Hays Parks Department
The City of Hays is preparing to welcome an estimated 180 disc golfers from across the country for the 41st Annual Frontier Open, taking place on Sept. 6-7.
This long-standing event, one of the oldest in Kansas, will take place at the historic Flying Bison Disc Golf Course at Frontier Park.
The event is hosted by members of the Flyin' Bison Disc Golf Club, and has become an annual tradition for both players and the Hays community.
The tournament's history is linked to the course itself, which holds a unique place in the sport’s development.
The Flying Bison course was established in the late 1970s and is recognized by the Professional Disc Golf Association as the fourth disc golf course built in Kansas and among the first 113 in the United States.
Today, it stands as the last original grassroots course remaining in the state.
"We are incredibly proud of the Flying Bison Disc Golf Course," said Jeff Boyle, director of parks for the City of Hays. "This course is more than just a place to play; it's a piece of our city's and the sport's history.
"It was built by a community of passionate local disc golfers, and their legacy continues to this day. We’ve worked hard to maintain the course's integrity while making improvements to ensure it remains a premier destination for players. The terrain, with its natural hazards from Big Creek and challenging wooded areas, truly tests the skill of even the most experienced players. We're excited to showcase it to a new generation of competitors."
The 41st Annual Frontier Open will feature the East/West/Monster East/Monster West layouts, designed to accommodate the large field of players without requiring cuts on the final day.
The course, which spans 75 acres of parkland, offers a challenging test of skill, including elevation changes and the notoriously strong Kansas wind.
Melissa Dixon, director of the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau, highlighted the broader economic and community impact of the tournament.
"The Frontier Open is a major driver of sports tourism for Hays," Dixon said. "With 180 players, and many more family and friends traveling with them, this event brings a significant influx of visitors to our city. They stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and shop at our local businesses.
This annual tournament reinforces our reputation as a vibrant community that actively supports athletic events. The longevity of the Frontier Open speaks volumes about the dedication of the Flyin' Bison Disc Golf Club and the welcoming spirit of our residents. We are thrilled to host an event that contributes so positively to our local economy and showcases the unique appeal of Hays."
In addition to the main tournament, the event includes early-bird offerings and other mini-competitions throughout the weekend, providing a full schedule of activities for participants and spectators.
Due to the high volume of participants, the City of Hays has worked with the Flyin' Bison Disc Golf Club to establish an additional parking lot on the north side of Frontier Park to help manage traffic and ensure a smooth experience for all.
Residents are advised to be aware of increased foot and vehicle traffic in the Frontier Park area throughout the weekend. During the event, access to the park will be limited to the public.
The city encourages the public to extend a warm welcome to the visiting athletes.
The Frontier Open is a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport and the strong community that has cultivated it in Hays for over four decades.