Five Seasons hosts 2nd Victory for Vets tourney

Five Seasons retreat center in Willard hosted its second annual Victory for Vets disc golf tournament and fundraiser on Feb. 24.

The tournament saw 64 disc golfers play in five divisions: veterans male, advanced male, advanced female, novice male, and novice female. Disc golfers got to choose their division based on their skill level. The participation number was up from last year, when there were 41 participants.

The majority of competitors were from Clark County and Eau Claire, but some came from as far away as North Branch, Plainview and Cottage Grove Minn.; and Park Falls, Turtle Lake, Verona, Wausau, Star Prairie, Reedsburg, Appleton, Minocqua, Rio, Sussex and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Players ranged in age from 14 to 62.

“We had a variety of skill levels ranging from local pros to never having thrown a disc before,” wrote Jeanette Harley, tournament director, in a March 1 press release.

The course consisted of 20 baskets – 18 holes is the standard layout; plus they had two bonus holes. The new course record was set at 51 by local Gateway disc sponsored pro Thomas Salbeko.

Seventeen veterans participated including Camp Victory director Jeff LeCount. This was over double the participation from last year’s event. Armando Bonilla won the division, with Eric Hauge taking second and William Kerr third. Beau Stahnke earned the closest to pin (CTP) prize.

The Veterans for Vets program supported by Dynamic Discs, a major supplier of disc golf discs and products, is a way for local tournament directors to raise funds for veteran non-profits. Each player receives two discs and plays in a division appropriate for their skill level. Five Seasons also serves players a meal and they have the chance to enter a raffle.

Between player entries and raffle, Five Seasons raised over $1,000 in proceeds from the event, which will go directly to Camp Victory in rural Greenwood to support activities for veterans and first responders.

Visit campvictoryinc.org to see upcoming events and how you can get involved. The camp is looking to expand opportunities to increase their impact locally and beyond.

Five Seasons Disc Golf Course plans to co-host Victory for Vets next year, with more events this year. Follow Five Seasons’ Facebook page for details.

“We are growing the course with the help of our community and appreciate everyone that has been a part of the story,” wrote Harley.

Eric Hauge is the course owner and maintenance director of Five Seasons Disc Golf Course.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS