NO R TH STR ABA N E TO WNS H IP NE WS
or th Strabane
History of Disc Golf at
North Strabane Township
WHAT IS DISC GOLF?
In 2008, a group of friends who lived in
Washington County, several who resided
within North Strabane Township, were
introduced to the sport of disc golf. After only
a few rounds of play, these friends decided
to form the Washington County Disc Golf
Association (WCDGA). This organization
recommended that a disc golf course would
be a perfect fit for Municipal Park. A proposal
was prepared and the idea was pitched to the
NST Parks and Recreation Board. The board
approved and, after making a donation of
$500, nine portable baskets were purchased.
These baskets were erected and a temporary
nine hole disc golf course was created.
After one season of play, the course was
closed in preparation for the construction of
Municipal Park. This project created several
new ball fields, walking paths, pavilions and
was completed in 2012. The area of the park
nearest to both Route 519 and Linden Road
is steeply sloped and had many mature
trees. Once the master plan for the park had
been approved, it was clear that these two
areas of the park would be ideal for creating
a championship level permanent disc golf
course. WCDGA received permission to design
and install the course. Professional Disc Golf
Association Members Eric Householder and
Tim Stouden, along with WCDGA members
Matt Yuvan, Zach Guyach, Mike Conway and
Ryan Julian, took several months to walk the
proposed course location to decide which
68 Canon-Mac
areas should be used to create the tees and
basket positions for the 18 hole disc golf
course. It was decided the course would be
completed in two phases, beginning with the
front nine holes. The tee areas were cleared
with the assistance of Ryan Julian and Kevin
Johnson. Excavation and the tee pads were
installed by the North Strabane Township
Public Works Department. The baskets on
the front nine were installed as an Eagle
Scout project completed by Jared Hladycz.
Funding for the front nine came from a grant
in the amount of $5,000 from the Washington
County Tourism Board, along with other
donations from WCDGA, North Strabane
Township Parks and Recreation, and several
local businesses and families in the form of
tee sponsorships.
Starting in 2015, work commenced on
the back nine holes. At the current time,
the baskets have been installed with the
assistance of J. Gary Dropcho, Ethan Zaharia
and Eric Householder. Many more have
been involved in clearing the back nine
fairways, installing bridges and footpaths, and
removing debris.
Also in 2015, competitive play began on the
course. The first event was run by Damien and
Jackson Busche and was an introduction to
disc golf and catered to players of all ages. In
November of 2015, the first tournament called
“Turkey Toss” was held. Over 40 competitors
in three different divisions competed for two
rounds of disc golf. Prizes were awarded to
top finishers and a lunch was provided by
WCDGA. During February of 2016, the first
tournament sanctioned by the PDGA took
place. Thirty-seven participants braved the
frigid temperature to complete one round of
disc golf. Mark Prestopnik ran the annual Ice
Bowl event on behalf of the Pittsburgh Flying
Disc Society, and donations of $832.00 and
350 pounds of non-perishable food items
were collected and donated to Community
Human Services Food Pantry in Oakland.
Starting in the spring of 2016, a weekly
league has begun play at the course. David
Wray runs the handicap singles league on
Thursdays starting at 5:30.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR DISC GOLF
AT NORTH STRABANE?
During the remainder of 2016, the back
nine concrete tee pads and tee signs are
scheduled to be installed. Several other events
are scheduled. Information can be found at
Washington County Disc Golf Association’s
Facebook page, the Pittsburgh Flying Disc
Association, and the Township’s website,
www.northstrabanetwp.com.
Many thanks to all who have supported and
assisted, including the Parks and Recreation
Board, the Board of Supervisors, the Parks
grounds crew, the Public Works Department,
and volunteers too numerous to mention.