University of Essex reopens its 18 hole disc golf course

The Diamond Jubilee course has been opened in the award-winning grounds of Wivenhoe Park as part of the university’s 60th anniversary.

Students got their first taste of the newly designed course earlier this month as they took part in a tournament to mark the official opening.

It replaces the old course which first opened in 1983 and hosted the World Team Disc Golf Championship in 2017.

Hands on - the university chancellor Dr Sarah Perry tried her hand at disc golf (Image: University of Essex)

Shot - this player takes aim at the target (Image: University of Essex)

Chancellor Dr Sarah Perry was on hand to mark the special occasion by cutting a ribbon, before joining the students and vice-chancellor Professor Anthony Forster for their very first round of disc golf.

The new course, which has been designed by Disc Golf UK, caters for both experienced disc golfers and novices wanting to try a new sport.

A number of its iconic holes, such as one which sees players throw over the lake, have been retained, with modifications made to others to improve safety and the overall experience.

Prof Forster said: "Essex is the proud custodian of the UK’s oldest disc golf course and we hope this redesign will both preserve and enhance its status.

Focused - a crowd watches on as this player takes a shot (Image: University of Essex)

Upgrade - the new course was designed by Disc Golf UK (Image: University of Essex)

“The aim of our new course is to offer a world-class experience to disc golfers, maximising all the advantages of a course set in this absolutely beautiful and historic English parkland setting.

"What I think is equally as exciting is this wonderful course has also been designed for disc golf novices such as myself."

Among those enjoying a game was Kieran Phillips, president of Essex’s Students’ Union, who said: “It was great to get out and try disc golf.

Have a go - both staff and students will be able to enjoy a round of disc golf at Wivenhoe Park free of charge (Image: University of Essex)

“I hope the students at Essex will enjoy playing the refurbished course and give disc golf a try during their time here, because it was a lot of fun despite the multiple times I hit the tree.”

Along with the redesign, other upgrades include the addition of tee mats, extra signage and a new-look website providing a breakdown of the course.

Both staff and students will be able to enjoy a round of disc golf at Wivenhoe Park free of charge throughout the academic year.