One of the good things to come out of the pandemic is the rising interest in disc golf throughout Central Oregon, and quite frankly, the world. The sport checks all the boxes for social distancing, being an outdoor

 activity, and provides an easy entry for all ages and abilities. What Steve Bachtel and other members of a local club see is a lot of interest in the sport.

“In 2016, we had maybe 45 members, but now we are at 250 plus,” said Bachtel vice-president of the Central Oregon Disc Golf Club. Disc golf benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic, not just in Central Oregon but nationwide, as players were seeking an outdoor activity with social distancing. Inspiring kids and parents to play are also on Bachtel’s radar as he helps teach disc golf workshops through Bend Park and Recreation District.

“When I came on the CODGC board, my thing was, let’s get some new courses here in Bend,” said Bachtel. “If you compare the number of courses we have compared to Salem, they probably have four to five times the number of courses that we have.” Partnering with BPRD, Bachtel and the club raised $4,000-5,000 for baskets and tee boxes, and along with BPRD installed a pilot seasonal course at Skyline Park near Central Oregon Community College, open Nov. 1 to Feb. 28—although in 2023 the course will stay open until March 31. The in-town location and short course proved to be convenient and fun.

In association with that growth, below are some local upcoming disc golf events. Spectators are also welcome to attend.