Disc Golf Tournament glides into Great Bear

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)– No snow is required for this trip down the hill. This weekend, Great Bear Ski Valley is trading skis for flying discs, as players take on a course that winds its way across the property.

“Disc golfing at Great Bear has always kind of been this sought-after situation. We did it over 10 years ago, and it was a lot of fun, and we just haven’t had it back since. So to see it here again is incredible,” said Great Bear’s Director of Mountain Operations, Kyle Vanderberg

The King of the Hill Tournament is set for September 26th and 27th. But players didn’t wait for the competition to get started. The course opened for practice earlier in the week… and organizers say players have been showing up despite the cold, wind, and rain.

“We set it up last Sunday, and it’s just been people here all day, every day at once. And it’s been cold and windy and rainy most of the week, but people are still here,” said Tournament Director Danny Daggett.

Daggett says getting disc golf back on the Great Bear property has been years in the making. Now, about 135 players are registered for the tournament. And while registration is closed, spectators are welcome.

Organizers say much of the course can be seen from the Great Bear Lodge, where food, drinks, and vendors will also be available. For Daggett, the appeal of the sport is about more than throwing a disc into a basket.

“Outdoors, I mean, look at this. You got outdoors, you got people back here, everybody just playing, communicating, having a good time. This is how I met a ton of people. I travel all over the United States playing this game. I love it,” said Daggett.

And Great Bear says the response this week has already started conversations about bringing disc golf back again.

“The want for it has been there, but the turnout that we’ve already seen, even though the event hasn’t even happened, has been incredible,” said Vanderberg.

The tournament begins Saturday at 8 a.m., rain or shine.

The temporary course will be taken down after the tournament on Sunday.

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