There’s a new course in town. A nine-basket course that plays two ways for 18 was recently installed at Sears Park, just south of Park Place Mall, and it will be formally dedicated sometime in July, says TDGA President Chad Cassett, who worked tirelessly with City of Tucson Parks and Recreation and the neighborhood to get the course approved on a six-month probationary basis. Special thanks to City Parks and Rec, Sky Island High School, Wilshire Heights Neighborhood Association and the Park Place Mall Security for making this cool little course a reality.
Though a course map will soon be available, the teepads are marked by plastic whiskers in the ground. Hole #1 is by the backstop on the far east end of the park, near where you should park in the mall lot. On the front half you’ll find pink whiskers along the north edge of the park. After making the turn at the west end of the park you’ll find white whiskers along the south edge of the park.
At opening, there will be two metal course maps (we’ll post a course map as soon as possible). Like Groves Park DGC, Sears will play nine holes two ways for 18 holes total. People are free to play the new holes but bear with us as we prepare for the formal opening. A legacy Tucson Chain Lightning temporary course used in the past for Ice Bowls and other events, Sears features grass and mature trees in a tight, technical layout. PLEASE STICK TO THE COURSE LAYOUT (REFRAIN FROM PLAYING YOUR OWN LONGER HOLES) FOR NOW, AS THE CITY IS CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. (UPDATED)
Above all, practice the utmost courtesy when playing at Sears, which is a horseshoe-shaped linear park adjacent along one side to homes and a school. As with all city courses, remember this is a MULTIUSE park, so you will encounter walkers, kids, picnickers etc. who have the same right to be there as you have.
The course was approved on a probationary basis only after months of meetings with city officials and neighborhood representatives who were concerned about the impact of the course. Whether this course becomes permanent — and very well the future of other new city course installations – depends on how players conduct themselves.
“DON’T PLAY THE FOOL”: TDGC members should lead by example to set the highest standard for appropriate behavior:
- TDGC members are expected to conduct themselves courteously and considerately and abide by all park rules and laws at all times.
- Keep dogs on leashes at all times and clean up after them.
- Remember this course will be new to many park users, and many have no concept of disc golf or what “fore” means (if all else fails, try “heads up!”).
- As with all park courses, err on the side of caution when throwing, wait and communicate politely with other playing groups and park users (BEFORE throwing).
- Please refrain from loud profanities: Remember families and kids use the park, and likely no one else wants to hear it, either.
Getting there: Please park in the mall parking lot on the far east edge of the park. DO NOT PARK ALONG 14TH STREET IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Click on map for larger image.
Come out and support a TDGC member in need: The Peace, Love and Happiness Trilogy Challenge will tee off at at Santa Cruz River Park at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, (registration at 3 p.m.) with all proceeds going to the family of member Tina Roher to help defray final expenses for her brother, Chris, who passed away recently. The tourney format is unique: Pick any three discs in your bag and play a one-round, 18 hole format on rotating A,B, and C tees at Santa Cruz. Entry is $10 with unlimited $1 mulligans available. For more info, go to the tourney Facebook Page. You may also donate through the family’s fundraising page at GoFundMe.
There will be two divisions, Intermediate and Advanced, a $1-a-throw CTP and other games. Ramada 1 has been reserved with a beer permit and burgers, hot dogs, Moses’ Old Testament style Chili, soda, water, and more available for a minimal donation.
