Disc golfers take over Blush Hill Country Club

Oct. 29, 2022  |  Story and photos by Sarah Blow  |  Correspondent

Bryce McKim takes a shot. October weather cooperated with a spectacular day for the event.

Dressed in a shirt depicting a heartline running through a disc golf basket, 34-year-old Zach Ledoux stepped up to hole one to make his first shot of the day.

After a handful of practice throws, Ledoux performed a grapevine-type approach and sent the peach-colored disc flying, leaving his fellow competitors in awe.

“That was fu**ing perfect,” remarked one of the players in his heat.

For the second year, the Blush Hill Country Club hosted an 18-hole disc golf tournament in partnership with Disc Golf Vermont, attracting some 62 avid players like Ledoux. The “Blush Hill Takeover” tournament was held Oct. 21-23.

Original founder of the tournament Josh Wedel, 44, chalks the creation of the event up to the power of suggestion.

Temporary disc golf baskets are placed around the traditional golf course for the weekend.

Woodall was working for a beer distributor who sold alcohol to the country club when he came up with the idea to host a disc golf tournament on the grounds. Through emails with the board of directors, the tournament was off and running.

Board member Dick Patterson, 73, was immediately interested in Wedel’s proposition and saw a great opportunity for the club he’s been a member of for 60 years.

“I was kind of the one that said, you know, this is something we really ought to look into because it's a way for the club to generate revenue aside from our traditional member base,” Patterson said. 

Chris Young, 44, owner of the statewide club Disc Golf Vermont took over the tournament from good friend Woodall who wanted to step away from the management process. Young views the tournament as a unique opportunity to play disc golf in a setting other than traditional forest courses.

Players check out new supplies from the vendor table. Players received new discs for their participation.

“Disc golf on ball courses is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to most of our disc golf here in Vermont which is mostly woods-oriented,” Young said.

Blush Hill Country Club served as the perfect vantage point for fall foliage from every angle against a bright blue sky with practically no clouds in sight. It was a perfect day for the tournament, however, some appreciated the vast space more than others.

Player David D’Amour said he was feeling “pretty sh*t” during his warmup on Saturday morning, preferring the more complex woodland shots in traditional disc golf courses rather than the long-distance throws he was practicing for.

“There’s nothing technical about it and I’m in an open division so I’m screwed. It should be fun though,” the 40-year-old said over the clash of the disc in the metal basket.

The tournament has a more laid-back approach compared to a typical Professional Disc Golf Association tournament. 

Sponsors set up tables across from the clubhouse.

“This is an unsanctioned event so we can have a little bit more fun…it’s kind of a kick-back and enjoy the weekend,” Young said.

The fun was fueled by a beverage cart on hole nine serving drinks from the Burlington Beer Company. The tournament also features a plethora of CBD product samples thanks to the official tournament sponsor Sunset Lake CBD.

Sunset Lake’s eCommerce customer service manager Reverend “Rev” Baker, 38, was positioned behind the various CBD oils, hemp CBD pre-rolled joints, lotions, gummies and even treats for canine companions. Also friends of Young, Baker and the rest of the gang at Sunset Lake CBD said they love doing outdoor activities as a group and were looking for sponsorship opportunities.

“A lot of us play disc golf – some play ultimate frisbee – and so we’re just trying to support the disc golf community,'' Baker said.

The relaxed atmosphere can be partially attributed to the close friendship between the organizers. The group of friends were stationed in lawn chairs by Young’s Disc Golf Vermont trailer and could be heard laughing over the sound of reggae music and discs hitting metal baskets. 

Disc Golf Vermont organized the event for the second year.

Update: This post was updated to correct the spelling of Josh Wedel’s name and clarify the products offered by Sunset Lake CBD.