Before Albert Lea’s new 18-hole course came along, thanks to a host of Shinefest volunteers and a few die hard disc golfers, disc golf was moderately popular in Albert Lea. With the addition of the new course, however, disc golf in our area has enjoyed a sizable wave of increased participation.
In addition to the 9 holes in the upper portion of Bancroft Bay Park, there are also 18 holes in the lower part of the park. Most of the disc golf club outings happen on the lower part of the club, but club members do occasionally play the “upper” as well.
The Flying Lea Disc Golf Club didn’t even exist before the new course was formed. Now it has close to 80 members. And on Sundays when the mosquitoes aren’t in full force, the parking lot of the new course is absolutely packed with cars.
Most importantly, a person doesn’t need to be a member of the Flying Lea Disc Golf Club to play the course. It is free and available to anyone who has a desire to play…at any time of the day. The club is very inclusive and enjoys members of all skill levels, which is apparent in their choice to play host a handicap league on Sundays. Players are rewarded for the amount they improve off their handicap, not how good they are.
If you have even a mild interest in disc golf, come on out and play! You won’t regret it. (And you may even get hooked.)
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