Chain Reactions Disc Golf

Go for Disc Golf!

Nolen Peterson, owner of Chain Reactions.

by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Jon Beyerle

Get your gear and tips at Chain Reactions in Cornelius

Walk along a scenic wooded course as you send some discs soaring through the air and you’ll get an excellent cardio and strength-training workout in. Disc Golf is ageless, economical and you can play it with others or solo. It’s also fun! Like golf, the object is to throw frisbee-like discs down the fairway into “holes” or metal chain baskets. Courses, usually nine or 18 holes, wind through trees or up and down hills. Along with pickleball, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.

“If you’re looking for a new activity to switch it up, Disc Golf can be very peaceful and a great exercise,” says Nolen Peterson, owner of Chain Reactions in Cornelius. “You’ll do a lot of walking, a couple miles, through the woods at sunset or sunrise and not even realize it.”

Whether you’re just getting started or ramping up your game, you’ll want to visit Chain Reactions. Peterson carries everything from Innova, Dynamic and DiscMania discs to used ones that start at just $3.99. He recommends beginning with slower-speed, lighter discs, and going heavier as you gain power. If you’re interested in lessons, the store’s associate “Bobcat” Buckley can help. They can also equip you with full disc pro attire, bags, shirts and hats. Check out their website to meet their tournament team. Peterson began playing Disc Golf in 2005, and has since competed in 50 state tournaments, mostly in the western region. “It’s a very competitive region. I’ve won three, and the wins don’t come easy.” As his passion for the sport grew, in October 2021 he left his job in pest control to open Chain Reactions. His love for the game has also inspired his family, including his parents, to play. He’s been playing with his wife, Kerri, since they met in 2014. “She can bomb a disc!” he says. “I’ve played a lot of sports and there’s nothing quite like the slight of a disc. It’s very inexpensive to get started and that kind of drew me to it. The courses are in beautiful natural areas in woods and parks.”

Lake Norman is home to several fine courses. Peterson suggests starting “With a beginner friendly course, like Bailey Park in Cornelius. Robbins Park is an intermediate level course, and Bradford Park or Stumpy Creek are intermediate to advanced.” When you stop by Chain Reactions, you’ll see his other passion: Basketball, football, Pokémon and some baseball cards. He buys, sells and trades them.

And, hey, if you’re not in a hurry and the rain is coming down too hard for Disc Golf, the store even has a lounge room with an Xbox and a craft beer fridge. Peterson encourages customers to stop by and kick back for a while.

Chain Reactions

19701 Bethel Church Road., Suite 101, Cornelius 980.689.4278