Norwegian Family's Disc Golf Paradise Takes Shape

The Johnsen family has embarked on an extraordinary project at their Lille Leland farm in southern Norway. Since discovering disc golf in June 2020, they have been working tirelessly to create a one-of-a-kind course that will challenge even the best players from around the world. In February 2021, they invested in 18 baskets and began designing and building the course.

As the project unfolded, Stian Johnsen decided to document the process with a GoPro camera, capturing every step of the way. This footage would eventually become the foundation for their YouTube channel and Instagram account, which have gained significant attention and acclaim. The family's passion and dedication are evident in every aspect of the course.

Lille Leland disc golf course is an 18-hole masterpiece situated on a vast property with endless possibilities for hole design. The current layout boasts stunning natural obstacles, including elevation changes, water features, creeks, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Hole 1 stands out as a 243m par 3, while hole 2 demands precision and strategy as a 409m par 5.

The Johnsen family's commitment to excellence is unwavering. They continuously improve the course, taking feedback from commentators and players to refine their design. Their ambition is to create a course that would make it onto any top 5 list of the world's best disc golf courses, as rated by the elite players themselves. Within five years, they aim to join the ranks of the most revered courses globally.

The farm is not just about disc golf; it also serves as a home for horses, goats, chickens, and rabbits. Lene Johnsen focuses on horse care, while Stian tends to the disc golf aspect. They have cleverly integrated their love for horses into the course experience by offering them as caddies – one horse can carry four bags, making rounds more enjoyable and convenient.

Their two sons, Kasper (7) and Felix (5), have been instrumental in the project's development, contributing to every stage of construction. Their nephews, Mathias and Jesper, also lend a helping hand when needed. The family's collaboration is truly inspiring, demonstrating that with teamwork and dedication, anything is possible.

The Johnsen family is now gearing up for their first international tournament, the RPM Open, which will take place from August 19th to 21st. They have been working closely with RPM Discs from New Zealand, who designed the course's logo, provided new baskets, and created custom fundraiser discs. This partnership has been instrumental in bringing the project to life.

As they prepare for the tournament, Stian Johnsen emphasizes their commitment to hosting a world-class event that will meet Euro Tour standards, despite this being a B-tier tournament this year. Their goal is to create an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike, setting the stage for potential future involvement with the Euro Tour.

Norway's natural beauty has been an integral part of the course's design, offering a unique blend of forests, hills, mountains, waters, lakes, and wildlife. The region surrounding Lille Leland is steeped in history and culture, making it an attractive destination for international players who want to experience more than just disc golf.

In addition to their passion for disc golf, the Johnsen family has also been involved in promoting the sport through a documentary project called The Magic of Disc Golf. This collaborative effort with the PDGA aims to showcase the excitement and drama of disc golf beyond events, highlighting the mental game, player personalities, and behind-the-scenes stories.

By building one of the world's premier disc golf courses and hosting international tournaments, the Johnsen family is not only creating a haven for disc golf enthusiasts but also contributing to the growth and recognition of this incredible sport.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/lille-leland