More than 50 people got teed-off on campus on March 16.

But they weren’t upset.

They were disc golfers participating in the Spring Opener tournament.

The competition highlighted golfers across Virginia and North Carolina, with both local competitors and traveling participants alike.

Overall, the tournament was a success, according to Dan Caston, coach of the college’s disc golf team.

“I could not have asked for better myself,” he said..

Sam Wright, event director, agreed.

“We’re happy with the turnout this year,” Wright expressed. “We extended the course so that we could hold up to 80 people, and we got 50–which is really great for us, especially with several other tournaments going on in the surrounding area.”

In fact, the event exceeded Wright’s expectations.

“We pulled way more people here than last year, and everyone shot well and seemed to have a really great time,” he said.

And a great time the opener proved to be, according to the players throughout the course.

Even the weather was on par, asserted Sean Harmon, a competitor from Christiansburg.

“We’ve just finished the first round, and it’s been nothing short of a good time,” he said. “It’s sunny and warm–we’re all out here in short sleeves, there are smiles on everyone’s faces, discs in everyone’s hands, and I couldn’t ask for much else.”

Madison Cruz, junior, concurred. It was her first competition.

“This was my first tournament, so I wasn’t sure what to expect before playing in it,” explained Cruz. “I really focus on all of the various skills I’ve learned (in order) to take the best shot at each hole.”

Her best shot landed her a first place in the Women’s Amateur 4 Division, too, and Cruz spoke highly of her experience as a competitor.

“Overall, I thought the tournament was a super awesome experience,” she remarked. “And it was such a beautiful day to be out on the course. Being able to compete was fun, and it was a good chance to focus all of the techniques and practices we’ve learned from Dr. Caston.”

The event was sorted into nine total divisions.

Andrew Turner took the title for the Mixed Pro Open Division, and Mark Williams placed first for the Mixed Pro 40+.

In the Mixed Amateur Divisions, Jared Woody claimed the victory in Mixed Amateur 1, Lucas Covey on Mixed Amateur 40+, Dan Caston in Mixed Amateur 50+, Don Harrison in Mixed Amateur 60+, Brandt Jamison in Mixed Amateur 2, Chad Huston in Mixed Amateur 3, and Jacob Vanremortal in Mixed Amateur 4.

Regardless of outcome, the golfers expressed significant pleasure with the event.

Scott Foster, a player from Roanoke, shared his gratitude.

“It’s a really nice park. I appreciate Ferrum College for having us out here today,” he said. “The course is really tight, but that just means you have to throw it right. Overall, I’ve shot well today. Perhaps not as well as I had hoped, but it’s been a good time, and that’s all that really matters.”

The course on campus is open for public use, and the full tournament results can be located online.