Disc Golf to Bring Communities Together in the Philippines

Jonathan Mough has been working tirelessly to introduce disc golf as a safe and enjoyable recreational activity to his community, church, and surrounding areas. With the Philippines having no permanent disc golf courses, Mough saw an opportunity to create something special. He identified a hillside area with stunning elevation changes, picturesque jungle canopy, and water features – the perfect spot for an 18-hole course.

Mough's project has gained momentum thanks to the PDGA's Marco Polo Program, which supports the introduction of disc golf courses in new countries around the world. The program provides funding for innovative international projects that promote the growth of disc golf and create links between the PDGA, local communities, and national organizations. Mough spearheaded a grant application, which was approved, to bring the 'Road to Damascus' course to life.

The new 18-hole course will be located in Tagaytay City and will be available not only to the local community but also to an estimated 1 million residents of surrounding areas, including Sta Rose, Tre Martires, Alfonso, Tagaytay, and Silang. This is a significant development for the Philippines, which currently has only three small courses – a nine-hole temporary course, a six-hole community course, and a target course at the University of Philippines in Manila – none of which are open to the public on a regular basis.

Work on the 'Road to Damascus' course is already underway, with an estimated completion date of April 2022. However, Mough is optimistic that with the help of a handful of volunteers from Calvary Chapel Tagaytay City (CCTC), the project may be completed ahead of schedule.

The Marco Polo Program has been instrumental in supporting this project, providing funding and resources to help bring disc golf to new countries around the world. The program was conceived and approved by the PDGA Board of Directors in 2011 as a way to promote the growth of disc golf, create links between the PDGA, local communities, and national organizations, and provide funding for innovative international projects.

For more information on the Marco Polo Program and its guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application process, please visit the program's page.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/marco-polo-grant-assist-first-permanent-course-philippines