Disc Golf Takes Root in Puerto Rico with Thriving Community and Tournaments

In less than an hour's drive from San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, lies the charming seaside town of Yabucoa. Here, you'll find an 18-hole disc golf course with baskets donated by Dynamic Discs and managed by Travelling Chains Puerto Rico. The team behind this initiative is led by Patrick O'Neill and Brittany Hertle, who embarked on a mission to establish a disc golf presence in the island in early 2023.

Their journey began with clinics and meetings with key individuals, ultimately leading them to find an ideal spot at Playa Lucia. As the game gained momentum, it attracted a local support network comprising families of kids and young adults who frequently used the course. The mayor's office of Yabucoa also provided crucial institutional backing, while several expat Masters aged players settled in the area.

Together, this collective effort not only built and maintained the course but also promoted disc golf within schools and communities. The results have been impressive: parents have shared testimonials about the positive impact of the sport on their children's lives, local youth have found a productive outlet for their free time, and the game has even integrated individuals with social challenges.

The highlight of the local calendar is the Playa Lucia Open B-Tier, which took place from December 15-16. This event drew touring pros Luke Humphries, Kevin Jones, Cale Leiviska, Paul Oman, and James Conrad, who competed fiercely for top honors. The 17-player strong MPO division also featured three Puerto Rican players, with Idris Garcia finishing highest in 10th place.

The MA40 division saw four local enthusiasts compete, including Wilfred Rivera, who tied for second place. A total of 15 Puerto Ricans participated in various divisions from a field of 82 competitors. Notably, Humphries, Jones, and Oman have become frequent visitors to top events in Latin America, while Leiviska has expressed his delight at disc golf's growing presence on the island.

On Sunday afternoon, Traveling Chains organized a separate event for kids – the C-Tier Playa Lucia Juniors Championship – as part of the 3-Stop Youth Tour in Puerto Rico. This tournament saw 16 junior athletes participate, with only one non-Puerto Rican competitor. The young players received special awards and recognition during a ceremony, mirroring the protocol given to pros and amateurs earlier.

The two-day event provided an exceptional experience for all participants, thanks to the unique combination of the course, beach, and Caribbean Sea nearby. Favorable weather conditions added to the occasion's charm, with gentle breezes assisting players in navigating the palm trees. As Luis Rodriguez, PDGA Latin America Coordinator, notes, Playa Lucia is rapidly becoming a premier holiday competition destination, attracting more disc golf tourists before Christmas each year.

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