Disc golf center and courses under construction in Appling

The international home for disc golf is beginning to take shape at Wildwood Park in Appling.

The International Disc Golf Center, which will house the headquarters of the Professional Disc Golf Association, a disc golf hall of fame, a reception area and pro shop, should be completed in January, IDGC superintendent Matt Gillis said.

In recent weeks, work crews began building the roof of the 2,700-square-foot building. The first of three disc golf courses is complete and open for play, and in the next two months, heavy equipment will be brought in to remove stumps to make way for two more courses.

"Once those two months are over, we're going to have three fresh, level surfaces to play on," Gillis said.

The IDGC is looking for volunteers to help install concrete tee pads and baskets once the land is cleared.

With the completion of the IDGC close at hand, Gillis said the PDGA has grown since its humble beginnings operating out of leaders' homes.

"It's a permanent building that is dedicated to our sport and a level of (legitimacy) that we've yet to reach," he said.

The PDGA will honor the grand opening of the IDGC and the three new courses with its Hall of Fame Classic tournament April 20-21, Gillis said.

The tournament previously has been held at Lake Olmstead on alternating years.

Those interested in helping the IDGC install baskets and tee pads, or who want to learn more about disc golf, can visit www.pdga.com or call the IDGC at (706) 261-6342.