New disc golf course in Fort Gratiot creates opportunity for all-season recreation

Local disc golf enthusiasts, and those interested in trying the sport, now have a new course to enjoy following the construction of a nine-hole course that was completed this September at the Fort Gratiot Pond/Nature Preserve.

Michael Petrick, Chairman of the Fort Gratiot Parks Commission, says they wanted to build a disc golf course that would enable people closer to Fort Gratiot to experience the sport.

“It’s a great way to get out there, get some exercise and have some fun,” Petrick says. “I’ve gone out there with my dog and tossed the disc and had a blast. It’s a beautiful park.”

Disc golf can be played year-round and most courses, including the Fort Gratiot Pond Disc Golf Course, are free to play. Discs are not provided though, so players will need to bring their own equipment which can be found in most stores where sporting goods or athletic equipment is available.

Petrick explained that players have a kit containing several different types of discs including putters, distance drivers, fairway drivers, and midrange drivers. Choosing the most appropriate disc to use is determined by speed and how fast each disc flies in the air, so heavier discs are recommended when playing in stronger winds.

Petrick says the disc golf course, which averages about 300-450 ft. per hole, was designed to make it challenging for players.

“People who do it on a higher level said they don’t like two of our holes because they’re very difficult,” he says. “We don’t take that as a criticism, we take that as a compliment.”

Patti Samar, Editor and Publisher of Blue Water Woman, recently brought a group for an outing at the new disc golf course. She says though the weather wasn’t in their favor, overall they enjoyed their time at the park.  

“We just laughed a lot and had a lot of fun,” Samar says. “Everybody who participated in doing the disc golf wanted to definitely go back and try it again when the weather was better.”
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Danielle Patrick is a Chesterfield resident who finds passion in writing about the Port Huron community. In addition to her work with The Keel, she is also a freelancer for Epicenter Mt. Pleasant. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Central Michigan University and is pursuing her master’s degree in poetry at Southern New Hampshire University. Follow her on Instagram @_daniellepatrick_.