UW-Green Bay transforms traditional golf course into one for disc golfers

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has turned a traditional golf course into something unique.

It’s now an 18-hole disc golf course that was designed by nationally known designer and pro Cale Leiviska.

Shawn Bolchen has been playing disc golf for over 25 years. He said he has played at many golf courses throughout that time. He said the new Shorewood Disc Golf Course is one of the best.

“It’s a super fun track to play. It’s challenging,” said Shawn Bolchen. “When they get the short tees put in, it’s going to appeal to people of more varied skill levels, but it’s going to be an asset to the best golf community in the entire state, but especially this part of the state.”

Shawn Bolchen said because the disc golf course was once a traditional golf course, it gives it a great starting point. He said having a top pro design the course makes it even better.

“The next best course after this one in Green Bay is Pamperin Park,” said Shawn Bolchen. “And that one is really challenging in different ways. You don’t have any kind of major distance out there like you have out here. But the fairways at Pamperin are so tight, you get out here to get room to breathe.”

His wife Sonja Bolchen has been right by his side, playing round after round. She said now that their children play too, it’s that much more enjoyable.

“It’s great and I think everyone else will do it,” said Sonja Bolchen. “It’s going to get so much more use in this park now. That’s a beautiful, green space for young and old. Everyone’s going to get a get an opportunity to play a championship course like this.”

While some criticized the change of a traditional course to a disc golf course, Shawn Bolchen said there are many reasons why he is in favor of the change.

“It’s going to bring notoriety to just golf in this part of the state,” said Shawn Bolchen. “I was going to call Gottlieb’s radio show and tell him he should be using this as a recruiting tool because with the younger generation, you find a top-level basketball player and I know a bunch of them that are into disc golf. This would be a reason to come here.”

Shawn Bolchen and his family have played the course multiple times since it opened Aug. 17.

GRB: UW-Green Bay transforms traditional golf course into one for disc golfers,