Disc golf has had an upswing in popularity around the world over the past year, as physical distancing has influenced what people can do.
That has been the case in New Zealand too.
The South Island championships, which began at Waiora Scout Camp Saturday, attracted a record 118 competitors.
They will contest the title — one of three majors played on the national tour — across two days.
"Covid has caused it to have this massive boom, because it’s a sport that doesn’t involve too much risk from social distancing," competition organiser Tom McKay said.
"Globally, there’s a bit of a shortage of discs currently. Manufacturers can’t keep up with the demand."
Disc golf, for the uninitiated, is essentially golf with frisbees.
You have a starting point and a target to reach, similar to a tee and a hole.
Like golf, holes have par between three and five, although it is played over 27 holes as opposed to 18.
Holes could vary in difficulty and terrain and it could take around five hours to complete the course.
The Waiora course is a temporary one, the camp being hired to create a quality course for the competitors.
It also meant people coming to town could stay on-site, which made it a popular event.
Three of the top four players in New Zealand would be in action.
Auckland’s Jackson Sullivan would contest the title, while Queenstown duo Mikey Yu and Hemi Te Awhitu would also be among the top contenders.
The competition will be played over two days, set to conclude late tomorrow afternoon.
