The cold temperatures and snow didn’t deter the disc golfers from competing in the sixth annual Whitehorse Disc Golf Association (WDGA) Ice Bowl at Solstice.

On Saturday, it was overcast and the temperature sat around -20 C. During the six years the tournament has been held, they have played in everything from unseasonably warm temperatures and sloppy slush, to -27 C with waist-deep snow.

Upon registration into the Ice Bowl, disc golfers were given a pledge sheet to raise funds for the Whitehorse Food Bank.

“That’s the idea of the Ice Bowl,” said organizer Josh Paton. “We try to raise money for an assistance type program and help out where we can.”

The WDGA raised over $3,000 for the food bank. Winterlong Brewing Co., said Paton, matched the first $1,000 raised.

“We did really good,” said Paton. “It’s a new record. Every year we have been breaking the previous record. It is a pretty easy sell. People are aware of the needs of the food bank especially in this COVID year.”

Because of COVID-19, the Ice Bowl had a different setup than in previous years.

“We did a weeklong set up so people could play within their social groups,” said Paton. “Saturday was the main event. We usually have 20-30 participants for the Ice Bowl so it fits comfortably within the COVID guidelines for outdoor events.”

Disc golf can be challenging enough when playing in the spring and summer, but winter adds an entirely different dimension to the sport.

“It’s hard,” said Paton. “It’s not easy, you have to slog through the snow. There are paths but when you throw off the path you have to trudge through the snow.

“With all the clothing on, it is like having weights on you. And discs, we ribbon them up but that isn’t flawless. It adds to the challenge but you get good at recognizing the disc imprints.”

Results:

The top fundraiser and most rounds played went to Christine Spencer. Spencer raised $1,175 for the Whitehorse Food Bank.

Par for all divisions was 54.

Alex Murdoch and Jamie Roddick both shot 51, three under par in the Advanced Men’s category. Murdoch won the class in a playoff. Al Hill shot a 53 to earn third.

Shawn Kolak shot three-over-par to win the Intermediate Men’s division. Phil Asp and Chad Lee both shot five over.

Aaron Smarch was the Recreational Men’s winner shooting a ten-over 64. Sebastian Lewis was second.

The Intermediate Women’s division needed a playoff to decide its first and second-place finishers. Both Megan Stallabrass and Bri Levia shot 15-over 69. Stallabrass won the playoff. Illiana Paton was third.

Spencer, the top fundraiser, was also the top Recreational Women’s player. Cleo Smith was second.

After a tough game of disc golf in the snow and cold, it is fitting that chilli be served at the end. The honours of Best Chilli went to Paton.