Disc Golf Revolution Sweeps Southeast Asia
Date Published
This weekend marks a pivotal moment for disc golf enthusiasts in southeast Asia, as two countries, Singapore and Malaysia, host their inaugural PDGA Tour events. The 13-hole temporary layout in West Coast Park, Singapore, will be the venue for the Singapore Sling on Saturday, while the nearby Bale Equestrian and Country Club in Johor Baharu, Malaysia, will stage the Attack of the Chains on Sunday.
The introduction and growth of disc golf in these countries have been spearheaded by American expatriates, who are leveraging their expertise and enthusiasm to develop the sport. Lance DuBos, Tournament Director for the Singapore Sling, has been instrumental in organizing the event, alongside his wife Regina. Across the strait, Eric Grover's dedication has been crucial in fostering disc golf interest in southern mainland Malaysia.
The combination of a tropical climate, vibrant local food culture, and affordable cost of living makes southeast Asia an attractive destination for international disc golfers. The trend is evident as more western players choose to relocate to this part of the world, drawn by the region's unique charm. As a result, southeast Asia has emerged as the prime winter destination and next hotbed of disc golf.
The excitement extends beyond these two events, with the second Ethiopian Open also taking place over the weekend. This trifecta of international competitions promises an electrifying experience for spectators and participants alike. For updates on these captivating events, keep an eye on the official website and social media channels.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Singapore Sling Tournament Director Lance DuBos, left, gathers tee signs for this weekend's event. Photo: Brian Hoeniger
This weekend is looming as a historic milestone for disc golf in southeast Asia, as the first PDGA Tour events will be held on the island city-state of Singapore and in neighboring Malaysia, two countries only separated by the one kilometer-wide Singapore Strait.
The inaugural Singapore Sling will take place on Saturday in this world-renowned business hub and tax haven, featuring a 13-hole temporary layout in West Coast Park. On Sunday, the Bale Equestrian and Country Club in the nearby town of Johor Baharu, Malaysia, will play host to the Attack of the Chains. These two groundbreaking C-Tiers have attracted players from seven countries, including Vietnam, China, and Australia. Next week many of them will travel on to Koh Samui, Thailand, for the Samui Swine Classic VI and Hyzenbrownie Open events.
Building baskets in Malaysia Photo: Dominik Poignee
As was the case in Thailand and South Korea, the introduction and development of disc golf in these lands is being led by American expatriates. I had the privilege of accompanying Singapore Sling Tournament Director Lance DuBos on his pre-event rounds to pick up the tee signs, dry-fit shirts, and crystal trophies before checking out the course. A transplanted Louisianan and long-time Singapore Ultimate League organizer, DuBos and his wife Regina work at local universities. Across the strait, bodybuilder Eric Grover is the main sparkplug behind the emergence of disc golf in southern mainland Malaysia.
It’s no wonder more and more western disc golfers are choosing to call this part of the world home: With its tropical climate – there will never be a polar vortex here! – awesome local food culture, and affordable cost of living, this trend is only bound to increase. There is little doubt that southeast Asia has become the prime winter destination for, and the next hotbed of, disc golf.
Add to these events the second Ethiopian Open, which also runs this weekend, and it's a great time for international disc golf.
Keep an eye on the southeast Asian events this weekend here and on social media:
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/pdga-tour-arrives-singapore-malaysia