by Carla Caruso
Disc golf continues to grow in popularity in King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina (Park 15) since a public course was installed a few years ago.
With the rise in activity, however, there has been a need to remind people of the guidelines for playing safely in the shared space.
Disc golf is much like traditional golf, but instead of a ball and clubs, competitors use a flying disc. The course, dotted among the trees, is free to use and open to all.
Disc golfers brave the wet weather for a game in Park 15. Photo: James Elsby.
Last month, the APA was contacted by a hobbyist, who only wanted to go by the name of ‘Brooke’. She says she had “an unfortunate incident, while playing frisbee golf, with a large group [of park visitors] who were standing in the middle of the course, near the Christian Brothers College field”.
“Someone in that group was very angry that our discs landed near them and threw our discs as far as they could. I just don’t think they realised they were in the middle of a course. Hopefully, it won’t happen again to anyone else.”
Brooke, who was there with family, says more signs could help prevent further incidents.
“If there was signage, in the middle of where you’re throwing, that says, ‘You could be here, but it’s at your own risk; like, be aware that there are frisbees going around,’ it gives you a bit of back-up. Then you can point it out to people if you’re having any issues.
“Could we have skipped that hole [near the group]? Yes. But then you’re waiting for people. There becomes a bit of a line-up if everyone skips.”
SA Disc Golf president Gareth Morgan throws a disc at the Park Lands course. Photo: James Elsby.
According to Gareth Morgan, the president of South Australian Disc Golf (SADG), however, “park users always get right of way”.
He believes the incident was an “unlucky misunderstanding” and that the amateur players should’ve advised the parkgoers where to safely set up camp.
“The committee members and members of SADG have all been made aware of educating members of the public when they’re on the course.
“I believe that this is a very rare incident and I’m glad no one was hurt ... That individual should never have thrown towards the group and he or she is at fault in this instance.
“As the popularity of the sport continues to grow exponentially, [safety] is something that we are focusing on.”
Signage in the Park Lands. Photo: James Elsby.
His best advice for beginners? Again, he says it’s not to throw while a parkgoer is still on the hole.
“They’ll say, ‘I can never throw that far,’ and they believe the person is no way near any danger – we’re talking a distance of 30-60m of the disc landing from them.
“[But] we educate them that one day soon, something will ‘click’ with disc golf, and you will be able throw further. This is why we advise never to throw when someone is on the course just in case that day comes.”
Another sign on the public course in Park 15. Photo: City of Adelaide.
Gareth says Park 15 is “still the number one used course in the country by a long shot”.
“As crazy-popular as the sport is in the Park Lands, there are many who still don’t know what disc golf is. Education and awareness are our best chance of safety.”
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the City of Adelaide says the council isn't looking into any additional signage at the moment.
The spokesman says there are already a number of signs, alerting the public about the activity and asking players to be mindful of other people in the area.
