From Gymnasium to Green: How One Man Brought Disc Golf to a San Francisco Suburb

Michael Infusino has been a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area for eight years, with the last four spent in San Bruno, a suburb that lacked one crucial amenity: a disc golf course. Michael's passion for the sport led him to volunteer his time when the San Francisco Disc Golf Club got approval to install the Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course. However, after moving to San Bruno, he saw an opportunity to bring disc golf to his new community.

Undeterred by initial resistance from park neighbors, Michael began promoting disc golf as a fun and affordable outdoor activity for residents, particularly families with young children who had few options for engaging in outdoor play. He made phone calls to local schools, eventually connecting with Mrs. Christine Bowman, a Physical Education teacher at Parkside Intermediate School.

The plan was to host a disc golf clinic during one of her classes, but Michael didn't anticipate the massive turnout: 200 kids per class. With the help of generous donations from the Half Moon Bay Disc Golf Club and Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course designer Leonard Muise, Michael's team was able to set up a makeshift course in the school gym.

As the day unfolded, the initial skepticism from students gave way to excitement as they watched volunteers demonstrate proper throwing techniques. The event became an impromptu "ring of fire" competition, with kids cheering and laughing as they took turns putting into baskets set up around the gym.

The success of this demonstration has inspired Michael to continue spreading disc golf enthusiasm throughout San Bruno's schools, focusing on high schools and elementary schools. He hopes to raise awareness among teachers, who often face packed schedules, and is working towards gaining approval for a new course at Junipero Serra Park, which would offer the potential for summer school classes.

On June 5th, Michael will present his proposal to the County of San Mateo Parks Department. While progress may be slow, Michael remains optimistic about bringing disc golf to San Bruno and is grateful for the support he's received from the community. As he notes, "It's a work in progress, but with the help of so many dedicated individuals, I'm confident we'll make this vision a reality."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/no-disc-golf-course-play-teach-it-instead