Disc golf in Oakridge: Mountain Town Throwdown is a win-win

 

By LYNDA KAMERRER/For The Herald  — There is a unique partnership being forged with the Oakridge Disc Golf Club and the Circle Bar Golf Club.  This is a coming together of folks who have been living in Oakridge for generations with a group of newcomers.   On April 23^rd the two nonprofit clubs will share the joy of hosting over 100 disc golf players at two venues; Old Mill Disc Golf Course and Circle Bar Golf Course.

According to Jason Nehmer, founder of the Oakridge Disc Golf Club, located at the intersection of Coho Drive and Roaring Rapids Way, a conversation was started a couple of years ago. The possibility of setting up a temporary course at the ‘regular’ golf course for a disc golf tournament was discussed. This exchange took place pre-pandemic when there were just plastic 5-gallon buckets marking the site of future baskets at the Old Mill course.

Disc golf growing in popularity

 

Meanwhile, Gerry Snyder, current president of the Circle Bar Golf Club, located at 48447 Westoak Road, was noticing the sport of disc golf was bringing a substantial crowd to Oakridge.  Circle Bar said ‘yes’ enthusiastically to offering their venue for the Mountain Town Throwdown.  ‘We have food and beverages and a large room to gather for socializing and the presentation of awards.’  Both forms of golf have enjoyed growth throughout the pandemic due to the automatic social distancing involved with playing both of the golf sport outdoors.

 

Here is what will happen on the 23^rd of April starting at 9 am: Players registered in the Amateur class will play the Old Mill course in the morning, with the Pros starting out at the same time at the Circle Bar Course.  After a lunch provided by Circle Bar, enjoyed on their beautiful deck, the two groups switch venues for more play.  Once completed the players will reconvene at Circle Bar for refreshments and awards later in the afternoon.  The public is welcome to watch players from the deck at Circle Bar while enjoying a beverage and snacks that can be purchased at the clubhouse.

Circle Bar Golf Club an ‘Oakridge gem’

Both Nehmer and Snyder agree the Circle Bar Golf Club is one of the ‘gems’ of Oakridge.  Snyder commented, ‘We are one of the only businesses still open from the era of when the sawmills were here.  When we host our annual fundraising tournaments over Memorial Day and early June, it’s like a giant family reunion”.  Nehmer is more than happy to shine a light on Circle Bar. He believes that’s how partnerships are built.  This event is likely to become an annual tournament.  Snyder summarized by saying, ‘it’s good to work together.’

 

Both Nehmer and Snyder are exemplary athletes.  Jason is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for the outdoors spanning all seasons: snowboarding, cross country skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and an avid skate boarder in the day.  Snyder grew up with a golf club, mentored by his grandmother. He competed in high school and college golf and continues the sport on his home course and around the West.

 

Details for local and national disc golf tournaments are found at discgolfscene.com and Circle Bar uses its Facebook page to announce events at the course.