Disc Golf Returned to Great Bear After 17 Years

The King of the Hill tournament brought 150 players to Sioux Falls for a competitive two-day event.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Golf

Expressive sports illustration of a disc golfer in motion throwing a disc across a hilly park course towards a distant basket.
The King of the Hill tournament drew 150 competitors to Sioux Falls, marking the return of competitive disc golf to Great Bear after 17 years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The King of the Hill disc golf tournament successfully returned to the Great Bear course in Sioux Falls following a 17-year absence. Despite some withdrawals caused by weather, the event drew a significant field of regional competitors.

Why it matters

The tournament serves as a major revival for disc golf in the area, demonstrating increased community interest by nearly doubling its original registration goal.

Tournament organizers saw 150 players register for the event, significantly surpassing the initial goal of 80 entrants. The competition represents the first time disc golf has been hosted at Great Bear in 17 years.

The players

King of the Hill

This is the disc golf tournament that marked the sport's return to the Great Bear course in Sioux Falls.

Great Bear

This is the specific recreational facility and course in Sioux Falls that served as the host site for the tournament.

The details

Players from across the region traveled to Sioux Falls to navigate the unique layout constructed at the Great Bear facility. While the event faced challenges from local weather, the successful turnout signals a strong resurgence for the sport in the area.

Timeline

  1. September 26-27, 2026

  2. Memorial Day weekend 2027

Season Trajectory

This tournament marks the end of a 17-year gap in disc golf programming at Great Bear. The successful revival sets the stage for a permanent return to the local competitive calendar beginning next year.

The tournament results establish a new baseline for regional course participation and competitive interest. Organizers have committed to a three-day schedule for the next iteration, altering the planning expectations for regional players.

The takeaway

The return of this event shows that long-dormant local courses can successfully rebuild their status as regional hubs for organized play. Organizers and enthusiasts should look toward the upcoming Memorial Day weekend for the next major opportunity to participate.

What happens next

The tournament is scheduled to return next year over Memorial Day weekend 2027 as a expanded three-day event.

Further reading

For more on the local sports scene, visit the Golf section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Dakotanewsnow.

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