New Disc Golf course for Mull
Visitors to Forestry and Land Scotland’s Aros Park on Mull will soon be able to try out a new free activity – Disc Golf.
The sport, popularised in the US but now a fast-growing sport world-wide, requires players to make their way around a course using a flying disc instead of clubs and golf balls, and metal baskets replacing holes.
The baskets have hanging chains above them that are designed to catch the incoming discs, which then fall into the basket, for a score.
The trial will run from 1 June and anyone can play the nine ‘hole’ course for free. A small supply of flying discs will be available at the site to let visitors try out the sport but anyone keen on taking the sport up can buy their own online.
Jo Maclean, FLS' Area Visitor Services Manager, said;
“This is a great idea that certainly adds a new and fun twist to a walk in the forest.
“It’s often referred to as the ‘best sport you’ve never heard of’ but it’s a fantastic activity that’s great fun for families and also for more competitive players.
“It’s a bit of fun that will help improve mobility and boost health and wellbeing and we think it’s going to be a very popular addition to the Park.”
The Aros Park course has been designed carefully with the local organisers to minimise its impact for other visitors yet still make the course and the wider park easily accessible for everyone.
It will be Mull’s second Disc Golf course after Fanmore, west of Ballygown, which is host to the annual Mull Classic Tournament.
Versions of the sport have been around since the 1920s when lids from old tins would be pitched towards a circle. The modern version of disc golf dates from the 1970s, is played in 40 countries and has over 90,000 professional players who compete in regular, prize-money tournaments.
But it is also a great and easy sport for people to take up and enjoy.
Local organiser, Ben Bolton said;
“There are around 90 courses across the UK but only about 20 in Scotland and this one in Aros Park will be the second on Mull and in the west of Scotland as a whole.
“It’s a great twist on the idea of a healthy walk and is much less expensive than golf and – for some people – a lot more fun, too.
“You do need a particular type of disc, which range in price from £8-£18, and if you get hooked you might want to start investing in more specialised discs. Professional players will usually use about three different types but for a beginner learning the sport or just trying it out, one disc will be fine.
“I’d recommend anyone to give it a go and start practicing. Once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked.”
The most recent Scottish Disc Golf Open saw 86 entrants from countries all over Europe compete.
For more information about the sport and how and where to take part, visit the Scottish Disc Golf Association.
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.