Check-in for the inaugural HCC Bobcat Open will be held 7:30-8:30 a.m., with round one starting after the 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting. Round two will commence after lunch, and an award ceremony will close out the day. The tournament is sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association. 

A tourism grant from Visit N.C. Smokies and a partnership with the Kids in Parks program allowed for a redesign of HCC’s course, creating a disc golf experience that allows both novice and advanced players to test their skills. The newly renovated course features concrete tee pads, pin positions, signage and wayfinding materials. New educational signage and scorecards, created by Kids in Parks, connect players with the natural and cultural resources found around the campus. 

“HCC’s beautiful campus was designed to be enjoyed by the public as well as our students and employees,” said HCC President Dr. Shelley White. “Our enhanced disc golf course will provide an educational opportunity for new and experienced disc golfers to engage with HCC in a whole new way.”

Disc golf has exploded in popularity over the last year, emerging as a safe outdoor activity that allows for social distancing. HCC’s course offers people of all ages a free outdoor activity that promotes mental and physical health — it’s available for play anytime the campus is open. Its new designation as a Kids in Parks Nature Trail Disc Golf Course means it joins a network of more than 200 TRACK Trail locations across the country. 

Register for the tournament at www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments. Cost is $45-$50 depending on category, plus $10 for a PDGA membership.