Disc Golf Takes Center Stage in Puerto Rico's Yabucoa

In the picturesque town of Yabucoa, nestled in the south-east corner of Puerto Rico, a vibrant disc golf scene is blossoming. The 18-hole course, managed by Travelling Chains, boasts baskets donated by Dynamic Discs and has become a hub for players from across the island. Led by Patrick O'Neill and Brittany Hertle, Traveling Chains' mission to establish a disc golf presence in Puerto Rico began in early 2023 when they embarked on a journey to find the perfect spot.

Their search led them to Playa Lucia, where they discovered a dream location that has since become a haven for disc golf enthusiasts. The course's success can be attributed not only to the hard work of Traveling Chains but also to the support of the local community. Key institutional backing from the mayor's office in Yabucoa and the efforts of expats who have settled nearby have contributed significantly to the growth of the sport.

The local network has extended beyond course maintenance, promoting disc golf in schools and communities through various initiatives. Parents have shared testimonials about the positive impact of the sport on their children, highlighting its ability to provide a productive outlet for free time and even helping individuals with social challenges integrate into the community.

One of the highlights of the island's calendar is the Playa Lucia Open B-Tier tournament, which drew top pros like Luke Humphries, Kevin Jones, Cale Leiviska, Paul Oman, and James Conrad in December 2023. The event was a resounding success, with Luke emerging victorious after a thrilling playoff against Kevin Jones. Idris Garcia, a local player, secured the highest finish among Puerto Ricans in the MPO division.

The tournament attracted a diverse field of 82 players from various divisions, with 15 local participants competing in other categories. Notably, several pros have become regular visitors to top events in Latin America, including Mexico's first-ever A-Tier last January. Cale Leiviska, one such pro, expressed his delight at disc golf's growing presence in Puerto Rico.

Traveling Chains also organized a separate event for juniors, the C-Tier Playa Lucia Juniors Championship, as part of the 3-Stop Youth Tour. This special tournament provided a unique experience for the young athletes, who participated in an awards ceremony and received trophies, CTPs, and disc swaps donated by attendees.

The two-day event was a resounding success, with participants enjoying the course, beach, and Caribbean Sea's picturesque backdrop. The weather complemented the occasion perfectly, with only brief showers and gentle breezes making for ideal playing conditions. As Luis Rodriguez, PDGA Latin America Coordinator, notes, Playa Lucia is rapidly becoming an attractive holiday competition destination, set to draw more disc golf tourists in the coming year.

The growth of disc golf in Puerto Rico is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the potential for sports tourism. With its vibrant atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming locals, Yabucoa and Playa Lucia are poised to become a magnet for players from around the world.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/touring-pros-youth-community