Something had to be said about 2020.
COVID-19 substantially disrupted and rapidly transformed the disc golf scene in Humboldt County in 2020, mirroring a broader national boom but with strict local regulations. [1, 2]
The primary impacts on the local sport throughout 2020 included:
1. Course Closures and Strict “Singles-Only” Reopenings
When California issued its initial stay-at-home orders in March 2020, local outdoor recreation facilities faced strict limitations. [3, 4]
- Early Closures: Local courses were temporarily shut down or restricted to prevent public gatherings. [5, 6]
- The June Reopening: By June 2020, popular Humboldt courses—such as Cooper’s Gulch and Manila—were permitted to reopen, but under strict Humboldt County health mandates. [6]
- The Rules: Play was restricted to singles only, with the sole exception being players from the same household. Local club organizers warned players that any observed group play would risk the immediate re-closure of the courses. Players were required to maintain 6-foot social distancing, wear masks, and avoid touching other players’ equipment. [6]
2. Disruption of Leagues, Tournaments, and Club Sports
Organized competitive play in the county ground to a near-total halt. [5, 7]
- Local Leagues: Weekly leagues and local bag-tag events hosted by organizations like the Par Infinity Disc Golf Club were heavily disrupted or canceled due to the strict bans on group gatherings. [6]
- Collegiate Sports: At the university level, the Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) Disc Golf Club saw its structured team activities, practices, and travel seasons completely frozen in 2020, forcing the club to focus on rebuilding its membership post-pandemic. [8]
3. An Unprecedented Recreational Boom
Despite the competitive shutdown, casual play skyrocketed. Because disc golf was recognized as a relatively safe, socially distanced outdoor activity, a massive wave of new players picked up the sport. Humboldt’s courses saw unprecedented foot traffic from families, beginners, and locals seeking an escape for their mental and physical well-being during lockdowns. [4, 5, 9, 10]
[1] https://blog.infinitediscs.com
[2] https://blog.infinitediscs.com
[5] https://blog.infinitediscs.com
