Mount Gambier's Valley Lakes recently hosted the 2026 Rumble Disc Golf tournament, attracting more than 70 competitors across 13 categories.

Players travelled from Victoria, Adelaide, Tasmania, New South Wales and other parts of Australia to compete at the Mount Gambier Disc Golf course. The event also featured a strong contingent of local competitors, giving the city's disc-golf community an opportunity to compete against players from around the country.

The tournament represents an important event for Mount Gambier's growing sporting community. Hosting competitors from interstate helps raise the profile of the city's Valley Lakes course and provides an opportunity to showcase the region as a destination for outdoor sports.

Disc golf combines elements of traditional golf with the skills of throwing a flying disc towards a target. Players compete over a course while attempting to complete each hole with as few throws as possible.

The Rumble tournament's 13 categories allowed competitors of different ages and skill levels to participate. The strong turnout demonstrated continued interest in the sport and provided local players with an opportunity to compete in a larger event.

For Mount Gambier, events that attract visitors from interstate can also provide benefits beyond sport. Competitors and their families can contribute to local accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses during their stay.

Valley Lakes is one of Mount Gambier's best-known natural areas, making it a distinctive setting for an outdoor sporting event. The combination of the city's volcanic landscape and recreational facilities provides an attractive environment for activities such as disc golf.

The success of the 2026 tournament could also encourage further competitions and sporting events to be held in the region.

Local participation was another important part of the event. Having Mount Gambier players competing alongside interstate competitors can help strengthen the local disc-golf community and provide opportunities for players to learn from more experienced competitors.

Sporting events can also encourage newcomers to try a particular activity. Spectators and local residents who watched the tournament may become interested in learning how to play disc golf or joining local clubs.

The event highlights the range of recreational activities available in Mount Gambier and the wider Limestone Coast.

With more than 70 competitors participating, the tournament was a substantial gathering for the local sporting calendar.

The successful event also demonstrates the ability of regional South Australian communities to host competitors travelling significant distances for organised sport.

For Mount Gambier, the Rumble Disc Golf tournament provides a positive community and tourism story, combining outdoor recreation, interstate participation and local sporting involvement.