The Wonder Box

Farmville’s new disc golf course features tee and hole settings that make the course enjoyable for players of all levels.

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Saturdays, he said he has seen an increase in business, specifically during tournaments.

Ellis, who also works for NWL capacitors in Snow Hill, said he was surprised to see how people come into town to use the course.

“I never really even heard of Frisbee golf too much before,” he said.

He was planning to open on the Sunday of the Sept 19-20 tournament, “to give those guys somewhere to eat that is close by. In Farmville, there are not a lot of places open on Sundays, other than fast food,” he said.

Ellis said he hopes one day to exclusively be in the barbecue business.

He complimented the Farmville Police Department for their dedication to helping complete the course. He said they even filled up potholes in his parking lot on their own time.

Staton echoed that the police department personnel had helped work on the course, donating their time to help out. He added many of the town’s departments helped lend a hand.

Crotts said the new course, mixed with the pandemic, helped the sport flourish. “COVID-19 increased the interest in disc golf exponentially,” he said.

But he also credits the growing numbers to the sport itself. “Anybody can play,” he said. “It’s for those who have just learned to walk, to the age of 99.”

Crotts said seniors are one of the fastest growing groups in the sport. “It it low impact, there is no running, and it is a no contact game,” he added.

A disc golf game can be played in about half the time of regular golf, he said. An average round

lasts between an hour and-ahalf to two hours.

It is also much cheaper than regular golf.

“The venues are free, and the equipment costs just a few dollars,” he said. On average, a brand new disc costs about $8.

For those not wanting to invest quite yet, Stokes said the town plans to set up a rental program in the library.

“It will be as easy as checking out a book,” he added.

Stokes said the course, although complete, continues to be a work in progress.

They are adding a retaining wall, where they plan to feature sponsors.

They hope to build a picnic shelter, and eventually create walking paths throughout the property. Stokes and Lubben also hope the town will host its own tournaments.

“We are super proud of what we helped the community build,” Lubben said. “When we first started cutting the grass, it was 12 feet tall. Now, people tell us it looks so well manicured, and well kept.”

Crotts said he is not surprised about the increased interest in the sport he has loved since being a toddler.

“It is such a fun activity — it is easy to get hooked on,” he said.

“If you make one really long putt — it’s exhilarating. It makes you want to try and do it again. It makes you want to be a part of the game.”

Hole 14 is one of the more challenging at the course. It is 576 feet to the basket and has the sharpest curve of any of the holes. The longest hole is more than 700 feet.

H.B.SuggHigh School alumni going the extramile to making Farmvilleanideal community! ALL SCHOOL REUNION LABOR DAYWEEKEND 2021

OLD SCHOOL RETURNED: LABOR DAYWEEKEND 2022 Call Gene Willoughbyfor membership, 252-714-3888.

Donations greatlyappreciated. Sponsorshipsavailable

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