FAQs
What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is a sport where players must traverse a playing course by throwing a disc (Frisbee) from a Tee to a Basket. Similar to the rules of golf the aim of the game is to complete each basket in the fewest number of throws possible. The player must play each shot from where their disc has landed and the play is only complete once a disc has landed in the basket.
Trees, shrubs and the shape of each fairway provide challenges for the player as they move through the course.
Will it affect the Seven Mile Beach pine forest?
The trial course has been designed in a way so it has a minimal impact on the forest and the existing walking trails. The fairways have been planned to fit within existing low canopy/ tree areas to avoid falling branches.
As the course is considered a technical course, the trees make up a valuable obstacle within the fairways to be played around.
Along the fairways, dead low-level branches and fallen limbs will be cleared to improve access and playability.
The fairways provide the additional benefit of creating new pathways and connections through the forest without altering the existing beauty and character of the area.
Will it look like a golf course?
No. There will be no change to the forest aesthetically or environmentally. No grasses or plants will be added, and fairways will only be marked by fallen tree limbs already on site. The baskets are unobtrusive and will be mostly invisible except when viewed directly from a fairway.
How will it be maintained?
The course will be maintained by Council’s open space maintenance team with advice and input from the Hobart Disc Golf Association.
Is there a fire risk?
No. The trial course will not increase the existing level of fire risk within the forest. Further to this, the course represents a significant opportunity to reduce ground level fuel loads with the removal and mulching of fuel that has built up on the ground over the years.
Signage prohibiting smoking will be installed at the beginning of the course and at the Tees.
Can I still use the forest the way I do now?
Yes. Most disc golf courses share parkland with other users. The trial course at SMB has been designed so that it will not impact any of the existing paths in the forest. There is also a strict code of conduct that is followed by disc golf players that respects other users. No discs are thrown when another person is on, or in close proximity to a fairway.
Where will people park?
Parking is available at the SMB Day Use Area 1. Disc golf is a casual sport played on an ad hoc basis between small groups. Council does not anticipate any impact on existing levels of traffic or parking space availability.
Who can play/ is it inclusive?
Disc golf can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The sport is highly equitable and accessible to all members of the community as the only piece of equipment that’s needed to play is a disc/ frisbee. The course at SMB will be a free public course for residents of SMB and the wider Clarence area to use.
Many disc golf courses have undulating terrain, the advantage of the SMB forest is that it is flat and allows for easier access to members of the community who have impaired mobility. The fairways may not be suitable for all mobility aids however, overall they will be clear of debris and undulations making them easy to navigate.