--- Published September 15, 2005

Some of the best disc golfers in the world, including several international players, are expected to compete in the Charlotte Open disc golf championship Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9, 2005.  About 150 disc golfers are expected to compete, divided into professional and amateur divisions.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation hosts this tournament with professionals playing at Hornets Next Park, 6301 Beatties Ford Road, and the amateurs at Reedy Creek Park, 2900 Rocky River Road.   Two rounds of play begin each day at 10am on each course.

Disc golf is like playing golf with Frisbees.  Competitors have a bag full of discs with differing flight characteristics.  They change discs to fit the shot they are playing.  The object is to throw discs down the fairways, through trees, and over water hazards and get them into a chain basket on each hole, with the fewest number of throws.  Scoring is similar to golf.  The player with the fewest shots or throws wins.  Disc golf is rapidly growing in popularity in Charlotte, around the country and the world.  For more about disc golf opportunities check out the parks department web page at www.parkandrec.com, then click "Activities," then on "Disc Golf."

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation runs free disc golf courses at six county-owned facilities:  Hornets Nest Park, Kilborne Park, Reedy Creek Park, Renaissance Park, Sugaw Creek Park, and Veterans Park.  The Charlotte Disc Golf Club helps build and maintain these layouts.  Daily play at these courses is free for children and adults.

Entry fees in the pro division run $95 for open, $75 for women, $75 for masters.  For amateurs the fee is $50 for men, $40 for women.  Send entry fees to Disclanding, 3325 Magnolia Hill Driver #1103, Charlotte, NC 28205.  Paypal and credit cards also accepted at www.Disclanding.com .

For further information contact South Park District General Manager Alan Beaver (a world class player) at 704 643-5725 or beaveaw@co.mecklenburg.nc.uc or Warren Stiles at 704-408-2515, or