Where one might just see open space on a hill behind Southern Oregon University, Charles Mathias saw opportunity. Slowly but surely, that open space has developed dirt pathways and flatted tee pads to help it take form of a nine hole disc golf course.

On Saturday, April 23, Mathias, a senior at SOU and an employee of the campus facilities crew, will be hosting an open tournament to kick off the completion. He says the idea of building a course has been a dream for years now, but progress didn’t get underway until the beginning of summer. Putting in hours consistently with his work of campus maintenance has been a long process, but one that should prove to be worth all of the effort.

“Seeing it finally take form has been so awesome,” Mathias said, “I can’t wait to play it.”

Once completed, the course will be the first within town limits and easily accessible for students and the community alike. Teeing off atop the hill behind the Susanne Holmes residence hall, golfers will play a challenging course which leads around the sloping field and loops back across a small creek. When designing, Mathias was sure to utilize the trees and shrubbery around the holes to provide natural challenges.

Those wishing to play in the tournament can sign up on the day of the event before it begins at 8am. An entry fee of $10 gets you a round of nine holes, your own disc and a chance to win t-shirts and gift cards. While there is a competitive nature of keeping score, Mathias hopes that the course will bring camaraderie to other golfers that he’s always received playing the sport.

“You’re always trying to shoot your best,” Mathias said, “but it’s really about getting outside with your buds and just having a good time.”