Beverly Hills

Disc golf course opens at Beverly Park

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Scott Burnham of Shelby Township shows onlookers how to throw a two-finger roller as part of a free clinic at Beverly Park’s new disc golf course July 6. Burnham was among players from the Motor City Chain Gang who gave demonstrations during the festivities. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Scott Burnham of Shelby Township shows onlookers how to throw a two-finger roller as part of a free clinic at Beverly Park’s new disc golf course July 6. Burnham was among players from the Motor City Chain Gang who gave demonstrations during the festivities.

Despite temps in excess of 95 degrees, more than two-dozen disc golf enthusiasts came out for the official opening of the nine-hole Beverly Park Disc Golf Course July 6.

Professional disc golfer and course designer John Minicuci, Southfield Township Supervisor Phil Schmitt, Beverly Hills Council President Rosanne Koss and former Parks and Recreation board member Jim O’Reilly were on hand to mark the ribbon-cutting ceremony and subsequent free clinic.

“We’re glad to add yet another facility to an already very active park. The architect did a fantastic job,” O’Reilly said.

“We have tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball diamonds, and this disc golf course makes good use of the more underutilized areas of the park. Bring your kids, your grandkids and your grandparents.”

Minicuci thanked the attendees, and praised O’Reilly for his work in bringing disc golf to Beverly Park.

“Jim did a lot of homework before he even contacted me, and it was his idea to get this going,” he said.

The first 20 people were given free discs courtesy of Play It Again Sports, and members of the Troy-based Motor City Chain Gang disc golf club offered lessons.

“This is a wildly popular sport, and it’s great for the young, old, families. Anyone can play,” said Play it Again Sports spokesperson Nancy Branstetter.

“We’re sponsoring quite a few clinics throughout the summer. It’s the fastest growing sport in the country.”

Tim Zacharias brought his sons Gavin and Noah, along with their own disc and plenty of water.

“We got started with it a few summers ago. We go to a Boy Scout camp in Metamora that has a course, and since they’ve taken a lot of interest,” he said.

“When one of our friends on the Parks and Recreation Board told us they approved a course in Beverly Hills, we were pretty excited.”

In disc golf, players throw a disc from a tee area to a target, or “hole” — in most cases, an elevated metal basket. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, a player must make each consecutive shot from where the previous throw landed as he progresses down the fairway, while working around obstacles like trees, shrubs and terrain changes. Designed for enjoyment by people of all ages, the majority of courses are free and accessible to disabled persons.

Beverly Hills resident Sue Keusch and her son Jimmy walked to the park to attend the free lesson.

“We haven’t played before, but it’s something new to try out. We’re looking forward to it,” she said.

Beverly Park is located off of Beverly Road, west of Southfield Road, between 13 Mile and 14 Mi

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1105.