discgolf.com

CROWN POINT -- The fresh coating of snow and blustery winds were only a minor annoyance to the more than 80 disc golf enthusiasts at the 13th annual Snow Bowl tournament at Lemon Lake Park.

"We've played in howling blizzards with snow deep on the ground," said Chris Diamond, a member of the Red Roc Disc Golf Club, which hosts the event. Diamond was manning the club's retail table inside the park's clubhouse.

Without fail, club members have been out for the tournament regardless of weather every year, he said.

Out on the course, Steve Heaton of Highland and Keith Smith of Hobart battled the gusting wind as they teed off from the second hole on the red course.

"You just have to bundle up," said Heaton said. The main challenge is timing the drive with the gusting wind so the disc stays on course and out of the trees.

Heaton and Smith said they enjoy playing the game, even in the cold weather. The tournament gives them a chance to test their chops and compete against other golfers for cash prizes.

Lemon Lake boasts four disc golf courses, one of only three sites in the country with more than two courses. Its amenities make it a perfect place for the Snow Bowl doubles tournament and a variety of other events Red Roc hosts throughout the year, according to Jay Svitko, club administrator.

"Our tournaments are growing exponentially," he said.

The scenic 140-acre four course has also attracted the Professional Disc Golf Association World Championship games in July, Svitko said. He is the assistant tournament director for that event, which is expected to draw more than 350 contestants from 16 countries around the world.

"It's a big deal," Svitko said. The world cup event is the crown jewel of competitions for the PDGA.

Red Roc is currently seeking hole sponsors and volunteers to work as spotters during the weeklong competition.

"For a week this park is going to become the Woodstock of disc golf," Svitko said.