The inaugural Larger Than Life disc golf tourney teed off last weekend. 

It was part of the Larger Than Life disc golf festival, which saw a number of events run from Canada Day to July 7. 

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)-sanctioned event took place on the Solstice Disc Golf Park in Whitehorse. 

For the tournament, in addition to the regular nine-hole course, another nine holes on the College course were set up. 

“It’s a big course, it’s definitely challenging people. We’ve had lots of compliments, so we’re really happy with it,” said tournament director Ryan Norquay. 

All the participants competed in three rounds from July 5-7. 

Glen Whitlock, from Gibsons, B.C. (famous for the Beachcombers TV show) was competing in the Mixed Pro 40+ division of the tournament. 

“I was in a fish boat in the harbour right by Molly’s Reach (the show’s restaurant) and they came over and told me to stop grinding one day because they were filming.” 

He has been a PDGA member since 1986, with 76 career wins and more than $52,000 in career earnings. 

Whitlock is a member of the PDGA Hall of Fame class of 2021. According to Norquay, Whitlock was the first-ever travelling professional disc golfer.  

He said he’s been competing in disc golf for 45 years. He took a break from the sport about 12 years ago, but said he got back into it “because that’s where the money is.

“I could tour and have some fun and visit people.” 

Dennis Durr, from Haines, Alaska, competed with Whitlock in the 40+ division. 

“I’m here with some pretty amazing players. I’m not playing well, but it’s a once-in-a-life opportunity.” 

Brad Brown of Victoria was in the group with Whitlock and Durr. 

“This course plays to the way I throw. This tournament’s awesome.” 

Of the Yukon, Brown said, “I love it. I’m definitely coming back for sure.” 

Kristy Lee, from Victoria, finished first in the Women’s Pro Open category, earning $528. 

Lee started playing disc golf in 2002. 

“We really didn’t have any disc golf course with baskets, so I would usually go out at the university parking lots and throw at lampposts. That’s how I learned how to play.” 

Lee has been competing on the national team since 2015.

The team won a gold medal in England in 2017 and a bronze in Estonia in 2021. 

Lee will be going to Australia in October to represent Canada. She is number 17 in the Global Master Series Rankings. 

“The national team highlights are what I hold dear, playing for Canada. I’ve gone down to the States and represented Canada just by myself and won a couple tournaments down there.” 

Lee said she’s building her own course as well. 

“That’s a big achievement of mine. That makes me even more proud of my disc golf accomplishments. It’s like being able to create an environment where other people can come and have fun, and it’s like a community.” 

Lee said she loves being in the Yukon. 

“It feels like home, but it’s even more beautiful than home.” 

Of her disc golf game, Lee said, “I’ve hit too many trees. I’ll get my drives under control, but my game feels alright.”

Lee had one more round to go last Sunday. 

“Show the course what I’ve got, for sure.” 

Brianne Levia competed with Lee in the Women’s Pro Open. She helped set up the tournament, and said the event was going really well. 

“Everybody’s got nice things to say about the course, and I think everyone’s having a good, fun time.” 

Sixteen-year-old Luke Levesque of Victoria finished second in the Mixed Pro Open, taking home $778. Eden Badajos of Homer, Alaska, came in first in that category, pocketing $1,148. 

Of the Larger than Life tourney, Norquay said, “I’ve been dreaming this for many years … this is the year. I’m finally doing it.” 

Norquay said the long-term goal is to bring the national championship to Whitehorse within five years. 

Complete tournament results can be found at https://www.pdga.com/tour/event/78283