If expensive club memberships and pricey gear present a turnoff, folks in Cape Breton can still get their tee on with a newly established disc golf course at Two Crows farm in Catalone. Located just five minutes from Mira Gut beach on the Marconi Trail, the Holey Crow course provides a new way of enjoying the outdoors, in an activity that co-owner Stephen Pinto describes as “similar to going for a hike, but with another purpose.”
Based on the conventionally recognizable game of golf, Disc Golf is played by throwing discs at a target or into a basket with the aim of completing the course with the fewest throws per “hole.” In contrast to its traditional cousin, the disc-variety of the sport is inexpensive and through its accessibility, enjoys popularity amongst a wide range of ages and fitness levels. There are currently over 3000 established disc golf courses worldwide.
Pinto and his wife Morningstar’s inspiration for their new course came from their enjoyment of the activity while living in Victoria, British Columbia. Upon moving to Cape Breton almost two years ago, the family established Two Crows Farm, where they raise chickens, turkeys, and cultivate organic produce. What they don’t consume themselves they sell at their roadside stand. Morningstar also sells crafts and homemade goods from the farm at the weekly Sydney Farmer’s Market.
The Holey Crow Disc Golf grand opening and season kickoff will be held June 13, with demonstrations and lessons to show guests how the game is played. In keeping with the spirit of accessible outdoor activity, fees for using the course are just $3 per person, and children under 12 are admitted for free. Yearly memberships can be purchased for $35. All ages are invited to have fun at the course, and Pinto added that well-behaved dogs are welcome so long as owners clean up after their animals and respect the property.
For those who are interested in the ecological impact of outdoor recreation, Disc Golf provides an environmentally friendly way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Pinto explained that disc golf does not need a heavily maintained turf, and can be played in an area’s natural environment. No chemicals are used on the turf at Two Crows, and maintenance consists of mowing the fairway and trimming branches to keep trail overgrowth in check.
Another advantage of disc golf is that it can be played almost year round. “Depending on how much snowfall there is, you could play for ten out of twelve months of the year,” said Pinto. “There would be very few times you couldn’t play.”
For more information on disc golf and the Two Crows farm, visit twocrowsfarm.com
