Lance Coles is a disc golf fanatic. Fortunately for central Iowa he also has the manpower to organize the Heritage Park Summerfest “All Amateur” Disc Golf Open Tournament.

This is the fourth year Coles has organized a disc golf tournament at Heritage Park in Ankeny. The contest is for amateurs, novice and youth disc golfers.

“What is disc golf?” one may ask. “It’s like real golf, except instead of hitting a golf ball, you throw a frisbee into a basket. Your score is based on the number of strokes or throws it takes you to finish the course, similar to a golf score,” Coles explained.

For those who have never played before, Coles is there to help. “I will have pamphlets available to teach them how to play, how to throw and the jargon involved,” Coles said.

Last year the contest had the largest participation of an amateur tournament in the state of Iowa, according to Coles. He recommends coming early to register.

There is a maximum of 90 players on each day. “I expect to have to turn people away,” Coles said.

Coles is getting used to the interest in disc golf. “Heritage is one of the best disc golf courses in the state. I’ve been playing for nearly 15 years, and every year the contest gets bigger,” Coles said.

The youth and novice players will tee off at noon on Saturday. Amateurs and advanced amateurs will tee off at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Register at Heritage Park 11 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Everyone that enters this tournament will receive a prize. There will be trophies for first through third place.

Youth 9-12 fee is $5, youth 13-15 and novice fee is $7. Advanced and amateurs fee is $10 on Sunday.

Heritage Park is located at the corner of East First and Frisk streets in Ankeny. The park is about 1/2 mile east of I-35 exit 92.

Participants are encouraged to bring water coolers, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and protective sun wear.

For more information contact Lance Coles at 515-964-8028.