Summer of George!: Aurora mayor invokes memory of Seinfeld's Costanza as disc golf course pondered

Yorkregion.com
March 9, 2021

From the time Aurora’s Todd Billo first played disc golf in university, he was “hooked.”

Now, he and other supporters of the game are working to convince the Town of Aurora to install a course in town, which they feel is sure to hook residents.

The sport is similar to traditional golf, except it is played with Frisbees, using wire baskets for holes.

Players can use anything from dollar store discs to specialized Frisbees used for long drives, mid-range shots and putting.

While a fun pastime for amateurs, the sport is attracting more professional players.

Courses can be installed in parks or along trails, with natural topography of the land and vegetation adding to the challenge.

Not only is disc golf a growing year-round sport that can be played by young and old and people of all abilities, advocates say it’s a perfect activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time when mental health experts worry the pandemic has left many people struggling with isolation and a lack of healthy activities, Billo said disc golf gets people outside doing something “super fun” while maintaining physical distancing.

“The sport has exploded since COVID happened because it is one of the very few outdoor activities that is COVID-safe,” he said.

“Knowing Aurora wants to promote community activity and engagement and inclusivity, and this knocks off a lot of those check boxes, I’d love to see something in place that will allow the community to be able to enjoy what I enjoy and maintain some of their mental saneness in getting out and enjoying outdoors.”

Billo and Jeff MacKeigan, with ChainLink Disc Golf, made a presentation to councillors last month asking the town to show its support for disc golf.

They are hoping the town will dedicate public space for the sport, although courses can also be set up on private property such as traditional golf courses.

After an initial cost to set up the course -- with ChainLink hoping to be hired to help the town establish one that is safe and sustainable -- costs are minimal, Billo said.

He estimates it would cost between $10,000 to $25,000 to set up a course. A course requires half an acre to 1.5 acres of land per hole. There are virtually no maintenance costs.

There has been double digit growth in the sport’s popularity dating back to 2011, MacKeigan said.

“This year, it looks like it’s likely going to be triple digit,” he added.

Toronto doubled the number of courses it has, to six over the last three years, including the latest built with COVID-19 protocols in mind, MacKeigan said.

Councillors appeared to support the idea of installing a disc golf course in Aurora.

Coun. Sandra Humfryes likes the idea that the sport can be played by anyone and is a safe activity during COVID-19, while Coun. Harold Kim said a course supports the town’s plans for sports tourism.

Saying disc golf brings to mind the Summer of George episode in the TV comedy “Seinfeld,” in which character George Costanza plays frolf, a combination of Frisbee and golf, Mayor Tom Mrakas said the town is looking into the idea and will bring a report back to council in the future.

Billo said he’s aware of discussions underway with other municipalities to install courses.

He was part of a team that installed a course at E.T. Seton Park near the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto.

He ran the club and directed some charitable tournaments, including a yearly event from 2013 to 2018 that raised almost $20,000 for Movember, an initiative that raises money for men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancers.

Billo has played in several tournaments, including the amateur world championships in 2001 in Nashville.

He is hoping Aurora jumps on the disc golf course bandwagon.

“They are popping up all over. Hopefully, fingers crossed, we see something in the near future.”