Disc Golf Takes Sumter by Storm with First-Ever Shoney’s Summer Sizzler Tournament
The growing sport of disc golf is capturing the hearts of Sumter residents, and this weekend, they are gearing up for an exciting tournament at Dillon Park. The Sumter City Disc Golf Club has witnessed significant growth in recent years, attracting enthusiasts who love the unique combination of golf and frisbee. Hobe Scholz, the Vice President and Treasurer of the club, explains, If you’ve played golf with a ball, you can play golf with a frisbee.
Hosting the first-ever Shoney’s Summer Sizzler Disc Golf Tournament is Tournament Director Stephen Smith, whose deep passion for the sport is evident. Smith’s love for disc golf spurred him to become intimately involved, hoping to ignite the same enthusiasm in others. Since moving to Sumter a year and a half ago, Smith has been a frequent visitor to Dillon Park, where he initially played disc golf alone. As the weather warmed up, he began encountering more like-minded individuals who shared his passion.
Smith expresses his appreciation for disc golf’s ability to bring people together, saying, There’s a great melting pot of all sorts of different people, different perspectives. You know, just humans. I love disc golf. It brings so many people together that would never usually hang out somewhere on their own, but they come here and they’re together.
Disc golf offers a level playing field for players, as it operates similarly to regular golf, but with frisbees instead of balls and clubs. Scholz highlights its accessibility, stating, It has low barriers to entry, right? Discs don’t cost much, and it’s free to play in public parks. So in that sense, it’s a real easy sport to get to love.
The sport not only provides an opportunity for exercise but also allows players to connect with nature. Anthony Byrum, a disc golf enthusiast, appreciates the variety of locations the sport offers. You can go play in the mountains, you can go play by the beach, you can go play here in Sumter, and they’re all different and they’re all beautiful, he shares.
This weekend’s Shoney’s Summer Sizzler Disc Golf Tournament promises to be an exciting event, taking place on Saturday. With only around 10 spots remaining, participants can look forward to competing for prizes and receiving players’ packs. Those interested in joining can register on DiscGolfScene.com.
This growing interest in disc golf in Sumter reflects the sport’s ability to foster friendships, encourage exercise, and provide a unique outdoor experience. As more individuals discover the joys of disc golf, the future looks bright for this captivating sport in Sumter and beyond.
