NEW MARKET, Ala. — With disc golf popularity growing steadily year after year, North Alabama has seen several public courses opening in Huntsville and Florence. Now, it's New Market's turn: Sharon Johnson Park officials announced the grand opening of its new disc golf course this week.
The course, devised by InZone Disc Golf of Madison, features a full 18 "holes" with a par of 58 for the long version and 57 short and crescents the northern side of Jimmy Johnston Lake.
Park officials are planning a grand opening celebration March 11 with a tournament which they say is already fully registered. Forty six 64 is scheduled to offer lunch for sale.
What to know about the park
The grounds are already open for use and play. Rules are posted along with a copy of the above course map next to the first hole. Also located at the course's start is a lost-and-found for wayward discs
Parking is available at Pavilion #1. No golf carts or other vehicles are allowed.
Operating hours are sunrise to sunset. Gates are locked off-hours.
Officials ask you be mindful of your trash; keep items with you to discard later at trash cans. They also warn you to watch out for maintenance workers, walkers and other park patrons while using the course.
Disc golf in brief (more info)
Disc Golf is played like traditional golf, but with disc golf discs instead of balls and clubs. One throw (stroke) is counted each time the disc is thrown and when a penalty is incurred. The goal is to play each hole in the fewest strokes possible. The player with the lowest total strokes for the entire course wins.