Disc golf may get a whirl in forest preserve

Interest in traditional golf is still flat, but the Lake County Forest Preserve District may be willing to give disc golf a go.

A key forest preserve committee on Thursday unanimously recommended establishing a disc golf course at a yet-to-be-determined location. Members decided the value of establishing a disc golf course overrode potential concerns about future requests for other activities that may be received.

"That could attract a new group of supporters to the district," said Pam Newton of Long Grove, a member of the finance, administrative and education committee.

"There were four people in Lake County who wanted a dog sled course, and by golly, we gave it to them. I implore the commissioners to give this a try."

In disc golf, players aim to put a plastic disc into a basket affixed to a pole. Play can involve nine or 18 holes at the beginner to championship level.

According to figures provided by forest preserve staff, there are nine disc courses in Lake County, all at park district or similar facilities, and 17 within 30 miles.

A disc golf course can be 20 to 40 acres and cost from $10,000 to $100,000 to set up.

Aficionados for more than a year have been trying to convince the district to establish a course at a forest preserve, citing its popularity and the lack of top-notch facilities in the area.

They also say that setting up a course in a forest preserve wouldn't require much change and volunteers would help with the work.

Discontinuum Disc Golf Club of Northeastern Illinois, has 135 members, club official Tom McManus told the committee. A recent world championship in Milwaukee drew 580 players, he added.

Commission Chairman Steve Mountsier, said a disc golf facility would be a good fitness option for aging baby boomers and older folks.

"They're looking for things like this," he said.

Some commissioners said the location needs to be carefully considered and that it shouldn't be isolated.

"If it isn't working out and we have gangs of kids drinking beer, we yank the thing," said Commissioner Steve Carlson of Grandwood Park.

"We have to be very careful how far we go and how fast we go."

The forest district's land acquisition committee will consider the use before a review of sites begins.