Marques Stricker next to one of the disc golf baskets he posted in Ellery Park. (Ashley Berg/PCT)

Disc Golf has come to Rugby.

Disc Golf, a game of golf played with ‘discs’ or ‘Frisbees’, can now be enjoyed in Ellery Park. Disc Golf has been growing in popularity over the years since its attributed “father,” Ed Headrick, invented the official Disc Pole Hole Basket in the mid-1970s. These baskets, which are made of chains hanging in a parabolic shape over each basket, are compared to the holes in traditional golf.

Marques Stricker, along with his wife, Ashley, designed the nine-hole course that begins with hole one off of 3rd Street SW near the gazebo. At this entrance will be a course overview sign and an explanation of game rules and concepts.

Stricker’s design plan is simple, in that he tried to find the best position possible for a complete course in a small space.

“When I was envisioning the fairways, I wanted to find a mix of right to left, left to right, and straight shots around the natural landscape of Ellery Park. Since the course is relatively short, I wanted to design something more technical that requires some finesse to maneuver around obstacles, low ceilings and tight fairways throughout the course,” Stricker said.

The course includes nine holes and tee pads, with patio stones that mark the front of each tee pad.

So far, no local stores carry the discs needed for this game. However, Shopko is currently exploring options to get discs in-store. “I strongly recommend all beginners picking up putt and approach discs, such as ‘Birdie’ or ‘Magnet’, and a mid-range disc, such as a ‘Roc’ or ‘Buzzz’, as these discs are over stable,” Stricker said. “These discs are an absolute must for beginners, as these discs help teach you how to throw a disc straight before moving onto more advanced plastic, such as distance drivers.” Discs cost roughly between $7-10 and can be found at Scheels, if not locally.

Stricker hopes that a Rugby Disc Golf team can be formed in order to host a tournament on the course. This would bring players from all over the state of North Dakota to Rugby, which Stricker says would help show off the great local businesses and activities that the community has to offer.

Stricker acted upon his idea to incorporate Disc Golf into Rugby life and was willing to put in the time and effort that was needed during the construction process, along with the help of Tim Bartsch, Rick Larson and his crew, and Doug Schneider. The Rugby Park District, Envision, Rugby Jaycees, Rugby Eagles, and other businesses who have showed interest in future additions to the course, have funded this project.

Stricker has set up a Facebook page, “Disc Golf at Ellery Park”, to bring awareness to the course. The course will also be registered on the Professional Disc Golf Association website and listed in the North Dakota disc golf course directory.

As for Stricker’s final thoughts on how the community can take part in the new course addition, “Just get out, play, and have fun.”