Disc Golf Takes Flight in Remote African Village

Deep in the heart of Zambia's Southern Province lies the rural community of Macha, where a small but determined team from Eagles Wings has been nurturing a passion for disc golf. The result is nothing short of remarkable: a thriving community of young players, who are rapidly developing their skills and becoming some of the best in Africa.

The journey began in 2016 when Hannah and Dustin Leatherman, along with a delegation from Push the Rock's global sports ministry, introduced disc golf as part of their after-school program. The initial nine-hole course was designed for beginners, but it quickly became clear that these young players had a natural aptitude for the game.

As the sport gained popularity, so did the course, which is now an 18-holer. Local kids are coming out in droves to train and compete, with some as young as four years old taking part. The community's enthusiasm is infectious, with many residents volunteering their time to help maintain the course and assist with events.

One of the key players in this success story is Wilborn Munkombwe, a former volunteer who was hired by Eagles Wings to become the full-time staff member for disc golf in Zambia. With his leadership and guidance, the local youth have taken to the sport like ducks to water, with some already showing remarkable talent.

The highlight of the year's events is the Zambia Open tournament, which saw over 73 competitors take part this year. But it's not just about competition – the real magic happens during the daily after-school training sessions, where kids come together to learn new skills and play games like ring of fire putting and backhand training.

Eagles Wings' efforts have also led to the establishment of a Monday night bag tag league for adults, which has become a popular event in the community. The organization's commitment to empowering local youth through disc golf is paying off, with many young players already showing signs of becoming world-class champions.

As Esther Schultz, a volunteer who spent three months in Macha working alongside Munkombwe, noted: "I could see the best disc golfers in the world coming out of Zambia. Where else in the world are kids coming every day to be trained in disc golf?"

The future looks bright for disc golf in Macha, with plans already underway for a second course and a fourth trip by Eagles Wings next year. As the sport continues to grow, it's clear that these young players will be among the stars of the disc golf world for years to come.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/zambia-disc-golf-comes-age-eagles-wings-returns