Disc golf off to a flying start

One of the world’s fastest growing sports now has a home in Marlborough, thanks to the passion of the region’s only touring player.

For more than two years, Blenheim Round Table vice president and Marlborough Disc Golf founder Chris Corbyn has been working tirelessly to establish a disc golf course.

Now, after surveying several sites, tireless fundraising and countless hours of hard labour donated by Blenheim’s Round Table the first nine holes along the Taylor River Reserve are open to the public – and people are flocking to it.

“I knew it would go big, but I didn’t realise how big and how quickly,” Chris says.

“Generally, there’s a group of people on each tee by 5pm. We counted more than 28 people on the course at 5pm last night.”

Disc golf is just like ball golf, he says, but with specially designed frisbees.

Instead of a hole, there’s a target.

“Most people know what it [the target] is – but there’s the odd person who thinks they’re a cattle feeder,” Chris says with a laugh, recounting tales of other, clueless people overseas attempting to use a target as a makeshift grill. He’s quick to add that’s unlikely to happen here.

A professional disc golf player himself, Chris says he was driven to set up a course in Blenheim since he moved here from Auckland; Blenheim being the last major town in New Zealand lacking a course.

He says it’s the perfect sport for a pandemic – it’s easy to play while social distancing outdoors.

The Blenheim Round Table pledged $12,000 for the course. Marlborough District Council are footing the signage, says Chris.

“We haven’t finished yet and we’ve spent the cash.

“That’s with Round Table putting in all the labour for free. I’ve put hundreds of hours in – I’ve been there at 7pm pulling broom out with my bare hands.

“Now we’ve got the front nine in, and it’s exploded in popularity, we’re hoping to get more cash for the back nine.”

Chris says the sport is addictive and accessible for nearly everyone.

“There’s no age restriction,” he says. “The number one player in New Zealand is 59 years old.

“It’s all technique. Muscles are not required.

“Basically, you’re going for a competitive walk with your mates.

“A lot of people bring their dogs. It’s a family affair.”

Chris, who is a sponsored player on the New Zealand amateur tour, was involved in every facet of setting up the course, from inception to design to building.

“This is a dream for me.

“It’s a great feeling going down there and seeing 30 people playing.”

Where to play:

How to find the course: Park at the car park behind the dump, walk across the ford, turn right and ten metres down the path, on the right side, is the first tee.

You can rent discs from Marlborough Disc Golf for $20 per day, with $10 back when you return them. All proceeds go back into the local course.