New Disc Golf Course Unveiled in Waco's Hewitt Park

Waco's disc golf enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as a brand-new course opens its gates in Hewitt Park. The 18-hole course, designed by Joey Harrell, is set to become the third championship-level course in the area, joining Cameron Park and Brazos Park East.

As Harrell was surveying the park, he noticed curious stares from passersby. It wasn't until he began tossing a Frisbee that it became clear what was going on – people were watching him design the new disc golf course. With its winding paths and natural obstacles, Hewitt Park's terrain seemed tailor-made for the sport.

Harrell's original plan was to create a nine-hole course, but after some careful consideration, he decided to go all out with 18 challenging holes. The course will feature strategically placed trees, boulders, and even an elevated basket perched atop a rock – a unique twist on traditional disc golf.

The Waco Disc Golf Association (WDGA) has been instrumental in promoting the sport in the area, and they're thrilled to have another championship-level course to call their own. Vice president Eric Vlam recalls when there were only a handful of places to play disc golf in Waco – now, thousands of courses dot the landscape across the country.

The WDGA hosts weekly tournaments on its three existing courses, including Cameron Park's infamous "The Beast." The Hewitt Park course will soon be added to the rotation, providing even more opportunities for players to compete and socialize. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, disc golf is an inclusive sport that welcomes newcomers with open arms.

In fact, Vlam estimates that each tournament brings in around $100,000 to $200,000 in revenue from food, drinks, and accommodations – not to mention the personal benefits of getting outdoors and staying active. The WDGA also hosts charity events like ace races, which raised over $1,100 for the community after the West fertilizer plant explosion.

To get involved, you can participate in organized tournaments for just $6 – a small price to pay for the chance to win up to $400 in the ace pot and enjoy some friendly competition. With its emphasis on camaraderie and community building, disc golf is an activity that's easy to love.

The WDGA's ultimate goal is to have enough championship courses to host major PDGA events, including the world championships. For now, they're focusing on promoting the sport and having a good time while doing it – as Vlam aptly puts it, "It's just good, clean, cheap entertainment."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/new-hewitt-disc-golf-course-sign-of-sport%E2%80%99s-growth