By MATT LINDSEY

SOUTH COLTON -- A Potsdam man who designed a disc golf course, which is now open on Morgan Road, is hopeful the nationally popular sport picks up a local following.

Will J. Trithart, Potsdam, said the location near the reservoir was chosen for its natural beauty.

“It was a small parcel of land owned by the town that was not being utilized,” he said. “There were talks of putting in a campground there but there was some pushback.”

A $10,000 grant through the St. Lawrence Health Initiative helped fund the course.

“I am a disc golf course enthusiast, so when I heard about the grant I wanted to get involved,” Trithart said.

He says those involved did not know a whole lot about the new sport, but that local officials were looking to increase recreational opportunities.

“They originally wanted to do it at Swift Field, (which is totally flat and open), but for a true disc golf experience there needed to be a variety.”

Trithart walked other town properties with Department of Public Works Superintendent Darin S. Richards before settling on the Morgan Road land.

Trithart says “a lot of hard work” went into creating the course. Volunteers were in the hundreds and included students from Colton-Pierrepont Central. Trees were cut down and brush was cleared.

“I put a lot of thought into utilizing all aspects of the property – taking into account elevation, trees and water,” he said.

Course are often designed as a loop with a bailout point near the middle, and this course does as well. There are 10 holes with an option to quit after five holes.

Although this course is new, Trithart already wants to create a second course in Potsdam. He is interested in installing a course at Lehman Park at SUNY Potsdam.

“I have approached them but they said there would need to be interest from a student organization,” he said. “I’d offer my services for free to design the course.

Trithart cites the one-time cost and low maintenance as reasons a course would make sense near the college.

People need to bring their own discs to play, but soon disc rentals will be available for free at Boyce’s General Store, 3914 Main St. A photo ID is needed to rent the discs.

Trithart says one benefit of disc golf is there are not big up-front costs. Discs range from $5-15 new online and used ones can be purchased as well.

“I am hoping people will get the itch,” he said.

The course is open now and can be played year-round.

Trithart believes there is opportunity for high schools and colleges to get involved, and possibly create an organization or league.

“There is a professional league (Professional Disc Golf Association) and Trithart believes that events could be hosted at the South Colton cite in the future.

The nearest courses to St. Lawrence County are in Plattsburgh, Syracuse and Canada.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SouthColtonDiscGolf.