A Lifetime Love Affair with Disc Golf: Meet Tita, PDGA Member and Diversity Task Force Champion

As I sit down with Tita, a seasoned disc golfer and proud member of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), it's clear that her love affair with the sport began decades ago. Growing up in California, Tita was introduced to disc golf at the tender age of 15 when she attended a Frisbee golf event at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena. She vividly remembers tagging along with her three older brothers and learning the basics from them.

Since then, Tita has become an integral part of the disc golf community, not only as a player but also as a champion for diversity and inclusivity. As a member of the PDGA Diversity and Outreach Task Force, she is passionate about creating a more welcoming environment for underrepresented groups to enjoy the sport.

Tita's favorite courses are La Mirada and Oak Grove, which she visits regularly with her friends from the Oak Grove Mamas group. She loves the camaraderie and laughter that comes with playing disc golf with others, often quoting, "I never play alone." When asked about her favorite thing about the sport, Tita humbly replies, "It's not just about throwing a disc; it's about building bridges and connecting people."

One of Tita's most cherished memories is her first Frisbee golf tournament at Oak Grove in 1975, where she won her very first tournament in a sudden-death playoff. She has also been fortunate enough to witness the evolution of the sport firsthand, from object golf to baskets, and even designing new discs with Dave Dunipace.

As a member of the Diversity Task Force, Tita is committed to making disc golf more accessible to all. She shares her experiences growing up as a female minority in the sport and emphasizes the importance of creating a friendly and embracing environment for young girls and others who may be interested but face obstacles.

Tita's enthusiasm for promoting diversity and outreach is contagious, and she exudes a sense of pride when talking about her role on the task force. She highlights the efforts of supporting groups with creative ideas to reach out to newbies, teach disc golf, make connections, and grow the sport.

In an inspiring statement, Tita says, "We are that much richer as a community when we build bridges and connect people... with a piece of plastic." Her passion for disc golf has transformed her life in ways she never thought possible, and now she's dedicated to sharing this experience with others.

As I conclude my conversation with Tita, it's clear that her love affair with disc golf will continue to inspire others to join the community. With her dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the sport is poised for a brighter future, one where everyone can come together and enjoy the joy of disc golf.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/member-spotlight-tita-ugalde-83