By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

DRAFFENVILLE – Marshall County Parks Department hosted a disc golf qualifier on Saturday in preparation for its first tournament scheduled to take place this weekend.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and will conclude on Sunday.

“The qualifier was a big success,” said Troy Kirkendall, Parks Department Superintendent. “The weather was beautiful, and we all had a really good time.”

Kirkendall said approximately 25 golfers turned out for the qualifier, from as far away as Louisville and South Haven, Miss.

Kirkendall said several amateur and intermediate players took a shot at the new course, as well as three advanced players.
“We’re going to have three or four different divisions in the tournament,” Kirkendall said. “Professional, advanced, intermediate and amateur — we’re really excited.”

Four players from the qualifier have moved on to the tournament, already and are being sponsored by the parks department for the event.

Advanced player P.J. Robinson had the best luck with the course, scoring a 102 to secure his position in the tournament.Amateur player Matthew Gilland was not far behind, scoring a 107 to obtain his seat.Jason Hudson scored a 109, and Dan Thompson managed a 111 to fill the two remaining seats for tournament play.

Kirkendall said he was impressed by the performance of all the qualifying players and feels the tournament will, in fact, be stiff competition.

“I’m not certain just how many competitors to expect for this weekend,” Kirkendall said, “ but it’s definitely going to be fun. In addition to the competition, we’re going to have concessions, and there’s going to be a booth set up with a professional who perfoms Frisbee stunts.”

For more information on disc golf schedules and qualifier scores, visit www.marshallcountyparks.com.