Elkhart County Parks will host Elkhart County’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend from Friday through Sunday, Aug. 16-18, at Ox Bow County Park. This weekend will mark the largest disc golf event at Ox Bow County Park since the 1996 world championships. The celebration will culminate a year of fundraising and renovations for one of the original disc golf courses in the Michiana area constructed by Jim Ingold and Dan Shenk in partnership with the Park Board 35 years ago. Participants will see redesigned holes and other improvements to the 35-year-old course at 23033 County Road 45, halfway between downtown Elkhart and Goshen.
The Celebration
The festivities begin Friday night with a public celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Honey Locust Shelter with live music from the band The Erly, food trucks, beer from Goshen Brewing Co., putting contests, displays and vendors. Vehicle entry costs $3.
The Tournaments
Friday, Aug. 16: The Summer Sizzler
The Summer Sizzler, a PDGA C-Tier one-round competition, will allow individuals to start anytime from 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17: The Ox Bow Classic
The Ox Bow Classic, which is a PDGA C/B Tier two-round singles event, will have rounds of individual play at 9 a.m. and after lunch.
Sunday, Aug. 18: The Dog Days Doubles
The Dog Days Doubles, which is a PDGA C-Tier doubles event; games start at 2 p.m. with teams of two claiming the best of two throws.
Registration
Cost to compete for Professional Disc Golf Association members is $20 per person Friday, $40 per person Saturday and $40 per team on Sunday. Add $10 for nonmembers. Find more details and registration for each tournament via www.discgolfscene.com.
Course Renovations
The weekend is also a celebration of the recent renovation of the Ox Bow Flying Disc Sanctuary. Volunteers raised over $18,000 to fund the project, which included new baskets, concrete tee pads, modern signage and changes to the course that will benefit and challenge players. The renovations were made possible by the generosity of donors and supporters, including Jason Samuel, who is a disc golf enthusiast and volunteer.
35 Years of Disc Golf
The Ox Bow Flying Disc Sanctuary is one of the oldest disc golf courses in the region. It was first designed and constructed by Jim Ingold and Dan Shenk in partnership with the Park Board 35 years ago. The course has been a popular destination for disc golfers of all skill levels ever since. The renovations will ensure that the course continues to be a top destination for years to come.
Community Involvement
The Elkhart County’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend is a testament to the passion and dedication of the disc golf community in Elkhart County. Volunteers, donors, and supporters have worked together to make this event a reality. The weekend is a celebration of the sport, the community, and the history of the Ox Bow Flying Disc Sanctuary. It is an event that will bring together disc golfers of all ages and skill levels from across the region. This weekend promises to be a fun and exciting event for everyone involved.
