There was an air of urgency in the work being done by disc-golf ambassador Phil Worwa Friday at the Kukuiolono Golf Course.
“I just met with Robert Medeiros today, and he wants me to have the disc-golf baskets in the ground before the July 4 weekend,” Worwa said.
“Today we’re assembling the nine double-core baskets. Then we have to dig the holes and cement the basket bases. That’s another day before we lock the baskets into bases.”
The installation of baskets firms ups the course’s commitment to having disc golf available for its patrons who play the nine-hole golf course, enjoy the walking paths and play the historical mini-golf course that is a replica of the park’s regulation golf course. For those who prefer the not-so-active life, there are the historical stone and Japanese gardens.
“This is awesome,” Worwa said. “Robert has been great to allow a mixture of golfers, ‘ohana and keiki to be able to run and share the beauty of the park.”
Disc golf, sometimes called Frisbee golf, was introduced to Kukuiolono during a Father’s Day event, demonstrating the family-friendly style of play. Worwa also leads disc-golf play two days a week — Thursdays and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m.
“There are no tee times,” Worwa said. “Just be ready to play by 4 p.m. I show up at 3 p.m. for anyone who wants to buy logo-ed Kaua‘i Disc Golf merchandise. When play starts, the keiki and families go first. The experienced disc golfers follow. And we’re done by 6 p.m. when the park closes. One round takes about an hour.”
Admission is also family-friendly, with adults paying $5. Keiki play for free. Young adults 17 years and under are assessed $3.
Currently, baskets are set out on disc-golf days and taken down following play. The new installations are an upgrade from the single-core baskets to more heavy-duty double-core baskets, and cemented in place.
“Disc golf has seen a resurgence, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Worwa said. “It’s healthy and outdoors.”
One of the volunteers helping Worwa, Joshua Barfield, said he can usually get in two rounds during the allocated time.
“We’re moving,” Barfield said, taking time for practice shots at one of the single-core baskets.
Disc golf is played using three basic discs — driver, midrange and putter.
“People are doing 600-feet throws,” Worwa said. “And did you hear about the Kuks Roller? You spin the disc so it hits the ground and starts rolling. You can get close to 600 feet, if not more, on one of those.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
