Local Disc Golf Course Could Get Crowded

One of SLV’s best kept secrets might get out this coming week. Local disc golfers have known the pleasure of playing the Black Mouse Disc Golf Course behind the SLV Middle School since the course was first built by Nature Academy students in 2002. The beautiful 18 hole course through the redwoods is well maintained by local volunteers who take justifiable pride in the ‘the maze”.

With over 400 competitors from 14 countries expected in the area to compete in the 2011 Professional Disc Golf World Championships to be contested on four local courses - DeLaveaga in Santa Cruz, Pinto Lake in Watsonville, the Oaks Course at CSUMB and the Ryan Ranch course outside of Monterey - the rapidly growing ranks of amateurs will be pushed off those popular spots for the week and many will likely wind up in Felton. Given the reputation that Black Mouse has gained for the beauty and technical challenge it provides a few of the pros are likely to pay a visit too.

If you want to catch a glimpse of a local favorite, two time World Champion Nate Doss or a living legend Ken Climo, who’s won an unprecedented 12 world titles there should be ample opportunities with a variety of promotional events to be held throughout the week including opening ceremonies at the Santa Cruz High gym on Monday night at 7PM. Earlier in the day, distance and putting competitions will be at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel starting at 1PM and will be repeated at the Main Beach in Santa Cruz on Thursday beginning at 3PM. A pre-tourney mixed doubles event kicks off a week of activities on Saturday and practice rounds at all courses can be played on Sunday.

The men’s and women’s championships, in 10 divisions from open to legends, begin play on Tuesday and continue through Friday before the fields are cut for semi-final and final rounds on Saturday.

On Tuesday night the world premiere of Chains the first full-length documentary on the sport will screen at the Rio Theatre. You can purchase tickets online by clicking here.

For the full schedule of tee times and activities visit the tournament website. For information about the Professional Disc Golf Association go to http://www.pdga.com/.

You can check out happenings at Black Mouse on their Facebook Page. You can see where and how the course is laid out on this Google map.