health and physical education department.
While players have already been letting shots fly on the course, the grand opening is at 3 p.m. today.
Disc golf follows the same premise as golf. A flying disc is used as the ball. A set of three discs � a driver, mid-range disc and putter � retails for about $25 at sporting goods stores.
"They're not as cheap as a golf ball, but you don't need any clubs," Rand said.
The idea behind the development of the course was quite simple: Give students, and the community, an activity that promotes wellness. The course is free to play and open to the public.
Each hole has two tee boxes. And water and the woods provide challenges.
Rand recently used his pedometer while playing 18 holes and walked about 6,000 steps. He said the target for a healthy lifestyle is 10,000 steps a day.
The tennis courts are across Campus Drive from the disc course, giving the 700 or so on-campus residents an option for physical activity.
"We have a weight room open on weekends and that's about it," Rand said. "This course will be used a lot."
Intramural leagues are planned for students and faculty, and a disc-golf physical education course will be added to the class curriculum.
Thomas, 57, is hooked on the game.
"I played softball and baseball for over 50 years and when your legs and reflexes go, you need to find something that keeps you active and keeps you mentally sharp," said Thomas, who is the recreation supervisor for the town of Riga.
"The learning curve is really, really short," he said. "You can get good really fast."
MCC disc golf
What: An 18-hole course on the east side of campus.
Cost: Free.
Who can play: Open to the public.
What you need: You must bring your own discs.
Where to park: In the last row of lot G. Place a note on the dash indicating you're playing disc golf.