Flying disc golf takes off on Mull

Visitors to Aros Park on Mull will soon be able to try out a new free activity – disc golf.

The sport is popular in the United States but is now a fast-growing sport worldwide. Players need to make their way around a course using a fl ying disc instead of clubs and golf balls, and metal baskets replace the holes.

The baskets have hanging chains above them that are designed to catch the discs which then fall into the basket for a score.

The trial began this month and anyone can play the nine-hole course free. A small supply of fl ying discs will be available at Forestry and Land Scotland’s park site to let visitors try out the sport.

Jo Maclean, “FLS area visitor services manager, said: ‘This is a great idea that certainly adds a new and fun twist to a walk in the forest.

‘It’s often referred to as the ‘best sport you’ve never heard of’ but it’s a fantastic activity that’s great fun for families and also for more competitive players.

‘It’s a bit of fun that will help improve mobility and boost health and wellbeing and we think it’s going to be a very popular addition to the park.’ It will be Mull’s second disc golf course after Fanmore, west of Ballygown, which is host to the annual Mull Classic Tournament.

Versions of the sport have been around since the 1920s when lids from old tins would be pitched towards a circle. The modern version of disc golf dates from the 1970s, is played in 40 countries and has over

90,000 professional players who compete in regular, prize money tournaments. But it is also a great and easy sport for people to take up and enjoy, says disc It’s often golf organiser Ben Bolton. referred to as He said: ‘There are around 90 courses across the UK the ‘best sport but only about 20 in Scotyou’ve never land and this one in Aros heard of’ Park will be the second on Mull and in the west of Scotland as a whole. ‘It’s a great twist on the idea of a healthy walk and is much less expensive than golf and – for some people – a lot more fun, too. ‘I’d recommend anyone to give it a go and start practising. Once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked.’

Try your hand at disc golf - a new sport craze on Mull at Aros Park