Disc golfers descend on Inanda Country Base for national championship

Inanda Country Base is the venue of many horse shows and one often hears whinnying and neighing ringing out in its valley.

But a different sound was heard on 28 November when the South African Disc Golf Championship came to Kyalami.

A revised 21-hole, par-73 course layout was put in place for the event, including three exciting new holes that tested the players’ skill and imagination.

Thirteen of the country’s best descended on the venue from as far as the Western Cape and North West.

After the lead group finished their round, a play-off for the title loomed between local boy and favourite Alex Meulenbeld and defending champion Jon-Pat Myers, who were tied on 5-under par.

But in a dramatic twist, Alex’s father, Bart Meulenbeld, birdied the final hole with a 25m putt to claim the title with a 6-under par.

This meant there was no need for a playoff and Alex and Myers tied second. Devin Norman finished third on minus three with some spectacular shot-making.

The 18-hole disc golf course at Inanda Country Base is one of the most expansive in Joburg.

Disc golf is a growing sport in South Africa and globally, and can be played from the age of about 10 upwards.

The rules are similar to traditional golf, but high-speed flying discs are used instead of balls, and the target is a metal basket with chains, also known as a discatcher.

The sport is regarded as environmentally friendly and inexpensive to play, and the discs are durable and easy to find.

To find out more about playing disc golf at Inanda Country Club, contact Bart Meulenbeld on discgolfsouthafrica@gmail.com or 079 491 7034.