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Disc golfers keep eyes on the basket
The course at Maximo Park invites enthusiasts to enjoy this fast-growing sport.
By WAVENEY ANN MOORE, Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2008
ST. PETERSBURG Visitors to Maximo Park can't miss the people carrying plastic discs and bags slung over their shoulders. But they might wonder why they are darting in and out of the woods. These are disc golfers, an estimated 10,000 of whom live in the Tampa Bay area. Ken Climo, the sport's 12-time world champion, is from Clearwater. As for Maximo, its 18-hole course is considered one of the most challenging for beginners. "You could call that a technical course because there are a lot of palm fronds and very narrow fairways and lots of trees or 'rough.' And you can't beat the scenery. The 18th hole finishes on the waterway looking toward the Skyway bridge," said C.R. Willey, a Seminole landscaper who has been playing the sport professionally for more than 20 years and holds four world titles. Many a time, said Willey, 44, he's ended a game at Maximo by catching that evening's dinner. Disc golf resembles traditional golf. Players throw their discs to each hole, but in disc golf, the "hole" typically is an elevated metal basket. As in little-round-ball golf, players must take their shots from wherever the disc lands, which at Maximo, means navigating the park's dense trees and shrubs. St. Petersburg parks director Clifford J. Footlick said the course is about 7 years old. The city built the course at the urging of disc golfers, he said. "It's the only one in St. Petersburg. There was one gentleman who actually purchased the baskets for us. They set it up. They designed it. We helped with some of the labor," Footlick said. "We've just been thrilled with it. In fact, I'd like to find another site. It's very popular. It's usually really busy on weekends." Willey, who conducts clinics at schools, said most courses in the United States are in public parks and are free for players. This area's only pay-to-play course is in Dunedin, he said. The region has seven courses and 15 within an hour's drive, he said, adding that people actually move to the Tampa Bay area because of the sport. Waveney Ann Moore can be reached at wmoore@sptimes.com or 727 892-2283. FAST FACTS To learn more The Professional Disc Golf Association, www.pdga.com Tampa Bay Disc Sports Club, www.tbdsc.com Play at Maximo 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays doubles, Maximo Park, 34th Street and Pinellas Point Drive S, St. Petersburg 10 a.m. Saturday mornings handicap
[Last modified January 15, 2008, 23:06:20]
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