The new Gardendale disc golf course hosted its first tournament over the weekend, and the turnout was great.

Some drove in from across the state. Some drove in from across the street. Young and old came out on Saturday for the 2017 Trilogy Challenge at Magnolia Links. According to tournament organizer Jason Swam, 64 competitors came out for the inaugural round, which stretched through 18 holes at Kenny Clemons Sports Complex in Gardendale.

Darren Simpson of Helena tossed the top score of the day with a 44, which was good enough for 10 under par.

2017 Trilogy Challenge leaderboard

• Darren Simpson 44
• Jace Windom 48
• Jeffrey Schonk 51
• Keith Miskell 51
• Jarred Smith 51
• Dan McKinney 52
• Daniel Roberts 52
• Justin St. Denny 52
• Stephen Robertson 52
• Jeffery Scott 52
• Ben Swam 52
• Matthew Green 52
• Billy Thompson 53
• Ed Hoffman 53
• Harper Haygood 54

Swam, who designed Magnolia Links with his brother Ben, says the course is beginner friendly. Located at 2101 Fieldstone Road, Mt Olive, AL 35117, Magnolia Links is a nice place to learn the game for players of all ability levels.

Much like traditional golf, disc golf counts strokes down the fairway until the player reaches the end. There are no golf clubs or golf balls. Disc golf players toss modified frisbees down the course, en route to a basket, which acts as the traditional golf hole. The goal is to shoot (or in this case throw) the lowest score possible.

After opening up for its first round of play on May 19, Swam belies this will be the course’s only organized tournament of the summer, but expects more opportunities in the future.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.