MARQUETTE -- The growing sport of disc golf is coming to Marquette. A local group called Disc da U.P. has been given permission to develop a piece of land on the city's north side.
The course will not require a lot of bulldozing or clearing, and it will be designed for golfers of many skill levels. The property is just west of the soccer fields at the Kaufman Sports Complex.
Organizers say it will cost $20,000-$25,000 to create the layout. Other U.P. cities that already have disc golf courses include Harvey, Iron River, Ishpeming, Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie and soon there will be one in Delta County.
The big push for the Marquette project came from the Marquette Board of Light and Power.
"They (the Marquette Board of Light and Power) have been supportive of us the last couple of years. They know it's a great site, of course, and this week we got final approval to come out here and build a world class 18-hole disc golf course. We've already had a few sponsors by hole sponsorship, which is a lifetime membership, and they were very excited about that," said Buck Buchanan, Chairman of Disc da U.P.
"There's rock outcropping, there's some longer holes along some of the right-of-way. We've got some open areas, and some real tight-wooded, technical shots are going to come out of here. The river will come in to play, and it's a prime piece of property for the sport. We look for natural lanes; old deer paths are natural lanes," added disc golf course designer, Tim Kopacz
Many people do not know the City of Marquette has been designated as a Frisbee sanctuary by the Wham-O Corporation.
Disc da U.P. is a volunteer, nonprofit group. It has a Facebook page for those who are interested in learning more about the plans for the course and those who are interested in being a sponsor.
Buchanan says he hopes to bring national tournaments to Marquette once construction is completed.
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