Sports - Sports News

POSTED: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009

DISC GOLF: Ferndale celebrates new disc golf course with ribbon cutting

Drive by Ferndale's VanderYacht Park and you'll see throngs of disc golfers out playing Whatcom County's newest course.

The course is already open for business, but an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the park, located at Washington Street and Portal Way, near the parking lot at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.

"Absolutely every single time I drive by somebody's using it," said J.D. Pullman, who chairs Ferndale's Parks, Recreation and Trail Advisory Board and spearheaded the effort with Dennis Rhodes, the city's community development director. "It's pretty cool."

The course was designed by local professional disc golfer Mike Leslie, who also had a significant hand in putting together the Mossy Roc course in Sudden Valley. The beginning-style course features nine baskets that are cut up to make 18 holes, Pullman said.

The City of Ferndale, at the behest of Mayor Gary Jensen, allotted $10,000 to build the course, which was constructed over a few days last week.

"VanderYacht was being under-utilized and it just seemed like the perfect spot for it," said Pullman, who became hooked when he realized disc golf could be a family-friendly activity as well as a sport for more serious players, like Leslie, who competes for money.

"People of all ages play this," Pullman said.

Pullman was furthered wowed when Leslie tossed a disc 75 yards to within inches of a pop can: "Just amazing."

Leslie and some of his disc golfing friends are expected to be on hand at Friday's event to demonstrate how the game is played. Think traditional golf, except specially designed Frisbees are used instead of a ball and clubs.