Chapter 1: Summit’s Introduction to Disc Golf

Disc Golfers know how fast the sport is growing, and the numbers don’t lie. Active memberships to the PDGA have been growing exponentially over the past ten years. In 2009 there were 14,326 active members according to the PDGA. At the end of 2019, there were 46,457 active members. Lets not forget that it was started in 1976. Still though, even with the numbers growing as fast as they are, we as players have to explain what it is and where it is played to nearly everyone that hears us talking about what we did over the weekend.

After meeting with Adam Zucker (Host of College Football Today and Inside College Football on CBS Sports), it was clear that a fine line between the fun of the game and the respect given to the community must be walked carefully. Summit is one of the most historic towns in New Jersey with some of the oldest buildings, homes, and war sites dating back to the Revolutionary War. So when talks about a possible disc golf opportunity, the steps to be taken have to be slow, delicate, and respectful.

He hinted at a couple opportunities that the town has for some possible courses, but quickly made the point that no one in a position of power to make any kind of decision has any idea what the sport is, how it is played, and what effect it has on the land. That is where his idea of taking the town’s 9 hole municipal golf course, also known as The Muni, and turning it into a 9 hole disc golf course for a 1 day exhibition came to fruition.

After walking the first couple holes, Adam mentioned that he wanted to keep it fun and fair for all. He planned the course to make sure that both an experienced player, a beginner, and everyone in between can have a good time. The beginners won’t be frustrated by the endless trees of a woods course, and the experienced players will have the challenge of not landing on the greens or in the bunkers with penalty strokes to be had. Not to mention about the huge water hazard that you will have to throw over as well. If you think you are going to walk on this course, play 18 holes, and shoot -14, you will be disappointed.

You will recognize a couple names that will be there tomorrow as Mike Solt, founder and tournament director of Mr. Disc Golf events, makes a trip out from PA to show his support for the growing sport. Also Bill Ganley, owner of Bria Disc Golf, will be on hand with his full shop. So if you need any discs or equipment, it will give you another reason to come down and check out the event.

The goal of this event is to help grow the sport in a part of New Jersey where its virtually unknown. By showcasing disc golf to the community, the city council and patrons of Summit, event organizers are hopeful this will be the first of many great events in the area. Perhaps, installation of the county’s first permanent course could be next. Although, as Adam said, this event is just the first chapter. This will be a story of patience, and this is just the beginning.

Here is what you need to know:

• Where?
  Summit Municipal Golf Course
  189 River Road
  Summit, NJ 07901

It is 35 minutes from the Holland Tunnel in NYC, 1 hour 15 minutes from Allentown, PA and 35 minutes from New Brunswick.

• First available time to tee off is 12:00pm, last person allowed to tee off is 6:00pm
• It is $20 to get in and on the course, which includes a disc, a mini, and all greens fees.
• Free clinic from New Jersey’s own, Matt LaCourte of Team Innova and Delaware Valley Disc Golf Club.
• 2 rounds of 9 holes on The Muni.
• Bill Ganley of Bria Disc Golf will have his shop open for business.
• There will be a food vendor on site.
• There will be a TV on site so you won’t miss any of the football action!