Beaufort County Community College will cut the ribbon on a disc golf course that stretches across its campus Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. The college built the course to get students outside and give them a more complete experience of college life. Each of the holes were sponsored by local businesses or members of the community.

The 18-hole course spans across BCCC’s hundred-acre campus, through woodlands, and across creeks and open lawns. The course was developed with the input of local enthusiasts. Since BCCC could not use state funds for the course, it was built entirely from donations, with each sponsor donating at least $375 for a hole.

“Community college students often come to campus just for class, and then leave,” said Serena Sullivan, VP of institutional advancement. “In addition to the Campus Grill, student lounge and library, we wanted to add a component of student life that will get them outside and give them one more reason to stay on campus.”

Disc golf courses are popping up across the country. There are currently over 5,700 courses in the United States, and that number is growing on a daily basis. On a recreational level, disc golf has all the fun and challenge of traditional golf, with very minimal expense for individuals to begin playing. Like BCCC’s course, most are free to play. It is a life-long sport for people of all ages.

Even though the course will be on the BCCC campus, it will be open to the public year-round, as has been the case with the one-mile walking trail and IMFITT fitness stations. BCCC strives to be an asset to the community, not only providing vocational or academic opportunities, but recreational ones, as well. Students can check out discs from the library, so there is no cost to them, and members of the public are encouraged to bring their own discs.