Jun 15, 2014 Marcy Velte Sports
Golf isn’t for everyone, and Dale Ezyk knows it.
The golf professional said he wanted to do something different to broaden his clientele and introduce even the most novice player to the game. He knew he had the space at Colonial Acres, he just needed the idea.
That’s when John Andrews, the head golf professional at Colonial Acres, suggested disc golf.
“Our vision has always been to make the golf course a community asset for all of Bethlehem’s residents,” said Ezyk. “This is something anyone can do, and it may appeal to those who aren’t fans of traditional golf.”
Andrews said he thought of the idea a month ago, when he began doing extensive research. They are now fully committed to the sport, having bought a 900-piece set, which will allow customers to rent the equipment needed for a round. Beginner sets can also be purchased within the shop.
The rules for disc golf are similar to traditional golf. Players “tee off” from a designated area and attempt to get their discs into a metal basket at the end of each hole. The discs used are a bit smaller and heavier than a traditional disc. Three types of discs are used, consisting of a driver, mid-range disc and a putter.
“Right now, disc golf is the fastest growing sport in America,” said Andrews. “We came up with the idea because we have a location and layout that would be perfect. It also ties in with introducing more people to the game.”
Ezyk said the hope is those who come to play disc golf may eventually want to take up traditional golf. He also anticipates the opposite will happen, with golfers coming out of their comfort zone to pick up a disc.
Colonial Acres is working closely with members of the Capital Region Disc Golf Club to come up with the layout of the course and spread the word about the new venture. Andrews said the metal baskets have yet to be permanently placed in the ground as they go through trial runs.
Ezyk said he’s heard from many disc golf players who are excited to have a permanent place to play. Many local parks have one or two baskets, but there can be problems with disc theft and confusion over which tee players are on if multiple games are going at once.
Andrews said the shop will carry everything a person needs to play the game, or players can bring their own equipment. In order to accommodate both traditional and disc golfers, tee times will be staggered.
The price to play is $10 per person, which also includes equipment rental. Players are provided a map of the new course, and Andrews will help people through the first hole while going over the instructions and etiquette.
“I think this is something very affordable and that a whole family can do,” said Andrews. “You can’t even go to a movie anymore for that price.”
Ezyk, a golf pro with 22 years of experience, has been operating Colonial Acres since April 2013. He has a three-year operating agreement with the town, while the town continues to lease the course from the Open Space Conservancy. The town and land conservancy will also split a small portion of all profits on a sliding scale, except those earned through private tutorials.
“Everyone we’ve talked to is really excited to have a disc golf course right in Albany County,” said Ezyk. “We’re very encouraged by the reaction we’re getting and hope everyone finds it to be fun.”
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2 days ago
📣 The #EmpireStatePlaza Ice Rink will be CLOSED Wednesday, December 11 for maintenance 📣 ... See MoreSee Less
Reopen day?
Hi Ashley! We plan to be open our normal hours today - 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
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CDPHP Cycle! rides surpass 40,000 trips taken for 2019
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CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. — The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and CDPHP wrapped up the third season of the CDPHP Cycle! riding season with more than 41,000 trips taken andClear out the bus stops on Rt. 9 Watervliet/Latham. Kids are standing in road! The stop right ahead of the circle had about a dozen people balancing on iced over roads. A little further down a mother was body shielding her toddler while they waited for the bus...once again in the road because the stop was snowed in. Shameful!!
Join us tonight on the Capital City trolley for the holiday light display in downtown Albany at 5pm and First Friday!
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Our trolley will also be running tomorrow from 12-2pm for the Hot Chocolate Stroll downtown☕️
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Join us tonight in @saratoga_ny for the Annual Victorian Stroll!❄️
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Stay warm on Our free trolley, running from 4:30pm - 9pm, with a trolley arriving every 15-20 minutes🚎
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The Spinney at Van Dyke added 8 new photos — at The Spinney at Van Dyke.
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All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to all of our service men and women from the entire Spinney Group team! ... See MoreSee Less