Disc golf is scoring in Bellingham as a new niche shop opens with gear and more
Bellingham is known for great kayaking, hiking, pickleball and other sporting locations, and now a new niche shop is opening for those who love disc golf.
Far From Par, a shop dedicated to all things disc golf, opened its doors Feb. 9. It was launched by two disc golf fanatics, Matt Gegner and Daisey James, who couldn’t find a local shop to support their love of the game.
“My business partner and I both started playing disc golf in 2020 and found the local selection of discs to be incredibly limited and typically offered as an afterthought in stores,” James said in an email to The Herald. “We ordered a lot of discs online starting out and wished we had a local resource to talk to knowledgeable people and actually see and feel discs.”
James and Gegner first started the business in 2022 as a mobile shop at local events. Now the brick-and-mortar shop is packed with a variety of disc golf discs, apparel, bags, carts and accessories.
“Our goal is to be a local, one-stop shop for all disc golf needs,” James added. “Disc golf at it’s core only requires discs and a course to play on, but there are a variety of accessories and resources that are useful that a generalized hardware or sports store won’t necessarily offer. Beyond an expansive selection of discs, we offer towels, grip enhancers, bags, training aides, and more. Since we are disc golfers, we are passionate about the sport and not only enjoy talking about it with existing players, we enjoy teaching about the sport.”
Far From Par is the only disc golf shop in Whatcom County, according to James, as the closest shop can be found in Stanwood.
“Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport both nationally and internationally, and here in Whatcom County we have a multitude of courses to choose from. The sport is popular, accessible and played by many people in Bellingham and around the county. ... We wanted to be a local resource for our community,” James said.
The shop owners also host classes and events in Whatcom County, such as tournaments sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association, leagues and drop-in games.
Far From Par is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2404 Elm St., unit 102 in Bellingham.
