Disc golfers play Ice Bowl no matter the conditions

Ice Bowl organizers have just two rules.

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The annual disc golf tournament cannot be canceled because of poor weather; and there are no wimps allowed.

For an event that benefits the Golden Harvest Food Bank, the message is this: Hunger doesn't take a day off, so why should we?

"It's for a very good cause," said Jimmy Padgett, president of the Augusta Disc Golf Association, which puts on the local version of the worldwide tournament. "During Christmas at the Golden Harvest Food Bank, their shelves get very empty. So it's a good time to give."

The annual Disc Golf Ice Bowl will be held Saturday at Patriots Park, located off Columbia Road in Grovetown.

The entry fee is $20 and a donation of nonperishable canned goods for Golden Harvest. Last year's tournament raised $1,359 and 189 pounds of food.

On Saturday, those who aren't interested in playing but would like to donate can drop off monetary donations or canned goods at the Patriots Park Activities Center between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Professional, Advanced, Intermediate, Recreational and Novice divisions will be offered, with prizes going to the top three players in each.

Very few players will throw a perfect shot every time they step up. Thus, mulligans are offered for $1 each.

"The Ice Bowl usually brings probably 20 or 25 people that have never played a tournament before," Padgett said. "This being a charity event, it's a good, friendly type of thing. It's not that much of a competition.

"What we try to do is encourage young people and new players to come out and play their first tournament."

First-time tournament competitors get a bonus; they are allowed to pick one disc out of Padgett's bag.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a players' meeting.

Players will compete in two rounds. For the second round, pairings will be based on first-round scores, giving everyone a chance to play alongside players of roughly their own skill level.

Between rounds, a chili cook-off and silent auction will be held.

Carrie Jones, special events coordinator with Golden Harvest, said poor weather last year did not deter people from having a good time and donating.

"They come out, they play, and most of the time the weather's not wonderful come January," Jones said. "Last year, there was a downpour. But they play, no matter what.

"It's a dedicated group, and we're certainly appreciative."

The Ice Bowl tradition started in 1987. Today, official events are held at disc golf courses throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.