Year six of the Whitehorse Disc Golf Association (WDGA) Trilogy Challenge was a “bit twisted” due to COVID-19. The Challenge is typically over two days at Mount McIntyre Disc Golf Course and Solstice Disc Golf Course.

For the sixth rendition of the tournament, organizer Ryan Norquay said the WDGA used the five courses throughout Whitehorse – Goldenhorn, Mt. Lorne, Judas Creek, and of course Mount McIntyre and Solstice.

Also to comply with COVID guidelines and protocols, the tournament began on August 22 and ended on the 30th.

“This year we were uncertain on how much of an event we could have,” said Norquay. “We wanted to keep it ultra-flex and so we used all five courses around town.

Disc golfers could play any style they wanted, Norquay said there was singles, doubles, and glow golf, amongst other styles played.

The aim of the tournament was less result-driven, instead Norquay said it was about getting people out and enjoying the sport.

“We had over 350 rounds scored by 96 players,” said Norquay. “It’s amazing to continue to see the boom. We had young players, aged seven to nine, families and seniors. It was absolutely amazing. It is special to see the growth of the sport.”

The 2020 Trilogy Challenge by far surpassed the number of players during the fifth annual event. In 2019, the fifth annual challenge had 50 players – then a new record.

Norquay said people staying home because of the pandemic helped with numbers but believes opening it to more courses helped grow the Challenge more.

“By opening it to the other courses around town it brought in the golfers that play those courses,” said Norquay. “It was a great way for people to explore the different courses and it is something we will look to add for future Trilogy Challenges.”

The Trilogy Challenge is unique because by entering, a player is provided with three new discs. They are required to use those discs during play and if one is lost, they must complete the round without it.

Entrants were given a driver, mid-range disc, and a putter.

To be entered into the prize draw, the disc golfers had to play a minimum of nine holes on any of the five courses, with prizes drawn based on points.

The card winner received five points, second place three points, third place two points, and all other players were given one point.

To track the scoring, Norquay said they used an app called UDisc, so players and organizers did not need to use paper scoring cards.

“It is phenomenal how much that app has given to the growth of the sport,” said Norquay. “I thought at first it would be a challenge.”

The Whitehorse Disc Golf Association and the territory’s players will have a couple of weeks to practice before the next tournament.

Disc golfers will be taking over the Meadow Lakes Golf Club fairways from Sept. 19-20 for the second annual Fall Classic.

Norquay said he expects the Fall Classic registration to fill up quickly based on the numbers the Trilogy Challenge received.

“We are seeing more numbers for the Fall Classic,” said Norquay. “We are encouraged by the pre-registration and it is going to fill up quick given the uptick.”

Baskets will be set up on temporary greens at Meadow Lakes for the disc golfers and will remain in all weekend.