Ethiopian Open Marks Africa's First PDGA Tour Event | Professional Disc Golf Association

Deep in East Africa, where ancient rock-hewn churches and stunning natural landscapes meet the scorching sun, a new chapter is unfolding in the world of disc golf. This Saturday, the Ethiopian Open will kick off, marking the first PDGA Tour event ever held on the African continent.

At the heart of this remarkable development is Yohannes Desalegn, a 23-year-old social media entrepreneur and business student at Assosa University. Introduced to the game by a Finnish player several years ago, Desalegn quickly fell in love with disc golf's unique blend of physical challenge and strategic finesse. He has since devoted himself to spreading the sport among Ethiopian youth, teaching thousands of school kids and convincing university officials to establish an 18-hole course.

Desalegn's tireless efforts have caught the attention of international players and sponsors, who are rallying behind his vision. John Luetzow from Watertown, Wisconsin, has taken it upon himself to support Desalegn, conducting a successful GoFundMe campaign that raised $3,500, sending discs by UPS, designing an Ethiopian DGA logo, and donating event materials.

As the tournament approaches, a handful of international players have traveled to Assosa, eager to compete in the Open division. Derek Robins from the United Kingdom will be vying for top honors, having already played in 28 countries around the world. South Africa's Jon-Pat Myers hopes to learn from and replicate Desalegn's success, while Finland's Tapani Aulu, a PDGA Country Coordinator and 979-rated pro, is favored to take the top spot.

The Amateur divisions will feature Assosa University students and soldiers from a nearby military base, with Zambia's Elem Katambo emerging as a strong contender. On Friday, a seminar will introduce local ministry officials and media representatives to the game, followed by a demonstration clinic led by the pros.

As the world watches this historic occasion unfold, one thing is clear: disc golf has found its foothold in Ethiopia, thanks to Desalegn's unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. Stay tuned for further updates from the Ethiopian Open!

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/ethiopian-open-marks-africas-first-pdga-tour-event