TA News

Thetford Academy’s new Panther Pride disc golf course is open to the public and ready for play! For those new to the sport, disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs though, players throw a flying disc into chain baskets located throughout the course. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws). 

Creating the course, which was officially completed in the spring, was the result of a months-long collaboration among students, faculty, and community members, and generously supported by the Upper Valley Disc Golf Association. Thetford Outdoor Program coordinator Scott Ellis, who spearheaded the project, shared his enthusiasm for the sport.

“There are disc golf courses all over the world and Vermont has two of the top 10 rated courses. The sport has grown dramatically over the past few years and it’s a great pastime – fun for people who just want to get outside, professionals who earn a living playing disc golf, and everyone in between.”

Located on Thetford Academy’s South Campus, the Panther Pride course has a mix of open and wooded holes. It is designed to help grow the sport in Vermont and beyond, and adds a new outdoor recreation option for TA students and Upper Valley community members.

Players can access the course map here or use the UDisc app to navigate and keep score. Loaner discs are available by request. Disc requests and questions about the course can be directed to Scott Ellis at [email protected]. We hope you’ll give it a try!