Canberra's frisbee golfers hunt for new home as expanding cemetery encroaches on course
By Tom LowreyThere are no balls, no clubs, no greens, holes or flags - but frisbee golf has more in common with traditional golf than you may think.
And in Canberra, the expansion of Woden Cemetery onto the ACT's only course at Eddison Park means enthusiasts are looking to expand the sport.
Frisbee golf, or "frolf", emerged about 50 years ago in the United States and now has a small following across the globe, with established courses on every continent.
Players "tee off", throwing their frisbee towards a metal basket in the distance, and try to throw the frisbee into the basket with as few throws as possible.
Holes are par three, four or five, and a round consists of 18 unique holes.
Different styles of frisbee can be used depending on whether players are looking for distance or accuracy - including drivers, fairway drivers and even putters.
They are smaller than traditional frisbees and most have harder edges - as the frisbees are not designed to be caught.
Frolf growing in popularity
The sport is building a small but dedicated following in Canberra, with the ACT Disc Golf Club playing each weekend at the permanent course in Eddison Park.
Club President Todd Nowack said the sport was spreading nationwide.
"Three years ago there was probably only 20 courses, and now - at the end of this year - there will be close to 40," he said.
"This year alone there will probably be 12 courses going in.
"So it's just really snowballing."
The sport has turned semi-professional in some countries with players competing for cash prizes of up to $10,000.
But aficionados like Canberra player Kim Picard said it was the laid-back atmosphere that drew them in.
"It's very relaxed and friendly, there's no real competition other than with yourself," she said.
Canberra course being swallowed up by cemetery
But the future of the sport in the ACT is somewhat unclear with a significant slice of the current permanent course to be consumed by the neighbouring Woden Cemetery.
Todd Nowack said they are looking for alternatives, and trying to make the most of it.
"We need to get some more courses in, and more in town centre areas, busier areas," he said.
"Places like John Knight Park in Belconnen, or down in Tuggeranong, or up in Gungahlin - just to get it out more where people are."