Ottumwa Stories: Disc Golfers Hit The Course All Year

Published March 11, 2019

A rough winter and deep snow cover won’t stop disc golfers from getting out to throw. For those less acclimated to cold weather sports, spring will be here soon (we promise!).

Ottumwa disc golfer and disc artist Wenk Podliska is part of the ever-growing, close-knit group of local enthusiasts who play regardless of temperature, forecast or amount of sunshine. There are multiple leagues in the area – some that play on a certain day of the week, others on the weekends and some that grab their glow-in-the-dark discs and venture out at night.

“There are leagues that keep a running score every week with a payout at the end of the scoring period. There are some that choose random partners every week, which is a great way to meet new people,” Wenk said.

The Ottumwa Fall Classic in October is part of the Iowa Disc Golf Tour, which brings in competitors from across the state and around the Midwest. Sometimes there are even impromptu local tournaments thrown together in addition to the annual Halloween tournament, glow tournament and many other scheduled competitions.

Disc golfers wanting to visit Ottumwa and play the county’s seven disc golf courses will find beautiful landscapes and challenging holes, even under the snow. Each course has special qualities that make them favorites for different reasons.

“The course at Indian Hills Community College is beautiful, and Memorial Park is probably the toughest,” Wenk explained. The courses in Franklin Park and Wildwood Park make four in Ottumwa. Courses around Wapello County can also be found at Sandy Dunes in Eddyville, Chippewa Creek in Eldon and just south of Ottumwa at the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area.

Planning a visit to Ottumwa? Make sure a round or two of disc golf is on your agenda. While you’re here, let us help you with an itinerary that includes all our favorite restaurants, shops, events and local attractions! Click here for more information on your trip to Ottumwa.