A new disc golf course at the Tinwald Domain will be officially opened this Sunday, at 3pm.

Councillor and avid disc golfer Phill Hooper will be there for the occasion and is encouraging his fellow councillors to attend and have a go.

“Everyone is most welcome to come to the opening and regular players will be happy to play and teach those new to the sport.”

The Tinwald Reserve Board was granted $10,000 by Council for the project, which had a total price of about $25,000.

The Tinwald course is similar to the Smallbone Drive course in Ashburton but has one longer par 4 hole.

Cr Hooper said it was a special spot when the model trains were running.

“I’m not sure that any other disc golf course in New Zealand would have steam trains running beside it. The Lions abortorium and barbecue fit well with the course and we already have one local firm wanting to have their Christmas party there.”

The Tinwald course has nine holes, with the tee pad for hole number one just past the tennis courts.

The geography of the course was approved by experts in disc golf course design and several members of the Christchurch Disc Golf Club will be at Sunday’s official opening.

“Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world,” Cr Hooper said.

“Once you have bought your discs it is free to play. It’s nice to have a course either side of the bridge now, and maybe it’s Methven next. It’s a very addictive sport, but it can take a few rounds before you really start getting your head around how to play it.”

Council already mows the domain area and will take over ownership of the concrete tees and metal baskets.

People will be able to hire discs from the nearby camping ground office.