by Loine Sweeney

A year ago, Chris Harris wandered over to King Rodney Park/ Ityamai-itpina/ Park 15, just off East Terrace, for a walk.  It was a casual decision that would change his lifestyle, and for the better. 

“I saw these guys digging up the Parklands and I asked them what the hell were they doing,” Chris said. 

It turned out that this was the installation of a Disc Golf course.

After hearing about it, Chris arranged some lessons, and started playing Disc Golf.

Now, a year later, he’s a Disc Golf teacher, instructing visitors to Park 15 and is even on the Board of the Adelaide Disc Golf club.

“I suffered from anxiety and depression, but I’m now off the medication” Chris said.

“I’ve found that in focussing on your next shot, on throwing the disc the best way that you can to try to get it into the basket, your anxiety levels drop amazingly.

“I just love it because it’s exercise, being out in nature and breathing fresh air. You’re not sitting at home behind a computer or watching TV.”

Chris said the sport had become instantly popular on the Park Lands 9-hole course. 

“You’re meeting new people all the time. Every weekend hundreds come out to the Park Lands here to try out this activity, people of all ages. In fact we just had a family of six here, all throwing the discs and having a great time.”

Pleased to meet you Chris!