Local News - July 2003

Park starts unique game of golf

By AMY WADSWORTH, Staff Writer

Designing Frisbee golf courses is a hobby for Michael Gallagher of Raleigh.

His latest project is the Frisbee golf course at Beattys Ford Park in Lincolnton. His mother, Martha Gallagher, of Denver, is the one who informed him of the potential golf course.

“They contacted me at first,” she said. “I told them I was just a player and so I got them in contact with Michael.”

Gallagher jumped at the opportunity.

“I called the Lincoln County Parks and Recreation Department after my mother told me about it,” Gallagher said. “I offered my services.”

The beauty of the property and his love for the sport, attracted him to helping with the design of it.

Gallagher contacted Erma Deen Hoyle, Director of Parks and Recreation, in 1998 with his interest.

Hoyle said they were happy for his interest.

“He volunteered and I know that he has done several other courses before,” Hoyle said. “It is like a part-time job for him.”

Gallagher has been to the 24-acre park several times when visiting his mother who lives nearby.

He said the golf course will take up roughly 10 acres of the park.

The park has been a project for five years and will be located near the Beattys Ford boat access ramps on Unity Church Road in the Triangle area. Other highlights for the park include a picnic shelter, playground, picnic tables, and trails.

The initial plan for the golf course was done before the woods were cleared.

“We laid out where the golf course will be,” he said. “Then we basically have to dig 18 holes and put in the baskets.”

Gallagher said he will need to visit the property again in order to do the finalized plan.

“The first time I went up we did the initial design,” he said. “Once they clear the land, I will need to visit it again.”

Hoyle said there is no set date as to when the golf course will be complete.

“We are in the process of signing a lease with Duke Power,” she said. “We have also applied for federal and state grants.”

Gallagher has helped with many other parks in the area such as a park in Mebane, NC, and he has also designed Frisbee golf courses at YMCA Camp Sea Gull in Arapahoe, NC.

Gallagher said he really enjoys helping design these types of courses.

“I would like to do it more often,” he said. “I am looking forward to going out to the site again to tweak the design.”

Gallagher’s mother is excited that her son is helping with the project. She also likes the fact that the course is five minutes from her home. She said she will use it frequently, when she is not competing in the game.

“It is a family friendly game,” she said. “It is like a walk in the woods with a goal.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

Terms and Conditions