Disc golf takes off at City Lake Park’s 18-hole course

RUSSELLVILLE — The new 18-hole disc golf course at City Lake Park is getting an enthusiastic response from players.

The course sits between City Lake and the tennis courts. The idea came from Russellville City Schools Transportation Supervisor Alan Wilson, who plays disc golf with his son.

“It was my idea,” Wilson said. “My son and I play disc golf and we had to travel to play. When we [the Russellville City Schools] took over the Parks and Rec Department from the city, I was looking at all the properties, and it occurred to me that the City Lake Park area would be a great place for a course in Russellville.”

The project stalled after the city purchased baskets in 2020 — delayed first by the pandemic, then by school construction. Wilson said it’s exciting to finally see the course brought to life.

“All success and recognition should go to Donnie Flanagan, the Parks and Rec employees, Matt Bonn, his son and others who made this course possible,” Wilson said.

Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Flanagan said the design and layout came together thanks to help from Matt Bonn and his son, Cam.

“Cam laid out the coursehimself,”Flanagan said. “He and Alan both play a lot, so they knew what the course should be. Matt and Cam really went above and beyond.”

The father-son duo helped clear the course, install the baskets, and shape a layout that offers something for all skill levels. Cam described the process as “very gratifying.”

“Our different play styles helped create a unique and challenging course,” Cam said. “My favorite is hole 5 — the one that runs alongside Waterloo Road. Not only is it a fun shot, but the entire town is able to see it, so hopefully it gets even more people into the sport.”

Jeremy Willis, who played early rounds with the Bonn family, also praised the layout.

“The course offers a few wide-open shots, some tricky tunnel shots, plenty of backhand and forehand opportunities,” Willis said. “There’s even mandos on 18 [mandatory directional poles] that make for a fun and tricky par 4.”

Willis named hole 5 as his favorite.

“You can see the band practice field, the school, and everything. Trying to get your disc where you want it to go while there’s still traffic coming adds a little excitement.”

Willis also carries a sentimental disc in his bag from a hole-in-one he made at Cedar Creek on hole 5 in 2022.

“Everyone on your card signs your disc when you get an ace,” he said. “Mine has Grogu from The Mandalorian on it. I don’t throw it anymore — it’s my lucky disc.”

Wilson said he hopes the course attracts players from across the region.

“People travel from all over the area to play in the Shoals, so they should be willing to come to Russellville and play.”

Local business owner Bryan Rogers, who plays disc golf with his employees, was eager to become a sponsor.

“I play disc golf and so do a couple of my employees. It’s very therapeutic and a way to unwind,” said Rogers, owner of Quick Lube. “When I heard we were getting our own course here in Russellville, I wanted to contribute in any way I could.”

He’s already met players from Florence and Hamilton.

“People travel great distances to play disc golf on new and different courses. I think it will bring folks into our town and maybe even a little commerce on the back swing. Nothing beats a good sit-down meal after a round of disc golf.”

The Cedar Creek Disc Golf Club tested the course and gave it high marks.

“I liked it,” said club member Charles Chard. “Most of the guys in our group enjoyed it. It’s not an easy course, but it’s not super hard either. It’s a good in-between.”

Chard called the layout “outstanding” and said his group plans to play again. He said hole 2 could become a feature during tournaments.

“It’s got the feel of an island hole,” Chard said, referring to holes where a disc must land in a designated area surrounded by out-ofbounds space. “It opens up the opportunity to create more challenging layouts for tournaments.”

Chard said he hopes the course sparks more local interest and possibly youth involvement.

“Some schools even have disc golf teams,” he said. “It’d be great to see that happen here.”

Cam and Matt Bonn are already planning a community fundraiser tournament later this year to benefit HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everyday) for Franklin County.

“Itwon’tbeasanctioned tournament,” Matt said, “but with a few additions, like another tee pad or an extra basket position, we could eventually host official events.”

The Parks and Rec Department is also working on adding signs for each hole and highlighting local sponsors.

“Several people have reached out to sponsor a hole,” Flanagan said. “We’ll be adding signs with sponsor names and are exploring the idea of a tournament, maybe even this year.”

For beginners, Matt had simple advice: start with a starter pack, available at most sporting goods stores for around $20 to 25.

“It includes a driver, midrange and putter in base plastic — the easiest type to throw. That’s all you need to get started.”

And if you’re not ready to buy gear just yet, Cam Bonn had this offer: “If anyone wants to play, my dad and I have more than enough extra discs and would be more than willing to come out and let you use them.”