News 2018: University disc golf course open to the public

The student-led initiative allows beginners and pros alike to enjoy the growing sport on campus

Last week, UMass Dartmouth students and staff members participated in the official ‘first throw” at the new, 9-hole disc golf course located on the 710-acre campus. The university is proud to announce the new course is open to the public as well as the campus community.

Students Steve Kouroyen, Sebastian E Moronta Blanco, and Katie Lovett began working with staff to design and implement the course about two years ago. Meeting with course design experts and testing designs, the UMass Dartmouth team settled on a challenging yet accessible course layout.

Located in the area near the Claire T. Carney Library and wind turbine, the 9-hole course has par 3 and par 4 holes that take players around campus. Each hole is named after a UMass Dartmouth landmark or a course founder. Also, each hole tells a short story about the university which helps connect the players to the physical space they are playing on. The first hole Rudolph’s Run, named after campus architect Paul Rudolph, is a 440-foot par 3 that gives a perfect view of the architect’s style.

“The biggest thing that I want to see as the course develops is that the south shore disc golf community and the UMass Disc golf club will work together to run leagues, tournaments, and general course maintenance,” said student Steve Kouroyen.

For those looking to play or for more information, the UMass Dartmouth Disc Golf Club can be found on Facebook or the UDisc Golf App. The recreational and Intramural office has a collection of loaner discs for anyone to use.

The project was the combined efforts of students, university carpenters and grounds crew, and Office of Capital Projects, Office of Housing and Residence Education, Recreation and Intramurals, and Sustainability.