A new disc golf course has opened in Royal Oaks Park, a project by the Monterey Parks and Lakes Department.
Disc golf is a sport where players throw flying discs similar to frisbees into baskets or targets posted across a sprawling course.
The Royal Oaks course was designed by Monterey County Park Commissioners Nicholas Kite and Kelly Stracke, who created a layout inside the park’s natural landscape.
County spokeswoman Maia Carroll added that the project gained widespread support from local disc golf clubs, including the Monterey Stinging Jellies Disc Golf Club, Pinto Lake Disc Golf Club of Watsonville, and the Nomads Disc Golf Club from Salinas, whose members volunteered time to help install the course.
“This is my first time trying out the course,” said Dawn Regan of Santa Rosa, who ran the course Monday with Roger Cansler, one of the volunteers who helped build the course. “So far, it’s fantastic.”
The course is currently in a trial period to ensure it integrates with other park activities, Carroll said. During this phase, the baskets are on loan by Watsonville-based disc golf manufacturer DGA (Disc Golf Association) and local clubs.
Since its soft opening in early October, the course has already seen more than 600 rounds played.
“Every day, park visitors are using the course, weekends are particularly busy with large groups of 10-15 players,” says Chief of Parks Bryan Flores. “Players have come from as far away as New Mexico and Colorado, as well as local enthusiasts.”
“We’re thrilled to see how the community has embraced this and look forward to its continued success,” Kite said.
Royal Oaks Park is a 122-acre county park that opened in 1966 at 537 Maher Road.
For information, call 831.755.4895.
