'Disc Golf' Course Now Open at Mercer County Park

Editor's Note: The following is a press release that was issued by the Mercer County administration.

The newest addition to Mercer County Park, a 9-hole “disc golf” course, is now open for play.

Mercer County’s newest recreational activity comes courtesy of Boy Scout Joseph Palladino of Hamilton Square, who earned his Eagle Scout rank by designing and building the disc golf course at Mercer County Park in West Windsor.

Players can play on a first-come, first-served basis and must bring their own equipment. The course designed by Palladino comprises 3 acres of existing parkland between Fields 3 and 9 in the park, about a mile inside the park from either park entrance. It is a 9-hole course with two separate “tee areas,” which enables players to play a full 18 holes of disc golf.

Although it has been around since the 1970s, disc golf is gaining in popularity. Palladino presented his proposal to his troopmaster and to Mercer County Park Commission Director Kevin Bannon, who gave their support. The result is a creative and well thought-out course that will challenge both new players and veterans.

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association.  Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee.

The sport is similar to traditional golf in that the object of the game is completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, least amount of throws). A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole,” most commonly an elevated basket.

As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the “putt” lands in the basket and the hole is completed.

“I want to thank Joseph Palladino for creating a project that benefits the community in so many ways,” Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said. “His project incorporates many of the values shared by me, in that he has given Mercer County residents a free, enjoyable, outdoor family activity that encourages fitness in people of all ages.”

Course construction was done by Mercer County Park Commission staff.