PARSONS — A group of Iolans competed at the PDGA Katy Days Open disc golf tournament at Tolen Creek in Parsons Saturday.
Nathaniel Hartford, Carlos Gonzalez, Logan Booth, Brian Coltrane, Jason Chandlee and Aaron Hammond competed across mixed amateur groups.
“It was exciting to play with more people from the league because I could watch their styles and how well they were doing,” said Gonzalez.
“It brings back the competitive spirit I had when I was younger. I don’t know another sport for all ages that puts on as many tournaments,” added Chandlee.
The event drew disc golfers from all over the region and is considered one of the toughest courses in southeast Kansas. The Tolen Creek disc golf course is about two-and-a-half years old.
Iola’s disc golf team meets for league meets every Sunday at the Elm Creek Park on South Washington.
“The feeling of making a great shot keeps us coming back for more,” said Chandlee. “It’s such a great sport for anyone.”
Gonzalez placed ninth overall after shooting a 121 in the mixed amateur 2 group.
Coltrane followed Gonzalez by carding a 132, good for 12th place overall.
“Disc golf is very addictive. Once you make a more long distance shot and you hear the chains, you keep coming back for more,” said Coltrane. “You can also play a course in a much shorter period of time than regular golf, it’s not a half-day event.”
Hartford finished in second place with a score of 120 in the mixed amateur 3 group.Hammond placed sixth with a score of 132, Chandlee was eighth with a 134, and Booth’s 144 score was good for 13th place.
“I think we have a great thing going with how many of us show up to tournaments together,” said Chandlee. “It’s an individual sport but having our group competing together makes it much more enjoyable.”
Those interested in joining Iola’s disc golf league can come out to Elm Creek Park on Sundays at 6 p.m.
