Why get an assessment?

Disc golf has evolved over the decades, but never more so than in the last 10 years!  Disc technology has changed and discs are flying farther; the sport has grown in popularity, so courses are getting more crowded; parks where courses have been installed have become busier; weather events are changing the landscape; and course design standards exist today that didn't exist when most courses were built. Whatever the reason you're considering an assessment for your course, we'll bring all of our knowledge and experience to bear to help you meet your goals in a safe and responsible manner.

What's included?

Safety Audit

One of the most important components of our assessments is a safety audit that outlines potential hazards and provides a list of mitigation options to help reduce or eliminate those risks. Professional disc golf course designers carry large insurance policies which cover their designs in perpetuity; however, the reality is that most courses in existence were designed by clubs or avid players, leaving themselves and the landowners open to litigation in the unfortunate event of an accident. Our safety audits and the subsequent mitigation plans will help alleviate that liability when fully implemented, reducing exposure and, more importantly, helping to prevent accidents before they happen!

Performance Analysis

With discs flying longer, and design concepts embracing the uniqueness of their more flexible flight lines, older courses that may have been designed well at the time, or even newer courses that were designed without a professional, may not be meeting the needs of today's players.  We'll provide an analysis of each hole on the course, as well as a report on the course as a whole, outlining how it performs in the context of your target audience. In some cases, adjusting or adding alternative tees, shortening or lengthening holes, updating equipment, or even simply increasing signage, can mean the difference between a course that sees a few rounds a month and one that sees hundreds, or even thousands, of rounds. 

During the assessment that Fluent Disc Sport completed, they acknowledged that the property was a multi-use property, with multiple attributes that benefit the community; their assessment considered all activities equally. The assessment was thorough and outlined constructive steps for improvement, supporting the course’s long-term viability.

Nathan Schoelier
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority  |  Clinton, ON  |  May 12, 2023

 Designer of Record

While Fluent Disc Sport is fully insured for Disc Golf Course Design and Installation, not all designers are. In fact, it may come as a surprise, but most aren't, leaving the landowner open to litigation for design decisions they weren't aware of. This is one of the primary reasons we offer Safety Assessments. More importantly, it's why we offer a "Designer of Record" option.

Just like in engineering, architecture, or other similar professions, it makes a big difference who the "Designer of Record" is if something goes wrong. For courses that have undergone one of our on-site Safety Assessments and have implemented our recommended changes or mitigations, we offer the opportunity to have Fluent Disc Sport assume the role of Designer of Record, effectively accepting responsibility for the design and the associated liability.

Having a professional disc golf course design firm as the Designer of Record provides an extra layer of protection for all stakeholders: the landowner, people involved in the original design, the builders, the players, etc. If a case was ever brought, a Designer of Record should be able to provide written documentation outlining how and why design decisions were made, safety considerations that were taken into account, and more. Further, having documentation such as a Safety Assessment, an outline of changes that were instituted and mitigations undertaken, as well as dated confirmation of all of that work, can show a proactive and responsible approach to safety.

While courses will continue to require maintenance and sometimes alterations to maintain a safe environment for players, staff, bystanders, fauna, etc., the "Designer of Record Option" offered by Fluent Disc Sport is a simple one-time investment in your course's long-term success and viability!

What's Next?

Contact Fluent Disc Sport today to discuss your needs and goals, and to set up either an on-site assessment or a limited remote assessment, or to discuss what's involved with our Designer of Record option.  We look forward to helping you provide a safer, more fun and challenging course for your players, and to helping alleviate the risk to the landowner.