Brooksville’s Old Limestone Quarry, A Disc Golf Tournament Beauty
Brooksville -Sun King/Discraft put on their fourth disc golf tournament at Gran Canyon, which was once a limestone quarry as well as a popular spot for mountain biking.
In the late 90’s this particular property was home to some of the first courses that were built for disc golf tournaments. After a change in ownership, the property laid dormant for years, until Michael Barnett worked tirelessly with the new owners to bring back a simple yet popular sport.
Disc golf has the same format as traditional golf, but with different equipment. Discs are shaped and weighted differently for throwing long distance, mid-course as well as putting. For golf, the goal is to get the ball in the hole, but in disc golf, the disc is thrown into a DISCatcher sport disc golf target.
Michael Barnett, owner of Sun King Disc Sports, moved to Florida in 2001 and knew he wanted to start a disc golf business after being involved in the sport in the Chicago area. “I lived in Hernando County for almost ten years and what’s important for me is to bring back this special property. It’s the most popular course in the state,” Barnett said.
Barnett couldn’t be more truthful about this property being special, breathtakingly special. The views and overall surroundings of this property bring a peaceful serenity to this tournament.
Gregg Hosfeld, owner of World Champion Disc Golf Design, has designed and built courses for over twenty years. He explained why Gran Canyon is ranked one of the top three courses in state.
“It’s an amazing canvas. Especially in topography like this, you don’t get this in Florida often,” Hosfeld said.
In designing the 18-hole course on this property his aim was to find ways to incorporate the unique features in a fun and challenging way. From driving the disc into hidden curves to steep terrain.
“There’s nothing out there that even comes close to this… it’s a pretty special piece of property,” Hosfeld said.
The growth of this sport is booming. Not only tournament wise but family wise. It’s a sport that anyone at any age can play. You are enjoying the outdoors, getting exercise, particularly strategic exercise. More importantly you, your family and friends are having fun together.
Barnett is working on some upcoming tournaments including an 18-hole course at Chinsegut Hill Manor.
“My goal if I can get two to three more properties we can bring over 500 people to Hernando County, which can generate a lot of revenue,” Barnett stated.
Throw Down The Mountain IV tournament lasts two weekends in March for advance and pro divisions. The tournament is only open to those that pre-registered. However if you would like to watch what’s going on and see how the game is played, the tournament is open 7:30am-2:30pm Saturday March 19 and Sunday March 20. Please note that there is a daily pass fee of $6.00 as well as a waiver to be signed.
Find more information here: Throw Down the Mountain: http://www.delsoldiscgolf.com/Throw_Down_The_Mountain.html
For more information about Disc Golf visit: PDGA: http://www.pdga.com/
For more information about Sun King Disc Sports: http://www.sunkingdiscs.com/