Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Everly-Royal duo team up to grow disc golf in NWI
Adam Vosburgh was a league winner of the big ace pot this summer, earning $588 in one night from an ace on Hole 2.
Dan Swanson and Seth Skalicky have shared the same dream of starting a disc golf league for years, hoping that one day it would come to fruition.
Three years ago their dream became reality when the friends started the Northwest Disc Golf League, a traveling club that covers areas all over northwest Iowa ranging from Spencer, Royal, Emmetsburg and Lake Park all the way to Laurens, Sanborn, Okoboji and Cherokee.
The group is the only traveling league in the area and meets every Thursday night to play.
"We average 12-15 people a night, but attendance is sometimes larger than that," said Skalicky, of Everly. "One night 40 people show up, another night, 30. You never know who will come or how many, but it is always a fun time for all skill levels."
There is no registration and competition is open to all ages. Men, women and children are encouraged to partake. Neither bringing your own partner nor toting your own discs is necessary, as the league will be sure you are paired with someone and given discs to throw if you don't have your own.
Northwest Disc Golf League specializes in two-man best disc play at $5 per entry with an added option of a $2 buy in to the "ace pot," where participants have a chance to win a large sum if they nail an ace on the course. Last year they paid out $800 in ace pot winnings. This year's ace pot winnings have already reached $900.
"We are trying to grow the league for women, men and children. We just want to promote this sport as much as we can," stated Skalicky.
Swanson, of Royal, noted the competitions are always a good time.
"We have a lot of fun," he said. "It's always a good group of people."
The two friends reiterated that skill level truly is no hiccup in getting started.
"Sometimes the guys will bring their spouses or girlfriends who just want to watch, but by the end of it they are throwing too and joining in on the fun when they realize that this sport is really for anyone," Skalicky said.
The Royal Disc Golf course is always open for play with league participants encouraging all to come and try it out. The league posts regularly on their Northwest Disc Golf League Facebook page. Visit the site to find where the group will be next and communicate directly with Swanson or Skalicky for further details.
"Our league has really picked up steam," said Skalicky. "We are inspiring the formation of other leagues and are enjoying meeting new people in the process."
