Stepping up to the Tee: Abilene Disc Golf Association upgrades disc golf courses

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) —The Abilene D isc Golf Association , in cooperation with Abilene Parks & Recreation, is upgrading local disc golf courses.

While disc golf is a relatively new sport, its popularity has grown rapidly, with Abilene having a healthy population of players. Because of this growth, the Abilene Disc Golf Association has taken it upon itself to improve several courses in Abilene parks. Vice President of the Abilene Disc Golf Association Jeremy Baum listed some of the upgrades.

“So, starting in Cal Young, we’ve obviously put in new signs, new T signs, and map signs, of course. We’ve replaced all of the baskets here. Over at Will Hair, we’re also replacing the baskets. We’re going to do new tee signs, and we’re doing some structures around the baskets to make it a little more aesthetically pleasing,” Baum shared.

So far, Baum stated that the Abilene Disc Golf Association has invested approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in improvements at these parks. The association obtains this funding from membership fees and various business sponsorships. The organization is solely responsible for covering the costs of these improvements, meaning that the City of Abilene is not using its own funds or resources for these upgrades. Nonetheless, the association still needs to get approval for the plans from the city’s parks and recreation department, and Baum explained that process.

“Any time we want to make improvements, the course has to get approved through the city. So, we submit a plan of basically what we want to do. We determine who’s going to pay for it and who’s going to do the work. We signed a contract with them, and then we’re free to get out there and get it done,” Baum said.

Baum said that the Abilene Disc Golf Association usually has members or leadership carry out the work, but it will sometimes contract out professionals for larger jobs like laying concrete for tee boxes.

One Abilene disc golfer, Ed Kerestly, started playing the game about four years ago to share a fun activity with his adult son, and he says the improvements are much appreciated.

“Those are really some exciting improvements. It’s made the game more enjoyable,” Kerestly said. “The new signage here is great, especially if you’re not familiar with the course. Helps you get around. Helps you understand the course.”

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